The fun present idea could help kids ditch screentime devices
It’s that time of year when the search begins for the perfect present, and it can be surprisingly challenging. Finding gifts that keep the youngest members of the family entertained, without leaving them staring at a screen, can be tricky.
For families hoping to bring in a little less screen-time and a lot more ‘sound-time’, musical instruments can be a bright and inspiring alternative. Unlike gadgets that quickly lose their appeal, instruments tend to become long-term companions that can last way longer than the Christmas holidays.
According to the PMC, musical training benefits children by inducing changes in the brain, which significantly enhance cognitive skills like verbal memory, reading ability, and executive functions (attention and working memory). The process hones their rhythmic and temporal processing abilities, leading to better academic performance and potentially higher IQ later in life.
Offering a way for kids to express themselves and enjoy some imaginative play, there’s a chance to nurture a child’s natural curiosity this Christmas thanks to the latest offers from Gear4Music. To help young musicians flourish this Christmas, an electric keyboard is a fun way to start out.
The VISIONKEY-1 37 Key Portable Mini Keyboard in green is £39.99 and described as “the ultimate compact keyboard.” It has 37 mini keys that are supported by 100 sounds, 100 rhythms and 30 built-in songs.
The Junior 1/2 Classical Guitar is perfect for smaller hands
£34.99
Gear4Music
Buy here
One buyer said: “Such a good buy. Its not very heavy for my little one and easy to hold on to.”
Little musicians can play through the onboard speakers or practise quietly with the headphone output. Lightweight and easy to store or take on the go, it can be powered via USB-C or with four AA batteries, giving up to eight hours of portable use.
Perfect for smaller hands, one five-star review said: “I bought this item for a musical 3-year-old’s birthday, and she was very delighted with it as were other members of the family.”
Shoppers looking for something a little larger could consider the MK-1000 54-key Portable Keyboard by Gear4music – Starter Pack. Available for £44.99, the starter keyboard comes complete with a microphone and headphones, 10 backing tracks, and 30 different sounds included.
Designed to spark creativity and make music-making fun from the very first note, one buyer said: “Bought for my 9-year-old grandson and he loves it. Bought the stickers for the keys, and he has mastered several kids’ songs all by himself. Great starter keyboard.”
For kids with real rock star aspirations, the Gear4Music Children’s Drum Kit is a ‘big hit’ at £79.99. Designed for aspiring drummers, this scaled-down kit helps develop coordination and confidence while providing hours of fun.
Sturdy and practical, it replicates a traditional drum kit by including a kick drum, snare drum, tom drum, plus an 8″ cymbal with stand, all ideal for smaller hands. it also comes with a height-adjustable stool with a padded seat and a set of infant drumsticks.
One buyer described it as “a lovely present for a musical toddler,” while another added: “I have bought this kit for one of my grandsons for the upcoming Christmas. Good quality, I’m sure my son might not enjoy it but I’m 100% certain my grandson will have an amazing time!”
A more portable option is the VISIONPAD-6 Electronic Drum Pad Pack for £74.99. Designed for children it includes headphones for silent practice, wooden drumsticks and kick and hi-hat pedals. It features 30 fully customisable drum kits and 163 sounds, along with 25 integrated games to help master the basics of rhythm and track progress.
Playing guitar helps young children develop coordination, concentration and creativity while fostering a love of music. With everything from brightly coloured ukuleles to electric guitars, they can turn up to 11, there are lots of options for young players.
Three of the best include the £19.99 Gear4music Ukulele. Perfect for young beginners, this small soprano ukulele features soft strings and a high-quality laminate build.
For a more mature sound, the Junior 1/2 Classical Guitar is a compact and portable guitar that is literally half the size of a standard one. Easy to reach around and play, the nylon strings are soft and forgiving on small hands. Available to buy for £34.99 one buyer said: “Such a good buy. Its not very heavy for my little one and easy to hold on to.”
Another added: “Good idea as a first guitar, small in size so ideal for a young child.”
Finally, the 3/4 LA Electric Guitar is a compact, beginner-friendly guitar, perfect for younger players or anyone looking for a smaller, easy-to-handle instrument. Lightweight and comfortable, it has a slimmer neck, comes pre-strung and set up and is ready to play straight out of the box.
This black 3/4 LA also features three single-coil pickups and a five-way switch, giving plenty of sounds to explore while trying out different styles. Plus, it comes with all the essentials, including a cable, strap, gig bag and picks.
Shoppers looking elsewhere for music instruments this Christmas could consider the Martin Smith 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar, currently available at Argos for £40. Suitable for beginners of all ages, buyers have called it a “good starter guitar.”
Elsewhere at Amazon, the RockJam 61 Key Keyboard Piano Kit is reduced from £114 to £100. With 62 full-sized keys for a traditional piano feel it also comes with a bench, stool, sustain pedal, headphones and microphone.
Back at Gear4Music, parents have been sharing their experiences on Trustpilot, giving the online music store an Impressive rating of 4.6 out of five stars. One buyer said: “Prompt dispatch and safely arrived. Really good quality kids guitar. My daughter is enjoying it.”
Another added: “Ordered a Christmas present for my kids as a step up from an electric keyboard. Arrived when expected, great condition, minimal assembly and works well. Sounds lovely, the kids say it plays just like the real piano at their teacher’s house. They’re on it every free minute and love it.”
Another shopper highlighted the ordering process: “Easy to order. Delivered quickly, especially given it was close to Christmas. Excellent quality, a proper drum set, just smaller for kids.”
Some buyers were less impressed, however, with one noting: “Kids pink guitar not much more than a toy really and not much use for learning on, I’d say.” Some other shoppers said they had problems with delivery times, but that could be down to the courier and not the store.
Another delighted five-star review said: “‘Perfect Christmas present’ Easy to order. Delivered quickly, especially given it was close to Christmas. Excellent quality, a proper drum set, just smaller for kids.”
