15 Stocking Stuffers Ideas for Guitarists Under $50

Are you searching for the perfect gift for the guitarist in your life? If you are not a musician yourself, you may feel a little overwhelmed with choosing the right present. The good news is that if you follow this guide, you can't go wrong. All you need to know is the recipients instrument and a general idea of their playing level. You don't have to have deep pockets or a musical background yourself to purchase the perfect gift. Take a look at this list of musician's gear that all come in under $50.00

1) Mini Amplifier
Allow them to take their electric guitar anywhere and still have sound with a mini amplifier. These come in versions of practically brand from Marshall to Fender. They usually run on battery but can also be plugged in. These are great for musicians who travel a lot, spend a lot of time in hotel rooms, or even who like to practice on their lunch hour at work. Average price: $50.00

2) Guitar Strings
This is a gift that any guitarist will highly appreciate. They are always going through strings and the price really starts to add up after a while. If they are a professional player, they most likely have a brand and gauge that they use exclusively. If you don't know their exact set, this may not be a great gift idea. Beginners and moderate players would probably love any set of strings. Just make sure you know if it's an electric or acoustic guitar. This is a relatively inexpensive gift, so you can get a few sets or one as a stocking stuffer. It's a good filler item for an average price of: $7.00

3) Guitar Stand
These are a necessity for any guitarist or bassist. Being able to sit the guitar on a stand in the corner of a room makes for easy grabbing and playing. For professionals, getting through a recording session would be close to impossible without stands throughout the room to set guitars on in the middle of takes. Average price: $20.00

4) Guitar Straps
These are a fun accessory that any guitarist will appreciate. They are available in many different style, colors and materials. An adult player might love a nice leather strap, where a teenager would go nuts over a flame design. There are thousands to choose from, and you really can never have enough straps. This makes them a fun gift idea. Average price: $25.00

5) Guitar Pick Necklace
This is something the younger player or teenager will appreciate. They are necklaces which feature a pick holder as a pendant. They allow you to have a pick handy at all times instead of searching the bottom of your gig bag. They come in many different styles to suit different personalities. Average price: $25.00

6) Cables
This may sound boring, but guitarist are always breaking cables. Stay with lengths above 10' even for young players. Professional guitarists really could use a longer length such as $25 - $30 feet. It's better here to go for the best name brand for the money, because like all electronics, you get what you pay for. Price range: $10.00 - $50.00

7) Picks
These are great if you're looking for an add-on to a gift, or a stocking stuffer. Just run into your local music store and buy a handful of picks. You can mix and match gauge and colors as well as brands. Create a grab bag of picks for a fun little gifts. These are great for any age and level of player, they all use picks. Average price 4 for $1.00

8) Mandolin
Guitarists love to play around with other stringed instruments. A mandolin is a small stringed instrument that they will have a lot of fun fiddling around with. They are 8 stringed (guitars are 6 stringed), so they do have a different set of chords and playing method. For an advanced player, picking up the mandolin will be a fun experience. Average starting price: $50.00

9) Polish and Polishing Cloth
Keeping their guitars clean is of great importance to guitarists. They will really appreciate a good quality polish and cloth. Your local music store will have a selection of brands to choose from and will be able to point you in the right direction as far as quality. Average price $10.00

10) Set-Up Gift Certificate
All guitars get to a point where they need a professional set-up done. A set-up includes a string change, fretboard conditioning, electronic cleaning, intonation and other fine tunings that only a professional should perform. Beginners who practice on a moderate schedule should have a set up done every 6 months, usually when the weather changes. Professional players should have set-ups done every 3-4 months. Average price in a large music store or chain: $50.00.

11) Guitar Design Apparel
There are many cool designs in guitar themed shirts available. There are regular t-shirts, button down Hawaiian looks and polo shirts. These are usually available in any brand you would like and featuring any model guitar you would like. This can really make a fun gift for the guitarist. Average price: $25.00

12) Tuner Key chain
These are a new product this year that puts a new twist on guitar tuners. Now guitars can be tuned anywhere on the go. With a portable tuner hooked right to their key chain, they'll never be out of tune on the road again. Average price: $20.00

13) Capo
Think of capos like socks, in the sense that they always go missing. Capos come in many different styles, but the best brand and style to go with is Kyser. These offer the most flexibility of use and are very well made capos. Average price: $25.00

14) Strap Locks
Dropping a guitar is like dropping a Lenox vase. It's an emotional turmoil no one should have to endure. Strap locks get installed on the guitar, and connected to any strap. When the strap is connected to the guitar, it can not fall no matter what. Giving the gift of strap locks is like giving the gift of peace of mind. A good set of Schaller Strap Locks average: $20.00

15) Peg Winders
A peg wider are ergonomically designed tools made to aid in faster and easier string changing. Winding strings by hand can take a fair amount of time, not to mention the wrist pain. Pick up a good quality peg winder for a good stocking stuffer, or trinket gift. Average price: $6.00

All of these items can be ordered on line, or picked up in your local music store. You might get a better price on line if you can wait the shipping time to receive the items. Musician's Friend and Guitar Center are two of the best on line retailers to shop from for good prices and prompt shipment.

With the above ideas, you should be able to get everything that you need for the guitarist in your life. You can pick up one of the larger items, or a few of the smaller items and make a goody bag. They will be very appreciative when you give them a gift of something they can actually use. They'll see right away that you put the time and effort into picking out the perfect gift for them.