Holiday Gift Guide for Pianists
Thoughtful, Practical & Inspiring Ideas for Every Pianist on Your List
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll be compensated at no cost to you. I only recommend products I use myself.
My grandmother was a pianist, and every Christmas she placed a beautifully wrapped gift of sheet music under the tree for me. Sometimes it was a holiday collection, other times it was a book of classical pieces just slightly beyond my ability. I treasured those gifts then, and I treasure them even more now. Whenever I sit down at the piano and open one of the books she inscribed in her elegant cursive (“Merry Christmas Shannon! Love, Grandma”), I feel her encouragement all over again. Those books became part of my musical story.
Gifts that support the pianist in your life can have that same lasting impact. While a shiny new grand piano would thrill any musician, there are many meaningful, budget-friendly ways to nurture a pianist’s creativity, joy, and growth. Here are my favorite ideas, from practical tools to inspiring keepsakes, to make your pianist feel supported and celebrated this holiday season.
1. Sheet Music (Always a Win)
If you know your pianist’s level and interests, a new book of music from their favorite composer, movie soundtrack, or musical is an absolute delight. But even if you're unsure, you still have great options:
Local music store gift card: Last year at my studio, we gave these as end-of-year prizes. Students loved exploring the store’s collection of piano music, trying it out on the store’s pianos, and choosing music that genuinely excited them. See if your local music store offers gift cards to give your pianist the same experience!
Online sheet music gift card: For pianists who love video game music, pop artists, or hard-to-find modern pieces, e-gift cards from Musicnotes or SheetMusicDirect are perfect.
Bonus: Have an advancing classical pianist? A Henle sheet music edition is a beautiful, heirloom-quality gift. The clean engraving, thoughtful editing, and luxurious paper make playing from these editions a joy.
2. Gifts for Budding Composers
If your pianist loves writing music, consider gifting a high-quality blank manuscript notebook. Pair it with a beautiful pencil and eraser to elevate the experience.
I especially love Blackwing pencils—they glide easily and last longer than traditional #2s, making them ideal for long composition sessions.
3. Help Them Get Organized
Some pianists have piles of sheet music stacked precariously on the piano… you know who you are. A sturdy, well-designed sheet music folder keeps everything together and gives students a sense of pride and ownership.
I have a favorite sheet music folder I recommend to my less-then-organized students who chronically lose pages—click here for a link to that. Keeping things organized goes a long way toward smoother practice and happier lessons!
4. A Real, Old-School Metronome
Metronome apps are convenient, but using your phone while practicing can be so distracting. A standalone metronome helps keep practice focused and intentional.
Look for:
A slider bar or dial for quick tempo adjustments
A clear, pleasant click
A durable build
Avoid tempo changing “arrow” buttons—they are time-consuming to use in the midst of a practice session.
5. Gifts to Care for Their Hands
Pianists rely on their hands, so thoughtful hand-care gifts are always appreciated:
A quality manicure or nail care kit
A nice nail trimmer
Cozy fingerless gloves with a flip-top mitten cover—one of the best gifts I ever received from a student! They keep hands warm before a performance while still allowing you to play.
And for pianists with chronically cold hands, consider a pair of wireless, rechargeable handwarmers.
6. The Gift of Inspiration
Consider giving your pianist a memorable musical experience: tickets to a live piano performance.
Not sure what they’d enjoy? A gift card to your local performing arts center lets them choose. Inspiration is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give.
7. Comfort & Practice Essentials
Make their practice space feel inviting and comfortable:
A high-quality piano light—especially helpful for evening practice
A pedal extender for smaller pianists (so helpful for allowing little legs to explore the damper pedal with ease!)
A soft seat cushion to make long practice sessions more enjoyable
Even small improvements can make their practice feel more peaceful and supported.
And what’s under my Christmas tree this year for the pianists in my home? My son has recently discovered Art Tatum, so there’s a wrapped book of his transcriptions for him. My daughter, a huge fan of the show “Stranger Things,” is getting a sheet music collection of songs from that show. And for me, a beautiful new motion-sensitive piano light that illuminates the keyboard evenly from top to bottom.
Happy holidays! May your season, and 2026, be filled with love, laughter, and music! Shannon