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Percussion is the heartbeat of music — simple, visceral, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for baby-friendly rattles, classroom tambourines, a roll-up drum kit for on-the-go practice, or an exotic steel tongue drum to spark creativity, percussion offers something for everyone. If you’ve ever tapped a rhythm on a table and felt an instant lift, you know why picking the right instrument matters. This guide helps UK shoppers find great percussion options, highlights trusted retailers like Ebebek and Menkind, and points to other specialist shops across the country.
Two retailers that often appear when you search for percussion items are Ebebek and Menkind. Each has a distinct personality: Ebebek focuses on children’s toys and early-learning musical items, while Menkind curates novelty, gift-style instruments and fun gadgets. Below I’ll break down the percussion products each specialises in and why either might be a good fit depending on who you’re shopping for.
If you’re buying for a baby, toddler, or young child, Ebebek frequently stocks colourful, safe, and development-oriented percussion toys. Their range focuses on lightweight, easy-to-hold instruments that build motor skills and musical curiosity.
The Studio Circus maracas are a classic starter instrument — small, light, and easy to grip. Designed with cute panda bear motifs, they’re perfect for little hands and noisy play sessions. Think of these as musical rattles that double as sensory toys.
Halilit is a trusted brand in early years music. The baby tambourine and easy-grip variants are built for safety, with soft edges and jingle elements that aren’t too loud. They’re ideal for group music classes or sing-alongs around the living room.
Bendy bells are flexible, bright, and tactile — great for exploring rhythm and cause-and-effect. These are sturdy enough for repeated handling and small enough to stash in a diaper bag or pram basket no matter where you roam.
Sophie La Girafe is a beloved name in baby products. Their maracas merge the comfort of a teether with the fun of a shaker, making them excellent for sensory development and early music exposure.
Looking for a gift that keeps giving? A stage pack or mini set introduces several percussion sounds at once — tambourines, shakers, and small hand drums — so kids can experiment with tempo and dynamics. These packs usually fit into a small bag or box and make imaginative play feel like a real performance.
Menkind targets gift buyers and gadget lovers who want percussion that’s quirky, shareable, and often designed to spark joy. If you need something for a party, a novelty gift, or an instrument that doubles as decor, Menkind’s range is worth a look.
Tongue steel drums (also called tongue drums or steel tongue drums) have a mellow, meditative tone and come in compact sizes that are easy to display. They’re great for beginners who want an immediately pleasing sound without learning complex technique. Sizes often range from about 6 inches to 14 inches across, and many models come with mallets and a carry bag.
A roll-up drum kit is perfect for travel and practice in tight spaces. These silicone kits typically roll down to a shape that’ll fit into a backpack under 2 feet long, making them brilliant for commuters, students, or home drummers who need a low-noise option for practice.
Although not strictly percussion, novelty items like “Winning Piano Fingers” or small desktop keyboards are often sold alongside percussion gifts at Menkind. They’re fun impulse buys and can be useful for rhythmic games and finger dexterity exercises.
Beyond Ebebek and Menkind, the UK has several specialist and general retailers that cover every corner of the percussion world — from beginner shakers to professional drum kits and ethnic instruments.
Gear4music is a go-to online destination for a wide range of percussion, including cajons, bongos, hand drums, practice pads, and full drum kits. They often provide helpful filters so you can shop by price, brand, or size, and they host user reviews to help you gauge real-world performance.
PMT is known for an extensive in-store and online selection of drums and percussion gear. If you’re looking for higher-end hardware, cymbals, or specialist accessories, PMT’s inventory and knowledgeable staff are a big plus — especially if you want to try before you buy.
Both Dawsons and Andertons offer a strong selection of percussion instruments and accessories, with a focus on quality. They’re good for musicians who want tried-and-tested brands and professional-level gear without hunting across multiple sites.
Thomann (which serves UK customers) and Amazon UK offer competitive prices and massive catalogues. They’re useful when you’re looking for niche items or quick comparisons, but remember to check seller ratings and reviews for quality assurance.
Choosing percussion is part taste, part practicality. Ask yourself: Is this for a child or an adult? Do you need portability? Quiet practice? A showpiece for performances? Your answers help narrow the field quickly.
Start simple: maracas, tambourines, small hand drums, or a compact cajon. Look for items that are built for safety, under 1 pound if for babies, and easy to grip. Brands like Halilit and Sophie La Girafe are excellent starting points for the very young.
Consider a djembe, bongos, or a mid-size tongue drum. These instruments offer expressive range without requiring a full drum kit setup. A roll-up drum kit can be ideal if space and noise are concerns — it lets you practice rudiments discreetly.
Invest in a high-quality cajon, tuned handpan, or full drum kit from specialist shops like PMT or Gear4music. Focus on build materials, brand reputation, and upgradeable components like heads, snares, and hardware. Don’t forget ergonomic factors: a drum throne and adjustable stands make long sessions easier on the body.
Good accessories extend the life and playability of your percussion. Think spare mallets, replacement heads, travel cases, and dampening gels. A basic kit of care items will keep instruments sounding pure and help them survive gigs and school terms.
Different mallets produce very different tones — a soft mallet produces mellow notes on a tongue drum, while a hard stick delivers punch on a practice pad. Keep a couple of options on hand and store spare heads or jingles for tambourines and small drums in case you need replacements.
Protective cases save instruments from bumps and the infamous rainy commute. Many portable percussion pieces fit into soft bags or padded cases that are under 3 feet in length, which is a sensible choice for students and gigging players alike.
Percussion runs the gamut from inexpensive toddler toys to premium handpans costing several hundred pounds. For a quick sense of budget in the UK market: children’s rattles and basic tambourines often start at pocket-change prices, novelty pieces at mid-range, and professional instruments at premium levels.
For under £30 you’ll find baby maracas, tambourines, small shakers, and basic practice pads. These are perfect for getting kids interested or for beginners testing the waters.
This bracket covers quality tongue drums, cajons, bongos, and roll-up kits. Many hobbyists and classroom teachers find their sweet spot here — good tone without breaking the bank.
High-end cajons, professional drum kits, and handpans fall into the premium range. These instruments are built to last and are chosen by serious players who demand superior tone and durability.
Shopping smart means watching for seasonal sales, bundle deals, and clearance items. Retailers often discount starter packs around back-to-school season, holidays, or during end-of-line clearances. Keep an eye on newsletters from shops like Gear4music, PMT, and even Menkind for quirky seasonal offers.
There’s no substitute for hearing and holding an instrument before purchase. If you can, visit a brick-and-mortar store like PMT or Dawsons to try a cajon or a djembe. For small items like maracas and tambourines, the tactile feel matters — especially for kids.
Music is personal — what sounds brilliant to one person might feel flat to another. If you’re buying for a child, prioritise safety and simplicity. If you’re buying for yourself, focus on sound, build quality, and playability. And remember: percussion is as much about joy as it is about technique. Let your rhythm guide your purchase.
From playful baby maracas at Ebebek to quirky steel tongue drums and roll-up kits at Menkind, the UK market offers percussion instruments for every age and skill level. Supplement these options with specialist retailers like Gear4music, PMT, and Dawsons for broader selections and professional gear. Keep portability, sound preference, and intended use in mind, and you’ll find an instrument that not only fits your budget but also sparks your musical energy. Ready to tap into rhythm? Start small, listen closely, and enjoy the beat where you are.
| Percussion | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Halilit Egg Shaker | £ 2,49 | |
| Halilit Ocean Drum | £ 9,49 | |
| Halilit Halilit Baby Tambourine | £ 10,49 | |
| Sophie La Girafe Maracas Rattle | £ 10,99 | |
| Winning Piano Fingers | £ 12,- | |
| Play Roll & Play Sound Cube Wild Animals | £ 19,99 | |
| Tongue Steel Drum | £ 30,- | |
| Roll Up Drum Kit | £ 49,- | |
| Hi-lo Stage Pack Musical Instrument Gift | £ 59,99 |
