Strings, in the right gauge
Strings are the classic musician stocking filler because every player runs out at the worst moment. The catch is that they care about gauge and brand, so check the packet from their last set or ask someone they play with. Electric, acoustic and bass strings are all different, so make sure you know which they need.
Picks, plenty of them
Guitar picks disappear into sofas, pockets and washing machines at a remarkable rate. A tin of good ones or a variety pack never goes to waste, and a pick holder that clips to the guitar is a small, clever extra.
A capo and a tuner
A decent capo and a clip on tuner are cheap, useful and somehow always missing at the exact moment they are needed. Even players who own both are usually glad of a spare for the gig bag.
Earplugs that keep the sound
Proper musician earplugs cut the volume without turning the band into mush. They protect hearing at rehearsals and gigs, and most players put off buying them for years. It is one of the most useful small gifts you can give.
Cables, ties and tape
Not glamorous, but every gigging musician will be secretly delighted. A spare instrument cable, a few short patch cables for a pedalboard, velcro cable ties and a roll of proper gaffer tape all live in every working musician's bag.
A few small extras
A comfortable strap, a string winder with a built in cutter or a guitar polish kit round off a stocking nicely. Small, practical and the kind of thing they will reach for every week.
The trick with all of these is getting the specifics right. Ask them to put the exact strings, picks and cables on a HintDrop list, and you will buy the right ones first time.
Keeping it small, and keeping it fair
A stocking is meant to be a pile of little things, so aim for five or six items that add up to a sensible total rather than one expensive piece. Mix the practical with one treat, such as a nicer set of strings than they would buy for themselves or a tin of picks in a colour they like.
If you are buying for a whole band, a shared stocking works too: one packet of gaffer tape, one spare cable and one box of earplugs that live in the rehearsal room and get used by everyone.
Frequently asked questions
What do you put in a musician's stocking?
Strings in their gauge, a tin of picks, a capo, a clip on tuner, musician earplugs, a spare cable, velcro ties and gaffer tape. They are small, inexpensive and always used.
How do I know which guitar strings to buy?
Check the packet from their last set or ask someone they play with. Gauge and brand matter, and electric, acoustic and bass strings are not interchangeable.
Are musician earplugs worth it as a gift?
Yes. Filtered earplugs lower the volume evenly so music still sounds clear, and they protect hearing at rehearsals and gigs. Most players know they should own a pair and never get round to it.
What is a good stocking filler for a drummer?
Spare drumsticks in the size they use, musician earplugs, a practice pad, gaffer tape and a stick bag are all small, useful and welcome.
How many things should go in a musician's stocking?
Five or six small items is plenty. Pick things they use every week, add one small treat, and leave out anything that needs an exact model number unless you have checked it with them.
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