Best Musical Toys
Parents may have a love-hate relationship with musical toys – especially when they are played with gusto at six o’clock in the morning – but children adore them, and the best ones can instil a love of music that can last into adulthood.
In alphabetical order, our pick of the best musical toys is as follows…
Branching Out Guitar
John Crane
These wooden guitars feature nylon strings and designs to appeal to both boys and girls.
The full story…
Discovery Magical Melody Maker
Tomy
This innovative toy lets toddlers add or remove the characterful musical instruments from the stage to change the music being played. Has a repertoire of five tunes.
The full story…
Elephantunes
Lamaze
Not only does this cute elephant smell of vanilla, he can also play music when you pull his legs – each leg plays a different note and he comes with scores for playing nursery rhymes.
The full story…
Melody Express
Learning Resources
This highly original musical toy works by building a colourful track of note-playing tiles, which the train then plays as it rolls along.
The full story…
My Pal Scout
LeapFrog
Scout is a playful pup who can sing five songs (and more if you download them from the internet), with bedtime music available at the press of a paw.
Read our review here…
Paper Jamz
WowWee
With mind-boggling paper-thin technology, these supremely cool guitars (new models launched this year) feature a trio of built-in tunes, plus the ability to go solo.
Read our review here…
Stylophone
re:creation
This retro classic is still one of the most enjoyable musical toys out there and has been updated to include an MP3 input.
Read our review here…
Thomas Rock ’N’ Roll Guitar
Tomy
Fun for lovers of the little tank engine, this guitar has train sound effects plus six tunes for kids to strum along to.
The full story…
