The dreaded Christmas shopping season is upon us! For many, there is very little chance to avoid this in the run up to celebrate the festive season with your loved ones! It is always a challenge to find something relevant and that will be wanted, rather than consigned to the back of a cupboard, sent to the nearest charity shop, or passed on to someone else as a gift during the next festive period, but what to buy the musically minded relative or friend?
Novelty ties that play Jingle Bells when you press them, tea towels, headscarves with one of the unaccompanied Bach sonatas printed on it, and 'Chopin' boards for the kitchen have always been popular options on the list for musicians and much-loved music teachers, and many are stocked by Millers, but they are not the only choices really with a suitable musical bias! And what about those younger musicians on your shopping list? If you search hard enough, there are many suitably priced and inspirational items for all your musically themed gift purchases!
Explore our collection of gifts here.
Music teachers are usually easily pleased, and their gifts don't necessarily need to be either expensive, or have a musical theme! Bottles of alcohol (perhaps suitably musically named), flowers, or chocolates, are usually received with more enthusiasm than another mug, no matter how lovely, to add to their crockery collection! Handmade gifts and homemade sweets or cakes can also be popular!
For others, the choices are wide ranging in both variety and cost! How about a nice quality recording on CD or Vinyl (both currently making a comeback in popularity), paying for a Spotify subscription, tickets to a concert or show, some sheet music, a place on a residential or day course for musicians, or perhaps a subscription to a specialist magazine or streaming service! All are popular choices and can be received with enthusiasm! You could even give your friend or loved one the opportunity to choose their own gift, through provision of a gift card, giving them the option to choose something that they really want or need. Music Shops, Concert Halls, Theatres, and many other outlets offer the gift card option, and this is perhaps the safest choice for most people! We, at Millers, provide our own gift cards, with more information being available in store or on our website!
But what about the enthusiastic string player who would really enjoy that well thought through string related gift? One obvious option would be a nice book of festive music arranged specifically for their instrument and at an appropriate level for their standard! This involves a certain amount of research before purchase, finding out the playing standard of the recipient, and remember that this gift is most definitely seasonal, so only really of practical use once a year in the run up to the festivities! In many cases, it is better to choose sheet music that can be enjoyed at any time of year, or is needed for an upcoming exam or performance, and Millers hold a great stock to choose from! Once again, a Millers gift card could prove the ideal option.
Most string players would gratefully receive a new block of their preferred rosin, a sneaky look in their case easily providing information on the brand they use! The variety is enormous, so make sure that you get the correct one. Or, how about a nice silk cloth or specifically designed bag to wrap the instrument up in, protecting their instrument and providing a gift that will last for years. Bassists even uses ‘bibs’ on there instruments when playing, so that could make a very interesting item to open on Christmas morning!
Keeping the bassist or cellist in mind, maybe a new spike holder would be a good choice, and bassists have wheels that fix to the endpin, making transportation far easier! There are even specialist bass trolleys available, if that falls within the scope of your budget! Stools and seats for lower string players come in a wide variety , and one of these could make a most welcome gift!
Violinists and violists may enjoy a new shoulder pad. Click here to read our useful blog on choosing the correct one of these. 
A new set of strings is always a welcome gift for any keen string player, but again make sure that you get the correct brand, length, tension and check whether a ball or loop end is needed. Here, the Millers gift card could be useful again, letting the player choose the string set best suited to their needs. A bow rehair, or an instrument maintenance check by an expert are also very practical gift ideas.
Don't forget about our string recycling scheme, where you can get up to 35% off your next set of strings if you drop off your old strings.
For those players that are more technically minded, a range of pickups and amplifiers may make a great gift idea. There are also foot pedals, sampling machines and electronic instruments themselves, depending on your budget.
A smart new case, music stand, stand light, music bag, magnetic holders for pencils and coffee cups that attach to the stand, and magnets that prevent sheet music blowing away in the wind, a new mute, are all great gift choice for the string player in your life. And don’t forget that every musician needs a pencil and rubber - soft 4b pencils being the best option.
The list of gift ideas for musicians is seemingly endless, but with a little thought you can provide something that will be practical, fun and cherished.