While some parents may think their kids already make enough noise, introducing your children to musical instruments is a great way to help them express their creativity, pick up a new skill and have their talents celebrated.
If your little one has expressed interest in music or singing, or maybe you want to expand their horizons, we’ve found some pint-sized instruments to get them started on what could be a lifelong hobby.
And before you ask, no, this list doesn’t include recorders or harmonicas – you’re welcome!
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
For the classical pianist
PlayShifu Plugo Tunes Piano Learning Kit
Age: 4-10
Combining technology, gaming and music, the PlayShifu Plugo Tunes Piano Learning Kit pairs with your smart device on the Plug app to help your child learn to play the piano and develop an understanding of musical notes. Using the ‘waterfall technique’, notes will drop down onto the screen and your child will have to press the right note on the keyboard when they fall. It has over 50 songs to learn to play, and once they have mastered those, they can start composing their own music.
CB SKY 30 Keys Kids Piano
Age: 3+
This toy puts the ‘baby’ in baby grand piano. This toy piano is built to scale with 30 keys to help develop their playing skills and learn accurate finger placements.
REMOKING Kids Piano Keyboard Toy
Age: 3+
This REMOKING Kids Piano has 24 keys and can play 22 preprogrammed songs as well as play music to the sounds of 12 different instruments. It also has a built-in microphone to record and playback their songs and singing.
LeapFrog Learn & Groove Rainbow Lights Piano
Age: 6 months and up
This bright piano toy will grab the attention of any child. It has eight numbered and coloured keys and 10 music settings including xylophone, colours, numbers and letters.
For the budding guitarist
Melodic Kids Wooden Acoustic Guitar
Age: 5-10
If your child is after the real deal, this Melodic Wooden Acoustic Guitar is a great option to begin learning on. Measuring 86cm long and designed for children standing 100cm to 140cm tall, it has what you’d find on an adult-sized acoustic guitar including a bridge, frets and fingerboard. It also comes with three guitar picks, a guitar bag and strap, and extra strings.
Homiliky Dinosaur Ukulele Guitar Toy
Age: 3+
If introducing the guitar early may be a bit too advanced, why not try the ukulele? This cute dinosaur-themed ukulele is 37cm long and has four strings made from nylon fibre to be not so tough on their fingers.
The Wiggles Wiggly Rock N Roll Guitar
Age: 3+
The perfect toy for a ‘Hot Potato’ lover, the Wiggly Rock N Roll Guitar can play five Wiggles songs and different music modes as well as a curved neck of the guitar that moves to the music.
VTech Bluey’s Keytar
Age: 3-6
This retro-looking keytar (similar to the one that Bluey plays) is pre-programmed with 10 songs and melodies including the Bluey theme song. It also has 10 instrument and sound effect notes to choose to play, including the voices of Bluey and Bingo.
For the drummer boy (or girl)
CB Sky 5-Piece Junior Drum Set
Age: 3-8
The CB Sky Junior Drum Set is a close replica of an adult-sized drum set, with a bass drum, tom drum, snare drum, cymbal and adjustable stool. With great reviews, one Amazon buyer writes “The quality and finishing of the drums is excellent. My kid was super happy with his first drums.”
VTech KidiBeats Drum Set
Age: 2-5
Letting them rock out and learn at the same time, the VTech KidiBeats Drum Set has nine preset tunes in different music styles as well as four music settings they’ll hear as they hit each drum: free play, numbers, letters and follow-along. The set comes with three drum pads, a cymbal, LED lights and two drumsticks.
For the good listeners
G-Mee Play 3 Smartplayer
Age: 8-12
The G-Mee Play 3 has been designed as a Wi-Fi-compatible MP3 player or walkman in the shape of a modern smartphone, except without the traditional smartphone capabilities – no cameras and no calling or texting. It has a built-in lock system to prevent downloading inappropriate apps. Parents can also set their own locks for apps. Just download the Spotify app so they can listen to their favourite songs.
VTech Pre-School Learning Tunes Music Player
Age: 3-6
Bringing back the style of the iPod for the next generation, the VTech Pre-School Learning Tunes Music Player lets children listen to educational songs and play fun games in the styles of rock, hip hop or classical. It has 17 music melodies and 15 songs as well as animal and instrument noises. It also comes with a pair of headphones so they can get listening right away.
More musical toys that will get them moving
JYX Kids Karaoke Machine
Age: 2+
This karaoke machine has two microphones and Bluetooth connectivity to play the music as well as a built-in 4-inch subwoofer and LED disco ball to really get their party started.
Hape Mini Wooden 5-Piece Band Set
Age: 3+
This instrument set will let your child have fun with the basics like a tambourine, rattle and rainmaker.
Hape Pound and Tap Bench Xylophone
Age: 1+
This Hape Xylophone can be played as a standard xylophone as well as hammering down the balls to hear the notes played as the balls roll down the keys.
VTech Singing Sounds Microphone
Age: 2-6
Using this VTech Singing Sounds Microphone, your 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 has multicoloured lights and voice-changing settings to really make it fun!
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