10 Perfect Gifts & Stocking Stuffers for Musicians
HEY, FRIENDS! I disappeared for a very long time, I know. I’m planning big things on the blog for the New Year, but in the meantime, I just couldn’t wait to share this post with you.
Right now, we’re two weeks away from Christmas Day, or as I like to call it: the only day of the year when I have to make a reservation to go out for Chinese food. I’m sure that for a responsible person, two weeks out from Christmas probably feels late to be holiday shopping. But if you and I are similar, you like breaking the mold. Or, you’re playing Messiahs like, every day this week, so… IT’S FINE MOM, I’LL GET TO IT!
When it comes to giving and getting Christmas gifts (we do celebrate with my aunt and uncle!), I’ve always been a fan of stocking stuffers and small items. Little things can make a big difference, and that’s especially true when it comes to musicians. Maybe you’re dating a musician (good luck, teehee 😛 )! Maybe your ensemble is doing Secret Santa, but you got the co-worker who “doesn’t want anything.” Or maybe you just want “Santa” *cough* to put something fun and practical in your own stocking.
No matter who you’re shopping for, I’ve got you covered. Plus, if I did my calculations right, all of these items will arrive by Christmas! Let’s dive in.
*Note: this post contains affiliate links.
1. Tweezerman G.E.A.R. Essential Grooming Kit
This is such a killer stocking stuffer for so many reasons, none of which have anything to do with manicures. ALL of the items in this cute little pack are tools that I use regularly for random things. For example: nail clippers trim gut strings (and of course, nails). Tweezers help me to thread strings through my pegs when my fingers are too stubby to reach. Nail files help sand down callouses that have decided to peel (ew, but it happens), and cosmetic scissors trim everything from broken bow hairs to pieces of paper and shammy leather. DID I MENTION THE CUTE LITTLE PACK, which keeps these sharp objects from floating around freely in an instrument case? AHHHH!
2. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, 3.4 ounce Jar
Winter weather (and dealing with its effects on our instruments) can do a number on our hands. Working Hands is really good at preventing dryness and cracks (and keeping your callouses happy)! I like to use it before bed and let it work its magic overnight.
3. Palomino Blackwing/Blackwing 602 Pencils (Set of 12) – $21.95, Blackwing602.com
These are the sports cars of rehearsal pencils (lol). Few people understand how satisfying a good pencil is, but musicians do – and these are REALLY good. Plus, not only did Blackwing design their new pencils with musicians in mind, but they donate a portion of all sales made through their website to K-12 music and arts programs. WOO! Give someone a whole set of 12, or split them up amongst friends for a great multi-purpose gift that also gives back.
4. KOH KOH Women’s Convertible Wrap Jumpsuit (Black)
OK, so maybe this one doesn’t fit in a stocking. But it’s a perfect gift for the lady in your life who’s looking to freshen up her concert wardrobe (and aren’t we all?)! This jumpsuit is convertible into tons of different styles and can be dressed up or down. Best of all, IT DOESN’T WRINKLE. EVER. Ball it up in a bag or suitcase and experience the magic. If jumpsuits are not her thing, this brand also makes a nice maxi dress as well!
5. A Handmade Silk Instrument Bag – $60.00, Sarah’s Violin Bags, LLC
Image – Sarah’s Violin Bags, LLC
Keeping stringed instruments safe and protected during the colder months is a must, so I absolutely had to give a shout out to my friend (and fellow baroque violinist!) Sarah Cranor at Sarah’s Violin Bags. Her handmade silk violin bags are not only beautiful, but they are functional and super high-quality. I love mine (I have the purple Versailles brocade pattern) and get tons of compliments on it. Her bags are also used by big names like Anne Akiko Meyers, the Takacs quartet, and faculty members at Juilliard and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
*HOLIDAY ORDERING DEADLINE = MONDAY, DECEMBER 17th. Ships internationally, but check in with Sarah about estimated shipping times.*
6. Custom “From the Music Library Of” Stamp – $17.95-$28.95 (depending on mount), Etsy.com
Image – The Stampin’ Place on Etsy
This might be the most adorable, convenient way to permanently label your books and sheet music. I have a stamp like this, and I LOVE it. It’s perfect for conservatory students (“IS THIS YOUR TCHAIKOVSKY CONCERTO OR MINE?”), teachers who lend out music, or the old-fashioned musician in your life who just can’t bring themselves to fully switch to an iPad yet. 😉
7. Little Hotties 8-Hour Hand Warmers (10 pairs) – $7.99, Amazon.com
Have I ever told you the story of my junior recital in college? Well, once upon a time, there was a freak ICE STORM in November and the recital hall lost heat. It was THE worst, but thankfully I had a pair of these on hand! I stuck them in my gloves and my fingers stayed toasty and ready to play. These are also great for keeping hands warm when playing outdoors or in cold, drafty churches.
8. Chopin Liszt Note Pad
I can hear you rolling your eyes through the screen. STOP IT AND BUY THIS INSTEAD. Because we all have that musician friend who loves puns and lists (*it me*), and that person is going to love and use this pad every day just like I do. And at $3.97 a pop, why not get them a few?!
9. Detachable Music Staff Tape | 15mm Wide
I got this in a stocking a few years ago, and it has totally come in handy! It’s perfect for quick edits, or writing extra notes/passages into your music. It’s detachable too, so it won’t ruin the original sheet music (though you may need to reinforce it with extra tape if you want a permanent fix).
10. Fred MIX STIX Drumstick Spoons, Set of 2
I’ve had these for years, and I always get asked about them when I have guests for dinner! They may not be useful at a gig, but they’re definitely the perfect gift for your favorite musician/chef combo 😉
