Every year, the holiday season comes around and we're faced with the same questions... what should I get for my mom? my dad? my partner? my child? my grandparent? do I have to get something for my teacher? my neighbour? my cat?
The shopping possibilities are endless. And while we're not all in the same position when it comes to the number of gifts we plan to purchase (or make!) each year, it's undeniable that gift-giving is on the minds of many in the month of December.
And of course, we want to be thoughtful. Which means, if we know the recipient is passionate about music, we might wonder, what is the best gift to give a musician?
Well, these are our suggestions! We hope it helps you find the perfect present for that special someone. Tap the images to view more.
For the musician who's just getting started
If you know someone passionate about music, but still early on their journey of learning to play an instrument, these gifts could be perfect for them!
Music Keychain with Music Staff/Solfege
Keep note names front of mind with this antique brass music staff keychain. Every time they reach for their keys, they'll get a great reminder, and soon they'll be humming a major scale faster than you can say "do re mi".
Practizma Practice Journal
Get new musicians started off on the right track with the Practizma Practice Journal. This journal offers 16 weeks of prompts to engage with music practice in new and mindful ways.
Muse & Mate Practice Journal
Can't get enough practice, right? This sleek blue journal has a gorgeous soft-touch cover, filled with opportunities to plan and reflect on your practice, track your progress, stay motivated and make observable progress in your playing. One of the coolest things about this journal? It's made by a Canadian, right here in Toronto.
Listen to This - by Alex Ross
Alex Ross's award-winning international bestseller, The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century, has become a contemporary classic, establishing Ross as one of our most popular and acclaimed cultural historians. Listen to This, which takes its title from a beloved 2004 essay in which Ross describes his late-blooming discovery of pop music, showcases the best of his writing from more than a decade at The New Yorker. These pieces, dedicated to classical and popular artists alike, are at once erudite and lively. This book makes an excellent gift for a musician just getting started because listening is one of the most important skills a musician can develop. And it's an underrated skill at that! Encourage your fledgling musician to tune in and listen with Alex Ross's great book!
Snark ST-8 Clip-on Tuner
If your gift recipient is just getting started on the guitar, chances are they'll find a clip-on tuner to be extremely helpful. Sure, they might have an app on their phone for that, but don't underestimate the convenience of having a physical tuner ready to go! Quick, accurate, and reliable, this Snark tuner is ready to make their guitar sing!
I Love Music Mug with Gift Box
Celebrate their recent launch into the musical journey with this cute and high-quality mug! Each mug comes with an attractive gift box, instantly elevating your choice of gift. And as many music teachers might tell you, musical themed mugs are a top choice and possibly fill their cupboards--so that's why giving your friend a music mug at the beginning of their musical awakening is the perfect time to do so.
For the musician who already has everything
What do you give to a musician who already seems to own everything under the sun related to music? You know they love music... you aren't sure if they like baseball just as much? Did you hear they'd picked up knitting? Music seems a safer bet.... Well, just try to make those gifts meaningful and unique! We're sure you'll knock it out of the park. (Hey, maybe we like baseball too!)
Music Lover - Magnetic Poetry Kit
Maybe you had it on your fridge growing up, maybe it's there now! Maybe you've seen it in a movie or a show. Chances are, you've come across Magnetic Poetry somewhere. But did you know they have it in a MUSIC theme!? It's a fun and unique musical gift option for anyone with a magnetic surface in their home or dorm!
Musical Dominoes
Classic dominoes with a clever twist - invented in England in the late 1800s, musical dominoes were an instant hit with high society hostesses and cultured guests. In this classic game of skill, the pips are music notes and rests representing specific time values. An eye-catching and challenging game to play. Its sleek black box makes it a perfect present.
Manhasset Symphony Stand
The musician who already has everything probably does have a music stand... but they might not have this music stand. The iconic Manhasset Symphony stand is a stalwart of the industry and it comes in tons of brilliant colours. We stock many of these amazing colours and others are available to order.
Tom Allen's Classical Musick Almynack
Tom Allen, of CBC fame, has released a delightful book full of interesting information and quirky tidbits. And it's a great gift idea for the musician who already has everything because the book is newly released, so you can bet they probably don't have it yet! With hilarious flowcharts and illustrations from Ian Bell, this book is a guaranteed hit.
For the music fan who's into the latest trends
Fender x Hello Kitty Instrument Cable
Is Hello Kitty ever really not trending? This adorable 10 foot cable is perfect for the electric guitarist, bassist, or really anyone with an amp. The pink and white woven cable jacket provides protection and a whole lot of fun! The 23-gauge conductor offers improved signal path strength, so you get an eye-catching cable that also functions really well. Also available from Fender for the highest Hello Kitty fans are a pedal, guitar strap, and electric guitar!
Wooden Instrument Model Kits
You may have seen them in your local bookstore, toy store, or trending online! These model kits from Rolife/ROKR are available in so many different designs and we are so excited to offer the music-themed ones! Pictured here is the Violin Capriccio style, but we also have electric guitar, drums, piano, saxophone, cello, and more. Building your own instrument model is a rewarding and fun experience and the resulting product is the perfect little item to display alongside your music scores.
KPop Demon Hunters Songbook
I mean... you knew this was going to show up somewhere in this list, right? KPop Demon Hunters has a wildly chart-topping following, with children, tweens, all the way to adults just loving the film and songs! The matching songbook is available in Piano/Vocal/Guitar and Easy Piano so that players of all levels can enjoy their favourite songs.
Wicked Piano/Vocal Selections
Another incredible musical release from last year was Wicked, and with Wicked: For Good having just hit theatres, the fandom is rejuvenated and very much trending. Grab the matching songbook so you and your favourite musician can sing along to all of Stephen Schwartz's beloved songs.
For the classical musician
These picks are perfect for musicians who adore classical music, be it listening, playing, performing, or studying it.
Henle Canvas Tote Bag
Well-loved by classical musicians across all instruments, Henle scores are many players' first choice. And now, there is a tote bag in the classic Henle blue-grey with Henle's iconic serif typeface. Give the classical musician in your life the chance to show off their passion. To some who see it, it'll just be a tote bag with some composer names on it, but to others, to those classical music insiders, it'll be the coolest status symbol. It's also a truly excellent tote bag. In high-quality canvas, the bag is sturdy and has an inner zippable pocket as well.
Too Hot to Handel Apron
We think you'll find that the overlap between classical musicians and people who like puns is rather high. That's why this "Too Hot to Handel" apron is the perfect gift for the musical chef in your life. With a front pocket and delightful design, this apron is both convenient and hilarious.
St. Cecilia Magnetic Bookmark
This magnetic bookmark is the perfect little accessory for musicians who like to read! The magnet keeps the bookmark in place so you're never at risk of losing your page. The design features fragments from of Hymn to St. Cecilia, who was the patron saint of musicians and church music. The neume notation is the perfect reminder for musicians of the incredible musical evolution that came before them, and the journey they continue to be part of today.
Henle Plastic Score Protector
The Henle "Protector" is a transparent protective cover made of plastic for Henle Urtext editions, fits all spine widths of editions in standard Urtext format. An excellent choice for classical musicians, many of whom enjoy Henle scores, this protective cover is the prime way to keep musical scores looking their best. Fits all spine widths in format 23.5 x 31 cm (9.5 x 12 in), meaning it can be used on scores from many publishers, not just Henle.
If money isn't an object
Maybe you're on the lookout for a gift that will be the star of the show and you don't mind dropping some extra dollars. Here are some of our top picks.
Gewa Air 100th Anniversary Violin Case
Imagine the way you'd win gift-giving (not that it's a competition) if your recipient realized you'd got them the GEWA Air 100th Anniversary Violin Case. With only 100 made, to celebrate the centennial of GEWA, this limited edition product is an incredible, German-made violin case. The specially developed thermoplastic shell offers extremely high break resistance to protect the instrument at all costs. Genuine hand-stitched leather handles and black velour lining inside mean the violin travels in style. The lightweight feel of the case makes carrying a breeze and did we mention only 100 were made!? What could be more special.
Korg L1 Liano 88 Key Semi Weighted Piano
The Korg Liano is an incredible way to introduce the piano to someone. Suitable for both kids and adults, this lightweight slim instrument offers a surprising number of features. There's a great selection of piano sounds, powerful speakers, great feeling keybed, reverb and chorus effects, all running on just 6 AA batteries. A mere 130 cm deep and just 7cm thick, it amazingly still offers a full 88 keys. This may be the most portable full size keyboard ever! Imagine how good that would look under a Christmas tree...
Wittner Real Wooden Metronome
This Wittner metronome with real wood casing adds an amazing touch to any music studio. Some things never go out of style. Available in several finishes, and in both real wood and imitation wood, our personal favourite is of course this real mahogany metronome. Adjust the tempo and start practicing with the classic tick-tock of a real metronome.
BAM High-Tech Cello Case
If you're a string player, you know there's nothing more important than protecting your instrument. A quality stringed instrument can be incredibly expensive, there's no denying it. Do you need to splurge on a case now too? Yes, it's absolutely worth it. When you properly protect that precious instrument, you are investing in the livelihood of your instrument, and that is something you'll never regret. BAM cases are the number one choice of string players. Receiving a beautiful cello case such as this as a gift would be so meaningful, because it tells the recipient that you support their passion wholeheartedly.
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-865 Digital Grand Piano
"Honey, I bought us a piano for Christmas!" Further explanation as to why this is one of the most exciting presents you could receive this holiday season is probably not necessary. But we'll tell you anyway. The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-865 offers the luxurious appearance of a grand piano with the efficient prowess of today's digital technologies. Powerful 2-way speakers with diffusers and a superb GrandTouch-S keyboard provide unprecedented performance capability to pianists of all abilities. Featuring realistic piano touch and tone, along with the binaurally sampled sounds of legendary grand pianos - Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial, the CLP-865GP is class and technology in one beautiful package. We can't really help you wrap it, but we could definitely find you a big red bow.
PRS CE 24 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
A PRS guitar is a treat. A treat for the eyes, to play, and to hear. For the electric guitarist in your life, this would be a phenomenal gift. The original PRS CE was introduced in 1988, and this instrument has all of that classic character with extra cool semi-hollow style. Combining the snap and sustain of a bolt-on guitar with the airy resonance of a semi-hollow body, the CE 24 Semi-Hollow is a truly unique addition to the PRS Bolt-On lineup. Plus, we have it on sale right now! (Don't worry, you don't have to tell them that...)
For the musician who writes their own
For those creatives who not only play, but write!
The Music of The Lord of the Rings Films
What better way for a composer to improve and expand their skills than to learn from the best? This book by Doug Adams delves deep into Howard Shore's iconic music from The Lord of the Rings. Adams takes the reader on an unprecedented journey into the heart of this history-making opus with extensive music examples, original manuscript scores, a rarities CD, and fascinating glimpses into the creative process from the composer himself.
Rush - The Complete Scores
Learn from rock gods like Rush with complete transcriptions of their original recordings. With all instruments reflected, you can see exactly what Geddy Lee was up to. The scores come in a lovely box set making it a perfect gift for the musician in your life.
Henle Writing Set with Tuning Fork
Give your composer pal the tools to write on the go with this cute little writing set. An exclusive from Henle Verlag, the set is small enough to be slipped into a pocket and includes pencils, an eraser, and a sharpener. Best of all, it also has a tuning fork, so the composer can be sure they're humming along exactly on pitch.
Edition Peters Notebook
The beautifully produced Notes: The Musical Notebook from Edition Peters is the perfect companion for all music lovers. This quality hardback A5 notebook contains 160 pages of ivory cream paper with 130 pages of 5mm dot grid for bullet journalling and 30 pages of 10-stave manuscript paper for musical ideas. It also includes a circle of fifths page and Italian tempos reference guide. Finished with gold foil and a handy page-finder ribbon, this must-have notebook is both the perfect indulgence and ideal gift.
For the youngest musicians
From the smallest babies to musical wiz kids, here are our picks for budding virtuosos.
8 Note Rainbow Glockenspiel
This 8 note glockenspiel is the perfect introduction to music for little ones. The colourful bells ring diatonically from c2 to c3, and the set includes 2 mallets. Even better, all corners are rounded for safety so you know even the youngest musicians can have fun risk-free. It is never too early to start children on a musical path! (Though of course, this particular gift is recommend for children 3 and up.)
Welcome to Jazz - Sound Book
What a wonderful way to introduce young ones to jazz! This brightly coloured picture book has 12 sound chips demonstrating some core elements of one of the world's most influential genres. In this interactive swing-along picture book, you’ll hear the instruments of jazz—the rhythm section with its banjo, drums, and tuba, and the leads, like the clarinet, trumpet, and trombone. And you’ll hear singers scat, improvising melodies with nonsense syllables like be-bop and doo-we-ah! Along the way, you’ll learn how this unique African American art form started in New Orleans, and how jazz changed over time as innovative musicians like King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday added their own ideas to it.
Children's Umbrella with Musical Animals
Tell us you've seen a cuter umbrella before. Come on, we're waiting... It can't be done. There is no cuter umbrella than this, with an assortment of animals strumming a guitar, tooting on a flute, bowing a violin, and slapping a bass. The youngest musicians can now show off their love of music on even the rainiest of days. At just 57cm, it's the perfect height for kiddos.
The Story Orchestra Series
The Story Orchestra series, illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle is an incredible series of books that introduce famous orchestral works via sound buttons alongside beautiful drawings and matching stories. Shown here is Holst's The Planets, but we'd recommend any volume of this series. The Story Orchestra series brings classical music to life for children through gorgeously illustrated retellings of classic ballet, opera and program music stories paired with 10-second sound clips of orchestras playing from their musical scores.
My First Rainstick
Encourage the youngest musician in your life with this miniature rainstick! At just 3" and in assorted bright colours, this toy is the perfect size and shape for tiny hands. For 3 months and up, this gift will help little ones with their auditory sensory development as well as motor coordination. Plus, it's BPA & Phthalate free so you can feel confident that you're giving them a safe toy to slobber all over--we mean to shake.
Musical Socks for Baby
These charming socks are possibly the most adorable item we sell. Available in 3 tiny sizes, with these you can introduce music to even the youngest members of the family. Also available are socks with musical notes in pink and blue!
For the Christmas lover
Just hear those sleigh bells ringing! If you're buying a present for someone who not only celebrates Christmas, but absolutely loves it, you might find these options appealing.
The Christmas Family Songbook
The Christmas Family Songbook is a wonderful collection from Alfred Music Publishing. With over 200 songs easily arranged for piano and sing-along, this book is sight-readable for some, or easily achieved with a few practices for many others. Most importantly, singing with family and friends is made extra simple with downloadable lyric sheets, and audio tracks with adjustable piano accompaniments. And if it looks familiar, you're not imagining it. This book is a great replacement for the beloved, but now discontinued, Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook. And yes, we wish the Reader's Digest book was still available too. But make no mistake, this Alfred collection is equally a winner.
The Night Before Christmas Picture Book
This lovely hardcover book with removable book jacket is a fabulous choice for a family, children, or grandchildren. Imagine cozying up by the fireplace, or maybe the Christmas tree, and reading aloud this classic tale. Acclaimed painter Eric Puybaret captures the story’s magic and wide-eyed wonder in beautiful and bold illustrations. Or, skip reading it yourself, and jump to listening along to lauded trio Peter, Paul, and Mary. The specially created three-track musical and narrative CD includes the story stunningly set to music by Noel Paul Stookey, an enchanting reading by Mary Travers over a special score composed by Peter Yarrow with Peter and Noel joining Mary one last time in her final performance, plus the classic Peter, Paul and Mary holiday favorite, "A' Soalin."
A Charlie Brown Christmas - Artist Transcription Book
For the proficient piano player who loves Christmas, consider this artist transcription edition of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Vince Guaraldi's famous tunes have been transcribed so the nostalgia of Charlie Brown can be brought to life.
Holiday Keyboard Music Socks
I mean... need we say more? Even a Scrooge would smile if they received these this holiday season.
Christmas Sheet Music Anthology
If the Christmas Family Songbook listed above isn't quite your cup of tea, consider this piano/vocal/guitar anthology with 100 holiday essentials! This collection has more modern selections in it as well such as All I Want for Christmas is You, Santa Baby, and Mary, Did You Know? all arranged so that pianists, vocalists, and guitarists can enjoy. Plus, it's comb-binding means this large collection still opens with ease so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
For that extra little something
Are you looking for a little accoutrement for a gift in process? Maybe you need a wee item that fits perfectly in a stocking. Or, you want something small, but no less meaningful. Here's a few more suggestions that could be the perfect finishing touch.
8th Note Earrings
These handmade earrings with cognac coloured amber are a beautiful choice if you're looking for a special gift for a musician. From a very small production line, these real amber earrings are guaranteed to be unique. For best results, we do recommend giving them to someone who has their ears pierced.
Chopin Liszt Notepad
Gift a bit of humour this season with a Chopin Liszt! Available in white or cream, this tear-off notepad is the perfect accessory or small gift for the musician in your life.
Boosey & Hawkes The Music Diary 2026
Give the gift of organization this year, with the best-selling Boosey & Hawkes Music Diary. Alongside room to write one's important appointments, you'll find birthdays of hundreds of famous people in the world of music, listings of important musical events from 100, 50 and 25 years ago and forthcoming anniversaries up to 2031, plus a mini-directory of concert halls, opera houses, festivals, organisations and recording companies. The diary's small size makes it practical for many users as it can be tossed in a purse, bag, or even a pocket!
Remenyi House of Music Gift Card
If you still aren't sure what to gift this season, you can never really go wrong with a gift card to our store. Available in a range of values, and usable both in-store and online, remove all worry and let your giftee choose exactly what they want.
