the best of SfB #3

It’s that magical, timeless week between Christmas and New Year’s. Though I will be happily taking a mini-blog-vacation, it’s the perfect time of year to look at some of the top posts from Small for Big this past year. Let’s count them down this week, shall we?

The 3rd most popular blog post: Melodious Melodica

I’m working hard on this year’s holiday gift guides – they should premiere next week, with a huge jam-packed week of giveaways as well (hold on to your seats people, it’s going to be a great ride!). When I ran into this crazy retro little number, I almost saved it for the guides. But hell, it’s too cool, it deserves it’s own mention. So here we are.

What is this thing? Well, it’s called a Melodica, and in this instance a retro melody horn (with case!). In short it’s a keyboard that will only play it’s music when you’re also blowing into one end. It’s your air, like a pipe organ, that provides the pressure that creates the sound. Yes, I’m a music geek and yes I want one (it’s also available in black and white!). But if you’ve got a kid who knows a little bit about the piano – or who is dragging their feet about those dang piano lessons – this may just be the quirkiest gift I can think of. And if you don’t believe me, please note that this keyboard is being sold at Urban Outfitters – which is obviously the last bastion of cool. And if you don’t believe them, then check out these two cool cats playing Summertime. I want to know these kids (and let’s find that firey ukelele next, shall we?)

And here’s a pic of the black and white version too – note the extra bendy mouthpiece is available on both styles.