Hape Pound and Tap Bench

The Pound and Tap Bench is two classic toddler toys in one: a wooden bench with three balls to hammer through the holes, and a xylophone underneath that the balls land on and play as they roll out. The xylophone slides out to be played on its own with the mallet, and the whole thing is painted wood with no batteries.

It is the first birthday gift, the Christmas present for a one-year-old who is just figuring out cause and effect, and the baby shower gift from someone who wants to give a toy that will still be out at age three.

Ages 12 months and up, water-based paints, a mallet and three balls included. Around thirty dollars for the toy pediatricians hand to toddlers in the waiting room.