Music Gifts for Kids
It's holiday season! Let the planning begin! I'm excited to share some music-themed gift guides with you. All links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase from a link. See my disclosure policy for more information.
The "Four-Gift Rule"
Last year, my husband and I started using the "four-gift rule" for Christmas with our family. The process is simple and looks something like this.First, we start with four categories:
>> something you want
>> something you need
>> something to wear
>> something to read
Then we choose one gift from each category to give to each other and our children, plus stockings. That's it! The "four-gift rule" has been an easy way to simplify shopping and decision-making. It's been especially helpful because our children have seven grandparents and several aunts and uncles--lots of gifts come our way this time of year! At the same time, we don't feel so stuck to the four-gift rule that we don't allow ourselves to branch out, but the four-item list gives us boundaries that we try to stay close to. If you're interested to know more about the four-gift rule, Kaitlin at simplylearningkids.com has a great post that explains it really well.
I'm a musician, teacher, and parent.
If we haven't met yet or if you don't know much about me, I've been teaching music for 15 years in school, private, and church settings, I've been playing for over 20 years, and I'm a parent of two boys under five. These lists are not just a bunch of things I found on Amazon that I thought looked cool. These are products and services that I recommend as a musician, teacher, and parent to help the children and musicians in your life develop his or her interest and skills.I wanted to make gift guides for parents and family members of musically interested children. The gift guides are also great if you have music-loving friends or family. I remember how special these kinds of gifts were to me as a kid, and now I have great appreciation toward my parents for investing in things that helped fuel my musical interests.
Below, you'll find two music "four-gift rule" lists: one for young children, ages birth to eight; and one for anyone ages nine and up. The list for young children is mostly about exploring music. Here you'll find things for infants, toddlers, and children who might be early on in private lessons. The list for ages nine and up is made with the idea that these children and adults are exploring music with a specific focus.
Our family has experience with most of these products and services. There are a few that are on our lists for the boys this year. I'll explain in the descriptions.
So, here they are! Two holiday guides and a stocking stuffer list for the musician in your life!
First, here's the list for young children and musicians in your life.
Something They Want
1. Kids Drums and CD: This is our favorite set of drums we own. It is used almost daily between my own children and my piano students. Remo is a brand you can trust. This set has survived four years in our home so far with two boys and shows little to no sign of damage. Highly recommend.2. Baby-Safe Instruments: We have a set similar to this one that isn't listed right now, but we've played these specific ones in music classes. I like that these instruments are colorful and that kids can watch the beads inside to see how the sound is made.
3. Pyramid style metronome: All my piano students really like my pyramid-style metronome! I like that these metronomes inspire curiosity in kids--they want to know how it works, how to change the speed, and they want to see if they can play along. A win-win in my opinion.
4. Movement and Dance Ribbons: Go ahead and save yourself some winter sanity and buy these ribbons. I can't tell you how many times we have danced with these ribbons to get out of grumpy moods or to do something active indoors while it rained or snowed outside. Treat yourself--oh, and your children--to some ribbon dancing.
Something They Need
5. Digital keyboard with stand and headphones*: Using a digital piano is where playing music began for me. This is how I discovered that I really liked music, and it's also the first instrument I remember really playing. I chose this set rather than a toy piano because ages 5-8 is a great time to start piano lessons. This keyboard has everything you need to get your young pianist started.*This keyboard does not have weighted keys, meaning the keys will play the same volume no matter how you play. If you're looking for something more long-term, jump down to the keyboard I have on the 9+ list. Otherwise, this set would be great if your child is just starting.
6. Latin American Folk Songs CD: My family really enjoys this CD. We've learned Spanish folk songs and vocabulary just by listening to it in the car. If you do purchase the CD, I also recommend buying the illustrated anthology which has all the lyrics, printed music, and lovely pictures. I needed it for reference when I wasn't sure what was being sung (the CD does not include lyrics in the jacket).
7. Baby/Kids Percussion Set: I love this set because it gives everyone in the family something to play as well as exposure to different kinds of percussion instruments. And it's made by the trusted Melissa and Doug brand.
8. Family music classes: These classes have been one of the best investments we've made in our children's musical development. Music Together is a family music curriculum that is research-based and used worldwide. It's the real deal. These would also be a great idea for grandparents to give your children. Visit the website and find classes being offered in your area. Most centers offer a free class visit. And if no one is offering them near you, you can go to their training! I definitely recommend checking out Music Together.
Something to Wear
9. Noise reducing earmuffs: Part of healthy music development is healthy ears! My boys like wearing their earmuffs when we vacuum and when they're just being silly around the house. These are great for sporting events, too.10. Headphones: Are you tired of listening to the same audio book 53 times in the car? Me too. That's why this set of headphones is on our list for our four-year old this year.
11. Faux fur rug: This one is on my own list! Everyone who plays piano needs a comfy practice space, and this faux fur rug is perfect for a piano bench. I got this idea from a student of mine. Technically it's for the piano bench to wear, but close enough, right?
12. Dance Scarves: I mentioned above how much we like dance ribbons. These are next on our list. We've played with them at friends' houses and in music class, and they're great. You can use them with movement or pretend play. Excited to get these this year.
Something to Read
13. The Remarkable Farkle McBride: This is a fun book written by John Lithgow that is about a boy who tries every instrument in the orchestra but soon tires of them and usually destroys the instruments. He eventually finds his place, though--on the podium. It's funny, beautifully illustrated, and it introduces kids to instruments, instrument families, and music vocabulary.14. Peter and the Wolf: This book is a classic that introduces instruments through story. Each character is represented by an instrument that you hear in the recorded story. Definitely recommend.
15. We Are Music: I found this at our library this semester and love it! It's basically a children's music history book, starting with prehistoric drumming, going through other periods such as classical, jazz, and modern. I shared it with piano students who also enjoyed it.
16. Preschool Piano Book: I am using these method books for my own son now as well as some other young beginners. This book introduces playing the piano through story format. Each finger is identified as a character, and the characters "show" the child where to play. So far my son and students really like this series.
Next, let's look at music gifts for musicians who are nine years and older. These kids and adults might be playing in band, taking piano lessons, or primarily enjoy listening to music.
Something they Want
1. Digital piano with stand and bench: If you have a child or know someone who is serious about music, I highly recommend this digital piano. This keyboard has weighted keys, several tones with split and reverb options, a built in metronome, and it can be used with composing software as a MIDI controller with its USB port. Having a digital keyboard in my bedroom in high school is, I'm sure, one reason why I have strong skills today. I could play anytime I wanted without disturbing my family, and using headphones gave me the privacy to mess up and invent without being heard. I highly, highly recommend this digital piano for those who are intensely curious about music. It is worth the investment.2. Bluetooth speaker: We have this speaker at our home and use it almost daily. For being so small, it puts out great volume and sound quality. I've used it at home, at cookouts, and baby showers. Its small size lends itself to easy portability. We've gifted this one to family members. Highly recommend.
3. Ukulele: The ukulele is a great option for those who are interested in exploring a string instrument. Its small size allows for easy playing for all ages. This one comes with a tuner app, some free online lessons, a beginner booklet, and carrying case.
4. Electronic drum set: This is a great way to start learning the coordination of playing drum set. I really like the features this set offers: two foot pedals, speaker and headphone options, and a USB MIDI jack for connecting to a computer.
Something They Need
5. Music Stand: This is a sturdy stand that is also portable. Musicians can use it at home and take it to auditions or performances where stands aren't provided. This will be something that can be used forever. I still use the stand my parents gave me in middle school.6. Phone holder for recording: This is a great tool for improving performance technique. Clamp to a music stand, table or other surface, attach a phone, and start recording. This can help your musician observe physical technique--embouchure, hand positioning--and hear playing technique. Definitely recommend for players and vocalists who want to improve.
7. Cleaning swab: Your woodwind player needs a new swab! I use the Hodge silk swabs with my own oboe. Here are options for various instruments: oboe swab; clarinet; flute cleaning kit; sax swab.
8. Polishing cloth: These polishing cloths by Beaumont music add some flair to an otherwise unexciting cleaning kit. I like whipping out my pretty swab to give my keys a quick cleaning.
Something to Wear
9. Music socks: For the musician who likes to be decked out in music garb!10. Wireless headphones: Even if your child, friend, or family member doesn't play music, he or she probably enjoys listening to music. I like that these are Bluetooth and have a built-in microphone.
11. Faux fur rug: This is the same as #11 in the 0-8 year-old list because having a comfortable practice environment is so important. Put this faux fur rug on a piano bench or on the floor to soften your practice space.
12. Instrument Case: A new case is so exciting! I really like the fun and colorful options Beaumont carries for flute and oboe/clarinet.
Something to Read
13. Best of John Williams: I use this a lot in my private studio. John Williams composed music for more movies that I can name off-hand--Star Wars, Home Alone, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Indiana Jones... If you know a piano player who likes movies, chances are they'll enjoy learning these familiar themes.14. Intermediate Pop Music Studies book: I am really enjoying the WunderKeys series by Angela and Trevor Dow. After the holidays I plan to use more from these books with my intermediate piano students.
15. Method book: If someone in your life is serious about his or her instrument, a method book will go a long way. Here are two popular books: one for flute; and one for oboe. I used the oboe book all through college. Flute players speak highly of the Trevor Wye books.
16. Beethoven Sessions: This is another book I'm going to explore with my upper level piano students. WunderKeys has several "Classical Pop Piano Solos" books that contain modern renditions of classical pieces. They look like a blast.
Stocking Stuffers
1. Conducting Baton: My boys love playing with my conducting baton. My private students enjoy it, too! This is a great baton for those who are interested in studying conducting, are currently conducting, or just want to pretend!2. Egg shakers: These are a hit with everyone! Kids always seem to light up when they are given an egg to shake. They're also great for family music time at home.
3. Lotion and lip balm set: Musicians will appreciate this! I always need lip balm after playing oboe, and my hands need constant moisturizing in the winter. A friend gave me a tiny bottle of lotion for Christmas in middle school to keep in my instrument case, and I thought it was the most thoughtful gift ever!
4. Music pencils: Music students are fascinated with these, especially when they learn what that fancy thing on the top is!
5. NF The Search CD: NF is one of the top rap artists right now. All the songs I've heard from this album so far are clean (faith is a common theme in his songs), though some topics are heavy. Highly recommend for high school age and up, especially for those who need an emotional connection with music or expressive outlet. I like it so much that it's on my own list this year.
6. Iwako erasers: I bought these recently and my sons and students really like them. They fit perfectly on piano keys so I use them as teaching aids. These do come apart, so be cautious when sharing with littles.
7. Drum sticks and kids drum sticks: For your budding drummer or your angry toddler. A healthy and musical way to release energy.
8. Raffi CD: My son was gifted this a couple years ago. Raffi is a prolific children's music composer ("Down By the Bay," "Baby Beluga," and more) and performer. The performances on this 3-CD set are quality and great for young listeners.
9. Songwriting journal: I really like that this songwriting journal has a nice leather cover, manuscript paper, and a pen holder. It's great for those writing songs to be sung or pieces played on an instrument. My students enjoy things like this that allow them to be self-creative and self-expressive--most of us musicians do!
10. iTunes gift card: No musician will argue with being able to purchase music they love.
11. Water bottle: I have had this water bottle for 2 years now and really like it. It keeps drinks cold for hours. I like taking this one to rehearsals.
12. Amazon gift card: Some people think gift cards are a cop-out, but I think sometimes they're perfect--especially for middle and high school kids. You could even make a note that the card is for music/band/piano materials.
13. Pocket music dictionary: This is a handy music theory book that can fit in an instrument bag. This is great for musicians who are playing in high school, honor bands, or considering (or currently) studying music.
14. Playdoh: Playdoh makes a regular appearance in my home and lessons. It's great for strengthening little hands and can be used to visualize lots of music and music/math concepts. Highly recommend having some in your child's practice space or your family's music space.
And there you have it! Gift ideas for the musicians in your life. Of course, I think lessons are one of the best gifts you can give yourself or your child. If you're in the Louisville area, I'd love to give you a free lesson! Email me at solamimusicstudio [at ] gmail.com to set it up.
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