If you've got a toddler and need 15 minutes to make dinner without guilt, Sago Mini is your answer. It's one of the rare app ecosystems that actually delivers on the promise of safe, gentle screen time for the youngest users.

The subscription model is annoying in principle, but in practice it eliminates the predatory IAP nonsense that plagues most kids' apps. Parents on Reddit report their kids have loved these games for years, and Common Sense Media consistently rates them highly.

The downside? These aren't going to teach your kid to read or do math. They're digital toys—well-designed, adorable digital toys that help with fine motor skills and exploration, but toys nonetheless. That's fine! Just know what you're getting: a safe, calm play space for very young children, not an educational powerhouse.