Best Christmas gifts for drummers 2023: 47 brilliant festive ideas to treat the drummer in your life

Choosing one of the best Christmas gifts for drummers can be a truly challenging feat. The world of drums and drum accessories is vast and often overwhelming - so it's worth asking yourself a few questions before you nail down their big festive gift this year. What exactly do they need? Would they appreciate a novelty gift? Or are they after something a little more meaningful or useful that won’t immediately be consigned to the bin?

Then there's the question of whether you want to get them something that's likely to result in excessive noise in the house!

If you want the easy way out when it comes to their Christmas gift, or for any other occasion, then buying them a pair of drumsticks will probably be your answer. But beware, drumsticks come in all different shapes, sizes and materials with different sized tips and from many different brands. Not just any sticks will do, either. Most drummers have a preferred brand, size and style, so there's still a fair bit of homework to do if you decide to go down this route. 

That said, if you’re buying for a new drummer, you can’t go far wrong with a pair of Vic Firth 5As - a reliable brand and a great starter pair in terms of weight and dimensions.

Still stuck for ideas? This guide to the best Christmas gifts for drummers is a great place to start as it’s full of ideas - big, small and last minute (there aren't many sleeps to go until Christmas, after all) - in loads of different price brackets to help you seek out the best value possible when it comes to Christmas gift buying. We've even thrown in our recommendations for great, affordable acoustic and electronic drum sets.

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks from this guide. 

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Editor's picks

We love every product in this guide, but if you want to know our top picks, these are the items we'd look at first. We've selected out favourites at a range of budgets. 

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Under $20/£20

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Moongel

(Image credit: RTOM)

1. Moongel

The classic blue goo

Specifications

Price: $7.25/£9.99

Reasons to buy

+
Allows speedy tonal changes of drums and cymbals
+
A must-have drumming accessory
+
Washable and re-usable

No stick-bag is complete without some form of dampening and Moongel is the go-to for many drummers. These blue rectangular gels can be applied to drum heads (and even cymbals!) to remove unwanted overtones from your drums, producing a dryer sound and even masking minor tuning errors. 

Gone are the days of caking drum heads in gaffer tape and leaving nasty residue all over your expensive gear. Moongel is easily applied and removed with no mess and can even be washed with warm soapy water when it starts to pick up grime. This pack of six will be enough for most to treat a whole kit.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Drum books

(Image credit: MusicRoom)

2. Drum books

Learn techniques and tunes away from a screen

Specifications

Price: various, from $12/£12 at MusicRoom

Reasons to buy

+
Books are a focused way of learning
+
Affordable
+
Range of topics covered

Sure, YouTube is an increasingly great resource for quick drum lessons. But can you really trust the teacher and is the content being presented in a structured way? Our advice would always be to take a balanced approach to learning the drums using a mix of video lessons and books. MusicRoom is a great place to pick up a range of drum books, aimed at everything from learning the rudiments and how to read music, to mastering the beats from your favourite albums.  

Our recommendations include the 50 Songs You Should Play First, the Best of AC/DC: Drums and, for more advanced players, this killer Creative Coordination and Advanced Foot Technique book authored by Austrian drum legend and master technician Thomas Lang.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Remo QuickTech drum key

(Image credit: Remo)

3. Remo QuickTech drum key

The drum key of champions and a great gift for drummers

Specifications

Price: $18/£12

Reasons to buy

+
Rubber grip makes tuning a breeze
+
Internal magnet keeps tension rods in check
+
Hex stem enabled cordless drill attachment

Aside from your sticks, a drum key should be considered an essential accessory for any drummer. If you’re yet to invest in a serious key, you might as well make it the Rolls Royce of drum keys. 

Remo’s QuickTech key feels sturdy and chunky in the hand, helping you make decisive tweaks to your tuning, while the extended height and rubber grip makes life infinitely easier. The ace up the QuickTech’s sleeve is an internal high-pull neodymium magnet to prevent tension rods from rattling or falling.

The QuickTech key, like all drum keys, is quite easy to lose - but thankfully, they're also cheap enough to buy a couple.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Cruz Tools GrooveTech GTDMT1 Drum Multi-Tool

(Image credit: Cruz Tools)

4. Cruz Tools GrooveTech GTDMT1 Drum Multi-Tool

What won't it do?

Specifications

Price: $16.95/£18.99

Reasons to buy

+
Compact
+
Super convenient
+
Genuinely useful 

There’s nothing more annoying than setting up for a gig and finding that something is loose on your kit or hardware. Whether it’s rattling lugs, a troublesome kick pedal or just a head that needs changing, this 14-in-1 Cruz Tools multi-tool will take care of most stressful gear situations, meaning you can get back to focusing on playing.

Cruz Tools have generously equipped this tool with an array of flathead and Phillips screwdrivers and many different hex drivers, as well as a trusty drum key, natch. Each tool is made of S2 alloy which should mean it will survive years of abuse. The only thing it can’t fix for you is a mid-show beer.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Meinl Ching Ring

(Image credit: Meinl)

5. Meinl Ching Ring

Add some jingle to your cymbal sound

Specifications

Price: $16.99/£13.59

Reasons to buy

+
Adds subtle tambourine tones to your cymbal sound
+
Fits easily in a stick bag
+
Instantly added or removed

This small but effective accessory comprises a 6” steel ring with five pairs of stainless steel jingles mounted evenly around its surface. The Ching Ring is absolutely ideal for throwing over a pair of hi-hats, but works equally well with any cymbal. It can even be used on drums if you’re looking for more experimental sounds. 

The Ching Ring’s low profile and small diameter means that it takes up very little room and will easily fit in a stick bag so it will always be to hand. A soft version is also available which uses a foam ring rather than steel and produces a warmer tone.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Evans EQ Pad Bass drum Muffler

(Image credit: Evans)

6. Evans EQ Pad Bass drum Muffler

Easily control your bass drum tone

Specifications

Price: $17.99/£24

Reasons to buy

+
Controls attack and sustain
+
Stays perfectly in place with velcro strips
+
Easily removable

A mighty low-end thump is what most of us crave from our bass drums, but getting it just right can be a tricky business. A key ingredient in dialling in that sound is some form of dampening to soak up unwanted frequencies. Rather than reaching for duvets, pillows, jumpers and the like, Evans offers a sleek alternative in the form of its EQ Pad Bass Drum Muffler. 

Velcro strips applied to the inner drum shell allow the pad to be positioned wherever sounds best - enabling fine tuning over the level of dampening on the batter head, resonant head or both. It’s black too, which is way cooler than a standard bed pillow or your mum’s best cushion. 

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Black Zildjian drummer’s towel

(Image credit: ZIldjian)

7. Black Zildjian drummer’s towel

Stay dry behind the kit with Zildjian’s drummer towel

Specifications

Price: $19.95/£33

Reasons to buy

+
Cool black on black colour scheme
+
Designed specifically for drummers
+
Built-in hook for hanging from drum stands

An essential accessory for those sweaty gigs, rehearsals and long practice sessions; the Zildjian Drummer’s Towel is made from soft cotton for optimal absorbency. Designed specifically for drummers, the small black towel features a built-in hook for hanging conveniently from drum or cymbal stands, so it’s close to hand whenever needed. A large black Zildjian logo adorns the front while a small ‘Z’ badge can be found sown into one corner.

Where excessive perspiration isn’t an issue, the Zildjian Towel is also ideal for keeping drums and cymbals polished or even as drum dampening for old-school sounds.

While a standard bath towel would suffice, we think this Zildjian-branded option is way cooler.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Snareweight drum dampener

(Image credit: Snareweight)

8. Snareweight drum dampener

A slick and stylish dampening alternative to gels or tape

Specifications

Price: From $20/£18

Reasons to buy

+
Magnetic flexibility for quickly changing settings
+
Five different dampening settings
+
Fits all drum sizes

We were first introduced to the Snareweight by Paramore drummer Zac Farro. This clever dampening accessory magnetically clips to the hoop of any snare drum or tom, enabling rapid tonal changes via a leather strap which sits over the drum head. The strap features small magnets in the middle and on each end so it can be folded over to decrease or increase the overall dampening effect. 

This smart system delivers a total of five dampening options in just one small accessory. The leather strap can also be removed from the clip so it can be reversed for different tones or even replaced with different types and weights of strap.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Under $30/£30

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Vic Firth Essentials stick bag

(Image credit: Vic Firth)

9. Vic Firth Essentials stick bag

Travel light with this sleek stick bag from Vic Firth

Specifications

Price: $20.95/£19.99

Reasons to buy

+
Holds 4-5 implements
+
Features a hook-and-strap system for for secure suspension from the floor tom or snare
+
Made from water-resistant nylon

Yet another must-have accessory for drummers in our gift list: the stick bag. The Essentials Stick Bag from Vic Firth is a compact solution which is designed to house four to five pairs of sticks, brushes, rods or mallets to be stored safely from gig to gig - as the name suggests, this streamlined bag will carry just the essentials, which is usually what most drummers need. 

It also features small internal pockets for keeping all-important accessories such as drum keys, earplugs or headphones. Made from water-resistant nylon the bag can be suspended from a snare or floor tom using a hook and strap system, keeping your sticks close to hand.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Evans torque drum key

(Image credit: Evans)

10. Evans torque drum key

Make tuning a doddle with this feature packed key

Specifications

Price: $21.49/£28.80

Reasons to buy

+
Tune your drums more accurately
+
Ergonomic grip for maximum comfort
+
Slip-resistant magnetic head

Tuning drums can be an absolute drag and take a long time to truly get to grips with; years in fact. Thankfully there are lots of tuning aids on the market to help take the leg-work out of getting your drum sound spot-on. 

The clever Evans Torque Key allows even tensioning at each lug - an essential factor in proper tuning - and can be easily adjusted to the correct torque via a dial on the bottom of its handle. 

The key is crafted from drop-forged steel, so longevity shouldn’t be an issue, plus it features a magnetised, slip-resistant socket for a secure connection with each tuning rod. 

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Vic Firth Heritage brushes

(Image credit: Vic Firth)

11. Vic Firth Heritage brushes

A classic Vic Firth Brush

Specifications

Price: $23.49/£27

Reasons to buy

+
Retractable wires
+
Light gauge wire
+
Smooth rubber handle

It’s always worth keeping a pair of brushes in the bag as they can offer drummers a completely different sound-scope, inspiring us to go in different directions behind the kit. The Vic Firth Heritage Brushes are a tried and tested classic, having been the go-to for many drummers through the years.

In addition to simply looking cool, the textured purple rubber handles also make for a supremely comfortable grip. The light gauge wires are completely retractable into the handle which not only keeps them fresh and free from oxidisation, but also means they can be locked in different positions for different sounds and playing feel.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Zildjian Drummer’s Survival Kit

(Image credit: Zildjian)

12. Zildjian Drummer’s Survival Kit

All the spare parts you could need in one handy package

Specifications

Price: $23.95/£17.99

Reasons to buy

+
The ultimate spares pack
+
Great peace of mind on a gig
+
Includes drum key, cymbal felts, wing nuts and more

Not much use in a zombie apocalypse but ideal for your next gig or rehearsal, this clever survival kit from Zildjian includes pretty much any spare you would ever need to fix your kit on the fly (at least as far as the small and easily loseable items go). 

The pack contains six cymbal felts, three cymbal sleeves, two hi-hat clutch felts, one hi-hat cup felt, three 3.8mm wing nuts, eight tension rods (four floor tom and four snare drum), twelve nylon washers, a drum key and two snare wire cords. Keep those to hand and you can ensure that the beat goes on. 

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Vater VAVDH drink holder

(Image credit: Vater)

13. Vater VAVDH drink holder

Keep yourself hydrated with a little help from Vater

Specifications

Price: $24.99/£24

Reasons to buy

+
Keep your beverage handy behind the kit
+
Internal diameter of the holder: 8.9 cm
+
Clamp suitable for almost all tube diameters

Whether it’s a bottle of water, can of energy drink, flask of coffee or even an ice-cold beer, whatever your persuasion Vater has you covered with its trusty mountable drinks holder designed specifically for drummers. 

The clamp arms feature rubber covers, while the clamp can be adjusted to fit almost any tube diameter - no problem at least for cymbal or mic stands. A sturdy thumb-screw will lock it in place so there’s no need to worry about your drink hitting the deck mid-performance.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Tama Cymbal Mate 4-pack

(Image credit: Tama)

14. Tama Cymbal Mate 4-pack

The simple accessory you didn’t know you needed

Specifications

Price: $24.99/£16.65

Reasons to buy

+
Instantly add or remove from cymbal stands with quick release
+
Fine adjustments to the cymbal's swinging motion can be made by rotating the unit
+
Four in a pack

Take a moment to think about how much time you spend tightening or loosening those little wing nuts on your cymbal stands while setting up or breaking down your drums. Maybe it’s just us, but add it all together and it feels like a helluva lot. That’s even before we factor in the time looking for the ones we’ve accidentally dropped on the floor... 

Enter the Quick-Set Cymbal Mate from Tama, which clamp onto the cymbal stand thread using a quick-release system, so they can be attached or removed instantly. Those in the know will never look back.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Vater Vintage Bomber Beater

(Image credit: Vater)

15. Vater Vintage Bomber Beater

A beater in sheep’s clothing…

Specifications

Price: $27.99/£30

Reasons to buy

+
A collaboration between Vater and Otis Brown III
+
Vintage look and sound
+
A cheap way to change your sound

It’s easy to get set in your ways when it comes to your drum sound. Often we opt for the same tuning, the same heads, the same sticks and leave it there. But experimenting with your sound is a great way to discover new textures and tones and add some extra spice to your playing, whether that’s to get inspiration for a new drum part, or to make a recording really shine. 

Vater’s Vintage Bomber bass drum beater is a cheap and easy way to inject additional warmth and depth into your bass drum sound, all thanks to the cork centre and fluffy, sheep-like coating. It was designed in collaboration with Otis Brown III, drummer for jazz legend Joe Lovano. It definitely has a jazzy sound to it, but could be applied to loads of musical scenarios.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Vibes High Fidelity earplugs

(Image credit: Vibes)

16. Vibes High Fidelity earplugs

Keep your hearing safe without compromising audio quality

Specifications

Price: $28.95/£21.95

Reasons to buy

+
Three interchangeable fit sizes
+
Pocket sized hard case for easy storage
+
22dB volume reduction

As instruments go, drums are right up there with the loudest, which is why protecting our hearing is an absolute must. There are many types of hearing protection available at varying levels of quality which can make choosing the right one a tricky task. 

Unlike traditional foam earplugs that simply block the sound, Vibes are designed to filter it, preserving more of the original frequencies but safely reducing the decibel level that reaches your eardrum. Each pair of Vibes Hi-Fi plugs is supplied with three interchangeable ear tips to ensure a good fit. There’s a reason why they feature high up in our guide to the best earplugs for musicians.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Vic Firth steel stick caddy

(Image credit: Vic Firth)

17. Vic Firth steel stick caddy

Keep your sticks close to hand with Vic Firth’s stick caddy

Specifications

Price: $29.95/£29.99

Reasons to buy

+
Attaches to any drum or cymbal stand
+
Get the perfect angle thanks to a tilting design
+
Holds up to three pairs of sticks

We’ve all been there - you’re gearing up to play that big fill or drum solo - it’s the moment of truth and butterfingers here manages to launch their drumstick clear across the stage. Rather than try to continue one handed, the better solution would be to simply grab another stick straight from your conveniently positioned stick caddy from Vic Firth. 

The steel cylinder can clamp to any drum or cymbal stand, pivots to your preferred angle and fits up to three pairs of sticks. You’ll never miss a beat again, unless you drop three pairs in one song, that is. 

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Meinl Cymbal Care Kit

(Image credit: Meinl)

18. Meinl Cymbal Care Kit

Keep those pies shining bright!

Specifications

Price: $30/£25

Reasons to buy

+
Includes cleaner and protectant
+
Meinl are one of the best in the business 

Meinl, in addition to being one of the world's leading cymbal makers, is always bringing the goods when it comes to accessories and care products - just check out how many products grace this drummer’s gift guide. 

This helpful kit they’ve put together includes both a powerful cymbal cleaner and a protectant, to make sure that you spend more time playing your cymbals, and less time polishing them, or replacing them because they’ve not been looked after.

There’s no elbow-grease needed, just spray the cleaner on and wipe it off to restore your cymbals back to their original glory. Meinl also offers a Cymbal Care Kit that includes a polish instead of a cleaner, so you don’t have to wait until your prized possessions get filthy to start taking care of them. The kit even includes a rather fetching pair of gloves, to avoid fingerprints.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Under $50/£50

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Vic Firth double-sided practice pad

(Image credit: Vic Firth)

19. Vic Firth double-sided practice pad

Take your practice anywhere

Specifications

Price: $29.95/£39.95

Reasons to buy

+
Two surface types with realistic feel and response
+
Practice at low volume
+
Portable for practice on-the-go

Spending time on your rudiments and hand technique is essential for improving your skills behind the kit. Thankfully the Vic Firth practice pad allows for endless quiet practice wherever you find yourself. The two surface layout includes a soft grey rubber on one side, designed to provide the realistic feel of drum head. On the other side you’ll find a harder black rubber surface with more volume, quick rebound and tighter articulation. 

The playing surfaces are mounted either side of a 12” black wooden base weighty enough to keep the pad securely in place even under hard playing.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Evans Soundoff Drum Mutes pack

(Image credit: Evans)

20. Evans Soundoff Drum Mutes pack

Keep the neighbours sweet with Evans SoundOff mutes

Specifications

Price: $37.99/£37

Reasons to buy

+
95% volume reduction for acoustic drums
+
Non-slip design
+
Ultra durable

Keeping the neighbours and family on side whilst trying to dedicate time to practise can be a tricky balance and it’s a strife that most drummers know all too well. Evans’ classic SoundOff pads are a commonly used solution when it comes to keeping the noise levels to a minimum - simply place a mute on top of your acoustic drum head and the volume is dramatically reduced.

This ‘Standard Kit’ pack contains four non-slip rubber mutes for 14” snare drum and 12”, 13”, 16” toms, although sizes are available to suit any setup. Cymbal mutes are also available along with a universal bass drum mute which fits 18” to 26” bass drums.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Tama Rhythm Watch Mini RW30

(Image credit: Tama)

21. Tama Rhythm Watch Mini RW30

Tama’s classic metronome gets a baby brother

Specifications

Price: $39.99/£29

Reasons to buy

+
Pocket-sized for easy transportation
+
Backlit LCD display
+
In-built clip allows mounting to stands

The Tama Rhythm watch has been a reliable option for drummers to hone their timing for many years. The new mini version offers much of the same functionality as its older sibling but in a much more pocket-friendly package. 

The RW30 features a tempo range between 30-250bpm, a choice of sounds, back-lit LCD, tap tempo, LED lights, and a range of time signatures and subdivisions. All this comes complete in a compact battery powered unit which would be an ideal companion for drummers who spend a lot of time on the road. In addition to the built-in speaker there’s also a mini-jack headphone output.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Kickport

(Image credit: Kickport)

22. Kickport

Give your bass drum a new lease of life

Specifications

Price: $46.99/£39.99

Reasons to buy

+
Enhance the sound of your bass drum
+
Accessorise with a choice of colour options

The Kickport is designed to improve the feel, power and tonal qualities of your bass drum, focusing the sound and enhancing sub-sonic frequencies. Not only does it protect and finish (with a choice of lovely colours) a ported bass drum head but essentially funnels air out of the drum shell with each strike, resulting in an extra punchy sound. 

The Kickport is available in black, blue, chrome, gold, red and white so will match any colour scheme or custom bass drum head. There’s also an option designed specifically for cajons and an FX Series with tiny ports for snare and toms.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Ahead Switch Kick two-way bass drum beater

(Image credit: Ahead)

23. Ahead Switch Kick two-way bass drum beater system

Keep your options open with Ahead’s quick-release beater system

Specifications

Price: $49.99/£75

Reasons to buy

+
Choose from over ten different beater options
+
Tool-less system allows rapid beater changes
+
Nine heights available to switch volume, sound and speed

This seriously clever bit of kit allows for instant bass drum beater changes, mid-set or even mid-song. The aircraft grade aluminium switch kick adaptor fits universally to any existing bass drum pedal and allows the rapid switching of over ten different beater options.

In addition to felt and plastic beaters, the range also includes Wire and Nylon Brush kicks, Leather Slap Kick and fleece-style Boom Kicks. This tool-less quick release system allows the beater to be quickly replaced, flipped or height adjusted through nine notches - helping you find the perfect balance between speed, power and volume.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Under $100/£100

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Meinl MYO-CAJ Cajon Construction kit

(Image credit: Meinl)

24. Meinl MYO-CAJ Cajon Construction kit

Ever wanted to build your own cajon? Now you can!

Specifications

Price: $54.99/£39

Reasons to buy

+
A flat pack cajon from a reliable percussion brand
+
Made from Baltic Birch
+
Save some cash on a pre-built model

Flat pack furniture is all the rage nowadays so why not flat pack musical instruments? Admittedly a full drum kit might be a bit ambitious but a cajon seems like a great place to start. Inside the box are the core components of a beautiful Meinl cajon made from Baltic Birch and replete in a natural finish. 

All you’ll need is some wood glue, an ability to follow instructions and you’re good to go. Then why not paint, stain or varnish to make it your own? If you’re after a fun DIY project or simply up for saving some dosh, the Meinl Cajon Construction kit could be just the ticket.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Big Fat Snare Drum studio 4pack

(Image credit: Big Fat Snare Drum)

25. Big Fat Snare Drum studio 4 pack

Instantly transform your drum sound

Specifications

Price: $75/£99

Reasons to buy

+
Dramatically alter your drum sound
+
Enough pads for a full kit
+
Great for recording
+
Remove unwanted ring

The original Big Fat Snare Drum dampening pad was a revelation when it launched a few years back. This simple device rested on your snare drum head and instantly transformed it into a beefy, warm, ‘70s-inspired snare. 

No need for permanent tape, wrangling with Moon Gel or trying not to hit the wallet you’ve placed on your drum head, this bad boy can be added and removed from song to song and feels great to play. This bundle includes the original 14” snare drum model, plus 10”, 12” and 16" sizes for your toms. You won’t believe the change this will make to your sound.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Zildjian 13” cymbal clock

(Image credit: Zildjian)

26. Zildjian 13” cymbal clock

Stay on time with the Zildjian cymbal clock

Specifications

Price: $79.95/£95

Reasons to buy

+
Genuine Zildjian cymbal
+
A great addition to any drum room
+
Built-in hook for wall hanging

A perfect time keeping device for that perfect time keeper in your life. What more could a drummer ask for than this cymbal clock from Zildjian? Never be late for another rehearsal or gig again - a fantastic addition to any room at home or at the studio. 

The genuine 13” cymbal features a large black Zildjian logo with the clock hands mounted through its centre hole. On the back the clock mechanism takes 2xAA batteries and has an in-built hook for hanging on the wall.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2 (SIH2)

(Image credit: Vic Firth)

27. Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2 (SIH2)

The ultimate headphones for drummers

Specifications

Price: $87.95/£75

Reasons to buy

+
Padded for comfort
+
Great sound
+
Multiple applications
+
Should last for years

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite big and bulky

These are the go-to headphones for drummers, whether you play acoustic or electronic drums. The newest version of the SIH2’s feature a redesigned larger 50mm dynamic driver in each ear cup for more powerful low end, clean mids and clear highs, so whether you’re playing along to music at home, jamming on your electronic drum set, playing a gig or recording a track, you'll get nothing less than a great sound. 

And if you're playing for hours, the cups and headband are designed for comfort too. They also come complete with a 190cm detachable cable so you’ll have plenty to play with, however big or small your kit is. 

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Overtone Labs Tune-Bot Studio

(Image credit: Overtone Labs)

28. Overtone Labs Tune-Bot Studio

Change your tune

Specifications

Price: $99/£79

Reasons to buy

+
Colour display
+
Store settings for five kits
+
Quick and easy tuning

Continuing the theme of drumming gadgets, this little beaut is the one when it comes to precision tuning. Ok, so using your ears is a fine approach, but that can take years to develop. If you really want consistent tuning across your drum heads quickly - like if you’re late to load-in for your gig - then the Tune-Bot Studio comes highly recommended. 

It’s simple to use: clip it to the hoop of each drum and strike the drum head, then the Tune-Bot gives you a measurement either in Hz or as a note. You can use this data to get even tension at every lug and supercharge your drum sound.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Shure SE215 Pro in-ear monitors

(Image credit: Shure)

29. Shure SE215 Pro in-ear monitors

A brilliant entry into the world of in-ear monitors

Specifications

Price: $99/£99

Reasons to buy

+
Clear sound and deep bass
+
Available in a range of colours
+
Selection of sleeves for a comfortable fit

Having a good monitor mix can absolutely make or break a performance which is why many drummers opt for a decent set of in-ear monitors to ensure they can hear each instrument clearly. The trouble is they can range enormously in quality and price, with a top-end set of custom moulds costing an easy grand or two. 

The Shure SE215s are a fantastic set of budget in-ears which offer pro-level features for a fraction of the cost. They block up to 37dB of outside noise and provide clear sound with a deep bass. They come supplied with a detachable cable, carry case and a selection of sleeves to ensure a comfortable fit.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Under $150/£150

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Soundbrenner Pulse Metronome

(Image credit: Soundbrenner)

30. Soundbrenner Pulse Metronome

For when you want to feel the rhythm

Specifications

Price: $119/£103

Reasons to buy

+
Tap Tempo is a useful feature
+
App for extra functionality
+
Looks super cool 

As drummers, we’re often told we’re just too darn loud. Playing hard and getting lost in the groove is what we all love to do, but that’s just no good if you can’t hear your metronome over your thunderous playing. That’s where the Pulse comes in - it’s a 50cm diameter wearable metronome that you can wear on your wrist, or even across your body using an optional extra long strap.

The Soundbrenner Pulse vibrates and flashes to help you keep that perfect tempo. You can set the speed by rotating the outer wheel, or tapping the tempo out. It’s even got a slick companion smartphone app, where you can change the LED colour, alter the strength of vibration and sync multiple Pulses together so even your guitarist can stay in time. 

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Meinl drum rug

(Image credit: Meinl)

31. Meinl Drum Rug

Cut some rug

Specifications

Price: $129/£72

Reasons to buy

+
Looks truly awesome
+
Loads of cool finishes to choose from
+
Stops that dreaded bass drum shuffle

All drummers have endured that gut-wrenching feeling as their kit shifts towards the edge of the stage during a gig. You can end that worry forever, and do it in serious style, with one of Meinl’s striking drum rugs. 

Available in an absolute bounty of designs - from skulls and oriental designs, to plain black - these beauties will keep your kit steady in place the whole gig through. We think the zebra print design is particularly the baddest of the bunch.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Roland NE-10 Noise Eaters

(Image credit: Roland)

32. Roland NE-10 Noise Eaters

Vibration reduction for e-kits

Specifications

Price: $160/£89

Reasons to buy

+
Reduces pedal vibrations through walls and floors
+
Low-profile design doesn’t affect feel or playability
+
Grips the floor well and won’t move whilst playing

One of the main attractions of an electronic drum kit is to reduce volume levels, whether it’s to keep the neighbours on-side, not wake the kids, not annoy our significant others… the list goes on.

The reality in many cases is that they still make a surprising amount of noise due to vibrations through the floor, particularly from the pedals. Noise Eaters from Roland are designed to combat this by effectively soaking up the vibrations through dome-shaped rubber dampers beneath a solid platform - largely reducing the pedal noise heard from other rooms. If you want peace and quiet, this is the gift to go for!

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Alesis SamplePad 4

(Image credit: Alesis)

33. AlesisSample Pad 4

Epic, affordable entry to the hybrid world

Specifications

Price: $179/£139.99

Reasons to buy

+
Loads samples or use built-in library
+
Faithful sample sound
+
Tune sounds and add reverb

The SamplePad 4 is an ideal for those drummers who are looking to expand their setup with electronics, or any performer that wants any easy way to add percussive sounds, trigger samples or use backing tracks in their performances. 

There are 25 useful sounds preloaded on the unit, but an SD card slot enables creative drummers to load their own, massively expanding its utility. Want a full kit instead? Check out our guide to the best electronic drum kits.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Under $250/£250

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: DW Go Anywhere practice kit

(Image credit: DW)

34. DW Go Anywhere practice kit

For when one practice pad is simply not enough

Specifications

Price: $229.99/£199

Reasons to buy

+
A whole kit portable practice solution
+
Low-volume for longer practice sessions
+
Fits onto one stand

Practising on a pad is indisputably a good idea, but one pitfall is that we’re only playing a single surface which can be limiting when we jump back on a full kit. The DW Go Anywhere kit takes that into consideration and offers a multi-pad setup which simulates more closely a full kit configuration. 

The kit includes two 8” pads, two 10” pads and one bass drum pad - all mounted from one central stand. Its portability and low-volume makes it ideal for warming up backstage. We’ve witnessed more than a few big-name drummers shedding on one of these before a gig.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Tama Speed Cobra single pedal

(Image credit: Tama)

35. Tama Speed Cobra single pedal

Like an Iron Cobra, but faster

Specifications

Price: $249.99/£210

Reasons to buy

+
An enormous host of features
+
Sleek look and great playability
+
Hard carry case included

Born from the success of Tama’s classic Iron Cobra pedal, the Speed Cobra is an engineering marvel absolutely brimming with features. Designed for maximum speed, the brushed steel pedal boasts a wider and more stable design and a smoother hinge action thanks to a new two-piece bearing hinge design. 

The Accu-Strike rubber beater is lighter in weight for a more articulate sound, while the Rolling Glide LiteSproket (40% lighter than the previous Iron Cobra cam) is on hand for a more responsive feel. Even the footboard is a little longer for better playing stability.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Ahead Spinal-G

(Image credit: Ahead)

36. Ahead Spinal-G throne

Keep your back in good shape with the Spinal Glide throne

Specifications

Price: $249.99/£259

Reasons to buy

+
Helps alleviate back pain for drummers
+
Stops compression of the spine and promotes more natural movement
+
Thick memory foam cushion and velour seat top

Back pain can be a real problem amongst drummers, particularly for those who play for extended periods of time. Thankfully American drum accessory brand Ahead is confident that it can offer a solution in the form of the Spinal Glide (or Spinal-G) drum throne. 

This spine-friendly design features a channel through the middle of the seat which is supposed to stop compression of the spine, allow the pelvis to move more freely and enables more natural movement of the legs, lower back and shoulders. The 18” seat also features a thick memory foam cushion with a velour seat top and a four leg base.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: $250/£250+

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Alesis Strike Amp 12

(Image credit: Alesis)

37. Alesis Strike Amp 12

Dedicated e-drum monitoring from Alesis

Specifications

Price: : $349/£389

Reasons to buy

+
A powerful 2000 watt speaker in a compact size
+
12” woofer delivers punchy bass
+
Multiple inputs with separate volume controls

This small but mighty 2000 watt speaker is designed specifically for use with electronic drums and is produced by one of the world’s leading e-drum manufacturers, Alesis. It’s an ideal solution for ditching the headphones and making yourself heard. 

The PA style cabinet speaker has two XLR/jack combination inputs with independent volume controls, contour EQ control, an XLR pass-through for connecting with other speakers, plus a bass boost and ground-lift switch. It also features a 12” low frequency driver which is enough to move some serious air.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Alesis Nitro Mesh e-kit

(Image credit: Future)
A very capable first electronic drum set

Specifications

Price: $379/£329

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect for beginners
+
Mesh heads on a budget
+
Adjustable
+
Good price

This compact eight-piece kit is actually our number one pick for the best beginner electronic drum sets, and features mesh snare and tom pads for improved feel and response. The budget package is made up of a rubber kick drum pad, dual-zone 8" mesh snare, three single-zone 8" mesh tom pads and three single-zone 10" cymbal pads (one of which has choke functionality for use as a crash). 

The module plays host to 40 kits, 385 individual samples that can be used to alter existing kits or create brand new user kits, plus 60 built-in MIDI sequenced playalong tracks. If that's not your bag, drummers can also plug in their smartphone and jam with tracks on Spotify and YouTube. Read our full Alesis Nitro Mesh review.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Zildjian L80 cymbals

(Image credit: Zildjian)
Silence is golden

Specifications

Price: from $399/£319

Reasons to buy

+
Fantastic practice tool
+
Great feel

Zildjian’s innovative 'L' low volume cymbal models are ideal for low noise-level drumming applications, including practice, tuition or even a quiet gig at a stretch. Each cymbal features thousands of tiny perforations which can reduce the volume by around 80 percent - hence the name - without impacting the feel you're used to when playing traditional, full volume cymbals. 

L80s are available as individual cymbals in a range of sizes, or as complete sets comprising hi-hats, a crash and a ride. We’d take these over rubber cymbal mutes any day.

Read the full Zildjian L80 review

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Toontrack Superior Drummer 3

(Image credit: Toontrack)

40. Toontrack Superior Drummer 3

Transport yourself to world-class studios

Specifications

Price: $399/£315

Reasons to buy

+
Seriously high quality drum sample library
+
Can be played in real-time using MIDI
+
Expansive editing options

There are many great drum VSTs plugins out there, but Superior Drummer is often revered as the best that money can buy. Almost any electronic kit is capable of outputting MIDI data which means it can be hooked up to a computer running SD3, granting it a new lease of life through Toontrack’s top-end samples. 

The SD3 software offers the choice of hundreds of different drum sounds recorded in incredible studios by world-class engineers and players. The mixing capabilities are incredibly deep, as is the editing over setup, tuning, individual articulations and so on. This one is guaranteed to take your e-drumming experience to the next level.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Yamaha EAD 10

(Image credit: Yamaha)
Make any acoustic drum set sound amazing

Specifications

Price: $599/£529

Reasons to buy

+
A breeze to set up
+
Versatile piece of kit
+
Supercharge practice and recording

Reasons to avoid

-
Can sound a bit overwhelming at times

Want to get them something truly clever? The Yamaha EAD10 is a complete system for processing and recording your acoustic drum sound, while layering triggered sounds at the same time – it's one unique and smart piece of kit. It does this via a sensor/microphone unit which performs double duty as a stereo microphone and a bass drum trigger.

The bundled module can be used to add reverb and effects to your acoustic drum sound, in addition to 700 on-board sounds that can be layered up. It's a powerful device that is a great practice tool, a module for live use, and a quick and easy way of recording yourself, whatever your ability. No wonder it scored 5 stars in our review.

Read the full Yamaha EAD10 review

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Ludwig Breakbeats kit

(Image credit: Ludwig)
If Questlove is willing to put his name to it...

Specifications

Price: $599/£399

Reasons to buy

+
Portable
+
Great sounds
+
Affordable
+
Stylish

The applications of this Questlove-approved drum set are almost universal. The compact 16"x14" bass drum, 10"x7" rack tom, 13"x13" floor tom and 14"x5" configuration means it's a great drum set for children or beginners, but equally the small sizes make it ideal for small club gigs or hitting the street with a busking outfit. 

Included in the package is a riser to lift the bass drum to pedal height and padded gig bags which double up as natty drum mutes. The big question is, how does it sound? The answer is tight, punchy and mightier than its micro size suggests. There are loads of snazzy finishes available too. 

Read the full Ludwig Breakbeats review

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Last minute ideas and subscriptions

Drumeo lessons subscription:

Drumeo lessons subscription: From free
Drumeo is the best online drum lesson site by far, giving drummers of all levels access to hundreds of hours of high quality video tuition. You’ll find courses, lessons from famous drummers and even features on how to make your drums sound better than ever. A Drumeo subscription will cost you from $29 per month, which we think is well worth it, but there’s also a 7 day free trial option so you can give it a try before you buy. 

Music software: Various

Music software: Various
Recording and creating music at home or on the go is becoming increasingly easy thanks to powerful laptops and formidable recording software and plugins available to anyone with a bit of spare cash. Software is a great last minute idea as it’s an instant download. Why not tell your giftee what budget you have for them and set them free on sites like Plugin Boutique or Waves. They’ll be able to fill their basket with loads of great drum recording software - often at bargain prices - and get started with creating new music.

Concert tickets: Ticketmaster

Concert tickets: Ticketmaster
If you’re shopping last minute for someone who loves live music, then e-tickets for a concert or a voucher to put towards their next gig is a no-brainer. Ticketmaster is our vendor of choice because of the vastness of events on offer plus you can spread the cost of tickets. Our friends at Louder rate it so much they placed it number one in their best concert ticket sites guide.

Gift cards: Any amount

Gift cards: Any amount
Ok so gift vouchers aren’t the most inspired present idea, but sometimes you run out of time to get something delivered, or you’re buying for someone who seemingly has everything. Buying vouchers for their favourite shop gives them the option to choose what they want, when it suits them. Plus, you can usually get them delivered straight to an email address; ideal if you’re shopping on Christmas eve. Our recommendations would be Thomann and Andertons in the UK and Guitar Center, Sweetwater and Musician’s Friend in the US.

Music magazines: subscribe and save!

Music magazines: subscribe and save!
Sometimes nothing beats sitting down with a good book or magazine and ditching the tech for a while. You can subscribe and save on music-making magazines right now from Future Music and Computer Music, to Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar World and Guitar Techniques. Head to our subscriptions site or call 0330 333 1113.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Cards and gift wrap

Best gifts for drummers: wrapping paper

(Image credit: Etsy)

Everyone knows that a good gift is only half the story - it needs wrapping well, maybe a gift tag and you probably need a card too. If you’re looking for quirky, handmade options that support independent makers, our first choice would be Etsy. You’ll find plenty of music-themed designs like this awesome guitar print paper.

Best Christmas gifts for drummers: Quick links

Looking to shop around? Save cash on drum and percussion accessories and unique gifts at these trusted retailers:

US

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UK

Chris Barnes

I'm MusicRadar's eCommerce Editor. It's my job to manage the buyer's guides on MusicRadar and help musicians find the right gear and the best prices. I'm a guitarist and a drummer and I've worked in the music gear industry for 18 years, including 7 years as Editor of the UK's best-selling drum magazine Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance writer working with many of the world's biggest musical instrument brands including the likes of Roland, Boss, MusicRadar and Natal.

With contributions from