There’s a fine line between nurturing your budding rock star and allowing your toddler’s incessant drum solo to drive you insane. Yes. That line is quite fine. While I’m sure most children possess a natural desire to create music, W has always seemed especially attracted to melody—especially when created by banging something against something else. And though he’s not picky—he’ll gladly rap out a tune using a wooden spoon and a hardwood floor; two pot lids; or his head and the porcelain bathtub (this one made me especially proud)—I still found myself itching to equip him with some actual instruments—some nice, wooden (read: quiet) instruments on which he could release his inner percussionist. In the beginning he’d slam down on his drum set or xylophone like it was any other surface, but gradually he began to view his instruments as devices that make music. He now sings his own song as he keeps the beat: “La la lalala! La la lalala!” Complicated lyrics, for sure.

I present you with a few of my favorite starter musical toys:

Some memories refuse to fade. One of my stickiest remembrances from childhood is of a man playing the harmonica, drums and guitar simultaneously on a NYC subway platform. And between harmonica solos he’d sing! The joy was almost too much to take. Now Plan Toys’ Musical Band ($39.16) allows your little one to be his own one-man band, without requiring nearly as much dexterity or musical ability. The set is made from organic recycled rubber wood—and water-based paints—and includes two drum pads, a cymbal and a guiro (a gourd-like percussion instrument played with a stick—I had to look it up). We’re talking hours of stay-home entertainment.

I’m a big fan of the xylophone. I’m not sure if that’s because it starts with “x” or because it’s a cool way to work out a beat. Regardless of the motivation, W is now the owner of his very own Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Neo Xylophone ($32). The multicolored instrument is made from rubber wood and non-toxic paints and while it emits a series of satisfying notes, the sound is never jarring.

My desire to have W play Plan Toy’s Concertina ($20.88) is entirely selfish. Sure, he may get a kick out of squeaking out a tune on this mini rubber wood accordion, but the pleasure will be all mine. There really can be no better sight than your one and half year old son playing the ...