It doesn’t matter if they create it or just listen to it — if you know someone who loves music, they can never have too much of it in their life. That doesn’t just apply to having instruments, speakers, headphones, and music players — it encompasses anything and everything related to music. This comprehensive gift guide doesn’t just scratch the vinyl surface of what to get that audio addict in your life, it suggests the deep cuts that will make you look like a gift-giving savant.
Gifts for music appreciators
Noise-canceling headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sony sets the standard yet again for noise-canceling headphones with this new model in their flagship series. Available in two colors, these wireless headphones let your music lover enjoy pristine music free from outside distractions without blowing your budget. Plus, they’re Bluetooth-compatible.
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Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones 700
Known for their high-quality home and car audio systems, Bose delivers excellent noise-canceling features in a sleek package with these headphones. With customizable noise cancellation, Bluetooth compatibility, and two modern colors to choose from, these headphones let you tailor your listening experience.
Featuring dynamic drivers for warm bass tones, luxurious memory foam ear pads, and the ability to switch seamlessly between devices, these headphones continue Apple’s commitment to providing music lovers with great gear. They’re available in five colors and include a unique carrying case.
Noise-canceling earbuds
Apple has evolved the ubiquitous AirPods into the AirPods Pro. With adjustable noise canceling, customizable rubber tips, and over four hours of listening time on a single charge, these AirPods carry on Apple’s dominance of the wireless earbud market for good reason.
Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Earbuds
These noise-canceling wireless earbuds use tiny microphones to detect external sounds and erase them from your hearing. Music lovers can listen to their favorite tunes for up to six hours on a charge, and their 30-foot Bluetooth range means it’s easy to stay active without missing a beat.
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Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Sony has managed to fit their world-class noise-canceling technology into a tiny form factor with these wireless earbuds. Available in two colors, the earbuds can last eight hours on a charge, and the included charging case stores another 16 hours of power.
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Audiophile headphones
Sennheiser HD 820 Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones
These premium headphones from Sennheiser are designed for professional recording studio use. Audiophiles can appreciate music like never before with cutting-edge audio technology and comfortable microfiber earpads.
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Sony MDRZ1R Signature Series Hi-Res Headphones
Sony’s audiophile offering includes a classy hard case and massive 70-millimeter HD drivers. Specially designed to produce crystal clear sound, these headphones are engineered to eliminate reverberations within the cups themselves so all that’s heard is a pure audio signal.
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Portable Bluetooth speakers
JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Music lovers on the go can’t beat this powerful, portable Bluetooth speaker from JBL. With its low price, waterproof exterior, and massive sound output, they can bring the party from the living room to the pool with ease. It’s available in 17 colors to suit any style.
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Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker
Water-resistant with a built-in clip for easy transport, this speaker from Bose is made to move. Since it’s waterproof and buoyant, the speaker can be used in the pool, the shower, or at the beach. Its rechargeable battery can provide up to 12 hours of music for endless dance parties no matter where you are.
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Best smart speakers
Amazon’s smart speaker is small in size but big on sound quality. It supports lossless audio, and your favorite music lover can control their music playback with their voice. They can even connect several Echo speakers to play synchronized music throughout their entire house.
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Apple’s recently updated HomePod Mini produces the room-filling sound of the original but in a more compact package. It’s available in five colors and works seamlessly with an iPhone via Bluetooth. You can use Siri to communicate with the device and even use multiple HomePods as an intercom system.
Sold by Staples
Best vinyl record players
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable
Those in need of an affordable but professional-quality turntable will find a lot to enjoy in this record player from Audio-Technica. Vinyl enthusiasts can connect it to their sound system via USB, its included audio cables, or Bluetooth to bring their vinyl collection into the modern era.
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Victrola Journey+ Bluetooth Record Player
If your special music lover is new to vinyl and looking for a more basic way to give their records a spin, this offering from Victrola features built-in speakers and Bluetooth compatibility. With 18 styles to choose from, this little record player looks great with any decor.
Best books for music lovers
1,000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs
This book takes a look at 1,000 of the most beloved and vibrant record covers produced from the 1960s through the ‘90s. It’s great for music lovers, record collectors, or anyone with an interest in the history of popular music’s most enduring iconography.
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This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel J. Levitin
Take a deep dive into the science of what makes people so passionate about music. New advancements in neurology and psychology shed light on music’s effect on the human brain, its use in therapy, and our evolution.
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The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
Modern rock legend Dave Grohl takes readers on a journey through his storied career, first as the drummer for Nirvana and then as the frontman for Foo Fighters. Filled with candid descriptions of his interactions with peers in the music industry, even those who aren’t fans of Grohl’s work can enjoy his humble take on his rise from garage musician to international superstar.
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Other top deals in this space
- Dress up their listening space with these classy bookshelf speakers
- Give them some music history with this set of vintage rock band posters
- Protect their studio furniture with these vinyl record drink coasters
- Keep desk headphones at the ready with this headphone hanger
- An earbud cleaning kit keeps your headphones looking new
Gifts for singers
Illuminated Objects Illuminated Microphone Lamp
This upcycled vintage microphone has been turned into a gorgeous lamp complete with a dimmer switch to adjust the brightness of the 30-watt Edison bulb. It's a unique piece that any keen singer would be pleased to receive.
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Inspired Silver Microphone Silver Circle Charm
Vocalists can show off their love of singing with this cute microphone necklace. It comes on an 18-inch chain with a circular pendant featuring a vintage-style microphone surrounded by cubic zirconia for a touch of sparkle.
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Uncommon Goods Songwriter's Journal
If you're buying for a singer who also writes their own songs, they'll love this songwriter's journal. Each pair of pages has one for writing lyrics on and another for writing musical notation and chords.
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Shure SM58LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
The Shure SM58 is the gold standard of vocal mics, used in recording studios and rehearsal spaces around the globe. If the singer in your life doesn't have their own microphone or needs an upgrade, this is an excellent gift.
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A pitch pipe is an essential tool in a singer's kit, letting them easily find the right note. It's great for developing a good ear and starting in the right key when singing a capella.
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Best Canvas Decor Freddie Mercury Photo Canvas
Featuring an iconic shot of Freddie Mercury (one of the greatest singers of modern times) live on stage, this canvas artwork would look in place in any vocalist's home. Of course, it's an especially great gift for a Queen fan.
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The vocalist in your life can live out their country music star dreams with this singing game for Nintendo Switch. However, they'll need a Switch console and a compatible microphone.
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Ice Carats Sterling Silver Treble Clef Earrings
The most common clef in vocal music, any singer who works from sheet music will be intimately acquainted with the treble clef. These quality sterling silver earrings give a subtle nod to the recipient's love of music and singing.
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Rise8 Studios Novelty Microphone Kitchen Utensils
Are you buying for someone who loves singing and cooking in equal measure? These serving spoons and spatula utensils feature a microphone end that's perfect for anyone who does their best pop star impressions while cooking up a storm.
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Other top deals in this space
- This "Best Singer Ever" mug to give the recipient the appreciation they deserve
- A karaoke mic with a built-in speaker so they can sing anytime, anyplace
- A cool T-shirt featuring a vintage-style mic
- The singer in your life can stylishly show off their love of music with this musical note bracelet
- Vocalzone Throat Pastilles to help keep the voice clear when needed most
Gifts for piano players
Stelle & Hegen Metal Music Book Clip and Page Holder
One problem that many pianists face is their books of sheet music not staying open at the right page. This sturdy music book clip keeps sheet music reliably open at the right page.
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The Giant Book of Intermediate Classical Piano Music
Sheet music can be a tricky thing to buy for piano players if you don't know what they already have. However, this book contains 269 pieces for intermediate players, so there'll surely be some the recipient hasn't encountered.
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Pink Polar Bear Art Steinway Piano Patent Prints
This quality giclee print set features five pieces of vintage patent artwork for the Steinway piano. While some piano-based artwork can look cheesy, these have a sophisticated edge to them that fits most styles of home decor.
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Toscana Piano Bamboo Cheese Board and Tool Set
If you have a cheese-loving piano player in your life, you couldn't find a more fitting gift. Shaped like a grand piano, the lid of this cheese board lifts up to reveal a cheese knife, fork, and corkscrew below.
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Hand silk-screened with famous compositions, this sheet music scarf is a great gift for a pianist. The infinity design can be worn in several ways, effortlessly wrapping around the neck with no annoying ends to get in the way.
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Alytimes Mechanical Piano Music Box
Shaped like a grand piano and with a ballerina that dances on top, this music box is a lovely gift for a young pianist. It plays "Castle in the Sky" or "Fur Elise," but you don't get to choose which.
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Quotable Cuffs Whitney Howard Designs Piano Cuff
This simple pewter cuff has a piano keyboard design that looks great while remaining understated. It's made in the USA and is relatively chunky, so it works well as a gift for anyone.
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Josh Bach Music by J.S. Bach Silk Necktie
Made in America, this quality necktie is a stylish gift for a pianist. Unlike some products that feature musical notation, this one is completely accurate, so the piano player in your life won't cringe at the errors.
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Graphique Flat Musical Note Cards
This music-themed stationery set features 50 cards that say "just a note" on top with a musical note design, plus musical note envelopes and a standing holder. It's a thoughtful gift for a piano player who enjoys hand-writing notes.
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Other top deals in this space
- An attractive poster that features 12 types of piano, with illustrations and a short description of each
- This LED piano lamp that illuminates the area for easier playing in low light
- A 24-karat gold plated piano ornament that's perfect for people who want to show off their love of piano playing all over their home
- If you're looking for a small gift, one of these piano hammer keychains is an appealingly unusual choice
- Pianists who want to improve their technique will love this finger-strengthening device
Gifts for musicians
Best fun novelty gifts for musicians
Pick-a-Palooza DIY Guitar Pick Punch
If there’s a guitar player on your shopping list, they’ll love this unique gift. It’s a guitar pick punch that makes custom picks out of items such as gift cards, hotel room keys, a driver’s license, and more. The kit comes with everything you need to make your first 20 picks.
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Make 'Em Laugh “This is a Sharp, Not a Hashtag” Glass Coffee Mug
Music has been around for almost as long as people, but social media has only been popular for about a decade. This glass coffee mug is for all the frustrated musicians who have to listen to their friends call a sharp a hashtag.
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This ingenious card game was created specifically for the music lover. After drawing a card from the top of the pile to get a scenario, each player finds and streams the perfect song to match that scenario. All the players vote to decide who picked the best song to determine who wins the round.
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Have you ever looked at a musician and wondered what they were thinking? This sign has the answer: "I might look like I'm listening to you, but in my head, I’m playing my guitar." The sign is perfect for hanging in a studio and has four pre-drilled holes for easy installation.
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The Music Stand Music Wall Clock
The clever theme of these brushed aluminum wall clocks makes them perfect for a music teacher. There are four creative designs: a chromatic scale, a circle of fifths, a circle of guitars, and a drumhead.
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Retroworks Musicians Transposition Spinner Ring
Even the best of musicians can sometimes get tripped up when they have to transpose. This little device is something James Bond would use — if he were a rock star. The ring sits innocently on your finger, but when you need to jump to a new key for the sax player who’s sitting in, a quick twist gets you there so you know all the right chords to play.
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Best second instruments for musicians
The kalimba is a simple instrument that anyone can learn — even someone who has never played any instrument before. It has 17 labeled keys and comes with everything you need to play your first song in minutes. This model comes with a protective case to store the instrument so it doesn’t get damaged when not in use.
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The harp is one of the most beautiful sounding instruments in the world. If you have a music enthusiast who’s itching to take their skills to the next level, this 22-inch instrument is a great way to let them explore their tonal options.
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The advantages of playing a ukulele seem endless. It’s versatile, portable, easy to play, and you can sound great even if you’re just a beginner. It makes the perfect gift for someone who has always wanted to learn an instrument. This concert model has a rich bright sound and a beautiful satin finish.
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One of the problems with a saxophone is it’s not very portable. This handmade wooden model is a lightweight travel companion that a player can take with them anywhere they go. If you have a sax player in your life, they’ll love this one-of-a-kind gift.
Sold by Uncommon Goods
The Ohm Store Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
Admittedly, this Tibetan singing bowl set is as much for the individual seeking inner peace as it is for a musician. But to be truthful, don’t all musicians strive for some sort of harmonic equilibrium? This gorgeous hand-hammered instrument produces a pure and transcendental tone.
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If you aren’t familiar, a Cajon is an entire drum set in a box. You play it by tapping different areas of it with your fingertips. It’s an ideal gift for a musician who doesn’t have the space for a full drum set. It’s also a great gift for a drummer who likes to sit in with friends but doesn’t want to lug a full set around in their car.
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Best electronic gadgets for musicians
Soundbrenner Pulse Wearable Metronome
Keeping time is tricky. Without a device that produces a steady beat, it’s easy to get rhythms wrong. The wearable metronome fits like a smartwatch and produces vibration so the musician can literally feel the beat. It works with non-traditional time signatures, subdivisions, and accents.
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Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder
Help make an aspiring pop star’s dreams come true. This compact four-track recording studio fits in the palm of a hand and has built-in stereo X/Y microphones. The unit has four inputs, on-board effects, and editing, so a musician can create a song from start to finish on this remarkable device.
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Orba Handheld Multi-Instrument
It’s hard to impress a musician, but Orba will do exactly that. It’s a tiny rhythm section that fits in the palm of your hand and lets the artist play drums, bass, and synth. The integrated looper allows the musician to build a song from scratch in seconds. It can be used live or in the studio.
Sold by Uncommon Goods
This miraculous little device makes the list because of its size. It’s a three-channel mixer that’s less than four inches long and is powered by two AAA batteries. It’s perfect for traveling teachers who want to record with their students or individuals who could use a mixer that fits in their pocket.
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Korg Volca Semi-Modular Synthesizer
They don’t make synthesizers like this anymore — well, Korg does, and it’s amazing. The old-school design has 50 patch points and 20 patch cables so a musician can create their own unique sound. The compact unit also has a built-in 16-step sequencer.
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Other top deals in this space
- This hand-grip exerciser improves flexibility and strengthens the hand
- Sit in on any jam with this three-pack of blues harmonicas (C, D, and G)
- This chord wheel lets any musician master chord theory in minutes
- Drummers will love this personalized leather drumstick holder
- This wooden frog rasp guiro is a unique conversation-piece instrument
Contributing authors: Allen Foster, Derek Walborn, and Lauren Corona
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