Shakers are versatile percussion instruments used in music, film production, and sound therapy. Whether you're looking for a fun rhythm tool or an eco-friendly shaker for your collection, they come in various forms made from materials like seeds, beads, and natural shells. Each type produces a distinctive sound, from the gentle shake of a gourd shaker to the soothing tones of a rainstick, making them suitable for different musical and therapeutic purposes.
How do shakers work?
Shakers produce sound through small particles (seeds, beads) moving inside a container. The material and size of the particles determine the sound: larger particles create deeper tones, while smaller ones produce sharper sounds. The container’s shape and material also influence the tone.
Popular Types of Shakers
1. Egg Shaker
★★★★★ - " Nice natural percussion piece, sounds great!" – Verified Buyer
A great choice for beginners, the egg shaker instrument is perfect for developing rhythm and hand coordination. It’s also a safe option for young kids as it’s a kid-safe musical instrument that helps nurture a love for music from an early age.
You can buy the Egg Shaker Here.
Coconut Shell Maraca
★★★★★ - "My new place for percussion. Extremely happy with my purchase. well packaged. arrived quickly." - Verified Buyer
Maracas are essential in many Latin and folk music traditions. Our maraca for music offers the authentic sound and feel that professional musicians love, but it’s also fun and easy enough for kids to enjoy. It’s a versatile percussion instrument that can be played in solo or group settings.
Purchase Your Coconut Shell Maraca Today.
Fibreglass Shekere
The Fibreglass Shekere is a vibrant African percussion instrument with a loud, resonant sound. Made from durable fibreglass and adorned with beads or cowrie shells, it delivers a bright, sharp tone that carries over long distances. Ideal for musicians of all levels, this unique shaker brings energy and authenticity to any rhythm section. Perfect as a gift, it’s sure to make a memorable addition to your percussion collection.
Buy the Fibreglass Shekere today.
Gourd Guiro Shaker
The Gourd Guiro Shaker offers a unique, earthy tone that stands out in any percussion setup. Made from sustainable natural gourd, it delivers a mellow, organic sound that enhances rhythms, making it perfect for acoustic performances. Its handwoven strap adds a personal touch, while the lightweight design makes it comfortable for long sessions. This multipurpose instrument is not only eco-friendly but also versatile, serving as a guiro, shaker, and rainstick in one.
You can buy the Gourd Guiro Shaker here.
Afuche Cabasa
The Afuche Cabasa is a durable and versatile percussion instrument, perfect for adding texture to your rhythms. Its metallic scraping tones and crisp sound make it a staple in Latin music styles like samba and bossa nova, while its ability to cut through in both studio and live performances ensures it stands out in any setting. Built with robust metal and wood components, this cabasa is designed for frequent use and delivers professional-quality sound, making it an essential addition to any percussion collection.
Order the Afuche Cabasa today.
Tambourine
The tambourine for kids is an ideal educational percussion instrument that encourages creative play and rhythm development. Safe for younger players, it helps build coordination and timing while combining percussion and jingling sounds for versatile use. Perfect for group settings or children's music classes, it is durable and safe for kids when used under supervision.
Purchase your tambourine here.
African Caxixi Basket Shaker
★★★★☆ - "Nice to hold for a young man with sensory issues." - Verified Buyer
This handmade Double Caxixi Shaker delivers crisp, clean tones perfect for adding texture to any rhythm. Crafted from woven rattan, it’s built to last and offers eco-friendly appeal with its natural materials like bamboo and gourds. Its vibrant sound and authentic African design make it an essential addition for percussionists seeking depth and resonance in their music.
You can buy the African Caxixi Shaker here.
Chilean Cactus Rainstick Shaker
★★★★★ - "Lovely sound and a good size. I'm looking forward to using my new rain stick during my soundbaths thank you." - Verified Buyer
The rainstick meditation instrument creates soothing, nature-like sounds that promote relaxation, making it an ideal tool for meditation and sound therapy. Crafted from sustainable cactus, it offers a natural and eco-friendly option, while its lightweight design makes it easy to handle for users of all ages.
Order the Chilean Cactus Rainstick Shaker here.
Foot Jingle Percussion Shaker Set
The Foot Percussion Shaker Set adds subtle jingling tones while keeping your hands free to play other instruments, making it perfect for multi-instrumentalists like guitarists, drummers, or vocalists. Designed for long sessions, it offers lightweight comfort and attaches easily to your shoe using a stainless steel spring clip. Its dynamic sound reacts to foot movements, allowing for creative rhythm control, while the precision-crafted steel balls ensure exceptional sound quality to complement acoustic instruments effortlessly.
Purchase the foot percussion shaker set here.
Khenji Shamanic Shaker
The shamanic shaker for rituals is deeply rooted in spiritual practices and ideal for healing, ceremonies, and sound therapy. It produces deep, resonant tones that connect to ancient traditions, making it perfect for rituals, spiritual practices, and meditative drumming. Made with natural materials, it offers an authentic, grounding feel.
You can buy the Khenji shamanic shaker here.
Kashaka Cas-Cas Shaker
The Kashaka Cas Cas Shaker is made from natural gourd and features interconnected shaker balls that produce dual tones, enhancing rhythm and coordination. Its handmade, eco-friendly design offers a variety of sounds based on technique, delivering a crisp, percussive tone that’s perfect for both play and performance.
Order the Kashaka shaker today!
Rubber Seed Shaker
★★★★★ - "It's an interesting combination of loud and soft at the same time, not harsh, but still intense. It's exactly what I always wish I had had, so thank you!" - Verified Buyer
Handcrafted from natural rubber seeds, these eco-friendly shakers produce a soft, earthy tone perfect for subtle rhythmic layers. Sustainable and environmentally conscious, they are an excellent choice for eco-conscious musicians. Lightweight and easy to use, they are great for beginners and children under supervision, while their beautiful design also makes them a decorative piece.
Purchase the Rubber Seed Shaker here.
Benefits of Playing Shakers
Playing shakers engages multiple senses and helps develop fine motor skills, coordination, and cognitive abilities. Shakers support creativity and social interaction, making them a fun, engaging way to nurture children's growth. Plus, they make great gifts for musicians of all ages!
Safety Tips for Parents
- Choking Hazard: Avoid small parts for children under 3 years old.
- Sharp Edges: Inspect for splinters or sharp components before use.
- Supervision: Always supervise children during play.
- Storage: Keep out of reach when not in use to ensure safety.
- Maintenance: Clean with a damp cloth to keep them in top condition.
Why Shakers Are Great Gifts for Musicians
Shakers are fantastic gifts for any musician, from beginners to professionals. They’re especially perfect for kids, supporting fine motor skills and creative expression while providing hours of fun. Whether you choose an eco-friendly rubber seed shaker or a traditional gourd shaker, these instruments are an excellent addition to any collection.
By incorporating shakers into playtime or music education, parents can support their child’s overall growth while keeping activities fun and engaging. For this reason, they make a great gift for Christmas and birthdays for those aged between 5 years plus. For little ones you should ensure that you purchase instruments that have no small parts as this can be a choking hazard. For younger ones I would recommend either a tambourine or a shamanic maraca which would be great for their palmar grip.
After use musical instrument should be put away out of reach of children to ensure safety. Kids must not play instruments aggressively as they could damage the instrument or cause injury. Musicians use shakers all around the world, and enjoy them whilst recording in the studio and also whilst performing on a stage. Tribes use shamanic shakers and drums around the fire whilst chanting on a spiritual journey.
Explore our unique range of natural shakers made from seed pods, bamboo, and exotic materials like coconut and cinnamon sticks. Perfect for musicians or thoughtful gifts. Shop for percussion shakers now and get a discount off your first order!
