Today we're talking all about musical gifts to give your kids this Christmas. It's the ultimate gift guide for Black Friday and Cyber Monday!
If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed how Christmas shopping can get overwhelming — so many toys and gadgets that end up forgotten by January. But musical gifts? They’re different. They last. They spark creativity, connection, and joy.
Today I’ll share twenty-five of my favorite musical gift ideas for all ages — from toddlers to teens (and even a few for moms and dads). Plus, I'll give you some Black Friday shopping tips.
So grab your hot cocoa, settle in, and let’s make this year’s gifts something truly meaningful.
Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through affiliate links in this post.
1. Musical Gifts for the Littlest Musicians (Preschool and Early Elementary)
Let’s start with our youngest kids — because this is such a magical time to begin exploring music.
When my own kids were little, I remember giving them simple instruments that made music feel like play. One of our favorites was the Melissa & Doug Band-in-a-Box. It’s a little wooden set with tambourine, maracas, a triangle, and more — perfect for group music time, even if it's just the two of you!
If your little one loves to explore sound with their hands, another favorite is the Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide-Out Xylophone. They can hammer the balls and hear the xylophone tones, or pull it out to play melodies.
And for a quieter, beautifully made option, check out the Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano — it’s a wooden piano that plays by touch. It's great for introducing preschoolers to pitch and pattern.
All of these work beautifully alongside my KinderBach courses for preschool and early elementary. The lessons in this course encourage ear training and rhythm play — and the instruments abovemake it hands-on and fun.
Rhythm instruments are some of the best musical gifts because they work for any age.
One that every homeschool family should have is a Remo Hand Drum. These come in lots of sizes, are nearly indestructible, and sound fantastic.
Use hand drums in theBeginning Music Theory for Elementary course to practice steady beat, rhythm patterns, and dynamics. Kids absolutely love drumming along with songs they already know.
For something smaller, try a Rhythm Sticks Set — simple wooden sticks kids can tap, click, roll, rub, or hammer.
And if you want something that feels a little more “cool” for older kids, a Kalimba thumb piano is a great choice. It’s pocket-sized, soothing, and melodic.
Perfect for quiet play time or music journaling moments.
3. Stringed and Keyboard Instruments for Beginners
Maybe you have a child who’s always wanted to play guitar or ukulele. Christmas is the perfect time to start!
For little ones, the Loog Mini Guitar is my top pick. It’s designed for ages 3 and up and has only three strings, so they can learn chords easily and build confidence.
And if you’ve got a piano-loving kid, consider a Casio SA-81 Mini Keyboard. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and offers 100 tones (you can adjust the octaves).
Or, for a more full-size option, the Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Bundle comes with stand, bench, headphones, and mic — everything you need to start learning piano at home.
The Story Orchestra series is absolutely beautiful. Each book tells a famous classical story — like The Nutcracker or Swan Lake — with buttons that play snippets of real orchestral music.
Another favorite is Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss. It’s a charming rhyming introduction to the orchestra.
Try Composer Go Fish — it’s educational and fun, helping kids learn about composers and musical eras while they play.
Another favorite is Music Bingo, which you can find in printable versions or boxed sets.
For teens and families, the Spontuneous Party Game is always a hit. Someone says a word, and players have to sing a lyric containing it. We’ve laughed for hours playing this one!
And for something digital, check out GarageBand for iPad (free app) — or gift a pair of Logitech H390 USB Headphones for better sound while recording.
These are amazing tools to accompany our Advanced Music Theory for Teens course, where students learn harmony, rhythm, and composition — and can actually record their ideas.
After all, the best musical homes are ones where the parents enjoy the arts right alongside their kids.
10. Performance and Experience Gifts
You can also gift a family subscription to a streaming concert platform, a local symphony performance, or a touring musical that's coming to your city. These musical experiences make unforgettable gifts!
Or, how about some in-person voice and instrument lessons? I think these are perfect for grandparents looking for a very special gift to give their grandkids.
Black Friday Shopping Tips
Before I close, here are a few tips for your musical shopping list:
Set a budget first, and look for bundles — many instrument kits are discounted 20–40% for Black Friday.
Shop early, especially for beginner instruments, because they tend to sell out.
Read reviews carefully, and remember: you don’t need the most expensive version. Kids need accessibility, not perfection.
And if you can, support local music stores, too — sometimes they’ll match Amazon prices and let your child try the instrument first.
Conclusion to your Musical Gift Guide for Kids and Teens
So this Christmas, let’s give gifts that nurture those things — gifts that don’t just fill our homes with noise, but with harmony.
Whether it’s a toddler’s tambourine or a teen’s first microphone, musical gifts create moments of joy that echo long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Let’s make this Christmas one filled with faith, family, and beautiful music!
Get KinderBach here:
KinderBach ~ Level 1
Online piano and music theory program for children ages 2 to 7
