Ditch Screens: Musical Gifts for Kids This Christmas

With Christmas just over a week away, parents face the challenge of finding engaging gifts for their children that can also reduce screen time. This year, musical instruments have emerged as a compelling option, offering both entertainment and developmental benefits. Research from the Psychological Music Corporation (PMC) highlights that musical education significantly enhances children’s cognitive skills, including verbal memory, literacy, and attention.

Instruments not only provide lasting enjoyment beyond the holiday season but also foster creativity and self-expression. Families looking to inspire their children can explore various options available from retailers like Gear4Music, which features a range of instruments suitable for younger musicians.

Exciting Instrument Options for Kids

For those considering a keyboard, the VISIONKEY-1 37 Key Portable Mini Keyboard is an excellent choice. Priced at £39.99, this compact instrument includes 37 mini keys, 100 sounds, 100 rhythms, and 30 pre-loaded songs. It can be powered by USB-C or four AA batteries, allowing up to eight hours of portable use. One parent shared their experience: “I bought this item for a musical 3-year-old’s birthday, and she was very delighted with it.”

Alternatively, the MK-1000 54-key Portable Keyboard starter pack, available for £44.99, comes with a microphone, headphones, and various sounds to inspire creativity. One satisfied customer noted, “Bought for my 9-year-old grandson and he loves it. He has mastered several kids’ songs all by himself.”

For aspiring drummers, the Gear4Music Children’s Drum Kit, priced at £79.99, is designed for younger players. This scaled-down kit includes a kick drum, snare drum, tom drum, and cymbal, along with a height-adjustable stool. A purchaser praised it as “a lovely present for a musical toddler,” highlighting its suitability for small hands.

Guitars and More for Budding Musicians

Guitar options also abound for children eager to explore music. The Gear4music Ukulele, priced at £19.99, is perfectly sized for small hands and features soft strings for easier play. For those interested in a more traditional instrument, the Junior 1/2 Classical Guitar retails for £34.99 and has received positive reviews from parents for its comfortable design.

Another option is the 3/4 LA Electric Guitar, which is lightweight and beginner-friendly, ready to play right out of the box. This guitar comes with essential accessories, including a cable and gig bag.

Shoppers looking for alternative options can find the Martin Smith 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar available at Argos for £40. Meanwhile, the RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano Kit is currently reduced from £114 to £100 on Amazon, featuring full-sized keys, a bench, and a microphone.

The experience of purchasing instruments from Gear4Music has garnered positive feedback, with an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. One customer appreciated the prompt delivery and quality of a kids’ guitar, stating, “My daughter is enjoying it.” Another remarked on the high-quality drum set, noting that their child was thrilled with the gift.

As Christmas approaches, musical instruments present a unique opportunity for families to engage children in meaningful play. By choosing gifts that foster creativity and support cognitive development, parents can help their children discover a lifelong love of music while reducing their screen time.