5 Unique Gifts for Musicians (That Aren't Cheesy) | 2026 Guide
Note: I am not sponsored by any of these brands and these are not affiliate links. I don't make a commission if you buy this gear—I just genuinely use it and think it's useful. (The only exception is Item #3, which is my own design!)
1. Guitar picks variety pack
It is a scientific fact that guitar picks vanish into another dimension the moment you drop them. Instead of buying them another boring pack of the same medium-gauge plastic they've used since 2012, get them a premium variety pack (like the ones from Dunlop or Gravity Picks).
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Why they’ll love it: Most guitarists get stuck in a rut. A variety pack forces them to try different shapes, thicknesses, and materials (like Ultex, Nylon, or even wood). It’s a small gift that can actually change the way they play. Plus, when they inevitably lose three of them under the couch, they’ll still have 20 more.
2. The "Vocal Hack": Coffee Stirrer Straws (Yes, really)
If you hand a singer a box of cocktail straws, they might look at you funny—until you explain why. These tiny straws are the secret weapon for SOVT (Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract) exercises.
Singing through a tiny straw creates back-pressure that helps align the vocal cords and reduces strain. It’s the quickest way to warm up a voice or cool down after a long show.
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Why they’ll love it: It shows you understand the science of their instrument. While other people are buying them mugs with treble clefs on them, you’re giving them a legitimate tool to save their voice from burnout. It’s the cheapest, most effective piece of gear a vocalist can own.
4. The "Analog Backup": A Premium Staff Paper Notebook
Even in a world of digital recording and MIDI, the best ideas often happen when the computer is off. Every songwriter needs a dedicated Manuscript (Staff Paper) Notebook within arm's reach. Look for one with a spiral binding (so it lays flat on a music stand) or a pocket-sized one (like the Moleskine Music Notebook) to carry in a gig bag.
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Why they’ll love it: It’s distraction-free. When they are trying to work out a melody or learn a complex theory concept, staring at a screen can be draining. Writing it out by hand helps it stick in the brain—and they’ll never lose a song idea just because their phone died.
5. The "Hometown Hero": A Gift Card to Their Local Music Shop
It feels impersonal to give plastic, but trust me: this is the safest bet. Musicians are incredibly particular about their gear specs, and you don't want to guess wrong.
But instead of a generic Amazon card, find out where the local independent music store is in their town and get a gift card there. These shops are the lifeblood of the music community. They are where we take lessons, get our instruments fixed, and meet bandmates.
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Why they’ll love it: It saves the day. When a string breaks an hour before a gig, they can't wait for shipping. Having credit at the local shop is a lifesaver. Plus, it shows you support the actual culture of music, not just the products.
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One Final Note
The best gift you can actually give a musician isn't a pedal or a pick—it's your belief in them.
Whether you buy them a pack of vocal straws or a gift card to the shop down the street, the real value is showing them that you see their hard work and you support their dream. That’s what this community is built on.
If you’re looking for more ways to support the music or just want to hang out with people who get it, you’re always welcome here.
Welcome to the Neighborhood.