Best toy instruments?

[JoyNChrist]

I need more stuff to put on DS's Christmas list for relatives. I was thinking about musical instruments...DS loves music, and I think he would like something like this. Maybe a piano? Drum/s? Maracas? Tambourine? Egg Shakers? I think he's too young for a guitar.

Anything you have and love, please recommend. I prefer wood to plastic, and European/American toys to Chinese (although we do have tons of MIC stuff, so that's not a requirement).

TIA!

[WatchingThemGrow]

We just picked up some real instruments from West Music. Check their early childhood section for some ideas. I like real instruments better than toy ones.

[cuca_]

We bought a Schoenhut toy piano for DD1's second birthday, and is easily the best toy purchase I've made. My kids still play with it all the time. Even my 10 month old loves it. It is coming a bit apart now, but I have to say that it has been dragged all over our home by the kids.

Here's a link to the one we have:

http://www.amazon.com/25-Key-Delux-Designer-Spinet/dp/B00005LIPS/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1226536794&sr=8-27

HTH

[The Review Mommy]

If you've got a teaching supply store near by go check it out. They have some of the best stuff you can see IRL or your ordering sight unseen online. We have a Lakeshore Learning and a Teacher A+ store. DS is a music FREAK and he's only 14 months old. We bought him a Remo gathering drum for his BDay off craigslist and it is PERFECT! Its big but not too big ;) and will fit a small "gathering" of children. DS and DD like to crawl, climb, sit and just like to hang out, stand, bounce, etc on top of it. Awesome for a toddler or small child with "energy" lol. NOT A SCRATCH and it was bought used. It has a rich deep sound and no mater how hard DS BANGS it is never "loud". Its pretty quiet. ;) I hardly ever "want" to pay full price for DCs toys but I'd have no problems with this one. I would buy again in a heart beat and if something ever happend to it would be quickly replaced. Prices flucuate, I think it was $70 just yesterday? Add it to your "cart", then chose "save for later". When you visit Amazon again all you have to do is click on "cart" at the top and it will show if the price increased or decreased. This is how I "watch" for good prices. I think in December there are some very good deals.

http://www.amazon.com/Remo-KD-5822-01-Gathering-Drum/dp/B0002F7L1Y/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2VO9ZO1R4JO79&colid=2X8768FV5XGQC

Here is our Xmas list with some musical stuff.
http://www.amazon.com/Jacob-and-Sarah-s-Christmas/lm/R26Q3US6AX57BL/ref=cm_lm_byauthor_title_full

[citymama]

We really love the Plan Toys wooden drum - great sound, really well-made, not too loud for us but loud enough for DD! It's actually one of my favorite gifts for the 2 yr old set.

http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Toy-Solid-Wood-Drum/dp/B00009YOQW