Finding the perfect gift for the cherished musician in your life is an art in itself. Whether they captivate audiences with the harmonious strokes of a piano or strummed their way into your heart with a soulful guitar, the quest for the right present to resonate with their passion can be a challenge. In this guide, we suggest 18 gifts that we think will strike a chord with even the toughest music critic, ensuring that your chosen gift brings a smile to their face and a melody to their heart!
1. Wireless Bluetooth headphones:
Experience the pure joy of music without the hassle of cords with a good quality pair of wireless headphones. Today’s wireless headphones are cutting-edge, not only providing exceptional sound quality but also granting musicians the freedom to move and groove to their favorite tunes, unencumbered by tangled wires. With wireless connectivity, they can enjoy the full spectrum of their music, whether they’re practicing in the studio, performing on stage, or simply immersing themselves in melodies on the go. Elevate their musical experience and unlock their true potential with this great gift choice!
2. Online Music Lessons:
If they’re just starting out with their instrument, why not provide them with the gift of online music lessons? With the convenience of virtual learning, they can receive professional guidance from experienced instructors in the comfort of their own home. Whether they aspire to play the guitar, piano, drums, or any other instrument, online music lessons offer a structured and interactive way to develop their skills and build a strong musical foundation.
- Try for guitar: Justin’s Guitar – this is a personal recommendation as I’ve tried both the free and paid content and it is awesome. Justin is so incredibly personable and gives you the confidence and skill to play well known songs from a very early stage.
- Try for piano: Learn Piano Blues – a great little site with video lessons and optional sheet music. The lessons are building blocks that can be mixed in different ways, getting you playing a variety of blues in no time at all.
3. Vinyl record player:
Rediscover the timeless allure of vinyl with a classic vinyl record player. This nostalgic gift allows music lovers to indulge in the rich and authentic sound that only vinyl can deliver. From the crackling ambiance to the deep tones, the experience of spinning vinyl records is a sensory delight. Moreover, the ritual of carefully selecting and flipping through vinyl collections adds a touch of nostalgia and a tangible connection to music history. With a vinyl record player, musicians can immerse themselves in the beauty of analog music and create a cozy ambiance that transcends time. Gift them a vinyl record player and let them embark on a sonic journey filled with cherished melodies and treasured memories.
Try: House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Bluetooth Turntable (pictured above) – Bob Marley is a household name and House of Marley was created in collaboration with the Marley family with its products encompassing everything Bob stood for. Currently £219.99 with finance available.
4. Sheet music of favorite songs or compositions:
Inspire musicians to play their favorite tunes and showcase their skills with the gift of sheet music. Whether it’s a treasured classic or a contemporary hit, these musical scores enable musicians to immerse themselves in the melodies they love, further developing their musical abilities and allowing them to express their unique interpretations. With the gift of sheet music, you empower musicians to explore new horizons, master their craft, and experience the sheer joy of bringing music to life..
Or, if they’re a guitarist and digitally minded, a subscription to Songsterr is likely to go down a storm – you can try all the tabs for free, or get access to very handy features such as Speed Control, Loop, Solo, Mute, Pitch Shifting, etc for $9.99 USD per month.
5. Portable MIDI keyboard:
Enhance the musical creativity of musicians on the go with a portable MIDI keyboard. This compact and versatile instrument is designed for convenience, allowing musicians to unleash their composition skills and explore new melodies wherever inspiration strikes. With its lightweight and portable design, the MIDI keyboard becomes a trusted companion for musicians, fitting snugly into their backpacks or travel cases. Whether they are composing music during a long journey or capturing melodies in the midst of nature, the portable MIDI keyboard empowers musicians to bring their musical ideas to life with ease. Gift them this portable powerhouse and unlock a world of musical possibilities, providing them with the freedom to create and compose whenever and wherever they desire.
Steer clear of all the cheap foreign copies and choose a known brand such as Alesis (click here).
6. Concert tickets:
Gift the unforgettable experience of a live music performance! From the anticipation that fills the air to the exhilarating energy that surges through the crowd, attending a live music event is a truly immersive and transformative experience. It’s a chance to connect with the music on a deeper level, to feel the vibrations pulsating through the air, and to be swept away by the raw talent and passion of the performers. By gifting the experience of a live music performance, you create lasting memories and give music enthusiasts the chance to be part of something truly extraordinary, igniting their passion for music and leaving them with a sense of awe and inspiration.
Ticketmaster allows you to ‘give the gift of live’ with a gift card – probably a safer bet than trying to choose their tickets for them!
7. Subscription to a music streaming service:
Open the doors to a boundless world of music with a subscription to a music streaming service. Delight music enthusiasts by granting them unlimited access to an extensive library of songs, albums, and playlists through popular platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal. With a vast collection of tracks spanning various genres and eras, they can discover new artists, delve into their favorite genres, and curate personalized playlists to suit any mood or occasion. Whether they are seeking inspiration, relaxation, or a high-energy groove, a music streaming subscription puts the power of choice at their fingertips. Before gifting, make sure to check that they don’t already have a subscription!
8. Personalized guitar pick or drumsticks:
A personalized touch for guitarists or drummers, engraved guitar picks or drumsticks make for a meaningful and practical gift.
If you don’t play the guitar yourself, be aware that picks come in different thicknesses, from extra thin (roughly under 0.45 mm) to extra heavy (above 1.2mm). A custom pick is even better if it is actually useful! If your loved one plays acoustic guitar, they’ll appreciate a thinner pick; same goes if they like playing rhythm / strumming. If they play electric or they’re more into solos that require a bit of control, they’ll prefer something a bit thicker.
9. Music-inspired jewelry:
Add a touch of style with music-inspired jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet featuring musical note pendants, making for a fashionable and sentimental gift. Check this small but lovely selection of musical-themed silver jewelry from family business MythandSilver.com including music note ear studs and rings.
10. Instrument stand or wall mount:
If the usual place for their instrument is the floor, help music lovers showcase it with pride using a stylish and functional stand or wall mount, adding an aesthetic touch to their practice space or room (we’ve not linked to any stands here as there are so many instruments!)
11. Recording equipment:
Enable musicians to record their music with professional-grade quality using equipment facilitating home recording and production. Again, this is rather instrument specific so you may need to do a little research – it could be as simple as a microphone or a couple of cables, but look for known brands and quality is key.
12. Music-themed art print or poster:
Enhance their living space or practice area with a captivating music-themed art print or poster, inspiring their creativity and love for music. Or go for a vintage tin wall sign of their favourite band, giving them a lasting piece to treasure for years to come. Click here for ideas.
13. Gift card to a music store:
Give them the freedom to choose their desired musical equipment or accessories with a gift card to a trusted music store.
- PMT – they offer cards of £10-£100, to spend in store
- Andertons – they offer denominations of £10-£500, instant (great for last minute gifts) – physical cards can be sent out too
- Thomann – multiples of £10-£50, via post, email or SMS
- DV247 – denominations of 10-250 Euros, online or credit card style in-store cards available
- Rimmers – online, you type in the amount, your message and their email, and specify what date it should be sent on – a great little service.
14. Book on music theory or biography of a favorite musician:
Expand their musical horizons and ignite their passion with a book on music theory or an enthralling biography of a beloved musician. These literary treasures offer a gateway to a deeper understanding of the intricacies of music and the lives of the artists who have shaped its landscape. A book on music theory unravels the secrets behind composition, harmony, and musical structure, empowering musicians to unlock new levels of creativity and refine their craft. On the other hand, a biography delves into the fascinating journeys and experiences of renowned musicians, providing insight into their artistic processes and the challenges they faced along the way. By gifting a book on music theory or a captivating biography, you not only expand their knowledge but also inspire them to delve further into the world of music, nurturing their love for the art form and fueling their own creative endeavors.
15. Subscription to a music magazine:
Keep them abreast of the latest trends, news, and exclusive interviews in the dynamic music industry with a subscription to reputable music magazines such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, or Mojo. These acclaimed publications serve as trusted sources of information, offering in-depth coverage of artists, genres, and the ever-evolving landscape of music. With each issue, they can dive into insightful articles, reviews, and features that shed light on emerging talents, industry developments, and the stories behind their favorite songs. A subscription to these esteemed magazines ensures that music enthusiasts stay connected to the pulse of the industry, providing them with a constant flow of inspiration, knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the artistry that shapes the world of music. Gift them the gateway to a world of musical discovery and an insider’s view of the captivating realm of melodies and rhythms.
16. Portable Bluetooth speaker:
Music lovers can enjoy their favorite tunes anywhere with a portable and rugged Bluetooth speaker, providing high-quality sound for outdoor gatherings or travel. I have the Anker 2 and it never disappoints – it’s small enough to carry around and the sound quality is fantastic for the size. Click here to find out more.
17. A piano upgrade
If they’ve been learning piano a while but they’re still playing on a basic keyboard, maybe it’s time for an upgrade! There’s quite a few differences between a piano and a keyboard that will impact their playing experience and their ability to progress – for example, the number of keys, whether the keys are weighted and so on. Read our guide to buying a digital piano here.
18. Noise-cancelling headphones:
Allow them to immerse themselves fully in their music with high-quality noise-cancelling headphones, blocking out external distractions and creating a pristine listening environment.
- Bose noise cancelling headphones will set you back around £250, whilst the earbuds are around £160
- Sennheiser are a little cheaper with the headphones around £130 and the earbuds around £160
- Bang and Olufsen are really the gold standard, with headphones starting around £250 and earbuds around £115
- Sony offer more affordable options with headphones from around £99 and earbuds around £100
Avoid the cheaper imitation brands for headphones and stick to those brands with a good reputation if you really want to give the gift of beautiful sound.
These gift ideas should cover every budget and cater to different aspects of a music lover’s passion, from listening to music, playing instruments, learning, and immersing themselves in the world of music. Happy gifting!
Featured Image by Van3ssa Zheki Dazzy https://pixabay.com/users/k-e-k-u-l-é-13670757/
Concert image by Pexels https://pixabay.com/users/pexels-2286921/