Musical instruments
Musical instruments introduce rhythm, creativity, and early music concepts. These toddler-friendly options are durable enough for enthusiastic play whilst producing pleasant sounds.
Hape Pound & Tap Bench
Best multi-function instrument
This award-winning toy combines a pounding bench with a xylophone. Toddlers pound the balls through the holes, which then roll onto the xylophone creating music. The xylophone can also be removed for independent play. Made from sustainable wood with non-toxic finishes, it develops hand-eye coordination and introduces musical concepts.
Pros
- •Multi-function toy (pounding and music)
- •Durable wooden construction
- •Xylophone removable
- •Develops coordination
- •Eco-friendly materials
Cons
- •Balls can get lost
- •Can be loud
- •Mallet may cause accidents
VTech KidiBeats Drum Set
Best electronic drums
Three light-up drum pads and cymbal respond to touch, playing various sounds and songs. Learning mode teaches numbers and letters, whilst free play mode lets toddlers create their own music. Volume control and automatic shut-off save parents' sanity. The light-up feature adds visual engagement.
Pros
- •Multiple sounds and modes
- •Light-up drums
- •Volume control
- •Educational content
- •Encourages rhythm
Cons
- •Requires batteries
- •Can be annoying
- •Plastic construction
- •Encourages loud drumming
Baby Einstein Magic Touch Ukulele
Best first string instrument
This wooden ukulele creates real music without strings, using innovative magic touch technology. Toddlers simply strum or pluck to create sounds, with two modes offering different melodies. The beautiful wood construction looks like a real instrument, encouraging early musical exploration safely.
Pros
- •Realistic wooden design
- •No strings (safe for toddlers)
- •Two music modes
- •Encourages musical interest
- •Durable construction
Cons
- •Requires batteries
- •Not a real instrument
- •May lose interest quickly
- •More expensive
Things to consider when choosing musical instruments
When selecting musical instruments, consider your lifestyle, budget, and specific needs. Every family is different, so what works for one might not work for another.
All our recommendations meet UK safety standards and have been chosen based on parent reviews, expert testing, and real-world usability. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in.
Affiliate disclosure: Little Essentials earns from qualifying purchases through affiliate links. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you.