We have a yoto too purely because cards are easier to store than figures and they are cheaper too. Mine is 26 months and prefers music cards. She isn't into story cards yet, but hopefully soon. There are nearly 1,000 cards for different ages and multiple languages. You can make your own cards too.
I bought one for my daughter at 18 months. And she loves it! One of the best things I’ve ever bought. She’s now 2, and she very interested in it. It’s used multiple times a day x
Have you looked at the yoto player? We looked at both and felt the yoto was better for the same things you're looking for x