Finding a great gift for a violinist can be pretty daunting.
If you’ve ever asked one what they’d like for their birthday, Valentines or Christmas, you probably received a jargon-filled response that sounded like an alien language. And even if you slightly understood what the violinist said, the gift ideas proposed are ones that will cost you an arm and a leg.
So what kind of present can you get for a violin player? No need to worry as we’ve got you covered! We've identified the 19 best gifts for violinists. The prices of these items vary widely so you’re guaranteed of finding a nice gift that is within your budget.
Gift Ideas for Violinists
1. High-Quality Rosin
The majority of violinists never think of experimenting with different varieties of rosin. The only time they consider buying one is when their current one runs out. This is why a premium quality violin rosin would make such a great gift for the violinist in your life.
To be specific, we'd recommend the D’Addario Violin Rosin. Available in a light shade, this rosin comes packaged in a plastic channel. This makes it easy to grip and apply. Plus, it’s versatile as it can be used on either synthetic or horsehair bows.
2. Violin Strings
Yet another practical and amazing gift for a violinist is a new set of violin strings. The right string set can improve the sound quality of their instrument whilst making it easier to play.
That said, buying strings for any violinist is a big deal. You should consider aspects such as tension, gauge and strength. If you’re new to the world of string instruments, be sure to consult an expert or luthier. Also read our guide on choosing the best violin strings.
If you’re searching for a reputable model, consider the Thomastik Dominant String Set, D'Addario Helicore Violin String Set, or Pirastro Violin Strings Set.
3. Jewelry Box
Know a string player who loves playing violin just as much as they love wearing their jewelry? If so, this violin-themed jewelry box is the ideal gift.
Made from a blend of ceramic and metal, it’s guaranteed to last. But what we love most is the little figurine that’s shaped like a music note.
4. Geared Pegs
Buying a gift for your violin teacher can be intimidating. It may seem like they already have all the accessories for this musical instrument.
While this is partly true, not all violin teachers have geared pegs yet. Constructed using aluminum or heavy-duty plastic, these pegs enable a musician to tune their violins fast and accurately.
We recommend the Wittner Fine Tune Peg for violins.
5. Violin T-Shirt
If you don’t want to go all in and buy gifts related to playing the violin, a violin t-shirt is another great gift idea.
Generally, t-shirts make superb gifts because they’re easy to fit, trendy and can be customized. You can have the t-shirt custom-printed with a violin picture, or funny phrase.
We like this Music Notes Classical Violin T-Shirt for men, women or kids.
6. Picture Frames
Getting picture frames for your musician’s birthday might sound cliche but hear me out. There are so many ways of personalizing a photo frame.
For instance, you can add a couple of flowers to the frame, or mount the pictures on scrap wood for a rustic look. This makes it among the gift ideas, especially for young violinists.
We recommend this violin-shaped picture frame by Kisangel. It has flexible mounting options and can hold three pictures at any given time.
7. New Violin
Your youngster musician has finally upgraded from beginner to intermediate violin student. Chances are, they’ll also need a brand new violin that matches their size and skill set.
That said, purchasing a violin is a pricey affair. So you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting the right instrument. Determine whether the recipient prefers an acoustic or electric violin, their style of play and favorite music genres.
You can even take violinists along for the ride. This way, they can try out the violin before purchasing.
Check out our reviews guide on the best violins for kids, best violins for beginners, top rated intermediate violins, and the best professional violins .
8. Violin Mug
Are you running out of gift ideas for your favorite violin player? Bet they don’t have a violin-themed mug just yet.
Like t-shirts, mugs are highly customizable. You can add a picture or text showcasing their interest in the violin. You can even switch up its construction by adding a unique pattern or texture to it.
Just to give you an idea, check out this violin-themed mug with funny graphics and text. It has the picture of a cat imprinted on it alongside the word, “Mewsician.”
9. Concert Tickets
A professional violinist can be particularly hard to shop for. Not only do they have every violin accessory under the sun, but they also have some pretty advanced playing skills.
Not sure what to get such a special violinist? How about tickets to that music concert being hosted by an iconic violin player? But, don’t make it too obvious. Throw their scent off by hiding the tickets in a gift box or basket.
10. Violin Case
Looking for the perfect gift for violin students? Well, a sturdy violin case is a fantastic choice!
This gives them a way to transport their new violin without risking any damage.
You’ll have two options to pick from: soft and hard violin cases. Personally, I prefer a hard case because it offers maximum protection.
We particularly like the ADM Hard Case. It’s beautifully crafted using heavy-duty plastic then encased in a nylon oxford exterior that’s waterproof. Even better, this violin case has two bow holders, a sheet music pocket and accessory pocket.
11. Violin Lessons
Do you have a best friend or ally who’s been yearning to learn the violin but doesn’t know how to get started? If you do, signing them up for violin lessons will certainly change their life for the better.
That said, picking a violin teacher isn’t that easy. Be sure to consider their credentials, style of teaching, availability and more. Similarly, find out if they have a preference for a specific music genre. For instance, if they like classical music, then you can look for a course that centers on the same.
We recommend looking for violin teachers or instructors who offer a trial class. This way, your friend can attend a trial lesson before you make any financial commitments.
Check out online violin lessons from ArtistWorks.
12. Music Stand
Know someone who likes to play violin in front of an audience? If you do, a music stand makes for a very thoughtful gift. This accessory is designed specifically for holding sheet music. This then frees the player’s hands, so they can focus on creating beautiful tones.
The Klvied Sheet Music Stand would make an excellent Christmas gift for budding violinists. It’s equipped with a hanger that fits different violin sizes, ranging from 1/8 to 4/4.
13. Violin Stand Accessories
You were eager to buy a music stand for the beginner violinists in your life. Unfortunately, you just found out they have one.
So what’s the next best option? Adding a few stand accessories make for some really nice violin gifts. Examples include a lighting fixture, tray for holding the sheet music, or a small holder for storing rosin and other essentials.
We like the Lumiens Brooklyn Music Stand Clip On LED Light.
14. Violin Tuner
Are you planning to teach kids how to tune their violin strings? If you are, then a violin tuner is the perfect gift to buy for your aspiring violinist.
We particularly recommend the Eno Music Tuner. It has a colorful display, making it easy to track your progress when tuning each of the four strings.
Better yet, the tuner comes fitted with two batteries to power it. This means that the recipient can start tuning their violin right away. We also like the versatility this tuner offers. Apart from violins, it can be used for tuning a viola, cello or bass.
Does a violin tuner sound too simple for a Christmas gift? Then switch it up and get a tuner with a metronome. Quality violin tuners are great gifts that the recipient will find to be practical and helpful.
15. Violin Book
Is the violinist planning to experiment with other genres apart from classical music? If they are, the 101 Hit Songs: for Violin is one of the most unique gifts that you can get.
Authored by renowned violinist Hal Leonard, this book contains tunes by contemporary musicians like Bruno Mars, Nirvana, Taylor Swift just to mention a few.
16. A Portable Recorder
Does the violinist love playing their instrument even when they’re at home? If they do, the Zoom H1n recorder tops the list of good gifts.
What this does is to allow the violin player to record either their practice sessions or performances. They can then listen to the recordings later on so they can identify the areas that need improvement.
This recorder comes fully equipped with a mic, 32GB of storage space and USB input. Thanks to this, the musician has everything they need to take their skills to the next level.
17. Violin-themed Clock
Want to decorate the music room of your favorite violinist? Then you should check out this violin-themed clock.
Given how elegant and functional this gift is, it would suit any music lover even if they don’t play the violin. It’s made of premium-quality wood, and equipped with a swinging pendulum that takes its design up a notch.
18. Violin Bow
Are you a violin teacher looking to reward one of your students for performing well in your course? Well you can opt for a classic gift like a violin bow. It’s simple but very resourceful.
That said, you should be very attentive when choosing the best violin bows for your violin players. You don’t want to pick one that will damage their violin’s strings. Or worse, ends up breaking within a short time.
We recommend this Carbon Fiber Bow for Violins by Kmise.
19. Violin Mute
Do you have a family member who has recently taken to the violin? If you do, you probably get distracted a lot each time they pick up their violin to play. But rather than scold them for generating so much noise, consider getting your budding violinist a violin mute.
Some string players underestimate just how loud their instruments can be. In fact, violins have a noise rating ranging from 78 to 95 dB, which is quite high.
So if you have a violinist who likes to practice at home, this Glaesel GL3834 Practice Mute is just what they need. All the violinist has to do is attach it to their equipment and it will dampen the sound.
Tips for Purchasing Gifts for Violinists
Whether you’re getting gifts for your violin teacher, child or friend, you’ll have to do a bit of research to determine their needs and likes. To help you with your search, here are a couple of points you should keep in mind:
Their level of commitment to playing violin
If the individual is still testing the waters to see which instrument they like, then look for a simple gift. Think jewelry boxes, clocks, or handwritten cards which contain a violin theme. However, if they’re already devoted to learning, consider items like a violin stand, case or rosin.
Their skillset
Another thing you should take into account is their skillset. Are you buying for a beginner, professional or intermediate violinist? Some violin gifts would benefit certain musicians more based on the level of their skills.
Style of music
Does the violinist like to play contemporary or classical music? For violin players who like contemporary songs, a good electric violin that allows them to experiment with new sounds will be useful. But, if the violinist prefers the latter, then a book with classical songs is the best violin gift.
Conclusion
Finding the best gifts for violinists is never easy. There are so many options available, most of which seem very foreign for a commoner. So how do you determine which violin gifts to buy and which ones to leave out?
The main points you should consider are skill set, preferred music genre and commitment to learning violin. At the same time, consider whether the recipient is a student or teacher. Taking these factors into consideration makes it easier to know what kinds of gifts to get and just how much to spend.
Some examples of violin gifts are a music stand, rosin, case, new string set, decorative items, violin-themed t-shirt, concert tickets among others.
