If You've Got Musical Friends or Family, These Gifts For Musicians Are Sure to Please

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It has never been easier to start making music. In the digital age, we not only have access to many seemingly endless libraries of songs, but the tools to easily record songs of our own. That doesn’t make things any easier if you’re trying to pick out a gift for a musician, or someone who aspires to be one.

Luckily, with so many options, it’s hard to go wrong if you know where to look. If you’re feeling stuck, I've scoured the web, reached out to colleagues and musician friends, and leveraged time-tested favorites from my own home studio. There’s something for everyone here, from beginners to pros, hand-picked to suit every budget. So dig in and find the perfect little something for the musician in your life.

Gifts for Musicians

• For Swapping Out Strings in a Jiffy: D’Addario Pro-Winder 3-in-1 Guitar String Changing Tool

• For Pop-Free Delivery: Auphonix Microphone Pop Filter

• For Hanging Your Axe in Style: String Sing Guitar and Bass Hanger

• For Keeping in Tune: Snark ST-8 Tuner for guitar, bass, and ukulele

• For the Multitasking Singer-Songwriter: Hohner 154-U Harmonica holder

The Expert

What to Consider When You’re Shopping for a Musician

Inspire Creativity

Making music is like a magic trick. Technique, training, and muscle memory all come together to create a lyrical language everyone understands. Picking up a new percussion instrument like a tambourine, or even just altering the sound of a favorite instrument by using a slide or capo, can drive musicians to find new ideas and create something different. The best gifts for musicians help facilitate and streamline the creative process, from playing at home and performing, to recording and sharing your art with the world.

For this guide, I looked for gifts that are fun to open, exciting to play with, and malleable enough to blend into the specific art and style your favorite musician enjoys. While you shop, look for items that don’t distract, but instead pave the way for the creative process, whether that’s a microphone to record a new jam, or a songbook that helps spark the creative juices. Anything that helps your favorite musician produce the music they love is a win.

Make Things Easy On Them

Simply getting started with a musical task can be one of the most difficult parts for musicians at any skill level. Even the most ardent players can get complacent. The key to success with any musical project begins with picking up your instrument every day. Something as simple as a guitar stand that keeps their instrument near, or a tuner that keeps it sounding great can help break down potential hurdles and help your artist continue on their path.

Accessories Are Gold

You likely already know what your favorite musician is into, from the instrument they play to the setup they use to create it. Accessories like string winders, recording tools, or even basic cables are the perfect way to say you’re here to help. Frankly, a musician can never have too many accessories.

While some of the gifts on our list are designed to help guide aspiring musicians on their first steps, many of them just simplify the process. More often than not, the perfect gift is the one that helps supplement and complement the tools your favorite musician already uses.

What Not to Buy

Musical instruments are incredibly personal. Even within each instrument type, there are so many models–and often so many variations of each model–that buying someone an electric guitar or piano can be a risky investment for all involved. Do they like Fender guitars over Gibson, SG or Les Paul? If so, do they want a Stratocaster or Telecaster? How about pickup types, pickguards, string action, and color? Things tend to get in the weeds very quickly.

That’s why, apart from a few easy wins I’ve outlined below, such as an entry-level guitar, I’d recommend primarily sticking to accessories and baseline tools with a little style thrown in. We’re not here to presume the type, quality, or nitty-gritty details of your giftee’s musical passions. Instead, the idea is to help prop up the tools and skills they’ve already acquired in ways that will inspire and delight.

How We Selected Gift Ideas for Musicians

After spending most of my life creating music on stage, at home, and on both sides of the studio glass, I’ve tried just about every type of stringed instrument, composition tool, and accessory there’s a name for. An embarrassing amount of the items I chose for this list are ones I’ve used for countless hours and still use today.

Because the guitar is such an accessible and ubiquitous instrument, I chose a lot of guitar-adjacent gifts. I also chose a lot of entry-level and baseline audio recording gear that has proven its worth after years in the studio, as these are universal tools almost every musician will need at some point. These days, nearly anyone can build a home studio for professional-level recordings, which unlocks all sorts of great ideas at a variety of price points.

I haven’t tried everything out there, of course, which is why I spent plenty of time on forums, instrument retailers like Sweetwater, and major sites like Amazon to read user reviews. I also looked at reviews from professional critics and toured local music stores for inspiration, which I highly recommend folks frequent whenever possible. Most importantly, I spoke with lots of friends and colleagues, many of whom are full- or part-time professional musicians, to help expand my expertise.

Pro-Winder 3-in-1 Guitar String Changing Tool

If you’ve noticed the guitar player on your list grabbing that weirdly bent fork and wirecutters each time they change their strings, this is the first gift to grab.

Designed for use with guitar, mandolin, and ukulele, the Pro-Winder tool helps players quickly pull string pegs, wind on new strings, and chop the ends so they don’t poke an eye out. Every player needs one of these, it’s as simple as that. D’Addario also makes a larger version for bassists.

Microphone Pop Filter

From demos to professional recordings, every singer needs a microphone at home to lay down ideas, and every microphone needs a pop filter. This simple tool reduces a microphone’s overemphasis on hard consonants like Bs and Ps to create silky-smooth vocals and dialogue.

While this particular model is made to pair with a specific microphone, the very popular Blue Yeti, it will work with any microphone and stand.

If you’re looking for an upgrade, I’d recommend Shure’s PS-6 filter for around $50, but I’ve used a similar model for over 10 years with no complaints.

Guitar and Bass Hanger

For musicians decorating a home studio or an artsy sitting room, hanging an instrument like a musical work of art on the wall for all to see is both fashionable and convenient. With solid components and an inviting wooden backdrop, the String Singer is the guitar hanger of choice in studios and homes everywhere.

You’ll find woodblock versions in light or dark stains, as well as a smaller size for ukuleles and mandolins to mix and match instruments in style.

ST-8 Tuner for Guitar, Bass, and Ukulele

Keeping guitars and other stringed instruments in tune is a constant battle, especially for musicians who tend to play gigs out in the elements.

The Snark ST-8 is the most convenient and affordable tuner I’ve used. With its simple clip-on design and a bright and clear display, it’s great for adjusting strings on the move or in between songs without skipping a beat.

154-U Harmonica holder

We’ve all seen troubadours like Bob Dylan bounce from singing to belting out some jangly blues melodies on harmonica without skipping a beat on guitar. This Hohner 154-U is the perfect device for the job, letting your favorite minstrel elevate their next gig with some twangy mouth harp, no spare hands required. A three-piece performance with a one-way split of the take? Bravo, Mr. Dylan.

Tripod Microphone Stand and Boom Arm

Whether they’re on stage or in the studio, every performer needs a great microphone stand to complete their setup. This tripod stand is well-reviewed, simply designed, and comes with great accessories, including a carrying case and dual microphone adapters.

Most notably, its boom arm offers dual extension points, which makes it easy to fine-tune mic placement for vocals, guitar, amplifier, kick drums, and just about anything else.

Moulded Glass Slide

A good guitar slide can spark new ideas and directions for players of all levels. There’s no shortage of options out there, but the professional guitarists I chatted with love the Rock Slide for its great feel, excellent tone, and rock-hard durability.

From blues to psyche rock, if the guitarist on your list wants to expand their proverbial toolkit, this is the perfect accessory to raise their game.

The Elton John Keyboard Book

I bought this songbook for my wife and my sister, both of whom are seasoned piano players, and it's spawned lots of good times and sing-alongs loaded with nostalgic throwbacks. You and your pianist companions can rock out to tunes like “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and 18 other legendary classics from Sir Elton himself. For a good time, just add piano.

RT1010 Tambourine

Radiohead said everyone can play guitar, but the tambourine is a whole lot easier. Perhaps that’s why no audience member can resist picking one up off the stage and playing along. Unwanted accompaniment aside, any good musician needs a tambourine in their arsenal, and this Rhythm Tech is the perfect choice.

With a soft grip and crisp nickel rings to cut through the fog, this jovial tambo makes it easy to add that missing groove you didn’t know you needed.

DB-30 Dr. Beat Metronome

Put away your thoughts of pyramid pedestals and swinging pendulums; the modern metronome is a whole new bag. Boss’ DB-30 is an impressive rhythm tracker, allowing users to program up to nine different rhythms, including options like odd time signatures and heady Latin grooves.

Its pint-size form factor makes it easy to bring along, and clear visual cues help players keep the beat and stay in the pocket. For any drummer or percussionist, a good metronome is a must, and this model makes for a great entry point and beyond.

Acoustic Pads (52-Pack)

The availability of increasingly affordable home studio equipment makes it easier than ever for musicians to create great recordings at home. Acoustic treatment is key to converting any room into a suitable home studio, which makes these simple but effective foam sound dampening pads an insightful gift.

I’ve used similar pads for multiple home studio builds, and while you can spend a heckuva lot more on soundproofing treatments, these do the trick on a tight budget.

If you’re also helping your giftee build their studio, here’s a quick primer on how to use these pads effectively: First, make sure to set up pads at all corners, as well as the ceiling and walls around vocal and instrument recording areas. If you’re setting up studio monitors–special speakers made specifically for audio production–line up a laser pointer with the tweeters of each speaker once they’re properly placed to see where the sound hits first, and place pads there.

For larger rooms, you may want to get a couple of sets, or you can supplement them with moving blankets or other thick fabrics that will absorb sound.

RealFeel 2-Sided Drum Practice Pad (12-inch)

There’s a lot of divisiveness in the world these days, but I think we can all agree on one thing: Drummers are loud! The beauty of this practice pad is it encourages your favorite tub thumper to hone their skills in a quieter (and more portable) manner.

As the name implies, the Evans RealFeel is designed to offer both the shape and feel of an actual drumhead, with one side for more realism, and a second for better bounce and more pronounced articulation. It also fits into most snare stand setups, making it a great option for all involved – your ears included.

GS414B Plus Guitar and Bass Stand

As every good player knows, you can never have too many stands to hold onto your guitar or bass. The Hercules has been a mainstay for guitarists and bassists of all skill levels since debuting in 2002. Its brilliant design is built tough to last for years, yet its heaps of padding and top-side auto-lock arm cradles instruments with a mother’s care. Whether for stage, studio, or music rooms, every player needs a Hercules.

Super Guiro

Even if you’ve never heard of a Guiro, you’ve almost assuredly heard one. From Bowie to Bossa Nova, this little ribbed tube makes a distinctive sound that adds that certain something to all sorts of musical genres.

I’ve only ever used the wooden one, but reviewers say this new plastic model sounds just as sweet. Guiros are an integral addition to any good percussion set. More importantly, they’re just plain fun.

Cable Snakehead Instrument Cables

It’s easy to balk at spending this much money on a single instrument cable. After all, how complicated can the connection between your instrument and amp really be? Serious players know better, and they may never stop thanking you for this one.

Mesh-coiled for protection and hand-crafted in Montana, Rattlesnake’s Snakehead cables are beloved by stage performers for their durability, clarity, and tone preservation, especially for longer connections. The only complaint I’ve heard is that they can be slippery when stepped on, so make sure your favorite player keeps their wits about them.

Capo

Thalia guitar capos aren’t just gorgeous, they also provide the best performance of any capo I’ve used. Their U-shaped design is anchored by a spongy hinge for easy placement, while a strong grip presses the capo evenly across the strings so you don’t need to retune.

Each capo is made from robust materials and includes multiple plastic inserts to match different guitar types. They’re available in a wide array of designs and colors. Plus, if you buy direct from Thalia, you can even customize them with your giftee’s name or a message for that personal touch.

Launchkey Mini MK3 25-key Keyboard

Buying a keyboard as a gift can be a particularly tricky (and expensive) undertaking. But the compact Novation Mini is less of a keyboard than it is a creative vessel to help unlock the potential of aspiring creators, composers, and beat makers. The Launchkey Mini MK3 is designed to be used with a computer and recording software, also called a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), to control synthesizer plug-ins, make loops, and generally program creative bliss.

At less than $100, it’s the perfect starter board for the digital music maker in your life, and can also serve well as part of a larger package if you’re gifting a full recording setup. It’s designed to work with Ableton Live, but plays nice with other recording apps like Apple GarageBand and Logic Pro, making it as versatile as it is affordable.

SM58S Microphone

The Shure SM58 series is an undeniably legendary set of stage microphones. They’re tough like hammers–people have literally used them to hammer nails with no ill effects–and sound great for vocals and instruments alike. They also don’t need a separate (phantom) power source, so you can plug into any amplifier or soundboard with an XLR input.

I personally prefer the SM58S because it has an on/off switch, but you can rest assured that every version will be a dynamo on stage and in the studio. At the price, you simply will not find a better, more dynamic mic.

If your musician is looking for something specifically designed for instruments, the Shure SM57 has virtually the same pattern, but without a built-in pop filter.

RC1 Loop Station Looper Pedal

Have you ever been to a performance where a single person creates their own percussion, vocal harmonies, and even solos on top of their own guitar? A looper pedal, which stores and plays short recordings, can give an artist the ability to play all their instruments at once. If you know someone who wants to play their solo music live, the Boss RC1 will get them started on that path.

With up to 12 minutes of looping, mono and stereo connection, and intuitive visual feedback, the Boss RC1 is an affordable and intuitive looper pedal. It requires just a single 9-volt battery for power and will even keep the last loop recorded in its memory banks after you shut it off. If you know someone looking to take their stage show to the next level, the Boss RC1 Loop Station is the perfect electronic companion.

Profile USB-C Mic and Stand

The Sennheiser Profile is my favorite USB-C microphone out there, offering excellent performance and an intuitive design that’s perfect for aspiring recording artists, podcasters, and more. It sets up and connects easily over USB-C on Mac and PC, with all the connections you need, including a separate headphone output and volume control.

It’s great for everything from streams to zoom meetings, with a visible mute key to make sure your scoffing at the boss won’t go on record. Best of all, it sounds fantastic, making it a great tool for music demos and beyond.

15CB Bocote Concert Ukulele

It’s nearly impossible to hear a ukulele and not feel your stress decrease. The dulcet tones from those little stretched strings seem to wrap your ears in sweet island bliss. They’re also easy to play and surprisingly affordable, which makes them a great gift for musicians looking to start or expand their stringed-instrument journey.

I love the Cordoba ukes because they’re well made and sound great. The 15CB Bocote is the perfect starter model, but you’ll want to upgrade to the 15TB-E if your musician needs a pickup for an amplifier.

F335 Acoustic Guitar

There are few instruments I feel confident recommending to someone I’ve never met, but this entry-level Yamaha guitar is an easy choice. Yamaha has been introducing folks to the wonders of guitar for longer than I’ve been alive, and the company has a knack for crafting great guitars at affordable pricing.

The F335 is a sweet little model, featuring classic dreadnought styling, a laminated spruce top, and a tortoiseshell pick guard. It’s the perfect investment for new players looking to get started. The one caveat is that it doesn’t come with a case: I’d recommend picking up either an entry-level soft case or hard case to complete the package.

M2 Digital Interface

At the core of any recording studio is a computer and a digital interface, a device that turns your recorded tracks into 1s and 0s for your computer to read. There are plenty of choices out there, but I recommend this entry-level model from Motu, in part due to its pedigree.

I’ve had my Motu 896HD for over 20 years and I still use it weekly for recording. It’s a powerful workhorse with excellent performance and high-quality components for professional sound. It’s not a stretch to call it the best piece of electronics I’ve ever purchased.

The M2 is smaller, but features a similarly loaded interface with great components, which have earned it rave reviews from shoppers on Sweetwater and Amazon. As with other Motu models, users are especially fond of the M2’s classy design, clean connection, and excellent microphone pre-amps, the most crucial connection point in the recording chain for sound quality.

Affordable and easy to use, the M2 is a perfect gift for any artist building a home studio or planning to record for the first time.

Logic Pro

There are loads of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) out there, but as a musician with a Mac, Logic Pro is the software I stand by. The professional-grade counterpart to Apple’s free audio recording app, GarageBand, Logic Pro makes it easy to record yourself at home, with intuitive features like the ability to quickly record multiple takes of the same vocal or instrumental line, and then piece them all together in the same window to create one perfect track. Studio magic!

If your music maker is recording with a Windows PC, I recommend looking into Ableton Live as well as the top professional recording software, ProTools. There are many great DAWs out there, and many of them have similar features, but with so many folks getting into recording with GarageBand, Logic is the, well, logical next step.

Spark Mini portable amplifier

The Spark Mini is truly a small wonder. This portable smart amp can model a massive range of popular amplifier sounds, offer backing tracks, and even doubles as a wireless Bluetooth speaker. Best of all, it sounds fantastic, granting you the tone you crave without peeling the paint off the wall.

Not long ago, getting this many sounds, this much power, and having this much fun with an amplifier you can tote around in your backpack was a dream fit for The Jetsons. Isn’t technology grand?

305p MKII Studio Monitors

Rounding out our suite of recording gear, these entry-level JBL studio monitors sound anything but affordable. The self-amplified (powered) monitors provide astonishing clarity and detailed instrumental placement for accurate playback of everything from your recordings to your favorite playlist. They’re easy to use, simple to connect, and provide multiple input options to work with a wide variety of setups.

Any musician looking to complete a home studio needs a great pair of studio monitors, and JBL’s 305p series is nothing less than a steal of a deal.

Online Music Lessons

This final gift idea is arguably the most important. Any self-made musician will tell you they wish they had better training when they first started, so here’s your chance to make that happen for someone special in your life. Getting them lessons to raise their skills is truly the gift that keeps giving, creating a ripple effect for all around them.

I chose School of Rock as my top choice for its accessibility, since it offers both online lessons and over 247 onsite locations in the U.S. If this program doesn’t seem like a good fit, though, there are many online musical schools, such as Fender Play, Yousician, as well as an army of local music tutors wherever you go. Wherever you source music lessons, they’re a worthwhile investment that may very well change someone’s life for the better.

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