Is there anything sweeter than hearing a favorite song? It’s a treat for the ears and can really add a bit of sunshine to one’s day. Music can certainly stir up feelings of nostalgia by opening the flood gate for cherished memories to pour in.
That’s the power of music in a nutshell. And when it comes to treating yourself or someone you love to a meaningful gift imbued with a magical tune, music boxes are always a wonderful option, seamlessly blending art, passion and music.
But how did music boxes come to be, one might ask? Back in 1796, Antoine Favre-Salomon, a clockmaker from Geneva, patented the first cylinder musical box. Little did he know at the time, this novel creation would usher in centuries of musical innovation – from the delightful Swiss exports of yesteryear to the jubilant modern creations of today.
The Gift Advisors at The Bradford Exchange want to help you navigate the world of music boxes, from exploring the various types we offer to understanding the material and craftsmanship that goes into each one and discovering the tunes that bring them to life. Plus, we’ll even offer a few recommendations to get you started!
Table of Contents
Types of Music Boxes
Some of our most popular music boxes celebrate the important people in our lives, like daughters, granddaughters, sons, grandsons, sisters and mothers. Many of these can be personalized, letting you add an engraved name for a meaningful touch.
In addition to relationship-focused musical treasures, you’ll also find many music boxes that highlight specific passions and interests. For those who appreciate exquisite artistry, you’re sure to adore music boxes featuring the work of beloved artists like Thomas Kinkade, Lena Liu and Sandra Kuck. You’ll also find religious music boxes and ones that celebrate iconic characters like HARRY POTTER and beloved stars like Elvis.
Looking for music boxes with a unique and creative flair? We have plenty for you to choose from! Prepare to be “wowed” by music boxes crafted in the iconic glittering style of Peter Carl Faberge eggs, nostalgic tributes to THE WIZARD OF OZ, or a tuneful homage to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For an even more inspiring treat, you can’t go wrong with our selection of musical wish jars, each filled with 365 slips of parchment featuring uplifting messages – one to touch the heart for each day of the year
Materials and Craftsmanship
From gorgeously handcrafted Heirloom Porcelain® music boxes to antique-inspired, nostalgic wooden music boxes and mesmerizing mirrored glass music boxes, these treasures are thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted of the highest quality materials so they can be enjoyed for many years to come. They pop to life with a variety of artistic flourishes like 22K gold accents, sparkling hand-set jewels, exquisite hand-painted figures and engraved sentiments that offer words of inspiration and wisdom.
The Tunes You’ll Hear
Of course, no music box would be complete without a sweet tune to compliment it. Our music boxes are often imbued with familiar tunes to touch the heart. Some boast classic tunes like “You Are So Beautiful,” “You Are My Sunshine,” and “Always in My Heart.” Others play tunes that perfectly match their theme like our Elvis music boxes that play classic Elvis tunes, and our collection of music boxes that play melodies from the beloved film “THE WIZARD OF OZ”.
3 Gift Ideas to Get You Started and We Hope That’s Just the Beginning
Daughter, Love You Always Music Box
Give your precious daughter a classic symbol of your devotion. Handcrafted with a fanciful design inspired by classic inlaid wood artistry, this inspirational music box features the look of burled wood with mahogany and cherry finishes. It plays “You Are So Beautiful” and arrives with a keepsake poem card sure to touch your daughter’s heart.
She Believed She Could So She Did Personalized Music Box
Anytime is a good time to celebrate the women in our life – whether it’s our daughters, sisters, granddaughters, friends or ourselves. This empowering mirrored music box does just that and it features a personalized heart charm on a purple ribbon to deliver this very thoughtful message. Plus, it plays the melody of “You Are So Beautiful” and arrives with a poem card. It’s the perfect inspirational gift!
Fortune’s Smile Musical Egg
Did you know that elephants are a symbol of luck, prosperity and good fortune? Now, you can bring home a gorgeous tribute to this highly revered animal with an Heirloom Porcelain® music box that plays “Beautiful Dreamer.” With Peter Carl Faberge’s prized eggs as inspiration and a jeweled elephant as the star, this musical egg sparkles with charm!
Now that you have the 411, we’d like to remind you that we offer an incredible selection of music boxes that are only a click away. We hope you find one that brings sweet music to your heart (or to someone you love)! Happy Shopping!
Our Ultimate Go-To Guide for Buying Music Boxes by The Bradford Exchange