Rain stick

A gentle instrument that turns a simple tilt into the sound of falling rain. Tiny metal balls cascade down through a tower of colorful wooden baffles inside a clear tube, and each tilt sends them tumbling from one level to the next in a soft, shifting patter that sounds remarkably like real rain moving through leaves. Unlike a shaken instrument, this one rewards a slow, careful motion, tilting it gently rather than shaking it hard, which makes it an unusually calming instrument for a child to explore rather than an energetic one. Watching the balls spiral down through the rainbow-colored discs is its own quiet fascination, giving curious eyes something to follow while curious ears take in the sound. It works just as well as a calming tool before naptime as it does as a genuine musical instrument for group play, an easy addition to any collection of first instruments. The clear tube makes the whole mechanism visible and endlessly interesting. A soothing sound-maker for ages 1 and up.