10 Unconventional Holiday Gifts for Musicians
The holiday season is here. Store aisles hum with the sounds of shopping carts as shoppers hurry to grab the games and toys that are most coveted this year. A cacophony of conversations create strange music in the air.
Amongst all of this holiday spirit, there are musicians hoping their families finally gets it right this year. Tired of musical ties, and already overstocked with basic gear? Well… Don’t fret, because SonicScoop is here with a list marked twice as “nice” by Santa to leave your family in the clear.
At under $100 each, half of the items on this list won’t break the bank and will give you some unconventional stocking stuffer ideas for the musicians and audio people in your life.
The other half of the entries on the list are professional-grade gifts that still aren’t very expensive, and are sure to be unlike any gifts the musicians you know have ever received in the past. Each one can be ordered online without stirring anything but your mouse.
1. Smartivity Mechanical Xylofun Music Machine
The “Xylofun Music Machine” is a mechanical, programmable DIY music box.
Are you the parent or relative of a young budding musician? The Smartivity Mechanical Xylofun Music Machine might just be a perfect gift for your little potential prodigy.
Priced at $39.99 each, this item has everything you’ll need to build a musical machine with them and start exploring sounds together. This gift will introduce a child in your life to sound, music, vibrations, gears, and ratchet pawl mechanisms.
Even a total beginner can learn about music notation, play simple tunes, and compose musical arrangements with you. This is a gift for helping your little musician build stronger fundamentals, enhance their creativity, and even get a little light “engineering” experience.
Although it’s made for ages 8 and up, there’s no rule that says it’s for kids only. Also consider it as an affordable stocking stuffer for the odd instrument aficionado in your life who already has a Stylophone and a Pocket Operator.
2. littleBits Korg Synth Kit
littleBits’ Korg synth kit is modular, customizable, magnetic, and not at all expensive.
A gift for the more adventurous musician, this kit will allow them to create a customizable modular synth. It features magnets for quick assembly and reassembly.
Your favorite musician will have fun creating and experimenting with new sonic sounds using their easy guide. This gift is priced at $159.00 and includes free shipping.
3. DIY Electric Guitar Kit Single cut P90 Build Your Own Guitar Kit
Build Your Own Guitar Kit
This trending gift allows the recipient to actually build a guitar. Designed by The Fretwire, each part is custom fitted to ensure a great fit. It has every part they’ll need to assemble a real working electric guitar.
You can find this gift on The Fretwire’s website starting at $165.00 plus shipping. Upgraded tuners can also be purchased at varying prices and styles.
4. Pyle Bass Electric Classic Acoustic Guitar Maintenance Tool Kit
Pyle Guitar Maintenance Tool Kit
At $29.00 with free shipping, here’s a gift that keeps on giving. This all-in-one instrument care kit can be used for all of 2019 and beyond.
The Pyle Guitar Repairing Multi Tool Action Kit will provide your favorite guitarist with everything they’ll need to keep their guitar and strings in performance-ready condition.
It comes with a guitar accessories pack and some useful luthier’s tools suitable for both beginner and professional players.
5. PBS Concerto Christmas Crackers
PBS Concerto Christmas Crackers
At $29.99, this gift revives the old English tradition of “Christmas Crackers” with a set of 12 music-themed party favors that are music-themed.
Each cracker opens with a bang and includes a hat, a joke and a musical whistle. Create an unforgettable family band or use the music that’s included to play Christmas songs.
These Christmas Crackers are sure to bring some excitement to your holiday party this year.
6. SoundMoovz Musical Bandz by Cra-Z-Art
SoundMoovz Musical Bandz by Cra-Z-Art
Looking for a way to get the musician in your family in great shape for the New Year? These motion-activated bands will get them up and moving around. The wearer can dance, move, or exercise to create musical beats.
With over 400 sounds to choose from using the free app it’s hard to get bored of too quickly. This package contains two bands and two CR2032 batteries and can even be paired via Bluetooth or connected to a speaker for some duet “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”.
7. Gator Cases Padded Utility Bag
Gator Cases Padded Utility Bag
Perfect for a musician that always seems to be on the go, this utility bag can be used for guitar pedals, DJ controllers, micro synths and other devices.
Made by Gator, this 24” x 11” G-MultiFx series will aid your favorite musician in packing up after gigs or hurrying through the airport to catch their next flight.
8. iRig Stomp I/O
iRig Stomp I/O
If you’re looking for a gift with plenty of bells and whistles, this is could be the one for you.
The iRig Stomp I/O turns an iOS device, laptop or computer into a tactile, live effects superstation, giving guitarists, bass players, vocalists, and songwriters a lot of creative room to play with.
Starting at $299.99 with free ground shipping, this hi-tech hardware system will make other musicians envious.
9. Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder with Interchangeable Microphone System with Deluxe Accessory Bundle
Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder with Interchangeable Microphone System with Deluxe Accessory Bundle
Know a music producer who is obsessed with capturing unique sounds? This advanced portable recorder will allow them to record practically any source anywhere they go.
It can be used for making multi-track recordings of performances and rehearsals with ease, recording demos on the road or building and expansive library of found sounds.
At $319, for just the recorder, or as little as $359 for a complete field recording package, it’s not the cheapest option on this list, but it’s one that may see use for years to come.
10. Marshall Fridge 4.4 High Capacity Compact Refrigerator with Freezer Shelf
Marshall Fridge 4.4 High Capacity Compact Refrigerator with Freezer Shelf
This gift is the perfect accessory for any garage band. Featuring authentic Marshall Logo and knobs, how could a rock enthusiast not fall in love with this fridge?
Selling for $429 with free shipping, it’s a gift that will definitely stand out, and help make any studio, rehearsal room or musician’s cave complete. A medium capacity version is also available for $299.
Need more great gift ideas? Try some of our holiday roundups from prior years below:
10 Unforgettable Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers for Musicians & Audio Engineers
4 of the Most Innovative Audio Gadgets For 2016
Audio on The Go: 4 of the Best Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers for 2015
Ryan Merriweather is an audio engineer, tech enthusiast, and writer.
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