With Christmas decorations going up, lights adoring houses and shopping malls the start of the festive season is just around the corner. So as guitarists, or as folks thinking of starting or picking up the guitar again in 2014 (or even folks that know guitarists and looking for present ideas), you may be wondering what to ask Father Christmas what to bring down the chimney for you and leave under the tree or pop into your stocking.

Well, being the helpful kind of person that I am here are some top tips for great Christmas presents for classical guitarists!

(1) A new guitar! Kind of hard not to go past that one as top of the wish list eh?! If you’re looking to get into guitar for the first time or have a loved on looking to start guitar there are some fantastic bargains out there now at the entry/ student level. Could be good for a “main” present for a youngster or loved one and they will definitely love you forever! If you’re looking at upgrading your current axe Christmas could be the perfect time to “self-gift” that instrument you’ve been drooling over for a while.

(2) A new case. With a new guitar has to come a new case. And even if you’re not buying a new guitar a new case, especially one with some schmick faux-crocodile skin, blazing bright orange lining or super strong structure for travel protection makes for a great gift.

(3) Nail kit. Anyone that is a guitarist or lives with one will know that we’re pretty much always doing our nails. If we’re not buffing, shaping or smoothing out our right hand nails, we’re trimming back the left hand nails (or the other way around if you’re lift handed).  A great little stocking filler can be found in a proper little nail kit – all the essential tools for keeping your nails in tip top condition in one box.

(4) Top quality hand and nail cream. My personal favourite is L’Occitane en Provence Shea Butter Hand Cream. Your hands cop a beating not only from guitar, but also from day-to-day living. A good quality hand cream is vital for all guitarists to keep your mitts in smooth and supple working order.

(5) Foam roller. Doesn’t sound like a sexy present, but I would give someone that bought me this a big wet kiss on the lips! I roll out my back and shoulders with one of these after near enough all my practice sessions – I think I’m addicted to the foam roller! They are fantastic for working out any muscles tensions and tight spots that may have creeped in and so are great for keeping your big muscle groups in good working order, and feeling ache and pain free. Check out the following to see what I’m on about: http://coreadvantage.com.au/blog/2013/2/22/the-magic-of-foam-rolling

(6) Vouchers for remedial massage, myotherapy or Alexander Technique sessions. If you or your guitarist loved is having some aches and pains that are even potentially remotely related to guitar playing a present they will absolutely love you for is a voucher for a session or two of for some kind of physical (or associated) therapy. My recommendation – help them get rid of the their immediate aches and pains with a remedial massage or myotherapy session. That on its on is not going to solve the aches and pains issues though, so make an investment into some Alexander Technique sessions – this will help reveal where and why certain aches and pains are occurring so the player can better understand and manage their physical tensions.

Happy shopping!!