Gifts for Woodwind Players: Christmas Ideas by Budget

Woodwind players are easier to shop for than they look. They use some things up (reeds, cork grease, pads) and they put off buying others for years (a better case, a stand, a second instrument for marching season or travel). This guide is sorted by budget, with a section for oboe players, and every gift on it is in stock and ready to ship.

Gifts at a glance

Stocking stuffers under $30

These are the things woodwind players run out of, wear out, or keep meaning to buy. Each one is small enough for a stocking.

The one they always need more of

Rico Bb clarinet reeds, 3-pack

A reed is the thin strip of cane that vibrates against the mouthpiece. It wears out with playing, and a chipped one can ruin a concert, so spares are always welcome. The Rico 3-pack ($4.95) is for the B-flat clarinet, the one most band students play, in strength 2.5. That's between medium-soft and medium, a good fit for a player who has moved past the first few months.

Off the floor, out of harm's way

Clarinet and flute stands

A stand holds the instrument upright between songs, so it doesn't roll off a chair or get stepped on. The clarinet stand ($14.95) and the flute stand ($14.95) are small, light tripods that fit in a gig bag pocket.

Bundle the small stuff

One reed pack can feel like a token gift. Three small things together feel like a real present, and they all arrive in one order. Two easy bundles:

• The clarinet bundle: Rico reeds ($4.95), cork grease ($4.95) and a clarinet stand ($14.95). Everything a clarinetist reaches for at every rehearsal.
• The oboe bundle: an oboe pad set ($29.95), a Manhasset oboe peg ($14.95) and cork grease ($4.95).

For oboe players

Oboists are hard to buy for, because so much of what they use is personal: most play reeds made by hand, often their own. These gifts skip the guesswork.

For the next repad

Oboe pads, full set

Pads are the small cushions under each key that seal the tone holes. Over the years they harden and leak, and the oboe gets harder to play. A full oboe pad set ($29.95) has white bladder pads and cork pads, made in the USA. It's a thoughtful gift for an oboist who repads their own instrument, or one who is due for an overhaul and can hand the set to their repair technician.

Turn a wind stand into an oboe stand

Manhasset oboe peg

If they already own a Manhasset wind instrument stand, the Manhasset oboe peg ($14.95) adds a peg shaped for the oboe, so it sits securely between pieces. It's a small gift that shows you paid attention.

For clarinetists who repad, and E-flat players

• Clarinet pads: a full clarinet pad set ($29.95) from Micro, so a whole clarinet can be repadded in one go.
• E-flat clarinet reeds: the small E-flat clarinet takes its own reeds. A box of 10 Vandoren E-flat reeds in strength 3 is $60.99.

Gifts under $175: cases and mics

A good case is the gift most players never buy for themselves. The one that came with their instrument is often worn out or heavy.

Our favorite gift for a flutist

MBT hardshell flute case

The MBT flute case ($85.99) is a hardshell case in high-density polymer with aluminum edges and a plush lining. For a lighter case that carries like a bag, the MBT polyfoam flute case ($66.99) has a nylon cover, an accessory pocket and a shoulder strap.

Cases for clarinet and sax

Stagg and MBT cases

• Clarinet: the MBT padded clarinet case ($91.99) is light, with a shoulder strap and an accessory pocket; the Stagg molded ABS clarinet case ($94.99) has aluminum edging and a plush interior.
• Alto sax: the Stagg ABS alto sax case ($132.99) is a molded case with aluminum edging, high-density padding and a plush interior.
• Tenor sax: the Stagg tenor sax soft case ($136.99) is padded nylon with two S-shaped carrying straps, an accessory pocket and a flap that keeps rain off the main zipper.

Before you buy, check what they play: cases are shaped for one instrument, and an alto case won't fit a tenor.

For the sax player who performs

Stagg wireless saxophone microphone

The Stagg wireless sax mic set ($126.99) clips a small microphone onto the saxophone and sends the sound to a receiver at the sound system, so the player can walk the stage with no cable. It pairs on its own, runs up to 6 hours on a rechargeable battery, and reaches about 82 feet.

Why players like it

• No cable to trip over on stage
• Same sound wherever they stand

Good to know

• It needs a sound system or amp to plug the receiver into

For flutists who play amplified, the Barcus Berry 6100 flute mic ($139.99) is built into a cork assembly for the flute's headjoint.

Gifts under $300: a second instrument

Many woodwind players want a second instrument: one for marching band or outdoor gigs, one to keep at a grandparent's house, or a first try at a new member of the family, like the piccolo.

A flute with everything in the box

Stagg student flute

The Stagg WS-FL111 flute ($249.99) is a silver-plated C flute with closed holes, an offset G key and a split E mechanism, which makes the high E easier to play. It's workshop-tested, and comes with an ABS case, a cleaning swab, a cloth and gloves. Our flute buying guide explains each of those features.

A clarinet for marching season

Levante and Stagg clarinets

An ABS plastic clarinet shrugs off cold football fields and summer heat that a wooden clarinet shouldn't face. The Levante LV-CL4100 ($284.99) has solid metal, nickel-plated keys and rings, and comes with a mouthpiece, ligature, cap, two reeds, a swab, cork grease and a soft case. The Stagg WS-CL110 ($228.99) is about 10 percent lighter than a typical clarinet and includes two barrels for fine-tuning the pitch. Our clarinet buying guide compares them.

For the flutist who wants to try something new

Stagg piccolo

The piccolo is the flute's little sibling, an octave higher, and many band flutists are asked to play it sooner or later. The Stagg piccolo ($273.99) is silver-plated, with a split E mechanism, an offset G and a soft case.

The big gift: $500 and up

A new voice for a sax player

Stagg soprano saxophone

An alto or tenor player can pick up a soprano quickly, because the fingerings are the same. The Stagg WS-SS225 soprano ($549) is in B-flat, with a straight neck and a curved neck to choose between, high F# and high G keys, and a bright sound. It comes with a mouthpiece, reed, ligature, cap, cloth, gloves and a soft case.

The step-up alto

Levante LV-AS4105 alto saxophone

The Levante LV-AS4105 ($959.99) has a brass body and neck, a bell engraved by hand, the high F# key, leather pads with metal resonators and a warm, even tone. It comes with a soft case, mouthpiece, reed, ligature and cap. Our alto sax buying guide has more.

• A flute with French-style keys: the Levante LV-FL5111 ($529.99) has French-style keys, closed holes, split E and offset G, and comes with a soft case with straps.
• Tenor sax: the Stagg WS-TS215 ($859) has the high F# key, an adjustable thumb rest and an ABS case.
• The dream gift: the Levante baritone sax ($2,799) comes in a flight case, with the low A and high F# keys.

Gifts beyond the gear

Some of the best woodwind gifts aren't things in a box. These are ideas to arrange locally:

• Lessons with a private teacher. A few lessons with a teacher who plays their instrument helps with tone and reeds faster than anything else. A gift card or a paid block of lessons is easy to wrap.
• Concert tickets. Hearing a great clarinetist, flutist or sax player live is inspiring. Look at your local symphony, a college music department or a jazz club.
• A reed-making class. Oboists and bassoonists who buy all their reeds often want to learn to make or adjust their own. Ask their teacher or a local music school about a workshop.
• A tune-up. A visit to a repair technician to check pads, springs and corks keeps an instrument playing well.

Buying for a woodwind player when you don't know their gear

• Find out the exact instrument. Reeds, cases and pads fit one instrument only. "Clarinet" usually means B-flat clarinet; "sax" could be soprano, alto, tenor or baritone.
• Reeds come in strengths. Peek at the box they use: the number on it (2, 2.5, 3) is the strength. Beginners usually play 2 or 2.5.
• Flutes don't use reeds or cork grease. For a flutist, choose a case, a stand or a piccolo instead.
• Oboe and bassoon reeds are personal. Choose care items, pads or a stand peg instead, and leave reed choices to them.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good gift for a clarinet player under $30?

A 3-pack of Rico B-flat clarinet reeds, a tube of cork grease and a clarinet stand. Together they make a complete small gift for well under $30.

What do you buy an oboe player?

Something that doesn't depend on their reed taste: a full set of oboe pads for their next repad, a Manhasset oboe peg for their wind stand, or cork grease. Lessons or a reed-making class are good ideas too.

What is a good gift for a flute player?

A better case, such as the MBT hardshell flute case, a flute stand, or a piccolo if they play in a band. Flutes don't use reeds or cork grease.

What is a good gift for a saxophone player?

A new case, a wireless saxophone microphone if they perform, or a soprano sax, which an alto or tenor player can learn quickly because the fingerings are the same.

Are reeds a good gift if I don't know the strength?

Yes, if you check first. Look at the box they use now for the number, and make sure the reed matches their instrument: B-flat clarinet reeds don't fit a saxophone.

When should I order woodwind gifts for Christmas?

Order by December 15 for delivery before Christmas.