Melissa and Doug Band in a Box :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Not so durable

2008-10-02
I gave this to my son for his 3rd birthday as he is interested in music and says he wants to play in a band, so I thought he'd enjoy this. He did enjoy it, but broke the tamberine within an hour. The material in the middle was so flimsy - almost like thick paper. It says on the box that this is appropriate for ages 3+. I admit my son can be rough on toys, but I know other three year-olds that are even rougher. This is a cute little set, but not sturdy enough for a three year-old. I think they should reword the recommended age on their package.

Making music

2008-09-30
This is great- we are going to use the instruments at our reception so people can play along with the music.

Not so toddler-tough

2008-09-13
My daughter got this for her 2nd birthday. Within minutes, the cover of the drum was broken. She was not extra-rough with it. It is just very poorly-made. Surprising for Melissa & Doug.

Excellent Skill Builder

2008-09-01
Purchased for a childs 4th birthday. He and his frined love to play music and take turns sharing the instruments. Each one has their Debut as a soloist on the instrument of choice and have learned to incorporate voice as well. We highly recommend!

This ROCKS!

2008-08-07
I bought this band in a box for my son because it was cheaper than buying plastic, loud versions of the instruments individually. I worried that my two-year-old would be bored with these, as there are no flashing lights or applause. But weeks later, he still goes for these toys first. His electronic maracas have been abandoned because these instruments are so much more fun!

Fun for all kids!

2008-07-19
Little musicians can form a traveling band with this compact wooden music set. Featuring ten fun musical pieces, this quality kit is the perfect way to introduce youngsters to musical play. Pieces include a colorfully designed pair of maracas, hand cymbals, tambourine, triangle and two other wooden noisemakers. Every piece fits conveniently into a sturdy wooden storage case, making clean up a piece of cake.

Sturdy and Enjoyable

2008-07-09
This set is great to use with my elementary school students in a small class. They are well made with decent sounds. I have previously purchased some of these items separately from other manufacturers which cost more with similar quality. My students like to use these especially for different sound effects during a puppet show or skit in class.

Wonderful toy

2008-05-20
I bought this for my one year old. He loves making noise and this was the perfect gift. He's too young for the triangle but appreciates everything else. This comes in a cute wooden box where you can try to keep everything neat. I recommend this as a gift. - Noga Rosenthal

A great toddler gift - full of creativity and fun!

2008-05-19
I bought this gift for my son for his 2nd birthday, and it quickly became one of our household favorites. The instruments are durable and easy-to-use for toddlers. My son is 2 1/2 now, and he often hands everyone in the house a different instrument so we can all play together while he belts out his favorite nursery rhymes; then he switches our instruments and changes his tune. I have bought this for several people as gifts for 3 and 4 year olds as well, and each has been met with great joy. I consider this a "must have" for any child and a nice departure from the plastic/battery-powered toys of which we already have so many. Great for a boy or a girl!

One of those toys that never gets old

2008-04-20
I've got a 15-month old who just loves music and is always clapping her hands. The minute we opened this toy, she immediately took to the cymbals. My wife turned the sturdy box they came in upside down so that she could beat on the box if she wanted. My daughter had a better idea... she'd climb up on top of it like her little stage and crash her cymbals like some major domo, marching in step at that! We all love playing with these very durable toys.

This and things to draw with are the best toys, because kids don't seem to burn out with them the way they do with one-trick pony toys. Anyway, I'm very pleased with this and the great value it represents for the price. I'll be giving this as a gift to my friends' kids.

You can never have the perfect toy, but as long as they've come so close with this, I might as well ask Melissa and Doug if they would verify for us parents that the paint used in these does not contain lead -- they are from China and the bright yellows and reds are the ones that more often contain lead. The only other thing is to know whether the wood was sustainably harvested and did not come from clearcutting trees (in Borneo or something and sent to China for processing).

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	Dora the Explorer Mr. Face Plush Backpack Review: My daughter is a big Dora fan and uses this backpack to carry around her favorite toys and books, which is why I gave it 5 stars for educational value. My friend's daughter has it as well, and love hers too. We've had it 6 months now and it's holding up just fine. The map opens up for an added bonus. My daughter likes to wear it and sing the backpack song from the show.
	Star Wars Episode III: Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet Wow, do I ever wish they had this out when I was a kid! I bought it, and my wife, kids and I have all been playing with it. It has a chest box with several buttons that plays about 5 of Darth's quotes from the movies, or you can switch it to voice changer. The voice changer is fun! It has 3 different levels of depth for changing the voice. ... A must for Star Wars Geeks!!!!

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2005. The Best Toys, Books, Videos, Music & Software for Kids

As featured on NBC's TODAY Show! The experts from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, the independent consumer organization rate the best (and worst) in children's toys, books, videos, music and software. Don't waste any more money on products that are a waste of your money and your child's time. Here's the guide that every parent (and grandparent) should have before they go shopping.

Guide includes important child development information, basic gear checklists, product comparisons, best shower and birthday presents for every budget, multicultural products, science toys, educational toys and a full chapter on adapting ordinary products for kids with special needs.

Excerpt: ..many of the best hoard games are both entertaining and educational. Many games can improve math, spelling, memory, and reading skills in a more enjoyable way than with the old flash card.