One of the best things about Christmas is conceiving cool and clever ideas for stocking stuffers to bless, impress, and outguess your musician friends, partners, lovers, etc. The next best thing, arguably, is reading about ideas for the same. The good news is that you’re already doing the second, so minimally you’re halfway there (“Whoa, you’re halfway there”). Once again, Music Connection has taken the legwork out of the footwork for you. So dig if you will our 2025 stocking stuffer suggestions for musicians or anyone with dreams to become one. As always, stuff at your own discretion.
D’Addario - John Lennon Art Series picks and straps - pick packs of nine $7.99, straps start at $16.99
The holidays are about many things, not least of which are pleasant, warm feelings. The Beatles (and consequently John Lennon) are so deeply embedded in pop culture that most people have known about them (and him) for their entire lives and the band can often feel like an old friend. And there are few things better than old friends at the holidays. D’Addario introduced their Lennon picks and straps just in time for Christmas but they’re good for any day in the life. tinyurl.com/bdjh8mh5
Peicheng waterproof Bluetooth speaker with IPX5 $17.99
This wireless, shower-friendly speaker is waterproof and comes in three cool colors: red, blue, and black… although technically black is the absence of color. But no one really thinks that and few musicians care. IPX5, incidentally, is a rating that indicates protection against low-pressure water jets. Think of these as Auto-Tune for shower singers. tinyurl.com/pa5drtny
Musical sticky notes $9.95
Stocking stuffers don’t need to be practical. Indeed, they rarely are. There’s nothing wrong with practicality but these music-themed sticky notes are pure, undiluted fun… in an Office-Depot/Staples kind of way. But so what: fun is fun. Imagine dinging someone’s car and leaving your insurance details on one of these. Who knows: it could even lead to a label deal. Unlikely but not impossible. tinyurl.com/3pssc58a
Personalized concert ticket acrylic ornament - $5.84
You submit the artist’s name, date and anything else you deem appropriate (or inappropriate—your call) and you’ll receive a custom-made concert ticket ornament. Available in more than 56 colors (again, black isn’t a color, technically) and can double as a keychain in emergencies. tinyurl.com/yszzmks7
Aggronautix bobbleheads - AKA throbbleheads $24.95 - $39.99
These “throbbleheads” are ideally suited to sit on your friend’s (or friends’) dashboard (or dashboards) and bop their head (or heads) along to whatever tune they’ve tuned. Oh what fun it’ll be to ride… with Andrew W.K. nodding hard to “Party Hard.” tinyurl.com/ycxnb74x
Individualized amplifier doormat $35
What better way for cool musicians to welcome friends to their cool musician pads than with a cool customized amplifier doormat? There are cooler ways, of course, but virtually none within this price range. Sure, Mick Jagger answering the door wearing Fonzie’s jacket from the Smithsonian would be cooler but good luck stuffing that into a stocking or your budget. These amp mats are like taking the holidays to 11, even if they only go to 10. But they look like they go to 11… because that’s one louder, innit? #SpinalTap uncommongoods.com/product/personalized-amp-doormat
Guitar-shaped USB flash drive $9.88
This 32GB guitar-shaped flash/thumb/memory drive makes backing up important files lyrical. Or at least as lyrical as file management can ever hope to be. For those that like to kick it '70s/'80s style, there are also cassette-tape flash drives that are equally as cool if not more so. tinyurl.com/32kvd29j
Customized M&Ms: add your friend’s band logo, name, etc. – starting at $29.99
There’s much to be said for being fun, different and unexpected at Christmas. There’s even more to be said for candy. The M&Ms website allows users to upload their own images, add text of their choice or select available clipart to create bespoke versions of the candy that was invented for troops in the trenches, which many musicians consider themselves. What’s Christmas without candy, aside from a day to finally obey your dentist? A 12.7-ounce jar is $29.99. tinyurl.com/y4bzx7vw
Without music life would be socks $7.99
Putting a sock in a sock may feel a bit like putting a hat on a hat or a Starbucks inside a Starbucks. But what can’t be denied is that “Without music life would B flat” will make even the most pun-averse artist smile. Moreover, A.I. whispered in MC’s ear that 20 percent of all annual sock sales occur in December, driven by holiday gift-giving so minimally you’re not alone in your choice to go with punny footwear (if you’ll pardon the pun or even if you won’t). tinyurl.com/bdd7ncve
Personalized NFC CD keychain $11.25 + $6.99 shipping
This customized NFC (near-field communication) keychain can be used by various smart devices to play whatever song was chosen when you ordered. Know someone who loves Taylor Swift? Of course you do; everyone does. Get that person (or yourself—come on, you know you want it) this handy handheld sonic shortcut. Think of it as a QR code but in keychain form. Can double as an ornament in emergencies. tinyurl.com/yzmu6tv6
Otamatone Kirby $45.99
The Kirby is like the musical instrument for people who don’t want to learn to play one. Users merely touch or slide their fingers along the stem to modify the pitch and squeeze the cheeks to apply vibrato. It’s 14.5 inches high with two volume levels and three octave options. It requires three AAA batteries, which, like any classic Christmas gift, are not included. tinyurl.com/2mry86bw
D’Addario micro headstock tuner $21.99
D’Addario’s clip-on headstock guitar tuner includes a multicolor backlit LCD display. This makes it handy for tuning in dark spaces… such as backstage at the Garden, the Bowl or a rehearsal-space basement where the replacement of burnt-out bulbs isn’t a high priority. Available in one color: black (again, not technically a color) and can double as a nightlight in emergencies. tinyurl.com/yr5uurfy
