Know someone who loves to play the ukulele? If so, you’re in luck: There are tons of great gifts for ukulele players, making these musical folks some of the easiest to shop for. Let’s jump right in with some things to consider when deciding on the right kind of gift – then we’ll get on to some top selections.
Choosing the Right Gift for a Ukulele Player
No two ukulele players are exactly alike, so take a couple of minutes to think about the individual you’re buying for and you’ll enjoy an easier decision-making process. Hint: You might have to be sneaky as you obtain some of this information, but that’s part of the fun.
Age & Playing Level
How old is your player and how much experience do they have? If they’re brand-new, they probably need more “stuff” than someone who has been playing for a long time. If they’ve been around the block, you might need to use your detective skills to find out what they have and what they need.
Playing Style
Does your player prefer an acoustic experience or do they play plugged in? Do they like a certain musical genre, or does anything go? Maybe they’d like to expand into new territory and your gift can help them meet their goals.
Techie or Not?
There are quite a few fun tech gifts for ukulele players, but someone who isn’t into tech probably won’t appreciate these as much as they hope you will. At the same time, a dedicated techie might not like traditional ukulele books and other “old-fashioned” ukulele-themed gifts.
What do They Have?
Again, you might have to don your Sherlock Holmes hat here to find out what your player has and what they might need, want, or like. In many cases, an upgrade might be ideal – for example, they might have an old tuner that works “OK” in which case a spiffy new one is likely to be well-appreciated.
Now that you have a starting point, here are our suggestions. We hope this list of gifts for ukulele players helps you find something that puts a huge smile on your player’s face!
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Ukulele Capo
With a capo, a ukulele player can easily change tune without learning a whole new set of chords. This one from Ohana is one of our favorites. In case you’d like to learn more about capos and see some additional choices, we have a complete guide with plenty of information to help you decide.
Strings
Ukulele strings need to be replaced from time to time, and every player – regardless of age or skill level – likes to keep at least one set of spare ukulele strings on hand. All you need to know is which size ukulele your gift recipient has. The rest is easy!
Clip-On Tuner with Metronome
Snark is famous for its accurate tuners and this is one of their most popular models. Besides working with a variety of instruments, this cool clip-on tuner has a tap tempo metronome to help your player keep the beat during practice sessions.
Don’t think they need a metronome, or wishing for a different tuner style? There are lots of other ukulele tuners to choose from!
Ukulele Books
The internet is fabulous but sometimes ‘ya just need to unplug. There are a lot of good ukulele books out there – knowing if your player is a beginner or someone more advanced will help you decide which one to get. Here are a few more suggestions:
IZ – The Ukulele Songbook by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
First 50 Songs You Should Play on Ukulele
The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs for Better Living
Microphone
Players who enjoy recording themselves will enjoy this condenser microphone. It plugs right into a PC or Mac, so they can create videos, record vocals, and more. This is a really nice mic for the price – and it’s a lot of fun to play with.
Ukulele Amplifier
For electric or acoustic-electric ukulele players, a new amplifier might be just the thing. This one from Kala works with two 9V batteries, so your player can take it along anywhere. It has a built-in headphone jack so they can enjoy silent practice sessions, too!
Ukulele Chord Paper
For the composer in your life, how about blank sheet music with tabs for ukulele? You can also get ukulele chord stickers and chord stamps for your player to fill in. Either way, these are fun and they’ll enhance learning.
Ukulele Flash Cards
Even more experienced players can have fun with ukulele chord flash cards – these are a great learning tool that can be enjoyed any time. This set comes with a ukulele chord stamp so it’s actually two useful ukulele-themed gifts in one.
Ukulele Strap
The right strap can make a difference! Since there are so many different styles to choose from, we suggest taking a peek at our complete guide to ukulele straps. You’ll find all the information you need to get a strap that suits your player as well as their instrument.
Ukulele Coffee Mug
A quick search reveals that there are tons of ukulele mugs to choose from! Some are colorful, some are funny, and some like this travel mug are designed to enjoy on the go.
Ukulele Case
Since many ukuleles are sold with simple protective bags, a better ukulele case is at the top of many a player’s wish list. You can learn more about choosing a ukulele case in our guide in case you’re not sure what to look for. This is one of those ukulele gifts where you’ll need to know what size your player’s instrument is.
Ukulele Jewelry
For the ukulele player who has everything, how about something unique? Ukulele jewelry makes a fantastic gift – try a silver ukulele necklace or bracelet, or pick up a cool ukulele charm.
Ukulele Storage
Just about any player will appreciate a ukulele stand or a ukulele hanger. We like this foldable wood stand as well as this wall mount. Both are nice for keeping ukuleles on display while providing some protection from damage.
Another Ukulele
If you’d like to make a lasting impression, why not treat your friend or loved one to the best ukulele gift of them all? Most players love to collect different ukuleles or switch things up with guitarleles. The options are nearly endless: For example, there are fun and fruity pineapple ukuleles like this one and of course, there are beautiful KoAloha ukuleles that any player would be proud to own. Ukuleles come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and at price ranges to suit nearly any budget, and they’re always well-received!
Top 6 Super Sweet Ukuleles under $100 to gift a friend
Spark the love of music in a child or adult with a starter ukulele! And buy an extra one to keep in your car for those spontaneous jams. Here are 5 Ukes that are colorful, beautiful and wait until you see the Elvis model from Kala! Most come with matching gig bags and if they don’t, www.ukelikethepros.com will set you up with one with your order.
Fun and colorful from “dragon fruit” to “taxi cab yellow” Kala Ukadelic Soprano Ukulele
Get a nice pack that comes with gig bag and tuner Cordoba UP-1S Soprano Ukulele Player Pack
These pink, blue, whiter or red cuties not only have a pickup for plugging into an amp, they also have an internal speaker with reverb and chorus effects and all kinds of cute matching accessories including a case and strap. Enya Nova U Concert Ukulele
Here’a a Kala with a pickup and cutout for amplified shredding high up the neck Kala Teak Tri-Top Tenor/Concert Ukulele
Kala started with the ever popular Kala KA-C Mahogany Concert Ukulele
Best 3 Ukuleles under $200 to gift a friend
Romero delivers a big sound with this unique shape and includes a gig bag, Low G and strap button ready to go. Romero Creations ST Concert Daniel Ho Ukulele
KoAloha delivers a great fun sound with
KoAloha KoAlana Trembesi Ukulele
Add some sparkle to life with shiny blue, pink, gold or Ritzy Red!
Top 4 Picks for Great Ukuleles under $300
Let’s get to this price range where you can find some quality solid tops and bodies and get the sweeter sounds of overtones and rich resonance.
Ohana stands out with this warm vintage mahogany and like many of these ukes, it’s also available in a concert or tenor size. These are chosen by pros!
Ohana SK-39 Soprano Ukulele Premium Solid Vintage
The same Ohana warm sound with a light solid spruce top AND a pickup. Ready to rock!
Ohana CK-70R Concert Ukulele Solid Spruce Top
Let’s get high gloss with a big popular tenor that’s still under $300. It’s fun and powerful to get that big tenor sound!
Kala KA-ZCT-T Ziricote Tenor Ukulele
And…
Final Favorite Ukulele Pick Under $300…
Ohana TK-35. All solid mahogany! Beautiful rich sound!
Many, many options to customize any desires! Upgrade to a bigger size — soprano, concert, tenor or baritone. Add a pickup with EQ and a cutaway. High gloss or satin finish. You cannot go wrong with these beautiful Ohana music makers!
Ohana TK-35 Tenor Ukulele Pack Solid Mahogany
Final Thoughts
Last but not least, you can always consider the gift of higher learning! Online ukulele courses can help just about any player improve, and there are quite a few to choose from. A monthly membership to Uke Like the Pros is another fantastic option – it’s definitely one of the best gifts for ukulele players from every background since the gift of learning lasts a lifetime! One thing is for certain: Whichever gift you choose, your friend or loved one will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Happy shopping!
