What NOT To Buy Guitarists For Christmas

Nobody wants to see that instinctive reaction of disappointment to the Christmas present you picked on a hunch. “Thanks, it’s… great!” they’ll say behind a forced smile, which really means “I would have preferred the cash instead.” Secretly, we’ve all been there.

Guitarists want something useful to make music with, not a throwaway novelty item. But don’t fret, we’ve done you the favour of rounding up the worst, tackiest guitar-related presents you should avoid at all costs — followed by some genuinely great gift accessories around the same price. You’ll totally be able to fake how you’ve been listening to their confusing guitar rants and earn yourself some brownie points in the process!

DON’T Buy: Guitar Pick Puncher

DO Buy: Guitar Picks

Literally every guitarist has a plectrum lying around somewhere. You’re more likely to find a pick down the back of the sofa or in the washing machine rather than this rubbish pick puncher that you’ll use once and never again. The picks you punch out of card with this thing don’t feel or sound good in any way, at all. Trust us, we’ve tried!

You’re much better off buying tried and tested plectrums that you know they’ll like, instead of this flimsy mess of a present. Most picks are printed with a name or brand, so take a quick peek at what they use already to get an idea.

Recommended Guitar Picks

DON’T Buy: Guitar Toilet Handle

DO Buy: Mini Guitar Pedal

Yes, for the price of a tacky toilet handle, you could get the guitarist in your life a new guitar pedal — something that’s actually fun and helps you make music!

There’s a surprising amount of choice in the matter too. If you’re a musician and you’d like to drop in a hint for said gift giver, the likes of Tone City and Landlord FX mini pedals are a great shout and come in under £50 a pop. Loads of effects to choose from, plenty of experimentation to be had and all in a Christmas stocking filler size. I’m sure there’s a joke about hitting a bum note in here somewhere…

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DON’T Buy: Guitar Spatula

DO Buy: Patch Cables

Unless they’re a keen cook (in which they probably wouldn’t use a guitar-shaped spatula anyway), a guitarist will be looking to spend more time in front of an amp and a pedalboard than in the kitchen!

Flip off the spatula and get some trusty patch cables to connect your guitar pedals. Guitarists always need new cables as old ones do wear down over time. Most players are also likely to add a couple new pedals to their setup each year, so it doesn’t even matter if they don’t put them to use straight away.

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DON’T Buy: Guitar-Shaped Backpack

DO Buy: Real Guitar

On the one hand, you can buy a leather bag in the shape of a guitar — which looks pretty stupid. On the other, you can buy a brand-new acoustic guitar that could last you a lifetime of musical creativity. The choice is pretty obvious, right?

Alvarez and Eastcoast guitars don’t quite fall under the stocking filler category, but nevertheless, they’re exceptional choices for the price — especially if you’re looking to spoil your budding guitarist this Christmas. Beginner models start from as little as £79, which really only emphasises just how ridiculous the bag is!

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DON’T Buy: Guitar Tie

DO Buy: Guitar Strap

The novelty of a guitar tie wears off long before you’ve had a chance to parade it around your work’s Christmas do. And let’s be honest, it’s the only time you could get away with it, right? Instead of this abomination of a present, that even a music teacher would feel embarrassed to clip on, get your loved one a much cooler looking and far more useful guitar strap. It’ll help them play comfortably standing up and might even get them off the couch this Christmas.

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DON’T Buy: Guitar-Shaped Lunchbox

DO Buy: Gigbag

If you’re lucky enough to have your other half make your lunches, you might not be so smug when you have to take your sarnies into the office in this bit of kit! It’s an awkward shape, you can’t fit it in the dishwasher and most crucially, it looks ridiculous.

Instead, why not gift someone a gigbag so they can keep their beloved guitar protected from the elements when they’re on the go. Starting from under £20, a gigbag will keep their guitar clean and safe and is also a handy place to keep their picks, tuner and other accessories.

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Have you been given any of these terrible presents? Maybe something even worse? Let us know over Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Find out what NOT to buy drummers too!