My son, now two, loves going to his music together class each week, during which he gets to spend some time playing instruments.  We have collected many small "instruments" (more like rattles and noisemakers) over time.  He recently developed an interest in drums, so I was in search of an age appropriate drum that would not drive us crazy with poor quality noise.  I have been pleased with Plan Toys products in general, so I thought I would check out their Solid Drum.  

Plan Toys Solid Drum is a small, approximately 6.5 inches wide, and 3.5 inches high, tympanic wood drum manufactured in Thailand.  Plan Toys used rubber-wood for this drum (as well as most of their toys) and non-toxic color dyes and finishes.  This drum is stated to comply with ASTM and EN71 toy safety standards, according to the manufacturer.  The top of the drum is flat wood with a swirl cut across the surface that helps create different sounds when struck in different spots with the included rubber tipped drum stick.  The drum stick is approximately 6 inches long and also made of wood with a small rubber tip on one end.  Around the sides of the drum is a red and blue triangle pattern repeat to add decoration to the drum.  The bottom of the drum features a wooden bottom with three rubber feet securely screwed into the drum, along with a small logo for Plan Toys. 

According to Plan Toys, the Solid Drum is recommended for ages 19 months and older. It suggests that use of the drum encourages development of spacial perception and arm muscles as well as auditory nerves.  I suppose that is a fancy way of saying your child will develop a bit of arm strength and hand-eye coordination by banging away on his drum! 

This drum really is solid!  No, it isn't a solid wood disc, but it is incredibly sturdy and feels somewhat heavy without being burdensome to a child.  According to my kitchen scale, the drum weighs 1 pound 2.8 ounces, hefty without being heavy.  The drum is hollow, which gives it that lovely drum sound when hit with the drum stick, but it doesn't sound cheap like some drums on the market.  Striking different parts of the drum gives different sounds and it remarkably sounds beautiful.  (Even with a toddler banging away on it!)

The cost of this drum seems to range from $17 to $24 US, after perusing several on-line retailers.  My son did receive his drum as a present from his grandparents.  

My son loves his drum.  He plays with it frequently and seems to really enjoy producing music.   The drum sounds great and is easy to use.  It gives him an appropriate place to hit, makes music, and is just the right size for him to tote around the house.  Its size makes storage easy as well. 

If I had to change anything on this toy I would add a small loop or notch on the bottom to help with carrying it--more for me than my son. When I'm trying to clean up the family room I tend to move quickly and try to gather up as much as possible at once.  The dimensions of the drum are just slightly bigger than my finger span, making it slightly difficult to grab the drum with other things.  A small loop would make it a bit easier to sling around while carrying a bunch of toys.  Also, the drum stick does not attach to the drum, so there is always a possibility of losing it.    These two things aside, I still think this is a great toy.
 
I would absolutely recommend this toy for a budding musician and think it makes a great gift; one that other parents really won’t hate you for after they realize how nice the Plan Toys Solid Drum sounds.  It is reasonably priced and well made.  I anticipate that it is one of those toys that will bring years of enjoyment as a child grows and it is sturdy enough to hold up throughout childhood.  It is so well made it would probably last to become a toy for the next generation of kids: your grandkids!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 19
Type of Toy: Educational
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months