Best place online for toddler percussion instruments?

[swampus]

I'm doing a whole musical theme for my dd's 2nd birthday next month. I was thinking instead of spending $5 or more on the favors--basically just a bunch of junk-- I'd use it toward a set of decent toddler percussion instruments... I'm going to have a couple musicians come and play for the kids, let them use the instruments during the "show," then let them choose one/fight over which one to take home with them. ;)

There will be about 8 toddlers there, including my dd. I'd like about 10 or 12 instruments. I really REALLY don't want to go over $50 for this.

Any suggestions?

[MarisaSF]

I don't know for sure that these are the best prices, but I LOVE this store...

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/IWCatSectionView.process?RestartFlow=t&IWAction=Load&Merchant_Id=1&pcount=0&Catalog_Id=1&Section_Id=291&RememberSectionId=287&Parent_Id=287&Page=1

There's a teacher discount if you qualify, but the prices are reasonable and the selection is fantastic.

Maracas $5
Bells $3
Triangle $5.90
Rythm sticks $1.90
Castanets $5
Sand blocks $4

etc....
Have fun shopping for and planning the party!

[redhookmom]

http://westmusic.com/

[dowlinal]

www.expressivetoys.com is great! I've bought from Jen several times and I've always been really happy with the quality of her stuff.

[mamamayi]

Why not try out Oriental Trading? I've been happy with what I've ordered from them. They are great for party supplies of all kinds. I did a search on Music > Hands On and here are the results with some inexpensive percussion instruments:

http://www.orientaltrading.com/otcweb/application?event=button.search&namespace=search&Ntx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&Ne=90000&Ntt=music&N=375720&origin=searchMain.jsp&Ntk=all

[murpheyblue]

Just wanted to add another plug for Jen. She's the best!

[swampus]

So after going to the website, now I really want to get the ribbon wands for dancing! I think that would be the most adorable sight ever--seeing 8 toddlers waddling around the backyard, waving these beautiful ribbons in the air.

As a parent, do you think I should buy the ribbon wands for the girls, the scarves for the boys, and a maraca or rhythm stick set for each child? So they'd get a dancing ribbon/scarf and a maraca/rhythm stick to choose from (two items each). ??

I had originally envisioned an assortment of instruments out there in my backyard--maybe we can give Sylvia a set of instruments as a present, let the kids all play with them for the musicians, then gather those back up to put away for Sylvia. And hand out the instrument favors as they leave? hmm. I'm stumped!

Or maybe I go with my original idea of the variety of instruments (spending $5 a piece or so), and just buy about 4 of the ribbons (again, gathering those up for Sylvia at the end)? I'd like to buy the children the favors that they'd want, I guess... so do you think the kids would prefer to take home the ribbon wand or an instrument?

I would love to get both, but it's just too expensive to do it all.

Any suggestions?

[dowlinal]

I say go for the ribbon/scarf and maraca.rhysthem stick combo
I love the picture you painted of the kids toddling around with the ribbons! ALmost makes me want to order some and throw a party! LOL

[redhookmom]

The ribbons and scarves from discountschoolsupply.com are really nice and not expensive. I gave them as a party favor and they were a big hit. They have ribbons on sticks and ribbons attached to wrist braclets. The wrist ones would be easier for little kids.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29037.jpg




http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/29039.jpg

[DebbieJ]

What a great idea! I hated all that junk my 1 yo got while doing the birthday party circuit for our playgroup last year.

I haven't done much shopping for instruments, so I can't help you there.

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
Breastfed for 20 months and 6 days

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/style_avatars/Ribbons/18months-bfar.jpg

[swampus]

These are AWESOME--thank you for the post! I'm definitely going to do the instruments through Jen, but I think I'll get those wrist ribbons for the tots--they look perfect! :)