Depending on how you look at it, purchasing gifts for musicians can be really easy, or really difficult. Whether the clarinetist in your life is your best friend, your child, or a distant relative, here are some easy, simple, and useful stocking stuffer ideas for clarinetists of all skill levels. The majority of these items are easy to find, so you won’t have to deal with custom orders or rush delivery from Amazon. Even better, most of these items can be found at Music & Arts, so you won’t even have to leave this website to purchase the perfect gift! From chapstick to cork grease, any clarinetist is sure to enjoy each gift on this list.
Chapstick
Think about it- playing the clarinet requires that the clarinetist keeps their lips in tip-top shape, as dry and cracked lips will make it difficult for them to play with proper form. The important thing to keep in mind when it comes to Chapstick is that the product shouldn’t make playing more difficult. Avoid products that are too slippery or waxy. Products like this will take away all the sensitivity and leave a gross residue on the instrument. If possible, stuff your clarinetist’s stocking with a lip scrub and moisturizer combo. The lip scrub will remove dead skin cells from the outer layers of their lips, while the moisturizer will prevent their lips from drying out in the first place.
Recordings of Famous Clarinet Players
Although this gift is a little less practical in nature, it’ll still help your clarinetist improve their playing, as listening to the greats is an essential part of learning. Whether it’s recordings of their favorite clarinetist or symphonies that feature some great clarinet solos, your clarinetist will enjoy hearing their instrument in professional recordings. If you aren’t sure which professional clarinet player they admire, purchasing them a song book or sheet music is another great idea. From 12 Pop Hits for clarinet to song books that come with CDs, Music & Arts has a wide selection of music to offer. Psst! If you aren’t sure what their playing level is, ask their parents!
Box of Their Favorite Reeds
This is another area where you’ll need to speak with their parents if you have any uncertainty about their preferred reed brand and type, as woodwind musicians can be quite particular about the reeds they use. Reeds are a great gift for clarinet players, as clarinetists can never have enough reeds- seriously! In some cases, clarinetists go through boxes of reeds a month, so this would be a welcome gift for virtually any woodwind musicians. If you do decide to purchase a box of reeds without any background info about preferred brand or type, make sure the store you purchase from offers returns and exchanges. The last thing you want to do is accidentally purchase your clarinetist reeds they will never use, which they’re stuck with due to faulty return policies. Always keep the receipt!
Cork Grease
Cork grease is easy to find, and typically very inexpensive. If you’re on a strict budget, this is the most affordable stocking stuffer on this list. Plus, most clarinet players aren’t as strict with their cork grease as they are with their reeds so, if you do purchase them a brand of cork grease they’ve never used before they will probably still end up using it. Although it’s typically sold in tubes that resemble lip balm or chapstick, it isn’t intended for human consumption, so don’t accidentally give it to someone else! As mentioned before, when it comes to cork grease there isn’t much variation between brands, so any choice you make should be suitable.
High quality, affordable cork grease comes in an easy to use tube at the right price. Learn More
Clarinet Jewelry
If your clarinetist seems to already have all the music accessories in the world, surprise them with custom-made jewelry in the shape of clarinets, music notes, or anything else related to music. If you browse websites like Etsy, there’s tons of talented individuals who make handmade jewelry for all types of musicians, clarinetists included. For male clarinetists, consider purchasing them cufflinks in the shape of clarinets- they’ll love wearing them to their next performance! Other fun clarinet accessories include socks, t-shirts, and coffee mugs.
Gift Cards
Finally, you can never go wrong with purchasing a gift card to your clarinetists favorite music retailer- may we suggest Music & Arts? While the amount is purely up to you, here are the average prices of various clarinet accessories and gear that you can use as a baseline. A standard music stand averages $20, a stick of cork grease is about two or three bucks, and mouthpieces range from $15-$100+ in price. If you prefer to keep the gift a surprise but still aren’t sure what to get, purchase them a gift certificate from Music & Arts. Available in amounts ranging from $10-$2,500, simply purchase and check out- it’s really that easy!
Shop with Music & Arts
Music & Arts is the #1 holiday destination for musicians and music-lovers this season. From holiday songbooks to instruments, accessories, pro audio gear, and much more, we’re here to help make your holiday merry, bright, and musical this year. Stop in and see us at your local Music & Arts location, or shop online today!
For more stocking stuffer ideas for clarinet players, check out More Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Musicians
photo via Andrew Malone, CC