Toy Musical Instruments And Art Stuff For Toddler/Preschooler

[arelf27]

Can someone recommend some Musical Toy Instruments and also Art Toys for ds - 19 month and dd 3 1/2.

My son is a bright little kid (is keeping up with his older sister) and Loves dancing to music. Dh actually taught himself how to play a guitar in his youth so I'm hoping at least one of my kids will be musically inclined and would like to incourage that by exposing them to musical toys. I'm just confused because I see so many toys out there and we have bought so many toys for our kids already which get played with once and then end up laying around...

Vtech Kidi Jamz has recently caught my eye but I don't know if it's worth the Dough and if my kids are too small to appreciate it and will just end up braking it. They can be rough on their toys!!!'

JCPenney also has this one which is $20...

 

 

Is keyboard even a good option?? What about drums?? I've never had drums growing up but I wonder if that's what the kids are playing with nowdays?

 

My dd3 is into arts. She loves drawing but she usually grabs a notepad and a marker and then is done with the whole thing in like 15 min. She literally scrambles something on one page then moves on and then she wants a new pad. She screams if I tell her that she needs to draw on one page at a time. I'm wondering if all those computer art centers would be a good alternative for her and if yes which one??

I don't think I want an easel because then my whole house will have drawing on it. We already have a few etcher sketchers which our kids use regularly. I want to buy some Crayola Wonder Finger paints as we have not used those yet but what else??

 

I would really appreciate some help!!!!

[fairydustcrissy]

We own probably close to all of the First Act stuff. They have been great! Very durable, my kids love them. Don't know of any deals on any, but just wanted to let you know I highly reccomend the First Act musical instruments!

[lbuzz52]

http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/community/welcome.aspx?category=2741&Welcomeid=376&page=1&Sort=0&&CategorySearch=-1&at=5

 

my dd3 sounds very similar to yours.

i recently placed an order for general arts supplies from the link above and was very happy with the value. she only colors for a short while, but surprisingly sat forever practicing with scissors, glue, stickers, feathers, etc.

she also likes music and loves the little microphone and stand we got her recently

[arelf27]

We own probably close to all of the First Act stuff. They have been great! Very durable, my kids love them. Don't know of any deals on any, but just wanted to let you know I highly reccomend the First Act musical instruments!

Do you mind posting any links or pictures?? I've heard someone say this before on this board (could have even been you) but when I looked into them they looked like real instruments. I think most of them said 6+?? I think I would really like something that looks more like a toy but serves the purpose of being educational as well. Maybe I'm not looking at the right ones??

[arelf27]

http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/community/welcome.aspx?category=2741&Welcomeid=376&page=1&Sort=0&&CategorySearch=-1&at=5

 

my dd3 sounds very similar to yours.

i recently placed an order for general arts supplies from the link above and was very happy with the value. she only colors for a short while, but surprisingly sat forever practicing with scissors, glue, stickers, feathers, etc.

she also likes music and loves the little microphone and stand we got her recently

Do you remmember which microphone and stand??

Yeh, I just discovered that website as well during the huge Winter sale and have ordered some things from them. Haven't ordered any art supplies though. Might have to look into what they have. She can keep herself occupied for quite a while with playdo and stickers and when we go out I always drag some water coloring pages with me which she loves to do as well.

I'm just looking to see what else is out there that would keep her occupied and hopefully(?) be mess free. I just find it frustrating that she uses up paper so quickly that it doesn't even seems worth it to buy it. That's why I was wondering about those computer things...

I'm also going to look into buying her some large beads (either snap on from Target) or Melissa & Doug kind and hopefully have some fun with those. I've never been into crafts myself so that would be the extent I'm willing to go to :)

[fairydustcrissy]

Do you mind posting any links or pictures?? I've heard someone say this before on this board (could have even been you) but when I looked into them they looked like real instruments. I think most of them said 6+?? I think I would really like something that looks more like a toy but serves the purpose of being educational as well. Maybe I'm not looking at the right ones??

They do look like real instruments, but are about 1/4 the size. My DS4 got his 1st guitar at 2. He loved it, and after 2 years of abuse by a toddler, we got him a new one. My DD7 also has a bongo, and several other percussion instruments. And my DD 9 has the 3/4 scale acoustic guitar. They really offer a wide variety for different ages.

 

Here is a link to thier baby items. I didnt even know they had these!

 

Here is a link to the type my kids have, and my son uses.

[thewilfords]

I happened to see some more little kid like toys at Target today, they were the parents brand.

[shopping mom]

Back to Basics has toy instruments too. The have a clarinet and a saxophone along with other instruments. My DD is 5 and has been playing with her guitar since she was 2 and has taken piano lessons for the last 2 years. She loves music and art. I keep a supply of paint, glitter, glue, stickers etc on hand. Since we go to the nursing home every month, her art work is distributed and appreciated by the people we visit. Little Tikes also has a set with the drum, and other instruments (at least they use to) You might want to check their website.

[kardomr]

i tried the color wonder fingerpaint because i found it on clearance at target in the fall.

my 2c--

it's texture is vaseline-like.

my daughter scoops it out and smears it on the special paper in seconds. done!

it requires special paper.

but, it isn't messy like regular finger paint. (just greasy.) and it is fun.

[arelf27]

Thanks guys for all of the suggestions. You have been all very helpfull. Keeping my fingers crossed I can buy something good at the Amazon Toy sale.