Secondhand music instrument for a gift?

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In the next couple of months I'll be attending a christening of a family friend. It's a much wanted baby and there's little possibility of them having anymore. I'd like to get the baby/parents a well thought of gift but I don't really have an idea.

I had a large christening as a baby and my mum still owns a collection of silver (tat) that I was a) never allowed to play with b) never seemed to get any enjoyment out of as it was all boxed away. I think it's all in her loft where it will be forever more.

Now, both baby's parents are musicians (not professionally) so was thinking of a small violin/ukulele/wind instrument. Both parents are keen readers too so I'm sure they'll appreciate a nice book or series (something quirky as I presume they'll have most popular books). One lot of grandparents are very religious so I presume they'll get a fair few bibles. I wouldn't mind getting something travel related as I'm sure this baby will see more of this world than we could ever dream of.

I'm more than happy for other suggestion around the £50 mark just want something that the baby will be able to get use out of but also something sentimental. Really appreciate any ideas as I'm struggling. Thank you!!

The glockenspiel is really brilliant! Get that! I kind of want it for myself.

I bought my child a 1/4 size violin that cost quite a lot. But she really really wanted to learn the violin. And I agree that buying a first instrument is a really special thing. Most children, even musical ones, won't necessarily be suited to a violin. It's a particularly difficult instrument, esp in the starting stages, and it requires high levels of commitment, self-motivation, ability to take criticism, and drive to get any good at it.

The glockenspiel is just fun and will be wonderful for a baby to play with and still sound lovely, and if the parents are musicians they will enjoy it too.

A book is also a lovely idea. DD has this which has been a constant source of joy over a few years: www.amazon.co.uk/Creaturepedia-Adrienne-Barman/dp/1847806341?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Helio, I've had decent mini violins for under £50. I wouldn't ebay without extreme caution (by the time you've replaced a worn out bow and strings, you've spent another £50 anyway) but they get handed round pupils of the local teachers. Something like Stentor is fine for a beginner on an 1/8 size. Not a great present though, they won't make nice noises on a violin without proper lessons, and you don't know what size violin they might need if they ever do have lessons.

Seriously, an in tune glockenspiel type thing would be a very special present for musical parents. Kid can make nice noises even when they're little, and play tunes when they're a bit bigger.

If you’d like a book I’d recommend having a browse of smallprint books, great curated selection and I’m sure the owner would be happy to recommend some musical ones!

The book sounds great idea! A print would also be a lovely gift.

I’d agree with steering clear of instruments unless you know what to look for. Myself and my boyfriend both play a variety of stringed instruments...people have bought cheaper ukulele’s etc as gifts and, while the thought is really very sweet, they’re almost unplayable and end up gathering dust!

My daughter has some of the large hard backed picture books (A2/A3 size) that are drawn/painted reference books and they are lovely. She still looks at the now , aged 11.
I can't add a link from my phone but the Aleksandra Mizielinska Maps book is on Amazon. There are a few different books such as zoo-ology etc which are also lovely .

I think an instrument could be a tricky choice as it's a very personal choice which instrument you play. Books are always a great choice IMO. I brought some beautiful personalised books from Wonderbly at Christmas, the Charlie and the chocolate factory book is particularly lovely and has the children's name running throughout!

I’d agree with steering clear of instruments. I’m an amateur violinist and am really hoping DS will be interested in music, I play him lots of classical music and he’s come to a couple of family concerts my orchestra has put on, but when he’s old enough (he’s only nearly 2!) he has to choose for himself what he wants to play or it won’t be fun. I chose violin aged 6 and am still here enjoying it 25 years later, none of the people I knew whose parents made them have lessons still play!

I tend to do nice editions of classic children’s books for christenings - Winnie the Pooh, Beatrix Potter etc.

I think a percussion instrument would be fine because any child could/would enjoy that, but not sure why consider a violin? What if the child isn’t musical? What if they aren’t a violinist?

I play the violin and so does DS1 but DS2, while very musical, is definitely not a violinist, and has taken like a duck to water to the trumpet.

How about a course of classes for mum and baby (if she's on mat leave still). If they're a musical family, maybe a rhythm and rhyme class? I'd ask the parents first though, to make sure it's feasible for them to attend.

I'm seconding a nice edition of a special book. I gave my godson a really nice Beatrix Potter box set rather than a bit of silver that would probably get lost.

There's nothing wrong with a second hand musical instrument in general - or my parents wasted an awful lot of money on my very good 1920s violin - but it's a bit personal for a baby who's not ready to decide if or what to play.

I like the Barefoot Books Atlas. Alternatively DS was given Wonderful Earth which has remained a favourite for years.

As a mix you could look at the story orchestra books - we have four seasons and nutcracker - they are lovely to read to a child and the music is obv gorgeous and they last till a child grows up.

They make a nice change when you are reading at an age a child can't really understand to have something that sounds lovely

What about framed sheet music of a song that’s meaningful to the couple/baby? Song with baby’s name in it, song they sang to bump, etc