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Finding the right holiday gift for a string player doesn't have to mean stretching your budget. Whether you're shopping for a beginner who lights up at every new accessory or an advancing player who knows exactly what they like, there are plenty of gifts under $100 that feel thoughtful, practical, and genuinely useful. Shar Music has gathered a handful of musician-trusted favorites - bows, cases, strings, and accessories that players reach for daily. These are the kinds of items that build confidence, support good technique, and make practice feel a little more special during the winter months. Below, you'll find curated gift ideas organized by instrument, each one chosen for its quality, reliability, and the value it brings to a young musician's routine. Holiday Gifts Under $100 for Violin Players Presto® Carbon Fiber Violin Bow A standout upgrade for students, this carbon fiber bow offers stability and control far beyond typical beginner models. Durable, well-balanced, and trusted by teachers who want developing players to progress with confidence. Toshira Oblong Violin Case Lightweight protection with a classic look. The Toshira line is known for its exterior features include zippered music pocket, center locking latch and subway strap, giving students a reliable case that doesn’t weigh them down during winter concerts or rehearsals. Evah Pirazzi Custom Violin String Set This intense and powerful string has a synthetic fiber core and produces a complex sound, rich with overtones. An expressive string with great nuances and an enormous dynamic range gives exceptional playability and outstanding response. Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Rosin Evah Pirazzi Gold rosin increases the ease of response in the softer dynamic range and maximises the ability of the instrument to react to bow impulses during fast, virtuosic playing. Bonmusica Violin Shoulder Rest Famous for its adjustable, ergonomic design, the Bonmusica helps players maintain comfort and proper posture. A thoughtful gift for students preparing longer winter performances or daily practice sessions. Holiday Gifts Under $100 for Viola Players Presto® Carbon Fiber Viola Bow Reliable strength and balance make this bow a go-to recommendation for students. Combining modern, strong, state-of-the-art materials with traditional handcraft, these bows are as impressive and beautiful to look at as they are to play.  Toshira Deluxe Viola Case Protective, practical, and designed for daily use. This case is a smart option for middle-school and high-school violists who travel between rehearsals, lessons, and concerts. Thomastik-Infeld Alphayue Viola String Set Alphayue is a breakthrough string for students of all levels – the number one choice for aspiring artists! Alphayue delights with sound qualities never before available at this price point. Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Rosin A reliable, long-trusted rosin that pairs well with a wide range of viola strings. Dominant Rosin provides the precise friction needed to promote the ideal torsional vibration of any synthetic core violin or viola string. Viva La Musica Diamond Viola Shoulder Rest Designed especially for the extreme demands of the concert soloist, European-made Viva la Musica Diamond shoulder rests combine comfort with practicality, freeing the artist to focus on the performance. Holiday Gifts Under $100 for Cello Players Shar Fusion Carbon Fiber Cello Bow A sturdy, responsive bow that helps developing cellists refine articulation and tone. Teachers often recommend carbon fiber for its durability and even feel across the strings. Heritage® Padded Cordura Cello Bag Protective padding, strong handles, and lightweight construction make this a smart everyday gig bag. A practical gift for students traveling in winter weather. Charm Cello String Set A budget-friendly upgrade that still delivers warmth and clarity. Ideal for students wanting to refresh their sound and improve playability without jumping into premium pricing. Hill Premium Dark Rosin for Cello Hill's dark rosin has been trusted for generations. Smooth response and excellent grip in colder months make it a great stocking-stuffer for cellists.  Ingles Instrument Stand for Cello/Bass A dependable stand that keeps the cello safe, accessible, and off the couch. Keeps your instrument safe and within easy reach when you need to take a break. Holiday Gifts Under $100 for Bass Players Glasser Bronx Student Model Double Bass Bow A well-balanced, student-friendly bow that gives beginners the control they need while developing their sound. Features horsehair, plastic frog & leatherette grip. Heritage® Bass Bag 5mm Foam A lightweight protective bag that bassists can manage without feeling like they're wrestling a winter coat on top of a giant instrument. Super-Sensitive Red Label Double Bass String Set Red Label strings are known for durability and stability - a classic pairing for student basses that withstands regular practice and performances. Yumba Bee Line Rosin for Bass A unique, smooth-grip bass rosin that players appreciate for its clean feel and reliable traction. Leather Bass Bow Quiver - Black A simple, stylish addition for orchestral bassists. Durable, top quality leather quivers. A Gift That Supports Their Musical Journey Quality accessories don't just make a holiday gift feel thoughtful, they genuinely support a student's growth. Each of the items above is musician-trusted, teacher-approved, and chosen because it helps players sound better, feel more comfortable, and enjoy practice throughout the season. Whether your string player is just starting out or quickly advancing, a well-chosen gift from Shar Music can brighten their winter and carry them confidently into the new year. Curious about other gifts? Check out our full Holiday Gift Guide!

If you enjoyed the first round of holiday music activities, this next set keeps the momentum going. December may be packed with distractions, but it’s also the perfect time to spark creativity and strengthen musical fundamentals. From composition projects to festive practice games and cozy performance moments, these ideas help young string players stay curious, motivated, and connected to their music. Whether you’re teaching in the studio or supporting practice at home, these activities bring joy and structure to a busy season.

The holiday season is a perfect time to keep music students engaged with fun holiday activities that spark creativity and community. From collaborative family duets to festive practice games and mini-ensemble challenges, these holiday-themed string activities help violin, viola, cello, and bass students stay motivated while building skills. Teachers and parents will find simple, interactive ideas to support beginner and intermediate string players all season long.

Should violinists and violists use a shoulder rest? Explore the pros, cons, and history of this modern accessory to make the best choice for your body, style, and sound.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Laurie Niles from Violinist.com during the 2024 ASTAxSuzuki Convention.

"Musicality" by Poetjournalist-in-Residence, Aaron Dworkin encompasses the nuance that exists in the balance between technique and soul.