Here are our gift ideas for budding musicians ages 3+. If your little one loves to move, dance, and make music check out our unique picks for fabulous ways to introduce young children to musical expression and enhance their understanding of art and the world.
Here are our 2021 picks for music lovers 3 years & up (not in any particular order). Scroll down for more on each recommendation:
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*Products mentioned on this page are meant for children under adult supervision.. (Manufacturer's age recommendations are noted when available)
Musical Bells
Playme Pat Bells. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon
Playme Pat Bells - an exquisite 8-bell set in one octave C major scale, new 16 song cards version, (3 years & up)
This deluxe set of musical desk bells is an easy and intuitive alternative to handbells. Simply pat the bells for vibrant and colorful notes! The joyful play experience promotes eye-hand coordination, self-esteem, and fosters musical creativity. Each iron bell is mounted in a high-quality beech wood stand with a tapping knob on top. The set includes 8 bells, 4 large double-sided song cards, and an elegantly designed storage/carry case.
Floor Drum
Remo Floor Tom Drum Click the photo to see the price on Amazon
Remo KD-5080-01 Kids Percussion Floor Tom Drum - Fabric Rain Forest, 10"
Give kiddos an exciting way to make music with their own instruments. This Kids Percussion Floor Tom Drum, part of the Remo Kids Percussion Collection, produces a fun, professional high-quality sound. It features an Acousticon shell, pre-tuned Skyndeep drumhead, and vibrant rainforest design. Its compact size is ideal for any playroom or music corner and can be played with hands, mallets or sticks. These are the drums our little one favored and loved playing on in our music exploration classes.
1st Guitar
Loog Mini Acoustic Kids Guitar. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon
Loog Mini 3 String Acoustic Kids Guitar for Beginners, App & Lessons (3 years & up)
This 3-string Mini guitar was a great way to spark our girls interest in playing the guitar and other musical instruments. It comes with flashcards and the Loog Guitar App, that's designed like a game to make learning chords on the Loog easy and fun. We got this as a gift when our little was 2 years old. She didn't show interest in learning the chords at the time but has always enjoyed holding and strumming the guitar. She reaches for it often to enhance her dramatic play and we can't wait until she's ready to give the app a try.
Introduce Classical Music
Allegro: A Musical Journey Through 11 Musical Masterpieces. Click photo to see price on Amazon
Allegro: A Musical Journey Through 11 Musical Masterpieces Hardcover – Sound Book Picture Book (5-8 years)
This is one of our kiddo's favorite sound books. It introduces 11 timeless pieces with the story of an ordinary boy who can't stand practicing the piano until the music itself whisks him away on a breathtaking journey. Each beautifully illustrated scene on Allegro's journey is accompanied by a famous classical theme. Beautiful gold foil, lavish illustrations, and high-quality sound make this a book of musical masterpieces to treasure forever. Overhearing your preschooler hum classical music while she's playing makes this book priceless.
Mini Musical Instruments
Safari Ltd Musical Instruments. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon
Safari Ltd Musical Instruments TOOB (3 years & up)
This is probably our daughter's favorite TOOB theme. We used them with 3-part cards to learn the various musical instrument names, for pretend play, matching games, and more. This TOOB comes with 8 mini musical figurines measuring between 1.5-3.75 inches tall. They are easy to carry along just about anywhere. We've taken them on vacations, doctors appointments, shopping, and restaurants, just to name a few. Our girl loves them!
Pocket-sized Music Maker
Harmonica for Beginners. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon
Harmonica for Kids, Toddlers, and Adults, Musical Instrument Toys for Beginners with 10 Holes and 20 Notes, Stainless Steel, Diatonic, Key of C Mouth Organ Set with Storage Bag (5 years & up)
Considered one of the friendliest instruments for beginners to learn, harmonicas pack a mighty punch for such a small pocket-sized instrument. Playing the harmonica has been known to have calming effects on the body and mind, sharpen memory, improve breathing ability, and enhance coordination. Our little one simply loves the rich sound it produces and it's just fun and easy to play.
Play Music Instantly
European Expressions The Music Maker. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon
European Expressions Intl Lap Harp Music Maker Toy, Includes 12 songs, pick, tuner and spare wire (3 years & up)
Anyone can play this lap harp and make beautiful music instantly, regardless of experience. Simply slide a song sheet in the player and pluck the coresponding strings. This one includes 12 songs, pick, tuner, spare wire, and comes tuned for immediate enjoyment.
Feel the Beat
Pyle Bongo Drums. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon
Pyle Hand Crafted Bongo Drums - Pair of Wooden Bongo Drums, 6.5 & 7.5 Inch - PBND10 (all ages)
Jazz things up with this pair of hand-crafted wooden shell bongo drums. This classic/traditional set is perfect for beginners. The drum head is a pure natural 'true skin' animal hide and delivers a crystal clear acoustical percussion sound. It has no sharp edges and comes with rounded rims which allows it to be held in any position, making it great for kids.
World Instruments
Coconut Kalimba Thumb Piano. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon
Coconut Kalimba Thumb Piano Hand Painted Kalimba Percussion Instrument 7 Keys Tunable, Professional Sound - JIVE BRAND (4 years & up)
This easy-to-play rhythm instrument is made from half a coconut shell and beautifully embellished with unique hand-painted designs. Kiddos can rest it (round side down) in their lap and pluck the metal keys with their thumbs. The lowest sound is in the center with higher tones up the sides.
Musical Frogs
Percussion Instruments Wooden Frog. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon
Percussion Instruments Wooden Frog 3 Piece Set of 4 Inch Brown Frog, 3 Inch Black Frog, 2.75 Inch Natural Wood Frog, Wooden Frog Musical Instrument (3 years & up)
This wooden percussion instrument produces a complex sound with a simple movement. Rub the frog's stick up and down its back to hear it make a satisfying croaking sound, just like a real frog! Our kiddo loves making our wooden frog "sing". Playing our charming little guy is great fine motor practice that will help with pencil grip later on too.