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If your house is anything like mine, it’s filled with the sounds of music—or at least, enthusiastic attempts at it. Whether your child is a budding Beethoven, an aspiring rock star, or just loves making noise, the giving of a musical instrument can make any occasion truly magical.
My husband and I have always encouraged our girls to learn an instrument, the more the better. There are so many benefits to kids learning and playing music—to me, it’s never wasted time.
Here are my picks for some great instrument options that are perfect for young musicians at any level.
Kalimba Thumb Piano 17 Keys (My Pick)
This little gem is perfect for those who love a soothing melody. The Kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, has 17 keys made from high-quality wood and steel. What I love most about it (aside from its beautiful sound) is the natural air-dried wood that gives it such a warm, ethereal tone. Plus, the keys are embossed with letters and notes—so no frustrating sticker notes! With a hand-rest curve design, it’s ergonomic for little hands (or big ones) to play comfortably. My kids love tinkering with it, and it’s even therapeutic for me. It comes with a tuning hammer, instruction book, stickers, a flannelette bag, and a cleaning cloth.
Harmonica
If your kid has ever wanted to carry an instrument in their pocket, the harmonica is the way to go. This professional diatonic harmonica in the key of C is perfect for blues, folk, rock, country, and jazz. Don’t let the “professional” label scare you off—it’s great for beginners too. The precision-made plastic comb and phosphor bronze reeds produce a rich, full sound that’s surprisingly impressive for such a small instrument. And with its compact size, it’s easy to bring along to parties, school, or family trips. Just be prepared for impromptu concerts!
Yamaha Recorder
Ah, the recorder—a true rite of passage in every child’s musical journey. Both of my kids played this musical instrument in school. This Yamaha has excellent tuning and sound quality, with double holes to improve pitch. Plus, it uses simplified German fingering for easier play—perfect for any young musician.
Bongo Drum Set
Looking for a fun way to bring some rhythm into your home? These 6” and 7” bongo drums come with natural skin heads for an authentic sound that will have any kid drumming when and where they want. It even comes with a tuning wrench for easy adjustments. Whether they’re drumming along to their favorite songs or creating their own beats, any young musician will love exploring percussion with these bongos.
23 Inch Ukulele
If a small string instrument is what you’re after, this 23” ukulele is the perfect starter. Made of Sapele wood, it produces a warm and deep tone, making it a joy to play. And the best part? It comes with 12 online lessons, so your budding musician can get started right away. Also included: a gig bag, digital tuner, extra set of strings, strap, and a polishing cloth. The wider-spaced frets make it easier for beginners to learn.
Yamaha APXT2 3/4-Size Acoustic-Electric Guitar
For kids, this 3/4-size acoustic-electric guitar is a great choice. It features a spruce top, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, a built-in pickup and tuner, and comes with a gig bag. Both of my girls have this type of guitar and they’ve absolutely loved it. The smaller size makes it perfect for younger players, and the quality is everything you’d expect from Yamaha. It’s great for practicing at home or performing on stage (even if the stage is just your living room).
Yamaha PSR-EW310 76-key Portable Keyboard
There’s nothing like having a keyboard inside the home, making this 76-key portable a fantastic option. It comes bundled with a stand and power supply, so it’s ready to play right out of the box. The PSR-EW310 has everything needed in a starter keyboard, with a wide range of voices and styles to inspire creativity. We have a Yamaha keyboard similar to this one and the kids are always on it. It’s perfect for beginners who want the feel of a real piano but with the versatility and portability of a keyboard.
Alesis 8-Piece Electric Drum Set
Okay, I’ll be honest—this one belongs to my biggest kid (a.k.a. my husband), but my girls love jamming on it too! It features mesh heads, a drum rack that has room for expansion, and 40 drum kit sounds. It even has an input for headphones and USB MIDI connectivity for recording and composing. Plus, it’s a bit smaller and a lot quieter than traditional acoustic drums, which is a win for everyone (and when I say everyone, I mean me)!
Cecilio CVN-200 Solid Wood Violin 3/4 Size
For the violin-loving kid, this solid wood violin is an affordable entry-level instrument with everything you need to get started—D’Addario Prelude Strings, Brazilwood bows, a hard case, tuner, and more. It’s an excellent option for young musicians and even includes a lesson book, so anyone can begin learning right away.
25 Note Xylophone Glockenspiel
This wooden percussion instrument is perfect for kids who love vibrant sounds and colorful instruments—so popular, that they may have played one in school. With 25 notes, it offers a wide range of musical tones. The two rows of keys are clearly marked with notes, making it easy for children to learn and play music. It comes with two mallets and a carrying bag, so it’s easy to take to music class or just about anywhere. It’s definitely a fun way to introduce your child to music theory and melody in a hands-on way.
Musical Instruments Set
If you have a younger musician who loves variety, this musical instrument set is fantastic. Made of non-toxic, high-quality natural wood, it includes a wood sounder, hand drum, wooden block, triangle, maracas, castanet, tambourine, chime bar, sleigh bells, and hand bells. It’s like having a mini orchestra at home! It’s perfect for exploring different sounds and rhythms, and it’s a great way to encourage musical play and creativity at an early age.
A symphony of gift ideas for the young musician in your life. Music is such a powerful way for kids to express themselves, build confidence, and have a ton of fun. These musical instruments are sure to bring more learning and joy to your home. Here’s to hitting all the right notes this year.
Happy shopping! 🎶
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
