The Remo drum w/Mallet is an extremely durable drum.  A friend of mine got it as a gift for their daughter when she was one. She is now four and has a little brother. The drum has been used on a daily basis and has genuinely been loved and played with. I totally disagree with the reviewer that gave this "toy" a 3 star review. Any "toy" that can survive three years of play with two toddlers and loved that much is not a "toy" in my book!  I have seen the children use the mallets or sticks with the drum. I have even seen them stand on the drum.  At the end of the day, we put our marching band instruments back onto the shelf and give them a rest!  A truly memorable gift and I am here tonight buying it for yet another little one's first Christmas. A gift that shall be enjoyed for many years and not one that breaks on Christmas day.