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What do you get a drummer who already owns a kit and the usual sticks?
Something that improves practice or comfort without guessing at a full hardware upgrade they may not want.
Who This Guide Is For
- People shopping for a drummer who already has a working kit
- Shoppers looking for useful gifts in the $50–$300 range
- Anyone who wants practical options instead of novelty drum merchandise
Who This Is Not For
- Players looking for a full new kit or major hardware overhaul
- Collectors hunting rare or vintage drums
- Shoppers looking for joke or novelty items
Why These Gifts Work for Drummers
Drummers spend a lot of time on feel, consistency, and quiet practice. Gifts that improve those daily realities tend to get used more than another random piece of gear.
A Practice Pad That Feels Closer to a Real Drum
Basic pads are fine for rudiments. A pad with better rebound and a more realistic feel makes practice sessions longer and more useful.
Evans RealFeel 12" Practice Pad 
Best for: Drummers who want a quiet practice surface with realistic rebound
Typical price range: $40–$55. Simple, durable, and far more useful than a pad that feels completely dead.
Check Current Price →Sticks That Match How They Actually Play
Most drummers go through sticks steadily. A box of a model they already like (or a close equivalent) is one of the safest practical gifts.
Vic Firth 5A 
Best for: Drummers who need a reliable supply of a standard stick model
Typical price range: $50–$75 for a multi-pair box. Not exciting, but almost never wasted if you match their usual size.
Check Current Price →A Throne That Doesn’t Become the Weak Point
A poor throne shows up as fatigue and distraction. A solid, adjustable throne is one of the more appreciated mid-range upgrades for anyone who plays longer sessions.
Gibraltar 9608 Drum Throne 
Best for: Drummers who need a stable, adjustable throne for longer practice or playing
Typical price range: $120–$160. More comfortable and stable than most entry-level thrones without moving into expensive custom territory.
Check Current Price →Isolation That Protects Hearing and Keeps Practice Viable
Drummers who practice at home often need better hearing protection that still lets them play with some awareness of the kit.
Vic Firth Isolation Headphones 
Best for: Drummers who need hearing protection that still allows usable practice monitoring
Typical price range: $50–$70. Practical for home practice and rehearsal without requiring a full electronic kit.
Check Current Price →Frequently Asked Questions
Are these better than novelty drum gifts?
For most players, yes. Practical items get used. Novelty items usually don’t.
What if I don’t know their stick size?
5A is the safest general choice for many players. 5B if they tend to hit harder or prefer a larger stick.
Is a throne really a good gift?
If they are still on a basic or unstable throne, yes. Comfort shows up quickly in longer sessions.
Final Thoughts
Drummers tend to notice gifts that improve daily practice and comfort. A better pad, sticks they already like, a solid throne, or proper isolation usually gets more use than something flashy that doesn’t fit their setup.
If you know how they spend most of their time behind the kit, start there.
Related Posts:
- Hi-Hat Setup Guide
- Drum Head Replacement Guide
- Zildjian A vs K Series
- Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit Review
- Recommended Gear
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.