A voice is an instrument you cannot put in a case, which makes this guide to the best gifts for singers a little different from other gear lists. The most thoughtful presents fall into three groups: things that help a singer look after their voice, things that help them practise and perform, and things that let them record themselves at home. We have grouped ideas by budget band, from stocking fillers to studio microphones, and noted who each gift suits and who should skip it.
Before buying, consider where they sing. A choir member, a gigging band vocalist and a bedroom singer-songwriter who records covers all need different things. When in doubt, vocal care items and lessons are universally welcome, while microphones are best matched to how they actually use them.
Gifts for singers under $50
Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat tea
Warm drinks are a backstage ritual, and Throat Coat tea with slippery elm is a long-time favourite among vocalists. It is a comforting gift rather than a cure, and plain water remains the most important hydration for the voice.
Entertainer’s Secret throat spray
Entertainer’s Secret is a throat moisturising spray that many singers and speakers keep in a gig bag for dry rooms and air-conditioned venues. It is not a substitute for rest if they are unwell.
Vicks personal steam inhaler
Steam is a common part of vocal warm-up routines because it moistens the throat and nasal passages. The Vicks Sinus Inhaler is a simple personal steamer. It suits singers in dry climates; anyone with a medical voice issue should follow their doctor or voice teacher’s advice.
Set Your Voice Free by Roger Love
Set Your Voice Free is a well-known book from a vocal coach covering breathing, range and tone for both singing and speaking. It is accessible for beginners; trained classical singers may find it too general.
Etymotic ER20XS high-fidelity earplugs
Singers in bands stand next to loud drums and amps every week. Etymotic ER20XS earplugs reduce volume evenly so music still sounds natural. Some singers find earplugs make their own voice sound boomy, so they are best for rehearsals and watching gigs.
On-Stage MS7701B boom mic stand
A sturdy stand frees the hands for practice with a lyric sheet or guitar. The On-Stage MS7701B is a simple Euro-style boom stand that works for vocal and instrument mics.
Gifts for vocalists under $200
Shure SM58
The Shure SM58 is the most familiar live vocal microphone in the world: tough, feedback-resistant and forgiving. It is ideal for singers who play open mics and gigs. For detailed studio vocals, a condenser is usually a better match.
Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a popular first condenser microphone for home vocal recording. It needs an audio interface with phantom power, and it picks up room sound, so it suits a quiet, treated space.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a compact USB-C interface with one mic input and one instrument input, perfect for a singer-songwriter. Pair it with the AT2020 for a complete starter vocal setup. Our guide to the best audio interface for singers compares alternatives.
Shure SE215 in-ear monitors
Sound-isolating earphones like the Shure SE215 are a common first step into in-ear monitoring for singers who need to hear themselves clearly on stage. They require a monitor feed from the band’s system. See our full list of the best in-ear monitors for singers.
Stedman Proscreen XL pop filter
The Stedman Proscreen XL uses a metal mesh that redirects plosive blasts while staying easy to clean. It is a durable upgrade over the nylon filters bundled with budget mics.
sE Electronics RF-X Reflexion Filter
The sE Electronics RF-X is a portable isolation shield that sits behind the microphone to cut some reflections from the room. It helps, but it will not fix a very echoey space on its own.
TC Helicon Perform-V
The TC Helicon Perform-V clamps to a mic stand and adds reverb, delay and doubling effects for live vocals. It is great for solo performers and buskers who run their own sound, and less useful for singers in venues with an engineer.
Zoom H1essential recorder
Recording rehearsals is one of the best ways to hear pitch and phrasing problems. The Zoom H1essential is a pocket stereo recorder that captures lessons and band practices simply.
Levoit cool mist humidifier
Dry bedroom air can leave a voice feeling rough in the morning. A Levoit top-fill humidifier is a practical gift for singers in air-conditioned or heated homes. It needs regular cleaning.
Vocal tuning plugins
For singers who produce their own tracks, pitch-editing software is a big creative gift. Browse Melodyne for detailed manual editing, or Auto-Tune for real-time correction and the modern effect.
Splurge gifts for singers
Shure MV7+
The Shure MV7+ is a dynamic microphone with both USB-C and XLR outputs, so it can plug straight into a computer or grow into an interface setup. It rejects room noise well, which suits untreated bedrooms; it is less airy than a condenser.
RODE NT1 5th Generation
The RODE NT1 5th Gen is a low-noise studio condenser with both XLR and USB-C connections, popular for detailed home vocals. It needs a reasonably quiet room to shine.
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a legendary dynamic microphone used on famous vocal recordings and countless podcasts. It is low output, so it needs an interface with plenty of clean gain or an inline booster.
Singing lessons or studio time
A block of lessons with a reputable voice teacher, or a session in a local recording studio, is often the most valuable gift of all. It builds technique safely and gives them something to work towards.
Ready-made gift bundles for singers
Grouping a few items makes a gift feel complete. A vocal care kit of Throat Coat tea, Entertainer’s Secret and a personal steamer is a thoughtful, inexpensive bundle for any singer heading into a busy season of rehearsals and concerts. A home recording starter of the AT2020, the Scarlett Solo, a boom stand and a pop filter gives a singer-songwriter everything they need to record a first demo. A stage kit of the SM58, a pair of high-fidelity earplugs and the Perform-V suits the open-mic regular who runs their own sound. Pick the bundle that fits how they sing, then upgrade one piece if your budget allows.
How to choose a gift for a singer
- Live or studio? Stage singers benefit from dynamic mics, in-ears and earplugs; home recorders need a condenser, interface and pop filter.
- Match the room. A sensitive condenser in a bare, echoey bedroom will record every reflection. If the singer has no acoustic treatment, a dynamic microphone such as the MV7+ or SM7B, plus a reflection filter, usually gives cleaner results than a pricier condenser.
- Do not forget pitch practice. Ear training pays off for every vocalist. Our free online tuner shows whether sustained notes are sharp or flat, which makes a handy companion to any gift on this list.
- Look after the voice. Care items are inexpensive and always appreciated, but never present them as medical treatment.
- Build a bundle. A microphone, stand and pop filter together make a complete, ready-to-use gift. Our guide to the best microphone for singing and our walkthrough on how to record yourself singing help them get started.
FAQ
What is a good gift for a beginner singer?
Lessons are the most useful, followed by a recorder for listening back, a vocal technique book and throat care basics. Gear can come later once they know how they want to perform.
Which microphone should I buy a singer?
For live use, a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM58 is the safe choice. For home recording, a condenser like the AT2020 with an audio interface captures more detail.
Are in-ear monitors a good gift for a singer?
Yes, if they perform regularly with a sound system that can provide a monitor mix. In-ears reduce the need for loud floor wedges, which helps singers hear their pitch and avoid straining. For casual singers, earplugs or a comfortable pair of headphones for home practice are more practical.
