This is one of my kids favorite toys of all time.  The drum itself is very durable.  Both of my kids have stood on it - and beat it like you wouldn't believe and it still looks brand new (besides the crayon marks all over the top).  Last Christmas, I bought my kids many instruments and this is by far one of the best purchases that I made.  My now 1-year old son has loved playing with this for the past 6 months.  At first, he would only use his hands to beat it and now he uses the mallets.  My daughter also loves to play lots of songs for me.  Great purchase!