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Musical gifts are always a great option for preschoolers. It’s something different from the usual collection of big plastic toys and it will give them an opportunity to practice music and learn new skills.
There are definitely a lot of musical toys and pretend instruments to choose from, but this list will focus on more substantial musical items that your preschooler can love and use for many years.
Related: At Home Musical Instruments For Preschoolers
Ukulele
I prefer to let kids play with a ukulele over a toy guitar since a ukulele is a real instrument. Even if they are too young to really play it, they can eventually learn to play it and an older family member might enjoy playing it with your child in the meantime.
Unlike a toy guitar, a ukulele can actually be tuned to the correct pitches and can make music..
It’s easy to find ukuleles in the $30-$50 range. Most of these ukuleles should be pretty sturdy, but you’ll want to teach your child to take good care of it and not just throw it in the toy box with toys.
I have this plastic ukulele, which sounds great and holds up well to little hands and an occasional tumble.
Click here to find one on Amazon.
Floor Keyboard
Since preschoolers are developing gross motor skills, a floor keyboard is a great way for them to explore a keyboard but with larger, full body movements.
I have one similar to the one pictured above and kids just love stepping on the keys and creating music with it.
Click here to find one on Amazon.
Welcome To The Symphony Book
Welcome To The Symphony by Carolyn Sloan is a wonderful book to teach young kids about music and to get them curious about different instruments. In this book, kids learn about Beethoven and his 5th Symphony. The buttons on the side panel demonstrate what each instrument is playing at the beginning of the 5th Symphony. The book is interactive, informative and has beautiful illustrations.
Click here to find it on Amazon.
Scarves
I’ve never met a child who doesn’t love to play with scarves. They spark so much creativity and imagination in kids. They are great for twirling, tossing, waving and shaking to music. But, you’ll be surprised at all the other ways kids love to use scarves. They will turn them into costumes, props, and all kinds of other fun, imaginative accessories.
Click here to find them on Amazon.
Xylophone
A small xylophone is a really great learning tool for young children. Playing the keys with a mallet helps them to develop fine motor skills and there are all kinds of musical patterns and melodies that they can discover on a xylophone.
Click here to find one on Amazon.
Desk Bell Set
Desk bells are another age appropriate instrument for kids under 5. Tapping the bells is a little more manageable for small hands than playing a small piano or xylophone key.
There is so much to explore and discover with a little set of bells.
Click here to find them on Amazon.
Instrument Set
There are a lot of excellent musical instrument sets for kids that give them a variety of little instruments to experience.
My kids have used and enjoyed this wooden set by Melissa and Doug. I like that even the xylophone is made of wood, so it produces a gentler sound than typical xylophones do.
Click here to find them on Amazon.
Musical gifts are the perfect choice for young children! You can’t go wrong – children love making music and being creative!
Other Articles You May Enjoy:
- 10 Active Songs For Your Preschool Playlist
- How Music Benefits Young Children
- Music And Movement For Preschoolers
- At-Home Instruments For Kids Under 5