13 best gifts for musicians in 2024

It's been a wild year for our musicians. If you are looking for gift ideas to cheer them up, we've got you. Here are our 12 best gifts for musicians to keep up their creative energies.

1. Soundbrenner Core 2 

The Soundbrenner Core 2 is the first smartwatch for musicians. With a sleek interface, the Core 2 features a silent, vibrating metronome (so nobody has to listen to that infuriating click again), a magnetic contact tuner, a decibel meter, and an alarm that warns you when things get too loud, as well as smart notifications for calls and texts. Overall, it's the ultimate tool for musicians - all on your wrist.

2. A subscription at GuitarTricks.com

Be it a seasoned professional or a complete beginner, it is always important and useful to constantly polish your skills and learn new/more knowledge within your craft. GuitarTricks is the perfect place for any guitarist to do this. Furthermore, they have hundreds of song lessons, and step-by-step courses for beginners. They even provide a video feedback feature that allows a user to record themselves playing, submit it to a GT instructor, and get a video response with specific pointers tailored to their improvement. Sign up for their 14-day trial and get started!

3. Handmade guitar straps by Revo

One of the unique gifts you can give. Each strap is literally one-of-a-kind, with natural variations in the wood. Not only are they cool, they are super comfortable and great for passionate musicians. Revo Straps has been the world's only source for guitar straps made from high-end tone woods for over 20 years. All the straps are sourced using sustainable harvesting in Central America, and the quality is exceptional. A stunning addition to any high-end guitar.

4. Playtron

The Playtron MIDI Controller offers a unique way to create your custom MIDI controller. It can connect up to 16 objects with alligator clips. This allows you to use it with several mobile apps, online synthesizers, or your favorite DAW.

From fruits to plants, and even toys, the possibilities are endless. Connect the clips from objects capable of conducting electricity to Playtron, and assign a different MIDI note (C1 to D#2 by default) to each object. Then, you can start playing and creating your unique sounds!

What makes the Playtron especially appealing is its ability to add a highly interactive and engaging element to music-making. It offers a unique way to create music, making it an exciting addition to any performance. The device is also very affordable, considering its versatility and range of features. It can be seamlessly combined with other MIDI controllers or instruments to design complex arrangements and performances, opening up endless creative possibilities. Its portability further enhances its appeal, as it can wirelessly connect to computers, tablets, or smartphones via Bluetooth. However, it is not the best option for those who require very precise control in their music production. 

5. TouchMe

TouchMe allows you to connect to objects in the same way as Playtron. However, this is a sensory device as it is set to react differently to the touch. Meaning, that when the area of touch and intensity changes, the sound changes too, causing the pitch to go higher or lower!

The device stands out as an excellent sequencer with just the right number of keys for creative exploration. Its versatility allows it to be combined with other MIDI controllers or instruments, enabling users to craft complex arrangements and performances. TouchMe also unlocks the potential for theremin-like sound generation, making it ideal for producing dynamic and expressive music. Beyond individual use, the device encourages collaboration in musical environments, making it a perfect tool for interactive and social creativity. Its portability is another major advantage, as it can connect wirelessly to computers, tablets, or smartphones via Bluetooth. However, the device is not the best for achieving very precise control, which may limit its appeal to some users.

6. Evans SoundOff drum mutes

Living with or next to a drummer is…loud. But thankfully, you can get a set of mutes for acoustic drum kits from Evans. You still get the feel of an acoustic drum kit, so there's no need to worry about comprising your practice - it's just at a volume that's more pleasant for neighbors.

Check out our top 10 gifts for drummers

7. Stomp foot pedal

As tablets become more popular for reading sheet music, consider amping up that convenience with a Stomp foot pedal. With this foot-switch, keep your hands free to play your instrument, instead of stressing out about the 0.5 seconds you have to turn the page. You can also program this pedal to control your DAW or trigger backing tracks. A perfect gift for any gigging musician.

Enjoying this article? Check out our 10 best gifts for guitarists.

8. Minuendo earplugs

These are our favorites for a reason. The emphasis on precise material use and minimal design keeps the product light and comfortable for all-day wear. Minuendo uses a membrane technology that mimics nature, which behaves like a second eardrum. To add, users are protected while still being able to hear natural high-fidelity sound. Its rotating volume slider manual adjustment is between -7 and -25dB.

Enjoying this article? Check out our 10 best gifts for pianists.

9. Auralex Studiofoam Wedgies

With home recordings on the rise this year, acoustic treatment for our rooms has become a bigger priority. These sound-dampening foam panels from Auralex are a great gift for musicians who might be a little too noisy and come in a pack of 24, which makes it easy to spot-treat your home studios. These Wedgies are 2" inches thick and have a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.75, which means they absorb 75% of sound. Auralex also has 3" and 4" panels with higher NRCs for greater reduction of echo and reverb.

10. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII

For any creative spirit out there, this compact keyboard and pad controller from Akai comes bundled with professional production software and virtual instruments for immediate music creation. Featuring eight assignable Q-Link knobs for mixing and plugins, a four-way thumb stick, eight velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads, a built-in arpeggiator and more, this ultra-compact instrument certainly packs a punch.

Although, we would highly recommend you take care of the USB port and be aware of where you place and store it.

11. Flow microphone

The Soundbrenner Flow Microphone is an exceptional gift for musicians seeking studio-quality recordings on the go. Designed for versatility, it seamlessly connects to iOS and Android devices, as well as Windows and Mac computers, without the need for additional apps or drivers. Its cardioid polar pattern effectively minimizes background noise, ensuring clear and focused audio capture. With a frequency response of 50 – 15,000 Hz and support for 16-bit / 48 kHz digital recording, the Flow Microphone delivers high-fidelity sound suitable for both instruments and vocals. The package includes all necessary cables—Lightning, USB-C, and USB-A—along with a convenient tripod for easy setup, making it an ideal choice for musicians aiming to enhance their recording quality effortlessly.

12. TASCAM DR-05X Stereo Handheld Recorder

For more acoustically-minded instrumentalists who can't be bothered with a grand recording setup (hint: classical musicians), the TASCAM DR-05X is a choice gift. With built-in dual omnidirectional condenser microphones for stereo recording, you can expect great audio quality with this portable recorder. This also serves as an audio interface with your Mac or PC, so you can record directly into your computer for tasks on your DAW or podcasting.

13. Wave in-ear monitors

Discover the Wave IEMs, an in-ear monitor redefining auditory excellence. With a 10 mm dynamic driver ensuring unparalleled sound clarity, this device invites you into a world of sonic intricacies, whether you're a musician, audiophile, or casual listener. Its ergonomic design guarantees extended comfort, while 36dB passive noise isolation, facilitated by six ear tip options, creates your private musical sanctuary, blocking out the world's distractions. Crafted for longevity, the Wave IEMs boasts durability with its premium construction and detachable braided cable, always ready for your on-the-go lifestyle. Additionally, their small yet powerful design makes them the perfect pocket-sized companion, promising an immersive musical journey wherever you go. Elevate your music experience with Wave IEMs—where sound meets comfort, durability, and pure listening pleasure.