While some parents may think their kids are making enough noise already, introducing your children to musical instruments is a great way to help them express their creativity, learn a new skill, and celebrate their talents.
If your little one has expressed an interest in music or singing, or perhaps you’d like to broaden their horizons, we’ve found a few pint-sized instruments to help get them started on what could be a lifelong hobby.
And before you ask, no, this list does not include recorders or harmonicas – you’re welcome!
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publication.
For the classical pianist
PlayShifu Plugo Tunes Piano Learning Kit
Age: 4-10 years
Combining technology, gaming and music, the PlayShifu Plugo Tunes Piano Learning Kit The Plug digital piano pairs with your smart device on the Plug app to help your child learn to play the piano and develop their understanding of musical notes. Using the “waterfall technique,” notes will fall onto the screen and your child will have to press the correct note on the keyboard as they fall. It has over 50 songs to learn to play, and once they’ve mastered them, they can start composing their own music.
CB SKY 30-key children’s piano
Age: 3+
This toy allows the child to play the grand piano. This toy piano is designed to scale with 30 keys to help develop their playing skills and learn precise finger placement.
REMOKING Kids Piano Keyboard Toy
Age: 3+
This REMOKING Piano for children has 24 keys and can play 22 pre-programmed songs as well as play music to the sounds of 12 different instruments. It also has a built-in microphone to record and play back their songs and chants.
LeapFrog Learn & Groove Rainbow Light Piano
Age: 6 months and up
This light-up toy piano will catch any child’s attention. It features eight numbered and colored keys and 10 musical settings, including xylophone, colors, numbers and letters.
For the budding guitarist
Melodic Kids Wooden Acoustic Guitar
Age: 5-10 years
If your child is looking for the real deal, this Melodic acoustic wooden guitar is a great option to start learning. Measuring 86cm long and designed for children between 100cm and 140cm tall, it has everything you would find on an adult-sized acoustic guitar, including a bridge, frets and fingerboard. It also comes with three picks, a guitar bag and strap, and extra strings.
Homiliky Dinosaur Ukulele Guitar Toy
Age: 3+
If early guitar initiation might be a bit too advanced, why not try the ukulele? This lovely dinosaur themed ukulele measures 37 cm long and has four nylon fiber strings to avoid damaging your fingers.
The Wiggles Wiggly Rock’n’Roll Guitar
Age: 3+
The perfect toy for a “Hot Potato” lover, the Wavy Rock’n’Roll Guitar can play five Wiggles songs and different music modes as well as a curved guitar neck that moves to the beat of the music.
VTech Bluey Keyring
Age: 3-6 years
This retro-looking keytar (similar to the one Bluey plays) comes pre-programmed with 10 songs and melodies, including Bluey’s theme song. It also has 10 instrument notes and sound effects to choose from, including Bluey and Bingo’s voices.
For the drummer
CB Sky junior battery 5 pieces
Age: 3-8 years
THE Sky Junior CB Battery is a faithful replica of an adult-sized drum set, complete with a bass drum, tom, snare drum, cymbal, and adjustable stool. With excellent reviews, one Amazon buyer writes, “The quality and workmanship of the drum set is excellent. My child was super happy with his first drum set.”
VTech KidiBeats Battery
Age: 2-5 years
By letting them let off steam and learn at the same time, the VTech KidiBeats Battery The set includes nine preset melodies in different music styles as well as four musical settings they will hear when they hit each drum: free play, numbers, letters and accompaniment. The set comes with three drum pads, a cymbal, LED lights and two drumsticks.
For good listeners
G-Mee Play 3 Smart Player
Age: 8-12 years
THE G-Mee 3 Game was designed as a Wi-Fi enabled MP3 player or portable music player in the form of a modern smartphone, but without the traditional smartphone features: no camera, no calls or texts. It has a built-in lock system to prevent the download of inappropriate apps. Parents can also set their own locks for apps. Just download the Spotify app and they can listen to their favorite songs.
VTech Pre-School Learning Tunes Music Player
Age: 3-6 years
Bringing back the iPod style for the next generation, the VTech Pre-School Learning Tunes Music Player allows children to listen to educational songs and play fun games in rock, hip hop or classical styles. It features 17 musical melodies and 15 songs as well as animal and instrument sounds. It also comes with a pair of headphones so they can start listening right away.
Even more musical toys that will get them moving
JYX Kids Karaoke Machine
Age: 2+
This karaoke machine features dual microphones and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music as well as a built-in 4-inch subwoofer and LED disco ball to really get the party started.
Hape Wooden Mini Strips Set, 5 Pieces
Age: 3+
This instrument set will have your child having fun with the basics like a tambourine, rattle and rainmaker.
Hape Percussion Xylophone
Age: 1+
This Hape Xylophone can be played like a standard xylophone or by hammering the balls to hear the notes played as the balls roll across the keys.
VTech Singing Sound Microphone
Age: 2-6 years
Using this VTech Singing Sound MicrophoneYour child can sing along to 15 pre-programmed songs or you can connect it to your smart device via Bluetooth to play more of their favourite tunes. It also features multi-coloured lights and voice changing settings to make it really fun!
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