I grew up listening to the sounds of classical music– the low sad notes of the bassoon, the high bird-like trill of the flute, the romantic sound of the violin. While it was ballet rather than opera I grew up with, I still developed a healthy appreciation of the intricacies of classical music. While watching a play can be moving, there is something unique about watching a story unfold to music. The volume and intensity evoke strong emotions. And the individual instruments seem to take on a life of their own. The music along with the costumes invite people of all nationalities to witness the tales, without needing to understand the language.
Those who appreciate the enchantment of the opera will be moved by these gifts for opera lovers. While some are practical, others will cater to their creative sides.
1. Metropolitan Opera Tickets
Best gifts for opera lovers
Are you looking for that once in a lifetime gift for an opera fan? Mezmerize them with a trip to NYC and tickets to the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center.
Don’t forget to get them some fancy opera glasses so they can see everything clearly.
For those who don’t understand Italian, make sure they know the plots ahead of time with stories of the opera. You might want to get this for yourself if you will be accompanying them. This way you will know what is happening on stage.
2. Tour of La Scala
Bucket list gifts for opera lovers
For those planning a trip to Italy, make sure to book a tour of La Scala, the famous opera house in Milan, if they are going to be in that area.
If they haven’t planned their trip and are still in the wistful dreaming stages, give them a Milan travel guide to help them organize their trip. This way they will find the best places to stay, where to eat the best food, and the most important things to see and do.
Of course they may want to brush up on some Italian so they can understand what the opera stars are singing about. While most Italians in big cities will speak English, knowing some useful words and phrases goes a long way. Give them some ways to learn Italian for beginners. Locals are more likely to be helpful if they feel you are making an effort to learn their language and culture.
3. Opera Books for Kids
Opera gifts for children
Evoke an interest in the arts at an early age by getting books with stories about the opera for kids. Inspiring their imaginations now will start them on a lifelong path of supporting music.
Cat lovers will enjoy this funny book about a cat singing opera called, Opera Cat.
4. La Scala Opera Collection
Christmas gifts for opera lovers
Update their music by giving them a collection of their favorites.
Or get retro with some opera music on vinyl and an old fashioned victrola.
Opera isn’t just for adults. Get classical music for kids to develop an appreciation for music in the young ones. Studies have shown that listening to classical music helps stimulate the part of the brain used for math. So in addition to introducing them to the classics you could be influencing the next Albert Einstein.
5. Phantom of the Opera Purse
Fashionable gift for opera lovers
While this looks like a book, it is really a purse. It is made of vinyl, making it easy to clean. This unique purse comes with an additional strap making it double as a cross body bag.
6. Theater Mask Necklace
Jewelry gifts for opera lovers
As an opera gift for her, get a classic theater mask necklace. You can also get her a theater ring or a pair of earrings. If you choose one of each you may have her singing an aria of your praises.
For him, get a pair of theater mask cufflinks.
7. Full length Opera Gloves
Presents for opera lovers to wear
Dress her up with some stylish full length opera gloves.
If you know her size and style you can get her a new dress to wear to performances. Make sure you actually know her size. This gift will hit a sour note if it doesn’t fit. Plus you don’t want to insult her by buying one that is too big.
If you are cautious about buying a dress, you can still help her accessorize with an elegant evening purse.
8. 3D Sydney Opera House Puzzle
Project gift ideas for opera lovers
If they like to build things, they will love building a 3D model of the Sydney Opera House. If that seems too complex, there are jigsaw puzzles with this theme as well.
Blank theater masks offer an opportunity for them to show their creative side. They can design decorative masks of characters from their favorite operas to display on their walls.
Or choose an opera themed diamond painting. These are like paint by numbers but fancier. They will be so excited to create something that shows off their love for opera.
You might want to take a look at gifts for other musicians too!
9. The Most Beautiful Opera Houses in the World
Gifts for opera lovers who like to read
This coffee table book will be the envy of all. It is full of gorgeous photos that will have everyone taking an interest in the opera. It makes a great gift for fans of architecture as well.
Opera History Books will teach bibliophiles all about the grand centuries of opera past.
Or for histories of the stars give them opera singer biographies. Then they can impress their friends with all the backstage info on these famous folks.
You can also give them a subscription to Opera News so they won’t miss out on the latest happenings.
10. Italian Cookbook
Romantic date gifts for opera lovers
Create an opera experience at home. Get an Italian cookbook to bring into existence a gourmet meal together. Listen to opera classics while you cook. You can even give a singing pasta timer as a novelty gift. Yes, that’s right. It actually sings to let them know their pasta is done.
Light some candles in some Italian candle holders to set the mood.
Grab some chianti to drink from Italian crystal wine glasses. No one will be able to resist such a romantic evening.
11. Vintage Opera Posters
Cool gifts for opera lovers
Classic opera posters will add pizzazz to their decor at home.
Librettos will satisfy their love of words by giving them the dialog from their favorite operas.
If they also enjoy the theater you could also get them a selection of vintage Playbills. Hopefully you can find their favorites. I was so excited when I recently acquired an old Cats Playbill from the Winter Garden theater, from around the time I actually saw the show there.
12. Mozart Bust
Cool gifts for opera lovers
They can be like Shroeder from the Peanuts gang who had a bust of Beethoven on his piano. Instead they will have Mozart to display on their mantlepiece.
Music lovers magnetic poetry is great for those who enjoy creating their own song lyrics. By placing these word magnets on their fridge, they can invent their own arias while cooking dinner.
Another cool gift for musicians is the score for their favorite opera, so they can play along or sing the songs.
13. Infinity Scarf
Gifts for opera singers
An infinity scarf will keep their throat covered, helping protect their voice from damp air. You can even get them one with an opera design.
Or get them a funny journal to keep track of practice notes or character information to help them get into their role.
Singers tea will help coat their throat to prevent soreness.
Rep decks for opera singers is a card deck full of pieces of famous arias. They can use this to practice or just as a novelty deck of playing cards.
Discussion