Looking for gift ideas for a music therapist in your life? Are you a music therapist looking for inspiration for things to add to your wishlist? Wanting a list with gift options for your loved ones to choose from?
We got you!
You can find all of these instruments and props on WestMusic.com and if you need a little discount (because, who doesn’t like a discount?!) you can use the code KIDDOS24 for free shipping on orders of over $59.95.
We have created a 2024 gift guide for music therapists or for a music therapist in your life.
1. Face Egg Shakers
Why we love them: These face egg shakers are great conversation starters. The emotions displayed on the egg shakers can spark some curiosity on the kids you work with, which in turn, can prompt pivotal social-emotional learning conversations about feelings, coping skills, etc.
2. Canopy Scarf
Why we love it: The Canopy Scarf is one of my favorite movement props because of the many ways we can adapt it to use in the music classroom. I love using it instead of a parachute as its less stimulating. The Canopy Scarf is also great for mindfulness and relaxation; we can pretend is water, clouds, snow, etc. In terms of practicality, the Canopy Scarf is super light and packable. It is also machine-washable in cold, so it’s perfect to keep the germs away ;)
Need an activity idea? Tie one side to a chair and have the child lay underneath it during a relaxing song.
3. Basic Beat Kokoriko
Why we love it: The Kokoriko by Basic Beat is the BEST value of any small percussion instrument out there-- such a great little instrument! The Kokoriko has a peculiar sound and can contribute a fun effect during our music-making time. This sound is described as a “domino effect” on West Music’s site holding both sides of the Kokoriko and moving the hands up and down in an alternating pattern. This instrument might be perfect for an instrument exploration activity, to provide kids with unique auditory sensory input and experience, and to reinforce literacy skills as we did for our song “C-C-C Caterpillar” that lives inside of our Music For Kiddos Community membership.
4. Lollipop Drum
Why we love it: In addition to its beautiful and colorful appearance, we love the versatility of the Lollipop Drum. Shaped like a tennis racket, the Lollipop Drum can be utilize when addressing rehabilitation goals such increasing range of motion and coordination (the child holds the drum up, down, left, right, as prompted, followed by the therapist striking the drum, etc.), practicing visual tracking (the child strikes the drum as they follow the Lollipop drum held by the music therapist), and other functional movement patterns. Outside of a therapeutic setting, the Lollipop Drum’ shape and easy-to-grasp handle makes it an accessible instrument for music-making.
5. Jumbo Egg Shaker
Why we love it: The Jumbo Egg Shaker is a great sensory tool -- it's heavier and more substantial than regular egg shakers, so kids can feel the vibrations and the weight of the instrument.
6. Thunder Tube
Why we love it: The Thunder Tube is a great instrument for sound effects. Like its name implies, the Thunder Tube makes a “thunder” sound, which can be creatively incorporated when creating sound stories in the music classroom. You can also use them with storm-themed onomatopoeic children’s books like Boom! Boom! Boom! by Jamie A. Swenson or Storm Strong by Nancy Viau.
7. Little Martin Guitar
Why we love it: I love the solid spruce top little Martin (don't bother with the laminate top, honestly!) because it's VERY durable and has an incredible, warm sound for the size of the guitar. I've had both the laminate top and the popular Taylor GS Mini as part of instruments purchased through hospital grants, and I honestly prefer the little Martin! I've had mine for 15 years and it's still my go-to for groups and clinical work.
8. Gathering Drum
Why we love it: The Gathering Drum is one of our favorite instruments for early childhood groups music time. Like the name implies, the size of the drum enables a group of children to gather around it to play! Need some drum song ideas? Check out I Hear The Drum Play or Keepin’ A Beat.
9. Kala Soprano Ukulele Kit
Why we love it: Kala ukes are a GREAT first instrument for kids 4+. They're easy to play and make you feel like a million bucks. What kid (or adult!) doesn't need a little bit of that? I have this uke and it's GREAT. It stays in tune, has a beautiful tone and is super durable. I've had mine for 3+ years and it holds its tune beautifully and is indestructible (mine has been played by hundreds of kids).
10. Stir Xylophone
Why we love it: The Stir Xylophone is an instrument and a prop-- I love using it to build anticipation or making a "mysterious" sound. You can also pretend you're "making a soup" or "stirring a warm, cozy drink." The ones with handles (like this one) are great for motor skills/grasp and coordinating both hands.
11. Sensory Songs: Music Considerations For Regulation continuing education course
Why we love it: Sensory Songs is a video course that explores music as a supportive tool for sensory regulation. This course features an occupational therapist and two music therapists who walk you through concepts such as: sensory processing, regulation and modulation, sensory seeking and/or avoiding tendencies, and music strategies for regulation. In addition to 3+ hours of video and a Zoom office hour, you’ll receive 14 ready-to-use songs created specifically for sensory exploration.
Up next! I’m sharing with you some of my favorite sensory props to use during music therapy sessions.
12. Scooter Board
Why we love it: Really good for heavy work, which can be incredibly regulating and can be used during our music therapy sessions!
13. Crash Pad
Why we love it: Children can have their body fall on it safely and get sensory input from the fall or the "crash"
14. Foam Blocks
Why we love it: Children can build with them, climb them, crash, sit on them, etc. for sensory input!
15. Sensory Swing
Why we love it: Excellent for a sensory break!
16. MIDI Keyboard Controller with Built in Speaker and Sounds
Why we love it: This mini MIDI keyboard has a built-in speaker, capabilities for beat making, and over 100 drum and instrument sounds. A great tool for music making!
17. Ten Ways To Hear Snow
Why we love it: Ten Ways To Hear Snow by Cathy Camper is a beautiful winter book about the different ways we can experience the snow through sounds. It’s not a rhyming book, but it’s a great musical, rhythmic book, perfect for a sound story. In fact, we based off an instrument + rhythm activity included in one of our most recent lesson plans, the Snowy Day lesson preschool & kindergarten music lesson plan, I shared with the members of the Music For Kiddos Community!
18. Seven Tone Pentatonic Glockenspiel
Why we love it: I love this glockenspiel! It has a really nice tone to it. It’s also a favorite of my mentors, Lorrie Kubicek and Kimberly Khare, who shared about instrument play at the recent Music For Kiddos Symposium 2022.
This one is also from the same brand and very similar.
19. Amahi Pentatonic Steel Tongue Drum
Why we love it: Another favorite of Lorrie & Kimberly, with a simple layout and rich tone. Use code KIDDOS24 for free shipping at WestMusic.com!
20. Kala Sparkle Ukulele
Why we love it: From our favorite Ukulele brand, this sparkly number will undoubtedly be a favorite of many!
I hope you find a great gift for the music therapists in your life (or for yourself 😉)!
We have partnered with West Music to offer free shipping on orders above $59.95. Check out their incredible instruments and their incredible offerings, including these instruments on this blog post, at WestMusic.com or you can place your order at their customer service hotline at (800) 397-9378.
Don’t forget that the code for free shipping is KIDDOS24.
