Music is a fundamental part of growing up, making musical toys an enduring
favorite for kids and parents alike. Whether it's a plaything that produces
single notes or a child's first real instrument, there’s a melodic toy
for every age and ear.
Argos’ First Sounds Bee
Tunes for Tots
The tiniest baby will delight at the music they can make with the KM
Village Chime Ball (from birth, $2.65). This squishy vinyl ball
is easy for even the smallest hand to grasp. As babies’ senses begin to
develop, Argos’ First Sounds Bee (3 months and up, $12.99)
is a perfect stimulus. This funny-faced colorful toy makes a variety of
musical sounds.
Musical Sit and Spin by Playschool Noble & Cooley Rock Drum Set
Noble & Cooley Mini Grand Piano
Lillian Vernon Wood Guitar & Case Barbie Sing With Me Karaoke Machine from Kiddesigns Castlespring Dance Diva Home Recording Studio
Musical Moves
Toddlers and Preschoolers love to move, and they love to make noise.
Musini from Neurosmith (3 years and
up, $59.95) is an Oppenheim-Award-winning toy that converts those impulses
into a musical response for each movement your child makes. The
Musical Sit 'N' Spin by Playskool /Hasbro (ages
3-7, $15) comes to life with flashing lights and music when a child sits
on it. A Mozart Magic Drum by Munchkin
(3 years and up, $15.95) provides plenty of percussion possibilities for
a marching toddler. This clear handheld drum filled with noisemaker beads
is great for travel.
Real Instruments for Real Music Makers
Kids and parents alike will love these authentic instruments made especially
for beginner musicians. Reputable drum maker Noble & Cooley
offers young drummers the Noble & Cooley Rock Drum Set
($19.97). This colorful set is ideal for starters. Or, for the young pianist,
there’s the Noble & Cooley Mini Grand Piano ($79.99),
a miniature classic that produces quality sound. For the beginning guitarist,
a Lillian Vernon Wood Guitar & Case (ages 8-12, $39.98)
is a kid-size guitar with a personalized embossed case.
Everybody Wants to Be A Star
Musical toys can bring out the superstar in any child. The Barbie
Sing With Me Karaoke Machine from KIDdesigns
(ToyDirectory) ($59)
is easy enough for even a 3-year-old to use and comes with three song
cassettes and 1 blank tape to record your best performances. The system
is complete with 2 mics: 1 headset for the young star, and 1 hand-held
for a friend . Cool Tronix offers a realistic Microphone
with a base amplifier ($14.95). This adjustable microphone is removable,
allowing for maximum stage presence. For the aspiring DJ or recording
artist, there’s the Castlespring Dance Diva Home Recording Studio
(ages 8-12, $40), which includes a dual cassette deck that lets children
play a string of hit songs and record their own voice. Vocal effects and
a spinning disco ball light show are also included in the studio.
And for those looking for the Cadillac of kids’ instruments, it doesn’t
get any better than Schoenhut Pianos (ToyShow Preview).
Founded in 1872, the company has taken another step forward with its new
Elite Baby Grand Piano ($225) for ages 3-9. Joining the
company’s distinguished product line in 2002, each Baby Grand is crafted
by hand and individually tuned for three octaves. The piano comes with
Schoenhut’s patented Learning System®, a play-by-color strip that
fits behind the keys. The Elite Baby Grand stands 24 inches high by 24
inches wide and weighs 30 pounds.
