Last-Minute Gifts for the Musician Who Has Everything

Every year it happens. The holidays sneak up, and you're still stuck on what to get the musician in your life. Worse, they seem to already own every instrument, cable and accessory they could ever need.

Here's the secret: the best gifts for people who have everything usually aren't things at all. They're experiences, time, help and appreciation. And most of them can be arranged at the very last minute.

Gifts you can send today

• A digital gift card. To a music store, a bookstore or a favourite restaurant. It arrives instantly and lets them choose exactly what they want.
• Concert tickets. Most tickets are delivered electronically now. Pick an artist they love, or a show at a local venue, and make a night of it together.
• An online course or masterclass. A chance to learn a new technique, style or skill on their own schedule.
• A music app or subscription. Whether it's for practice, recording or listening, ask around first to make sure they don't already have it.

Experiences they'll remember

• A lesson with a player they admire. Many working musicians teach, and a single lesson can be inspiring.
• Studio time. A few hours in a good studio to record something new.
• A professional photo shoot. Every musician needs better photos, and few get around to booking them.
• A night out. Dinner and a show at a club they've always wanted to visit.

The gift of your time

One of the most valuable things you can give a working musician is help. Print a simple homemade voucher and offer something useful:

• Running their merch table at an upcoming show
• Driving them to and from a gig
• Helping with load-in and load-out
• Shooting photos or video at their next performance
• Helping update their website, social media or press kit
• Spreading the word and bringing friends to their next show

These cost nothing but your time, and they're the kind of gifts musicians genuinely remember.

Something personal

• A framed photo of them performing. Find a great shot from one of their shows and have it printed and framed.
• A playlist of songs that remind you of them. Add a note about why each one made the list.
• A donation in their name. Choose a charity that supports music education or musicians in need.

The one gift that never fails

If all else fails, write them a letter. Tell them what their music means to you. Describe a show of theirs you'll never forget. Musicians spend their lives giving to audiences. Hearing how they've made a difference is a gift they'll keep far longer than anything you could wrap.

The bottom line

The musician who has everything doesn't need more stuff. What they'll appreciate most is time, support, a memorable experience or a few sincere words.

Better late than never, especially when it comes from the heart.