16 Gift Ideas for Music Lovers: Instruments, Activities, and More!
Give the gift of music this year! We have 16 suggestions for music lovers that go beyond your typical listicles. Inspired by our music therapy practice, we have instrument recommendations, activities, books, and a few gadgets and games - ranging from $15-100. May your holiday be merry, and musical!
Music Activities
Masterclass Subscription - $15/month
Masterclass is an online streaming platform of hundreds of video lessons from celebrities and experts. A subscription will provide access to their entire collection, including classes like Singing with Christina Aguilera, Beatmaking with Timbaland, or Drumming with Ringo Starr.
Symphony Tickets - $25-60
Many music aficionados have never experienced the sonic joy of a full symphony orchestra! Expand their musical horizons with tickets to a local ensemble, (like Oregon Symphony in Portland), whether to hear Beethoven’s 9th or the score to Star Wars.
An Original Song - varies
Songwriters are available for hire on sites like Fiverr or Songfinch. All you have to do is provide details about the song’s topic and choose the music style. This gift is one that will last forever.
Private Music Lessons - $50-80/lesson
Help them take the first step in learning an instrument with a private music lesson. If they haven’t shown interest in a particular instrument, piano is often an accessible instrument to start with. To find a teacher, you can search at colleges (PCC), music centers (Ethos, Oregon Music Academy, Portland Music Collective), or parks and recreation programs (Multnomah Arts Center).
Group Music Classes - $100-400/class series
Group music lessons can be purchased as a bundle to offer a more affordable long-term lesson option and a community learning experience. In Portland, Multnomah Arts Center (18+) and Ethos (under 18) offer these services, among many others.
Concert Tickets - varies
Buy them tickets to see their favorite band! Or, if you aren’t sure, purchase a Stubhub gift card for their future music adventures.
Instruments & Accessories
Ocean Drum - $65
The ocean drum is a favorite in our music therapy sessions. Adults and children alike are mesmerized by its rhythmic ocean sounds. Prices vary, with smaller kid sized options available.
Floor Piano Mat - $40
This floor piano mat is a fun way to learn the basics of piano. Dance while you play? Count us in!
Drumstick Cooking Utensils - $13
Cooking drumsticks are great tools for the multi-taskers in your life. Just make sure your counter is drum-friendly, or place a book down!
Frog Guiro - $15-40, depending on size
We love the frog guiro! This is another favorite in sessions, and it both sounds and looks beautiful!
DIY Mechanical Music Box - $20
Can’t find a music box with the right tune? Crank out any song with this DIY Music Box option. Whether you custom-make a silly or sentimental song, it can be a lovely personalized gift.
Music Tech, Media, and Games
Sphero Specdrums - $40
Explore the basics of music technology with the user-friendly Specdrums app. While wearing the rings, tap any color, whether on the provided playpad, or an object in your house, to play a beat. This is a kid and adult friendly way to explore music of everyday items, with endless possibilities!
The Art of Music Book - $50
Art and music have always been inextricably linked. The Art of Music, edited by Patrick Coleman, overviews how the two modalities converge and inspire each other across cultures and time. From Aztec painted drums to Debussy scores to Chinese literati paintings, this visually striking book is sure to spark insight and curiosity!
Framed Album Cover - varies
Find one of their favorite (and visually pleasing) albums at a local record shop, thrift store, or online. Buy an album frame and you now have a beautiful piece of art to gift!
This is Your Brain on Music Book - $17
There are SO many great books on music. This seminal work by Daniel Levitin is considered one of the most important reads to learn more about the science behind the art. This is Your Brain on Music will not disappoint.
Game That Song - $20
Game That Song is a fun and interactive game to bring more music into the party. Simple prompts ask the player to play a song for “watching the sunset” or “the theme song for the person to your right.” Play the song through speakers, or we might suggest you sing your answers!
