Musical gift for a toddler

[casualmadness]

Just wondering if any of you can help me out here...I have a niece who is turning 3 in a few weeks. I don't have kids and have never spent much time around kids so I don't know anything about them. My niece lives in another state so I don't really see her that often. Anyhow, I'm really trying to get her into music so my gifts to her so far have been musical.I want to continue this pattern but I would like to give her something that encourages her to learn music. Maybe like a game that encourages her to learn music notes or something? I dunno...When she's older I'll likely buy instruments for her but at 3, she might be too young. Though I got my first guitar at 3 and I loved it.
Anyhow, anyone have any ideas? Anything at all?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Get her drums, like some bongos, or a little keyboard. Both instruments are a great gateway to music.

 

[Stewie26]

My first instrument was one of those small miniature pianos that you find in a toy store. I was around 4 years old. That said, it gave me an ear and desire for making musical notes that has lasted a lifetime.

 

[bholder]

My first instrument was one of those small miniature pianos that your find in a toy store. I was around 4 years old. That said, it gave me an ear and desire for making musical notes that has lasted a lifetime..

Some of those "toy pianos" are really quite serviceable real musical instruments, there's kind of a sub-cult of folks who make "real" music on them (don't think I saved the link though). Good choice, but get one that's in tune.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Get a simple electronic keyboard. The parents may not be thrilled about drums.

 

[Oddly]

Another vote for a simple keyboard.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Ask the parents if there is anything the boy seems to like. I wanted a guitar from the time I was very young.

There is a group that I plays for young kids - The Wiggles. They have been around for decades. If they are doing a show in the area, get tix.

 

[Funky Ghost]

Musical encouragement can come from many sources.

Myself, I got more mileage out of videos with singing ( Barney - Fraggle Rock - Yo Gabba Gabba - The Wiggles ) My kids loved them and it was something that can be controlled by the parent Noisy toys are the bane of parental peace.

Besides, I bought a rather nice keyboard for my youngest when she was around that age (4ish). It got maybe 20 minutes of attention. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang though .... she made me watch that with her a LOT. Pretty fond memories for me if I'm honest.

 

[Lagado]

Stylophone.

 

[underwhelmist]

How about a ukulele? They’re a good size for small hands, and they have the right number of strings!

 

[Lagado]

I wouldn't get into polyphonic instruments quite yet, just playing simple melodies that are current or familiar is a good start.

 

[Gaolee]

Drums! Her parents will love you. As a 3 year old, I remember driving parents and grandparents bats by beating on pots and pans with wooden spoons and anything else they didn't take away from me first.

 

[LBS-bass]

I would also go with a small keyboard. Percussion instruments are easy to bang on, but they won't do much to develop her ear. They're often a default choice though because kids have fun banging on them, but that is not necessarily music.

If she's drawn to that as she gets older then maybe go for that later on.

 

[pedroims]

Get her drums, like some bongos, or a little keyboard. Both instruments are a great gateway to music.

This. But if you can recognize this kind of talent then give her a Fodera

 

[Downunderwonder]

Get her drums, like some bongos, or a little keyboard. Both instruments are a great gateway to music.

Would have to have a grudge against the sibling to do that!
How about a colouring book?

 

[Pocket4]

This is a real throwback, but hammer and xylophone really introduces the scale to a busy 3 year old. I would think that something musical sticks with that play.

 

[Downunderwonder]

This is a real throwback, but hammer and xylophone really introduces the scale to a busy 3 year old. I would think that something musical sticks with that play.

Just be sure it is in tune. Pitch imprints from an early age.

 

[pie_man_25]

How about a ukulele? They’re a good size for small hands, and they have the right number of strings!

Not a bad idea, but I'd provide the addendum that it not be too expensive. Any uke worth its salt will have a soundboard of about 1/16" thick, or just about 1.7mm if my ballpark math serves me right.

 

[MrLenny1]

Lyrics to a popular tune U both can sing together.

 

[CallMeAl]

As a father of a 3 year old, and as a preschool teacher:

Uke: super fun for pretending to make “music” but probably not useful (for its intended purpose) at this age. Still, not super annoying for parents, and gets lots of play time.

Keyboards, toy piano or electric: magnetic attraction for kids. May or may not be used musically. A lot depends on parents guidance. The electric keyboards with their canned “music” have a danger of becoming a passive entertainment device, rather than a musical instrument.

Hand percussion: a high quality drum can be a very age appropriate gift. Cheap drums will be junked quickly. The important thing is teaching them “hands only,” and to respect the instrument.

Stick percussion: usually a mistake . My guy has a “kid” set and even with my skilled guidance, it can be a bit much. He still has moments where he surprises me with steady rhythm and actually pulling off something great.


xylophone: those fisher price rainbow things are crazy loud, but a lot to be said about reinforcing the major diatonic scale at this age. Again, depends on how much the parents guide them.

kazoo: dark horse! Actually, an amazing instrument at this age. They easily understand how to use it, it’s not crazy loud, and encourages them to play with their voice and sing.

happy shopping, you’re a good uncle