So, you want to surprise the ukulele player in your life with a special gift?
There’s only one problem though, right?
You’ve not no idea what ukulele players like!
That’s where I come in.
I’m a ukulele player myself, so I’ve scouted out the 20 unique gifts that I know any ukulele player would love!
22 Best Gifts for Ukulele Players
1. “You May Think I’m Listening…” Ukulele Mug
We all love a good mug and this one is ideal for ukulele players. That one friend that always seems as if they’re listening until you notice they’re playing the air ukulele under the table needs this mug in their life!
Now, I’m not saying I’m a bad listener but, if any of my friends are reading this, I’ll take two for my birthday!
2. The Ultimate Ukulele Fake Book
- Pages: 632
- Instrumentation: Ukulele
- Hal Leonard Corp. (Author)
Challenge the Uke player in your life with The Ultimate Ukulele Fake Book. The book contains a whopping 400 songs from a range of decades, complete with melody, lyrics and cord diagrams. Popular inclusions are ‘Brown Eyed Girl, ‘Thriller’, ‘Five Hundred Miles’ and ‘I’m Yours’. Not sure what a ‘Fake Book’ is? Check out the explanation here.
3. Ukulele Definition Funny T-Shirt
You might have seen a few of these definition tees around the web. I’ve seen some that define “grandad” or “mom” but I definitely hadn’t seen one defining “ukulele” before. I mean, it couldn’t be more true. Every ukulele player is in their happy place when they’re making music! Plus, this fun T-shirt will definitely make ‘em chuckle.
4. Ukulele Tropical Acrylic Tumbler
I need this cute tumbler in my life. To be honest, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t already in my basket (lol). It’s true, you should “never underestimate a woman with a uke” (I’m sure my boyfriend would back that up).
This is the perfect funny gift for the ukulele playing gals in your life. Stay hydrated ladies! Although, no one said you couldn’t sneak some vino in there.
5. Uke Can Do It Graphic T-Shirt
I know so many guys that would love this tee. It’s pretty simple but, let’s be honest, not all ukulele players want all floral everything!
If you’re shopping for a ukulele teacher then this is the perfect gift. Nothing motivates students quite like a funny slogan tee! I mean, it would keep me going anyway!
6. Official Kala Learn to Play Ukulele Soprano Starter Kit
- Kala Ukulele, known for high-quality instruments, is the most recognized and sought-after ukulele brand in the world. Kala ukuleles are the instrument of choice for schools - more people learn to play...
This gift is really for would-be ukulele players and it includes everything the recipient needs to get started on their uke playing journey – including online lessons!
In addition to the Kala Soprano Ukulele, the attractively packaged bundle contains a tote bag, tuning app and 20-page quick start guide.
7. Steampunk Ukulele Frog T-Shirt
This is for all those cool ukulele players. You know, the ones who whip their ukes out at parties and know all the 4-chord songs. I’m just kidding, I think this is just a really unique T-shirt.
It’s a great choice for those ukulele players who don’t want to shout it from the rooftops but kinda want people to know they play. Plus, how cool is that frog? I love him.
8. Yesterday I Couldn’t Spell Ukulele, Today I Play One T-Shirt
I really want to get one of these for my friend. I bought her a ukulele for her birthday and she texted me saying thank you so much for the “yukulele”. It shouldn’t have made me laugh as much as it did…
This humorous T-Shirt is a great gift idea for someone who’s only just started to play but fell in love with their uke straight away (and I’m a poet now, apparently)!
9. “Uke, I am Your Father” Bottle Opener
Okay, this might be a pretty niche gift but it could be a real hit for the right person. This funny bottle opener would be the perfect stocking filler (or any sort of gift, for that matter) for a ukulele playing, Star Wars loving, beer drinking friend!
I bet there’s more of those out there than you think. I mean, who doesn’t love Star Wars and beer? Oh, there I go thinking about the pub again… Oops.
10. An Old Man With a Ukulele Funny Gift T-Shirt
These “never underestimate an [insert person] with a ukulele” T-shirts are the perfect personal gifts for ukulele players. You can find one that’s personal to the person you’re buying for!
This one in particular would be ideal for a ukulele playing dad or grandpa! Although, I sometimes think it’s a bit soon for the “old man” jokes when it comes to my dad (not that it stops me).
11. Ukulele Cartoon Classic T-Shirt
This T-shirt is perfect for any ukulele player. If you’re completely stuck on what to get, you can’t go wrong with a simple logo tee. I get given tees like this all the time and I love them! They’re ideal for lounging about in or repping at band practice.
I love wearing tops like this when I go to the jam sessions at my local pub! You know, because people won’t know I’m a ukulele player unless I have one on my T-shirt!
12. The Daily Ukulele: 365 Songs for Better Living
- Easy Arrangements of 365 of Your Favorite Songs.
- Includes Uke Chord Grids and arranged for ukulele.
- Also Includes Lyrics and 336 pages.
This very popular Jumpin’ Jim’s Songbook will provide the recipient with plenty of musical inspiration. With 365 easy arrangements they will be able to strum a different song every day of the year!
The Daily Ukulele includes a range of favorites from artists such as The Beatles, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Plus, with Christmas carols, Broadway and Hollywood tunes, there will be an arrangement for every occasion and mood.
13. Vintage Hawaii Tropical Ukulele Player Design T-Shirt
If you’re shopping for someone who’s a little bit of a hippy, they’ll love this. I mean, can anything compliment a ukulele more than tropical flowers? I don’t think so…
I think this tropical ukulele T-shirt is ideal for either guys or gals who love that classic hawaiian sound (I mean, who doesn’t). I love that you can change the T-shirt to be their favorite color as well!
14. Ukes not Nukes Classic T-Shirt
“Ukes not Nukes” is a classic slogan. Let’s be honest, most of us ukulele players are away with the fairies most of the time. We don’t tend to be too interested in politics or world affairs. We just want to play our happy music and escape the modern world, right?
Maybe that was a bit philosophical but yeah, I’d rep this shirt any day.
15. Ukulele Flowers Coffee Mug
Almost all of my mugs have musical instruments on them. Have I got a problem? I don’t think so… What ukulele player doesn’t want to drink their morning coffee out of a beautiful, floral mug adorned with their favorite instrument.
This is definitely a fail-safe gift for a crazy ukulele lady like myself! On the other hand, ukulele teachers drink a lot of coffee so this could be the perfect thank-you gift.
16. World’s Okayest Ukulele Player – Ukulele Hardcover Journal
This ‘World’s Okayest Ukulele Player’ notebook made me laugh so much. Okay, we all know that one ukulele player who learned to play years ago and still doesn’t know anything other than “Over the Rainbow”. I could name at least ten!
If someone came to mind their, this is the funniest gift. Plus, you can never have too many notebooks right? Maybe they can use it to learn another song…
17. UKULELE Patent T-Shirt
I’ve never seen a shirt like this before. It’s pretty cool! I love it. One, the top of the uke looks like a pineapple and two, it’s completely different form most ukulele merch.
If you want to buy your friend a ukulele-themed top they’ll actually wear, this is the one. I mean, I’d wear it to the pub with a nice pair of jeans. Do you think I talk about the pub too much? Probably…
18. Acoustic Instruments Throw Pillow
How cute is this? You’ve got the daddy guitar, the mommy guitar and the baby ukulele. If I had a family, this throw pillow would be on my sofa as we speak.
I love giving people personalized gifts, it makes the present that little bit more special. This would be the perfect gift for a ukulele player who’s recently become a parent! You could put “The [insert surname] Family” on the front – so cute!
19. ComicaI Have A Retirement Plan Playing The Ukulele Zipped Hoodie
This is me though and through. Thankfully, I’m no where near retirement age but if I was I think my retirement plan would look something like this.
If there’s two things you need to ensure a happy retirement, it’s got to be your ukulele and a cosy hoodie to lounge about in. I think this would be such a hilarious gift to give a retiring ukulele-playing colleague or grandparent!
20. Real Men Play the Ukulele Bumper Sticker
How funny is this? Hilarious bumper stickers always go down well, in my experience.
Obviously, a lot of men that play the ukulele are also partial to a floral shirt and a bit of Jack Johnson. No judgement here, my dad’s one of them. In fact, that’s me with this Christmas sorted!
Want to buy your ukulele playing friend a new uke? These blogs will help you find the perfect one!
- 10 Different Types Of Ukulele Explored & Explained
- 5 Best Soprano Ukuleles In 2020 (Under $100 to $500+)
- 6 Best Baritone Ukuleles In 2020 Across All Budgets
- 7 Best Concert Ukuleles In 2020 For All Budgets
Ukulele Players Are so Fun to Buy Gifts For
You have to admit it, ukulele players tend to be pretty fun people.
I like to think that us ukulele players are all pretty happy (you know, because we’re always playing happy music) so, no matter what gift you buy, your ukulele-playing friend will love it.
There’s so many hilarious, thoughtful gifts out there it makes them really fun to buy for. I hope I helped you find the perfect gift!
Further Reading:
- 5 Best Soprano Ukuleles (Under $100 to $500+)
- How To Choose A Ukulele – Get The Perfect One For Your Needs
- Ukulele vs Guitar – How Are They Different & Which Is Best For You
- Banjo Vs Ukulele – What Is The Difference & Which Is Best For You?
- 10 Different Types Of Ukulele Explored & Explained
Fiona is a musician and writer. When she’s not working, she’s either playing the ukulele or finding another instrument to add to her collection.