The holidays are upon us! Whatever holidays you celebrate, here are gift ideas to help you shop for the people in your life who love the cello.

For Everyone Who Loves the Cello

There were so many wonderful choices, particularly among the books and albums. We had a difficult time choosing. These are just a few ideas to get you started. We know that those who love the cello have different tastes, so above all, consider the individual receiving your gift. However, to help, this year, we’ve divided our list into the following categories:

1. Cello Teachers
2. Young Cello Students
3. Adult Cello Students
4. Cello Lovers Who Don’t Play the Cello (Please see items 1-4 on this list.)
5. Gifts from Cellists

Read on for an overview or click on the individual topic on the list above for more details.

Please remember to check shipping times to your location and availability before ordering.

Cello Museum Swag

Before we begin with the specific lists, we want to highlight our online museum shop products. Every order you place helps support the Cello Museum.

We’ve got great presents for teachers, students, and anyone who loves the cello. (Violinists and violists might like our cello mugs, too!) In addition, we frequently add new items to our shop – and we are open to suggestions.

Please keep in mind that items from our shop are printed to order, so please order early to allow for this – plus the current delays in the supply chain affecting many businesses, including shipping companies.

Here are a few of our latest products:

We’ve recently added several 17oz (500ml) water bottles to our shop.

We’ve got new long-sleeved T-shirt designs.

Plus, we’ve got mugs, tote bags, hats, posters, cards, blankets, and other cello-themed gifts.

1. Cello Teachers

Just as every cello teacher has a different teaching approach, every cello teacher has individual tastes. So often, the most meaningful gifts are homemade – from homemade cards to home-baked goodies.

Be sure to check for food allergies and other health issues, but if baked goods are a good choice for your teacher, consider making gingerbread cookies in the shape of cellos, and decorate them with black or dark brown icing. I’ve enjoyed making these in the past. If you are ambitious, you could make a variety of gingerbread cookie shapes with these or similar cookie cutters:

Do your homework. Teachers don’t expect gifts but often appreciate them, especially thoughtful ones. Here is a list of some gift ideas for cello teachers.

2. Young Cello Students

This will vary from student to student and depend on the holidays you celebrate. Here is one idea – a cello-themed book:

Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma by Joanna Ho, Illustrated by Teresa Martinez

This book, suggested for readers ages 4 to 8 years old, is a lovely picture book about Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project and his work to bring people together.

We have many other ideas, including books for older readers, sheet music, and even blankets for young cello students.

3. Adult Cello Students

Of course, sheet music for adult students will vary according to their level and interests, but here are a couple of ideas. Here’s a new sheet music collection we love that was released this year by one of our favorite star cellists, Sheku Kanneh-Mason:

Younger advanced players will enjoy this collection, too.

For more gift ideas for adult cellists, please click here.

4. Cello Lovers Who Don’t Play the Cello

We love our non-players, too! We all love to listen to the cello, so one idea is a recording, such as this recent release by Sheku Kanneh-Mason and his sister, Isata:

We’ve got lots of ideas for adult cello students that are great for non-players as well. Please click here for our list. The first four items are great for anyone who loves the cello.

5. Gifts from Cellists

Looking for something special to give your friends and family? One of our favorite ideas for gifts from young students is to create an album for family members, either as a digital album or a CD, complete with artwork, biography, and program notes. These make excellent gifts for grandparents!

Please click here for more ideas.

Enjoy your holiday shopping!

Your Turn

What is your favorite cello-related holiday gift you’ve ever received or given? Please tell us in the comments.

Please note that some links provided are affiliate links. Please see our footer below for further details. (Affiliate links cost you nothing extra, but they help support the Cello Museum.)