Are you trying to find a gift for someone who is a music maker? If so, there are plenty of thoughtful and affordable options to consider. It’s important to find out what instrument or equipment they have, but that’s the easy part. Just ask what gear they use, most music makers love to talk about it!
Instrument stand
Instrument stands are an underrated part of playing an instrument. A good one can be an important catalyst for practicing daily; a portable one can be especially useful at rehearsals and performances.
Guitar stand: Fender Mini, $17.95
Keyboard Stand: Yamaha PKBX2 double braced, $34.99
Flute, clarinet, piccolo stand: Hercules triple stand, $48.99
Guitar stand: Gator Rok-it, $12.99
Guitar Stand: Hercules EZPack, $23.49
Hearing protection
Hearing protection is essential for rehearsing live music, as well as for enjoying concerts as a member of the audience! Good quality ear plugs allow a full spectrum of audio frequencies, while reducing the overall volume. The don’t take up much space, and even those who already own a pair will appreciate having backups.
Hearing Protection: Fender Professional Hi-Fi Ear Plugs, $17.95
USB music keyboard
For electronic music producers, a portable USB keyboard can be useful for collaboration, rehearsals, and for traveling. Small keyboards usually only need power from the laptop connection, so they can run in remote locations. This affords a creative musician the ability to seek inspiration anywhere outside their studio.
USB music keyboard: Nektar Impact GX, $49.99
Tuner
A portable tuner is always useful, and owning multiple tuners can add convenience for equipping particular instruments or cases.
Tuner: Snark X Clip-On, $15.99
Tuner: On-Stage Mini Pedal tuner, $39.95
Tuner: Boss Clip-On Tuner, $17.99
Guitar strap
For a guitar owner, more straps are always useful. If they own multiple guitars, it is good to equip every guitar with its own strap. Perhaps they started with a modest design and would appreciate an upgrade. At minimum, having a backup is always welcome.
Strap: PRS Jacquard Strap, $29.00
Strap: D’Addario Beatles Yellow Submarine Strap, $19.95
Strap: D’Addario Leather Nylon Hybrid Strap, $45.95
Strap locks
These items are underrated but they can quickly become essential. These rings are placed on the strap pegs of a guitar, to ensure the strap never unintentionally comes loose from the guitar. For anyone who wishes to avoid accidentally dropping their instrument to the floor, these are the ideal solution.
String cutter & tuning peg winder
For guitarists, this multi-tool can simplify the task of changing strings. The peg winder shortens the amount of time required to wind & unwind strings, and the cutter removes the excess when the job is done. Like a tuner, owning multiple peg winders can be welcome for equipping multiple instrument cases.
String peg winder: D’Addario ProWinder, $10.99
Chord chart
Chord charts provide a handy reference and ongoing learning for novices and experienced musicians alike.
Headphone guitar amplifier
A self-contained headphone amplifier allows guitar practice in any setting without a guitar cable.
Headphone guitar amplifier: Vox amPlug, $49.99
Music store gift certificate
If still unsure, a store gift certificate can be used towards any item, and recipients can use multiple certificates towards the purchase of more expensive items.
