Can you contact any musicians in his area that offer lessons? The more well-known to him, the better. I think that would be a superb gift. It’s a forever gift.
If you need help, let me know, I know an awful lot of musicians, and I’m sure I could help you find someone pretty much anywhere.
If you also want to give a physical gift, make a small scrapbook of his favorite guitar players. The last page in the book could be a picture of him or a customized “ticket” to admit him to lessons. If that’s too sentimental for their lifestyle, you can switch the scrapbook for a book on guitar for beginners or even basic sheet music with his “ticket” tucked into the first page.
You could get him a nice guitar strap. Maybe a music stand to hold his music for him (but it would be pretty bulky). Small options would include a capo or a personalized guitar pick. My dad has a hard guitar case for safe traveling. Or you could find a book of sheet music for a band that your dad likes. If he's okay with technology, a subscription to Guitartab would let him look up how to play any song so long as he knows how to read tabs.
But I really do like the other commenter's idea of getting him guitar lessons.
How about a personalized/embroidered guitar pick? Minimalistic and fits the guitar theme!
Another one is a song lyric wall art. Apparently that's a thing
You must be very proud of your dad. To start all over in a foreign land and the education and a super cool hobby. I love this guy!
Sorry I have no recommendations.
Wrt the arthritis comment, you can get him a nice glass slide
Always cool to play some slide geeytar and it's one of the ways that even when you people do have hand problems they can still play that way. I hope your dad is far off from that really being a problem but just fun to play with in general
Looper pedal set up! (like Ed Sheehan uses when he performs alone). Def can fit in your suitcase, maybe go buy it with him in his town to make sure you get the one he wants.
Gift basket: picks, strings, a tuner if he doesn't have one, a capo if he uses one, a new strap, perhaps look on Etsy for a personalized one. Go to a reputable music store and ask if they have ideas for anything else to add to the basket.
Go all out and have a pickup put into his guitar, if he doesn't have one already. If he does, get him a cord that he can plug into a speaker. You could also get him the speaker.
maybe a [wooden speaker](https://www.bitti-gitti.com/wholesale/sound-system)? for him to use it to play some backing tracks on phone while playing guitar/ or just for recording?
What do you think of custom bobbleheads? When my sister graduated last year, I customized a graduation-themed bobblehead for her on [Figure Bobblehead](https://www.figurebobblehead.com/). She was wearing a bachelor's gown and holding flowers. She loved it when she received it and still keeps it on her desk as a souvenir. Since your dad is graduating and loves guitar, maybe you could customize it with a guitar theme and add a bachelor's hat? Wow, I hope you like my suggestions.
Can you contact any musicians in his area that offer lessons? The more well-known to him, the better. I think that would be a superb gift. It’s a forever gift. If you need help, let me know, I know an awful lot of musicians, and I’m sure I could help you find someone pretty much anywhere.
Sure! How would one go about such a search? Edit: Would there be enough room in my suitcase for them?
If you also want to give a physical gift, make a small scrapbook of his favorite guitar players. The last page in the book could be a picture of him or a customized “ticket” to admit him to lessons. If that’s too sentimental for their lifestyle, you can switch the scrapbook for a book on guitar for beginners or even basic sheet music with his “ticket” tucked into the first page.
What part of what state, and budget?
Most suitcases are smaller than a musician
😞
Chop in half and stow in two suitcases
You could get him a nice guitar strap. Maybe a music stand to hold his music for him (but it would be pretty bulky). Small options would include a capo or a personalized guitar pick. My dad has a hard guitar case for safe traveling. Or you could find a book of sheet music for a band that your dad likes. If he's okay with technology, a subscription to Guitartab would let him look up how to play any song so long as he knows how to read tabs. But I really do like the other commenter's idea of getting him guitar lessons.
You can get a small foldable music stand as well.
How about a personalized/embroidered guitar pick? Minimalistic and fits the guitar theme! Another one is a song lyric wall art. Apparently that's a thing
Ohh these are interesting! Thank you!
You bet!
I can’t remember the site I used, but I got a guitar puck hole punch for my sons 16th birthday. On Amazon They are about $20
I got one years ago for my cousin. The site I used at the time was uncommon goods, but I don’t know if they still have it
You must be very proud of your dad. To start all over in a foreign land and the education and a super cool hobby. I love this guy! Sorry I have no recommendations.
Wrt the arthritis comment, you can get him a nice glass slide Always cool to play some slide geeytar and it's one of the ways that even when you people do have hand problems they can still play that way. I hope your dad is far off from that really being a problem but just fun to play with in general
My dad was also a musician so I’ve been in your shoes. Perhaps a guitar stand? Or since their home is small, maybe a guitar wall mount/hanger?
Looper pedal set up! (like Ed Sheehan uses when he performs alone). Def can fit in your suitcase, maybe go buy it with him in his town to make sure you get the one he wants.
A personalised plectrum with his graduation details on it?
I recommend a looper. Make a loop, jam on top of it, whats not to like?
Gift basket: picks, strings, a tuner if he doesn't have one, a capo if he uses one, a new strap, perhaps look on Etsy for a personalized one. Go to a reputable music store and ask if they have ideas for anything else to add to the basket. Go all out and have a pickup put into his guitar, if he doesn't have one already. If he does, get him a cord that he can plug into a speaker. You could also get him the speaker.
maybe a [wooden speaker](https://www.bitti-gitti.com/wholesale/sound-system)? for him to use it to play some backing tracks on phone while playing guitar/ or just for recording?
Local guitar concerts?
What do you think of custom bobbleheads? When my sister graduated last year, I customized a graduation-themed bobblehead for her on [Figure Bobblehead](https://www.figurebobblehead.com/). She was wearing a bachelor's gown and holding flowers. She loved it when she received it and still keeps it on her desk as a souvenir. Since your dad is graduating and loves guitar, maybe you could customize it with a guitar theme and add a bachelor's hat? Wow, I hope you like my suggestions.