Holiday Gift Guide for Music Lovers

Let’s face it – some people can be tough to buy for at Christmas, so why make it any harder on yourself? If you have someone on your list whose answer to “What do you want for Christmas?” is “Nothing.” Or “I don’t know, whatever.” we’ve got you.

While they may be tight lipped about their “dreaming of” gift list, chances are good they are a music lover at heart (because isn't everyone?). Browse our curated list of gift ideas that the music lover inside all of us will love and you’ll love to give. All made or sold in Ontario’s Highlands.

Live Music

There is little that can compare with a live musical performace. Gift someone with tickets to a show at Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown. Their 2023 line-up includes stellar musicians like Jason Blaine, Monkey Junk, and Daniel Champagne. The Dominion Hotel & Pub in Minden specializes in live music and good food. Gift someone with a night out on Fridays for the open mic sessions on Friday evenings.

Rock and Roll

Inspire a budding musician with a Canadian made ukulele from Haliukes in Haliburton, or gift someone with musical lessons or studio time at The Hub: Music & Art in Smiths Falls. Their multi-media studio in the back of the store offers professional video, music, and audio production facilities for rent or rehearsal. If you’re looking for a hot gift, check out their instruments like amplifiers, guitars (acoustic and electric), keyboards, and Ukeleles.

Vinyl and Vibes

Who wouldn’t love a few vintage records to rock the holidays with? Pick up some of the latest vintage vinyl from Russell Red Records in Haliburton or Backbeat Books and Music in Perth, a cool spot with plenty of musical paraphernalia for a great stocking stuffer.

Tunes and Brews

Whether you’re listening or making music at home or at a show, music seems to pair well with a good, solid local brew, wouldn’t you agree? Fortunately, there are no lack of breweries in Ontario’s Highlands. In Madoc, 7/62 Brewery has the perfect gift for music lovers. Sign someone up for the Growler Club and they’ll receive a 64 oz. growler fill (or two 32 oz. ‘squealers’) monthly all year long, along with a free beer flight and glass of beer on their birthday!

In Carleton Place, Stalwart Brewing Co. makes strong beers with fun names  Big Papa for the guy who loves beer but hasn’t tried it all yet. Bancroft Brewing Company's Iron Man beer will make any man feel like a winner this holiday season. You can also combine beer with a shave and haircut at The Valley Gentleman in Pembroke. 

Theatre, Meet Music

Have you noticed that music lovers also tend to be lovers of live theatre, and particularly musicals? The two passions do seem to go hand in hand. Gift someone with tickets (or a season pass) to performances from theatre companies like Tweed and Company in Bancroft and Tweed, featuring iconic performances like Anne of Green Gables - the Musical and Dear Rita in 2024. The Folkus Concert Series in Almonte brings out the best of musical talents of Canadian artists in Almonte Old Town Hall, while Pembroke's Festival Hall Centre for the Performing Arts features a range of styles including Hotel California, a tribute to the Eagles in January 2024 and Abbamania in February 2024 (tickets now on sale for both shows).