The 10 Best musical toys

From a baby grand to a karaoke set, make sure your child hits all the right notes with one of these fun music-makers

1. Easy Karaoke

Children will have hours of fun singing along to their favourite tracks with this karaoke machine with two microphone sockets and lots of great features. It has an MP3 connection that allows you to connect to your music device, as well as standard CDs and karaoke CDs.

£69.99, argos.co.uk

2. Kidsen Musical Tin

A modern version of a classic toy, this colourful tin music box is great for little hands. Just wind the handle to play a tune and enjoy the "tinky-tonk" sound that's so evocative of days gone by.

£7.99, kidsen.co.uk

3. Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

This fun and creative award-winning cube teaches how sounds combine to create eight Mozart masterpieces. Don't worry – it's nothing too highbrow. Your little one simply adds or subtracts instruments with the touch of a button and lights flash along with the music.

£14.99, amazon.co.uk

4. Mamas and Papas Rocking Animal

This rock'n'ride ladybird has a very comfy seat that infants can rock in to their hearts' content, whilst activating a range of fun melodies. Both durable and delightful, Lotty, who forms part of Mamas and Papas' Babyplay range, is bound to become a much-treasured favourite.

£95, mamasandpapas.com

5. Janod Confetti Musical Set

Janod is well known for its beautifully made, funky mini musical instruments. But this collection tops the lot for play value, including no less than seven wind and percussion instruments to help children learn about beat, rhythm and making tunes.

£15, elc.co.uk

6. Bruin Grand Piano

This grand piano and stool is scaled down for tots, complete with playable keys, demo melodies, rhythms, instrument sounds, record and play functions as well as a microphone with a stand.

£29.99, toysrus.co.uk

7. ELC Giant Keyboard

A giant, wipe-clean keyboard that is a fantastic way for energetic kids to explore music. Get them to hop, skip, tap, dance, jump or even roll around the jumbo mat to create melodies. You can play back their performances and there are plenty of great features, including a parent-pleasing volume control.

£40, elc.co.uk

8. Mothercare Musical Activity Station

With buttons, beads and rattles galore - and even a detachable keyboard – this fabulous adjustable musical platform is heaven on earth for young tots. You'll stimulate their senses and encourage them to explore with their hands, and it stores flat, too.

£70, mothercare.com

9. Lamaze Octotunes

Aimed from birth onwards, this sturdy but soft and squashy toy is colourful, vibrant and cuddly. Best of all, each leg plays a different note and together these notes form a musical octave so your child is able to pick out anything from "Twinkle Twinkle" to "Mary Had a Little Lamb".

£19.99, lamazetoys.co.uk

10. Miffy Mini Musical Set

The first Miffy book was produced in 1955 and almost 30 others have followed since, with a film out this year. No wonder this little rabbit has a whole bunch of licensed merchandise, too, including these charming soft toy instruments that can be shaken or rattled.

£14.99, miffyshop.co.uk