ISO Music Instruments/T-Ball Set For 2 YO

[smzapalac]

Anyone have recommendations for musical instrument set for a 2 year old? Looking for good quality one that will endure my DD rough treatment.

Also, I am looking for a t-ball set that has an oversized ball and bat. Does this exist?

x-post in toddler toys forum

[kaitlinsmommy]

We have lots of M&D instruments and my kids love them (so does dh). They are pretty rough on them but they've held up well.

I've seen oversized soft bats & balls at Target, but not necessarily a t-ball set.

[mom2lm]

I had the bright idea to buy my 2 year old real instruments off of ebay - I don't recommend that! The hunting horn has held up great, but I also got her a real violin and she knocks out the bridge all the time and has broken the strings. She's in occupational therapy so we've tried all of the super cheap party supply instruments, too. My daughter's favorite instruments are

metal kazoo (this is the only one that's held up)
http://www.townsquaretoys.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=kazoo

apple guitar
http://shop.firstact.com/PublicStore/product/First-Act-Discovery-Apple-Guitar,543,100.aspx

hunting horn(might need a brass player to teach him how to buzz, my daughter and my nephews picked it up right away and it's their favorite thing in our house)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Brass-Hunting-HORN-Hunters-Horns-Fox-Trumpet_W0QQitemZ120131119132QQihZ002QQcategoryZ16 214QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

xylophone
http://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-Jungle-Jamboree-Xylophone/dp/B00005M9JB

lip shaped whistle
http://www.centurynovelty.com/detail_326_209-221.html

metal harmonica
http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/woodstock/blues_band_harmonica.cfm

boomwhackers
http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/whacky_music/boomophone_xts_whack_pack.cfm

I have these instruments bookmarked but haven't tried them
http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/category/7000/Musical-Instruments.html

Good luck!
Amy, mom to Lucy and Maggie

[katerinasmom]

We got a great t-ball set from ToysRUs (in store). I couldn't find it available online but it had a really short and fat bat with a softball size ball and an adjustable tee stand. The bat and the ball were covered in what I can only describe as nerf material. I think it was around $20 or less.

I found a link to a plastic one online sold by ToysRUs but it doesn't look as nice. It is probably a little lighter though than the one we bought. They had a lot of choices in the store for t-ball sets but really only two that were appropriate for a toddler.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2333038&cp=&view=all&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2254197&sr=1&origkw=t+ball&kw=t+ball&parentPage=search

[Jen841]

We have this set and it has survived for 2 + year and is still a loved toy. Go for it!

Bee Bop drum is durable.

Our Wiggles guitar has survived many falls and trips down the basement stairs, unfortunately. It can't be broken.

We also have a Little Tykes alligator xyzolphone (sp) that is durable.

[just_teachin]

Hi! Are you "set" on a music *set*? Or are you willing to pick up different pieces? I'm an elementary music teacher (who also has my 2.5 y.o. DD in Music Together classes), so I could recommend lots of individual pieces, with links... just didn't want to go through the time if it's not something you're interested in. (Time, as we all know, is such a precious commodity!)

Let me know, and I'd be happy to help! :)

Heather


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Heather
Mommy to Corinne, 11/17/04
6/7 SAHM, 1/7 Kdg-8th grade music teacher; 7/7 Bargain Huntress
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif Proudly breastfed for 24 months and 7 days! Corinne has self-weaned!

[smzapalac]

Thanks for all the info. re: music sets and t-ball games. I think I am going to go the route and purchase individual music pieces. Thanks so much for the links. I really appreciate all the help.

[just_teachin]

Ahhh, spending other peoples' money!! :) As an elementary music teacher and a Mom, here's what I'd recommend:

These are all from West Music. I *highly* recommend them. I've ordered from them personally as well as professionally at least twice per year since 1995 and have never had a problem. Their prices are competitive to say the least - I think *once* in 12 years I've found something less expensive somewhere else.

These are in no particular order, but ones I *highly* suggest I'll put asterisks in front of.


** Single Hand Held Bells - $5.50
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=1000154&prodid=200259
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/beho341_200.jpg





Rainmaker - $10.25
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=1000015&prodid=201113
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/raho16_200.jpg





** Jumbo Egg Shaker - $2.00 (At least two per person)
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=1000115&prodid=202210
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/202210_200.jpg





Plastic Castanets - $1.00
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=1000115&prodid=200387
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/caho303a1_200.jpg
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyimages/caho303_120.jpg





** Remo Pre-Tuned Bongos - $29.95
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=113&prodid=200333
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/bore540001_200.jpg





** Remo Pre-Tuned Floor Tom - $28.50
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=113&prodid=200747
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/flre508001_200.jpg





** Rhythm Sticks - $1.25 per pair (get at least 2 pair per person, as they're also great to make shapes or letters!!)
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=176&prodid=201358
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/stbb8a1_200.jpg





Sandblocks - $1.80 per pair
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=177&prodid=201238
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/sabb52_200.jpg





Remo Fruit Shakers - $35.55 (a splurge, but so fun! I bought them as a Christmas gift to the studio for our Music Together teacher.)
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=178&prodid=201292
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/shreasrt09_200.jpg





Remo Vegetable Shakers - $39.75
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=178&prodid=201295
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/shrevegi09_200.jpg





** Mini Tambourine - $3.95 (I can't speak to this particular one, but can tell you you don't want one that's too big.)
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=180&prodid=201368
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/tabbkid_200.jpg





Woodblock - $2.60 (certainly there are better sounding ones, but for a toddler to beat up on, this one will do...)
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=184&prodid=201671
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/wohov2203_200.jpg





8-note Resonator bells - $18.95 (haven't heard them, but the brand is generally reliable!)
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=1000190&prodid=200240
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/BEBBR8_200.jpg





** Velcro Bells - $3.95 (GREAT for shaking and dancing - wear on ankles as well as wrists!)
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=1000191&prodid=200245
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/bebb115_200.jpg





Boomwhackers - $19.95
http://www.westmusic.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=82&prodid=200346
http://www.westmusic.com/supplyImages/bowh3100_200.jpg



Don't forget scarves or ribbons to dance with, too!!!

I wish I had my print catalog here at home. I'm sure there's something I'd add! :)

Feel free to post if you have questions!! :)

Happy Music Making!!!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Heather
Mommy to Corinne, 11/17/04
6/7 SAHM, 1/7 Kdg-8th grade music teacher; 7/7 Bargain Huntress
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif Proudly breastfed for 24 months and 7 days! Corinne has self-weaned!

[danagee]

Thanks for the great info, I was planning on making a West Music purchase and now at least I know where to start.

Dana
ds 8/04 * dd 1/06

[just_teachin]

My pleasure! Anything to get kids making more music!!! ;)

And if you're a member of the BBB co-op, there's a West Music one coming up fairly soon (July, I think)...


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Heather
Mommy to Corinne, 11/17/04
6/7 SAHM, 1/7 Kdg-8th grade music teacher; 7/7 Bargain Huntress
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif Proudly breastfed for 24 months and 7 days! Corinne has self-weaned!

[mom2lm]

Wow those West Music instruments are awesome and great prices too! Looks like we are getting some more instruments!

[MATTYSMOMMY]

Wow those West Music Instruments are perfect. They are what we use in the Gymboree Music class and A LOT cheaper!