OWTK 2006 Holiday Gift Guide - Musical Instruments

Don't buy toy musical instruments, I beg you! They are not that much cheaper than real junior/child sized musical instruments and they will break quicker and sound poor. Plus, if your child really takes an interest in the instrument, you will only wind up buying a real one anyway. Visit a music store, a big chain like Sam Ash or a local shop and talk to the people working there. Most likely, they are passionate music folks that can point you in the right direction. You and your child will be much happier for the effort. Trust me!

Some examples of real, pint-size drum kits (the coolest musical instrument you can buy for a little one):

Children's Drum kit - by Ludwig (a real drum company)
A full 5 piece kit with stool and drum sticks. Everything your child will need to start playing drums. Available in traditional black or the awesome wine red color.
On sale for $219.99 (down from $355) from Sam Ash

The $220 price for this Ludwig Drum Kit is on par with or cheaper than many of the First Act Drum Kits (First Act is a widely available toy instrument maker - available at all the big chains toy stores).

Smaller 3 Piece Kids Drum kit - by Groove Percusion
On sale for $119.99 from Sam Ash

Last year, we purchased an acoustic guitar for our then 7 year old niece. We started in the toy stores but ended up in a music store, which was a very good move. Her guitar still sounds nice and looks terrific and cost us only a fraction more than a comparable guitar from a toy store.

This past weekend, we popped into the locally owned music shop in West Chester, PA and picked up a real, full sized tambourine for our girl. This is 1 of the only 2 things she asked Santa for this year. The other, a brown boy baby doll (which she will also be getting, but not from the music store). While in the store, we spotted a flyer for a holiday kid's music "class" held there each Tuesday morning in December, exclusively for the 0-3 age set. Only $10 and the youngsters get to play with a variety of musical equipment. We will certainly be taking some vacation time and checking this out! I would be willing to bet your local music store has similar offerings...I can guarantee you that a toy store won't!

Jeff