Children's Music Boxes

I remember my first childrens music box. It was pink on the outside with white flowers. When I opened it, there was a beautiful ballerina in a pink leotard with white tulle skirt. The music winder was on the botton of the box and after winding it, and opening the lid, the ballerina twirled to the song.

I was thrilled and enjoyed watching her while imagining myself as graceful as she was dancing and twirling. The fact was, although I longed for the grace and beauty of a ballerina, I knew after watching my older sister take ballet lessons, I would need to develop grace another way

I think what captivates all of us about children's music boxes is the element of fantasy. That for the length of the song, we are part of another world as a ballerina, princess, or fairy. Or for those of us that have that special person in mind to gift with a music box, that this world of fantasy and wonder makes a wonderful gift.

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The music box as we know it today began in the 19th century as tiny containers known as snuff boxes which could fit into a gentleman's waistcoat pocket. The music boxes that developed later could range in size from a tabletop box to a large free standing piece of furnture.

Further in history at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century we learn that music boxes were a form of family musical entertainment. Having a music box, in the form of a player piano or gramophone, at home meant being able to dance and enjoy music in the luxury and privacy of your own home.

Most of the 19th century production of music boxes took place in Switzerland. There were manufacturers, albeit it few, in Germany as well. By the end of the 19th century, European manufacturers were locating and producing in the United States.Today however, the most known music box element manufacturer is located in Switzerland with no musical elements being manufactured in the United States.

There are several types of music boxes offered today for all ages. There are jewelry musical boxes, and themed music boxes such as Holiday themes or Broadway Musical, as well as Inspirational and Disney theme music boxes.

The music and the creativity of music boxes continues to conjure old memories and inspire new memories with its entertaining music and inspiring art work.