What NOT To Buy Guitarists For Christmas

• Don’t Buy: A Guitar Pick Puncher
• Don’t Buy: A Guitar Toilet Handle
• Don’t Buy: A Guitar Spatula
• Don’t Buy: A Guitar-Shaped Backpack
• Don’t Buy: A Guitar Tie
• Don’t Buy: A Guitar-Shaped Lunchbox

Nobody wants to witness that awkward flash of disappointment when your Christmas gift misses the mark. “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 prezzies you should avoid at all costs — followed by some genuinely great guitar accessories that you should grab instead (for around the same price).

Follow our guide and you’ll look like you’ve been paying attention to all those confusing guitar rants. Plus, you’ll earn yourself some serious brownie points in the process.

Don’t Buy: A Guitar Pick Puncher

Do Buy: Guitar Picks

Every guitarist has a plectrum (or ten) lying around somewhere. And when their stash runs low, they’re far more likely to go hunting for one down the back of the sofa than end up using this gimmicky pick puncher. Honestly, the plectrums you make out of old loyalty cards with this thing feel awful — and sound even worse!

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

Guitar Picks

Don’t Buy: A Guitar Toilet Handle

Do Buy: A Mini Guitar Pedal

Yes, for the price of a tacky toilet handle, you could get the guitarist in your life a brand-new guitar pedal — something that’s actually fun and will help them make music.

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

Mini Guitar Pedals

Don’t Buy: A Guitar Spatula

Do Buy: Patch Cables

Unless they’re a keen cook (and let’s face it, 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.

So, flip off the spatula and get them some trusty patch cables for connecting their guitar pedals. Guitarists always need new cables, as old ones do wear down over time. And if they’re gigging on the reg, backups will always be appreciated. Most players are also likely to add a couple of new guitar pedals to their setup each year, so it doesn’t matter if they don’t put them to use straight away.

Patch Cables

Don’t Buy: A Guitar-Shaped Backpack

Do Buy: A Real Acoustic Guitar

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

Now, acoustic guitars from Alvarez and EastCoast don’t quite fall under the stocking filler category. But they’re exceptional choices for the price — especially if you’re looking to spoil your budding guitarist this Christmas. You can even grab a beginner model for under £100, which emphasises just how ridiculous the bag is!

Acoustic Guitars

Don’t Buy: A Guitar Tie

Do Buy: A 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.

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. We stock loads of guitar straps with different designs and colours, so we’re sure you’ll find their perfect match.

Guitar Straps

Don’t Buy: A Guitar-Shaped Lunchbox

Do Buy: A Gig Bag

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 them a gig bag? That way, they can protect their beloved instrument from the elements when they’re on the go. Starting from under £20, all our gig bags help keeps guitars clean and safe. Plus, they’re super handy for storing picks and other guitar accessories.

Gig Bags

Looking for more inspiration?

Head over to our website and check out our dedicated Christmas page for even more shopping advice for musicians. Our Christmas gift guide for electric guitarists is packed with awesome ideas that’ll strike the right chord, from compact guitar headphone amps to guitar care products. Or, stick around right here and find out what NOT to buy drummers too!