Christmas is right around the corner and, if you don’t find the perfect gift for that special drummer in your life, it might not be the most wonderful time of the year. Traditionally, drummers are difficult people to find Christmas presents for- not only because they’re utterly dedicated to their craft, but it’s difficult to fit an entire drum kit in a Christmas stocking. If you’re looking for something that’s smaller (and more affordable!) than a full drum set, look no further. We’ve put together some of our top Christmas gift ideas for drummers of all skill levels.
Drummer Apparel
There are plenty of websites that sell apparel that’s manufactured exclusively with drummers in mind. Whether it’s clothing that’s comfortable enough for extra-long jam sessions or apparel that has funny drummer phrases on the front, you can’t go wrong with gifting a t-shirt or v-neck that says “I’d rather be playing drums.” Plus, if you’re shopping for a couple, purchase the drummer’s significant other a t-shirt that says “I’m with the drummer” and you’ll effectively cover two people’s gifts in one online checkout. If your drummer is a fan of ugly Christmas sweaters, this t-shirt from Spreadshirt is the perfect choice.
Drum Stick Bag
Since drum sets don’t come with gig bags or carrying cases, many drummers aren’t sure how to transport their drumsticks from gig to gig. By purchasing them a sturdy drum stick bag, they’ll be able to transport their sticks in style. Plus, many bags are waterproof and come with extra pockets for storing other items. Alternatively, you can purchase your drummer a drum stick caddy. This convenient addition to their drum set will serve two purposes: if a drum stick breaks in the heat of the moment, your drummer will have easy access to a new stick and it’ll help keep their practice area neat and organized.
Drum Throne
If you’ve ever sat in an uncomfortable chair, you’re familiar with the back pain a poorly constructed chair can cause. Unfortunately, many lower-quality drum stools can cause that same exact pain. If your drummer complains about back pain, consider purchasing them a state-of-the-art drum throne. When purchasing a throne for your drummer, keep an eye out for a lot of padding, a die-cast memory lock, and double-braced legs. Although heavily padded, well-built drum thrones are more expensive than their entry-level alternatives, your drummer will thank you when their back pain ceases to exist.
Lessons with a Pro
Giving the gift of music lessons is truly the gift that keeps on giving. After all, everything else on this list won’t matter if the drummer doesn’t even know how to drum. Whether you write them a check, send them a gift card, or pay for their lessons in-person or online, your drummer will love that they’re saving money while getting a premium music education. Music & Arts is the nation’s largest private music lesson provider and teaches over 1 million lessons each year, so it’s a great place to start. For those who truly are impossible to shop for, we also sell gift certificates– just choose any amount between $10 and $2,500 and check out.
Isolation Headphones
A drummer protecting their ears while recording, performing, and practicing is important, especially since the drums are one of the loudest instruments a person can play. Whether they’re referred to as Noise Isolation Headphones or Drummer Isolation Headphones, this type of headphone is designed to reduce sound by up to 30 decibels, which helps drummers avoid unnecessary damage while improving their recording and performing. Many isolation headphones include built-in metronomes, speed controls, and dual cords, and conveniently fold for easy transport and storage.
Drummer Books & Media
Whether your drummer needs a bit of inspiration or already has a favorite drummer, there are plenty of drummer autobiographies, biographies, and movies available on the market. Neil Peart Taking Center Stage: Lifetime of Live Performances is a great gift considering the Rush drummer is one of the most well-known and admired drummers in the world. Other options include Born to Drum: The Truth About the World’s Greatest Drummers, a book that takes an inside look at famous rock ‘n roll drummers ranging from John Bonham and Keith Moon to Sheila E. and Dave Grohl.