Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Music Students

Are you looking for some inexpensive gifts to give to your music students this year? Whether you want to give each student a holiday gift, or to find something special for your students' birthdays as they approach, here are some inexpensive, music-related gifts that will be useful to and appreciated by your music students.

Treble Clef Cookie Cutter. This is a popular gift among music teachers. You can purchase Treble Clef cookie cutters online. Wrap it in a cellophane bag and tie it with ribbon. Put some holiday-colored treats such as M&Ms in the bag as well if you like.

Pencils. Music-themed pencils are available at most music stores. Tie a couple together with a ribbon and a personalized tag to make a small, fun, gift of appreciation for your music students.

Classical Music CD. Build your music students' music appreciation with a CD of classical music. You can usually find these at the $1 store, or you can burn your own on your computer for pennies.

Bag for Lesson Books. You can buy plain canvas bags from a craft store for a couple of dollars each. If you have a sewing machine, making a tote bag is fast and easy - just a folded up rectangle with some handles attached into the hemmed top. Use puff paint or acrylic paint to paint a music note on one corner of the bag. Another option is to appliqué a music-related shape such as a piano. Using clip art as a pattern, cut the shape out of contrasting fabric. Either use iron-on appliqué or zigzag around the edge with a sewing machine to adhere the shape to the bag. These bags are great for helping your music students lug all their bugs to lessons - and maybe helping them remember to bring everything.

Flashcards. Sets of flashcards make a wonderful holiday gifts for music students who do not have their own. It is only a few dollars for a set of flashcards teaching music notations at your local music store.

Assignment Book. A music-themed notebook, an assignment book or just a cool notebook makes a great gift for music students. They are inexpensive and can be easily personalized for each recipient. Another option is to create a homemade notepad for students to write their assignments on. For simple instructions on this, see my article called How to Make a Homemade Notepad .

Composition Book. If you encourage students to make their own compositions, then a lined music composition book is the perfect gift. A blank book is only a few dollars.

Consider the Instrument. Engraved drumsticks, a new guitar pick, rosin, or new reeds - all of these things will be useful and appreciated depending on what type of music you are teaching. Consider what instrument you teach and what accessories would be useful to your students.