Gifts for guitarists and musicians

The rule with musicians is simple: buy the things they use up, not the things they choose. Strings, picks, cables and stands get replaced constantly. Instruments, pedals and amps are personal decisions with strong opinions attached.

This list sticks to the safe side of that line, with a few wall and jacket pieces that don't require knowing what a humbucker is.

We don't sell instruments or records - we make pin badges, prints, postcards and cards in house, printed in the UK. Everything below is an honest list, with our own bits only where they actually fit.

Consumables you can't get wrong

• Strings, in the gauge already on the instrument. Take a photo of the packet in their case if you can.
• Picks in a mix of thicknesses. They vanish constantly and nobody minds spares.
• A spare instrument cable. Everyone's current one is held together with hope.
• Polish and a microfibre cloth, which is the guitar equivalent of socks and just as welcome.

Practical kit

• A folding stand, so the guitar lives out of its case and gets played more.
• A capo, if they don't already have two. Most players lose them.
• A clip-on tuner for gig bags and rehearsals.
• A padded gig bag for anyone still carrying an instrument in the cardboard box it came in.

For the practice room wall

• A lyric print from a song they learned first. It's a nicer memory than a gear poster.
• Pin badges for a gig bag or strap - the standard way players mark where they've played.
• Postcards above the music stand, swapped when the setlist changes.

What not to buy

• Pedals. Even the obvious ones are a matter of taste and usually already owned.
• A second instrument, unless it's been named, priced and pointed at.
• Novelty guitar-shaped anything.
• Lesson books for a level you're guessing at.

Shop pin badges

Music prints and postcards

Lyric prints and A6 postcards, ready to frame or pin up.

How to write it so it lands

• Photograph their gear before you shop - it answers most questions.
• Consumables never offend. Gear choices sometimes do.
• A stand gets an instrument played daily instead of weekly.
• Music shop vouchers are a real gift for players, not a cop-out.

Where to shop next

• Gifts for music lovers
• Gifts for vinyl lovers
• Gifts for festival and gig goers
• Gifts for singers and karaoke fans
• Gifts for music teachers
• Music gift ideas
• Music and song guides
• Pin badges
• Posters and prints
• All guides
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

What do you buy a guitarist who has everything?

Consumables and space: strings, picks, a stand, or a lyric print for the practice room. The players with the most gear still run out of strings.

How do you know what strings to buy?

Photograph the packet in their case, or ask what gauge they use. Most acoustic players are on 12s and most electric players on 9s or 10s, but check rather than guess.

Is a pedal a safe gift?

No. Pedals are personal, often already owned and easy to duplicate. Give a voucher for a music shop if you want them to choose one.