Trust us, we know how hard it is to think of the perfect Christmas present for any type of musician, and the wonderful world of keys can seem completely alien to anyone who is unfamiliar with the specifics of digital pianos, beginner keyboards or stage pianos, the vast array of piano benches on the market or the latest piano-related gadgets. Well, MusicRadar is here to help. We’ve put together this guide to the best Christmas gifts for piano players, taking all the stress out of choosing a thoughtful present for your keys-loving partner, family member or friend.
We know it may be tempting to buy a piano-themed mug and be done with it, but frankly, you can definitely do better - and the recipient of this gift deserves better. We’ve made sure to populate this guide with useful gear that will transform their practice routine, help them carry their beloved instrument to and from rehearsals and even make them sound better.
We’ve selected a wide range of products covering various price ranges, so whether you're looking to splash out on a state-of-the-art piano or keep costs down with a modest accessory that would fit perfectly in a stocking, you’ll be sure to find something here to suit your budget.
Where to shop
- US
- Guitar Center: Huge keys department
- Sweetwater: Synths and keys for days
- Musician’s Friend: All major brands covered
- Reverb: Fantastic range of new and used gear
- Pianote: Unbeatable online lessons (30-days free)
- UK
- Thomann: Fast shipping, great prices
- Gear4Music: Wide range of brands
- Pianote: Unbeatable online lessons (30-days free)
Best Christmas gifts for piano players: Accessories
A non-portable design that requires some self-assembly before use, the Symphony Stand comes with a welded-steel, three-legged base and a chrome telescopic column containing a brass bearing for quick height adjustment - this classy music stand will make a great gift for any piano player.
This stylish Gator keyboard gig bag is designed to fit most 88-key keyboards, controllers and stage pianos. Featuring a durable nylon construction, interior restraints and plenty of padding, this gig bag is sure to keep their prized possession safe going to and from rehearsal, lessons or gigs.
Why not give the gift of better timing? The Wittner 811 is one of the most popular metronomes on the market, thanks in part to its smart wooden finish and classical tempo scale printed behind the pendulum shaft. This is a timeless piano accessory that everyone will appreciate.
Best Christmas gifts for piano players: Benches
A solid, comfortable piano bench is a must-have accessory for any piano, so it's an ideal gift if you're looking to give them something practical. Below are our top three choices at three price points.
For those looking for a reasonably priced gift that is also extremely practical, the On-Stage KT7800+ Deluxe is the ideal option. This X-frame style bench may not have any storage space, but for the price point, it's a well-made option for any pianist.
This luxury bench oozes class and is the perfect accompaniment to any piano. With its premium padding, outstanding built quality and 10cm of continuous height adjustment, this really is one of the best piano benches on the market.
The B1 bench has a timeless aesthetic and certainly wouldn’t look out of place in any room, and the heavy-duty legs mean it’s solid and sturdy. So if you're looking for a gift with a touch of class, this Yamaha bench is for you.
Best Christmas gifts for piano players: Headphones
If your loved one has a digital piano or a keyboard, then a good quality set of headphones is a brilliant gift. Not only will it allow them to practice day or night, but the right set will actually make their piano sound better!
Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50x studio headphones top our list of the best headphones for digital piano and for good reason - they sound excellent, offer a pleasingly warm sonic signature, and are supremely comfortable, durable and won’t break the bank.
Shure’s mid-priced SRH440 closed-back headphones are a modern class and popular with everyone from piano players to drummers, mixing engineers and music lovers. Optimised for performance there are ideal to make their digital piano or keyboard sound like a brand-new instrument.
These competitively priced headphones don't just pair nicely with a Roland piano, but thanks to 40mm drivers and dynamic and balanced tone, they are the ideal accompaniment to any and all digital pianos.
Best Christmas gifts for piano players: Stands
A high quality stand would make a welcome gift for any piano or keyboard player. Below we've selected three stands which are sturdy, reliable and affordable. For more options, check out our guide to the best keyboard stands.
Sturdy and stable despite only being single-braced, the KS7190 boasts an impressive load capacity of over 40kg, in spite of only weighing in at a mere 6kg itself, and the whole thing folds flat for easy transport and storage - making the perfect gift for a musician on the go.
The QL742 model is a versatile, double-braced X-style solution designed to hold two keyboards. The top tier has a fixed depth, but can be adjusted to multiple angles in multiple planes thanks to the toothed adjustment system - so if your loved one a keyboard fanatic this is the gift for them.
Built with the quality you’d expect from a big name like Roland, the KS-10Z is robust enough to handle everything from a lightweight home keyboard to the heaviest 88-key stage piano. It’s a good-looking contraption that will set off any brand of keyboard nicely, not just Roland’s own instruments.
Best Christmas gifts for piano players: Pianos
Now, if you're looking to really spoil them, a brand new piano is the way to do that. Below you'll find three of our favourite models, from beginner-friendly to an affordable upright.
Despite having a lightweight, synth-action keyboard, the 61-key NP-15 really looks the part thanks to its classic styling, red trim and full-size, waterfall-fronted keys. With a selection of 15 sounds, three of which are acoustic pianos, if all you want is simply something with an excellent pedigree that sounds like a piano to just sit down at, switch on and play, you need to look no further.
While the key action on the Casio can't compete with the Yamaha P-45, the S-110 does have an ace up its sleeve - the ability to be powered by six AA batteries and only weighs 10.5kg. This makes the Casio the best piano for portability, whether that's taking it to lessons, to gigs, or busking. Casio says you can expect 13 hours of playing time on batteries, but that really depends on your volume setting, what effects you have on, and which sound you’re using. So to be safe, have a spare set with you.
The successor to Yamaha’s incredibly successful Arius YDP-144, the YDP-145 delivers a stunning main piano sound derived from a real, top-of-the-line Yamaha CFX acoustic grand piano, mated to a brilliantly playable Graded Hammer Standard keyboard.
How to choose a gift for a piano player
Searching for some guidance on how to begin and what to purchase for the pianist or keyboardist in your life? Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to impress them this Christmas.
Inquire directly!
It may seem straightforward, but simply asking them what they’d like, or requesting a list of gear they’re interested in, can simplify your task significantly.
Understand their playing level
Knowing whether they’re just starting out or are already experienced is crucial. Beginners often need tools to aid in practice and skill development, while more advanced players might have different requirements.
Conduct some research
Utilize resources such as this guide, along with buyer’s guides and reviews on music websites. If the person plays in an ensemble or takes lessons, try chatting with their bandmates or instructor. They might have valuable insights into what’s currently needed.
Set a realistic budget
It's really important that you set a reasonable spending limit and stick to it! If you come across something you love that exceeds your budget, either pivot to another option or think about getting a gift voucher to help them acquire the item they really want.
Look for discounts
This season is perfect for snagging great deals on piano and keyboard accessories, so keep an eye out for sales events like Black Friday or pre-holiday promotions from reputable retailers.
Gifts to avoid
When it comes to selecting gifts for piano and keyboard players, it’s crucial to steer clear of generic music-themed items like mugs or T-shirts. Trust me, having been a musician for over 20 years, I can say with confidence that we don't want or need more items with pictures of pianos or music notes on it. While these may seem like fun choices, they often lack the meaningful connection that a thoughtful gift should embody. Instead of relying on novelty items that may quickly gather dust, consider how beneficial practical gifts can be in enhancing their musical journey.
A well-chosen gift could be a high-quality metronome, a comfortable piano bench, or premium sheet music that they’ve been eyeing. These gifts not only show that you understand their passion but also support their growth as musicians. For instance, a subscription on an online lesson platform, such as Pianote, can help improve their technique, while a book of sheet music can provide endless inspiration.
Remember, a practical gift will be cherished, reminding the recipient of your thoughtfulness every time they sit down at the piano to play.
Why trust us?
☑️ Established 2007
☑️ 2.9 million monthly users globally
☑️ 9,500+ reviews on-site
With more than 17 years of experience, MusicRadar is the premier music-making website in the world. Run by musicians for musicians, we offer expertly written gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by an extensive team of highly experienced industry professionals.
Below you'll find more information on the expert author of this guide.
Daryl is a Senior Deals Writer at MusicRadar, and is responsible for writing and maintaining buyer's guides on the site as well as testing out products for reviews. Before writing for MusicRadar, Daryl worked for many years in music retail, helping musicians of all ages find the best gear for them. Whether it was a beginner's first keyboard or a top-of-the-range digital piano for the pros, Daryl was there to help steer players in the right direction.
Shopping for a multi-instrumentalist? Check out our other gift guides below
MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.
- No matter the instrument, these are the best gifts for musicians
- Dive deeper into the best gifts for drummers
- And explore our pick of epic gifts for guitar players
- Surprise the mix master in your life with the best gifts for DJs