Melissa and Doug Deluxe Band Set

Kids just love music, and they love making it themselves even more! That's why I recommend the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Band Set as a toy for your child or any other. In fact, it makes a really great "group" gift to any family with children or your local childcare or church. The more, the merrier with this toy.

Recommended by the manufacturer for kids 36 months to 7 years, in actuality I find that children from about 18 months up will really enjoy this set. Just be sure to check the pieces for rough edges or loose parts and monitor their use.

It's great that these instruments are made of wood rather than cheap plastic or tin. This means they can take quite a lot of punishment and still maintain a cherished spot in any toy box. In fact, they hold up so well that they may even make it down to the next generation. They'll look a little worn, but still function great.

I can't say enough about the beautiful wooden storage case in which the toys are packaged. It can be used to store the instruments or put to other uses in your child's room.

ONE NOTE: Remember, these instruments are TOYS. They make sounds, but are not actual "lesson quality". They are great for letting kids experience the joy of making sounds themselves and keeping rhythm with their favorite TV show music or CDs, but don't expect them to be well-tuned. This has been a source of some negative, and I feel unfair, comments on the set. This is an awesome toy set, but when or if your children show an advanced musical ambition or talent, it's time to invest in individual lesson quality instruments.