Alex Dang-Lozano Alex Dang-Lozano

2024 Holiday Gift Guide

This gift guide is packed with must-haves to keep your drummer inspired and leveling up! Whether you are just looking for stocking stuffers or a major upgrade, this list will give you my best ideas for lighting up your student’s face when they open their gifts!

Hey there, drum parents!

I’ve put together a list of awesome gift ideas that your young drummer is gonna love. Whether you’re shopping for stocking stuffers or a big surprise, there’s something here for every budget!

I’ve hyperlinked all of the prices for each item below so you know you’re getting the right thing!

  • Size 5A Drumsticks
    These are the gold standard for drumsticks—great for kids starting out and pros alike. Durable and versatile. Around $15 (Vic Firth or ProMark).

    Stick Bag
    A small, handy bag to keep their sticks organized. It’s lightweight and easy to carry—perfect for lessons. $19 on Sweetwater.

    Drum Key
    The must-have tool for keeping their drums sounding great. $3 on Sweetwater.

    Music Notebook
    Help your drummer jot down rhythms and practice tips. A simple but thoughtful gift for about $5.

    Meinl Shaker
    A fun percussion instrument to explore rhythm in a new way. This $17 shaker has lasted me decades and can be heard on practically every song I’ve recorded.

  • Upgraded Music Stand
    A solid stand to hold their sheet music (or phone/tablet). It’ll make practice way easier. Around $30 on Amazon.

    ProMark Stick Bag
    This bag is for serious drummers. I’ve had mine for almost a decade, and I love it. It’s the perfect gigging stick bag. About $40 on Sweetwater.

    Nino Bongo Cajon
    A mini drum box they can play anywhere! Great for acoustic gigs! Around $45.

    LP Rock Cowbell
    MORE COWBELL! Add this classic to their kit for about $40.

    LP Tambourine
    Just like the shaker in the stocking stuffers, this simple percussion instrument is a must-have for any drummer. Great for jamming along with your student! Around $40.

    Hand Percussion Pack
    A set of small percussion instruments (think shakers and more) to mix things up. Around $35.

  • New Drum Heads
    Simply replacing the drum heads on your kit is the best thing you can do to improve the sound and feel of the drums. This 4-drum pack for about $75 is a good example, but feel free to call me if you’d like help picking the right brand and sizes.

    Cymbal Gig Bag
    If gigging is in the future, a cymbal bag makes transportation a breeze. About $80.

    Meinl Bongos
    Before I had a drumset, I had Bongos. I didn’t know it at first, but I soon found that they are as fun as any drum set. Around $90.

    Mike Johnston Signature Cowbell
    My mom actually got me this for Christmas last year! It’s an excellent cowbell! About $65 on Sweetwater.

  • Gig Bag Set
    These are one of the best investments in my drums (and sanity) I’ve ever made. Gig bags make transportation stress free and show that you’re a pro! This set runs for $160 on Sweetwater.

    Zildjian Low Volume Cymbal/Heads Set
    Drums driving you a little crazy? Try switching to low volume heads and/or cymbals. You can get a full set for around $450.

    Zildjian I Series Cymbal Set
    An awesome upgrade for beginners looking for better sound. Around $450.

  • Ludwig Supraphonic Snare
    This is a serious drum upgrade—it sounds incredible and will last a lifetime. Do some research because the Supraphonic has a rich history. If you ask me, go with a used, vintage version instead of the new one. Vintage Supraphonics go for around $300 on Reverb. New ones are more expensive and probably better quality, but they lack the character and energy a nice vintage drum brings!

    Zildjian A Sweet Ride Cymbal Set
    We’re not messing around anymore. This is one of the best sets of cymbals on the market. After this, you’ll be buying individual cymbals at premium prices. This set runs about $850 on Sweetwater. (Don’t want to buy the full set? Consider buying individual cymbals from the Zildjian A line instead.)

    Full Acoustic Drum Sets
    Most of my students are playing on beginner kits that came with everything in a single box. If your kiddo plans to join a band, it won’t be long before they’re ready for an upgrade. When that time comes, give me a call. I’m happy to help you search for the right kit in your price range. Ballpark — we’re talking about $1000-2000 for the drums alone. This Ludwig NeuSonic 3-piece Shell Pack is a great example at about $1850 on Reverb. That might seem like a lot, but an upgrade like this will give your drummer a kit that can offer a lifetime of gigs and recording sessions.

Read More