Music Toys

Most wooden music toys suit children from around 18 months upwards, though the right choice depends on the specific instrument. Simple drums and shakers work well for toddlers, while xylophones and more tuneable instruments become more rewarding from age three, when children begin to pick out melodies and enjoy a sense of achievement.

Wood produces a warmer, more resonant sound than plastic, which matters even for young children because better tone encourages longer, more engaged play. Wooden instruments also hold up to daily bashing far better over time. A well-made wooden xylophone or drum can be passed from one child to the next without falling apart.

Yes. Jaques of London selects materials and finishes specifically with young children in mind, using non-toxic paints and smooth, splinter-free wood. All instruments meet relevant UK and EU safety standards. As with any toy, check the recommended age on each product and keep small accessories like mallets supervised with children under three.

Wipe wooden instruments down with a lightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid soaking or leaving them in damp conditions, which can cause the wood to warp and affect the sound. Keep them away from direct heat sources. With basic care like this, a quality wooden instrument stays in good playing condition for many years.

Think about the child's age and what kind of play they enjoy. Toddlers love the instant reward of drums and shakers. Children aged three and up often enjoy xylophones because they can start picking out tunes. If you want something that grows with a child, a xylophone with clearly marked notes gives years of increasing challenge and satisfaction.

They make excellent gifts precisely because they are active rather than passive. A wooden music toy gives a child something to do, explore and improve at, which means it gets used rather than forgotten. Because Jaques instruments are made to last, they also feel genuinely special to receive, whether for a birthday, Christmas or a first birthday.

Children return to good music toys regularly because making sound is inherently satisfying. The key is choosing something pitched at the right level: too simple and it is boring, too complex and it is frustrating. A well-chosen wooden xylophone or drum tends to appear in daily play for months, not days, because there is always something new to try.