• A guitar makes a thoughtful gift for the dedicated country music fan.classic acoustic guitar image by Jeffrey Zalesny from Fotolia.com
  
  The sounds of country music are thoroughly American, and one of the most popular musical genres today. With themes of hard work, faith, love and perseverance of the human spirit, a gift of country music will touch almost anyone. Country music also comes in several flavors, from classic Hank Williams to the crossover sounds of Carrie Underwood, so a little research into a fan's preferences will make a good present perfect.
  
  

CDs and DVDs

• For the country music fan on a tight budget, CDs and DVDs are a great way to build a collection. A gift basket can contain several CDs from different performers, or a DVD box set of greatest hits, concerts or jam sessions. Another option is to make the fan a musical mix by legally downloading songs from a music website and burning them onto the disc. That gives the recipient all of his or her favorite hits without any potential duds or tracks that will be passed over when the disc is played.
  
  

Tickets

• Even better than listening to a CD is going to see the artist, live in concert. Most country music stars have a varying tour schedule year after year, so the likelihood of a nearby, affordable concert is high. A few set up shop with their own theaters in destinations like Branson and present nightly shows. Country music festivals are an economical way to see several performers over two or three days, and some festivals even set up meet-and-greet areas so a fan can get a photo and an autograph.
  
  

Memorabilia

• Once a country music fan has selected a favorite artist, a collection may soon follow. Souvenir and record shops offer T-shirts, posters and other items with an artist's likeness or logo emblazoned across the front. Some collectible gifts like out-of-print records or posters can be found via online auction sites, flea markets or antique stores. For more valuable items like letters, costumes, guitars or autographs from a late star, try an official auction house. The gift will be more expensive, but the memorabilia will come with paperwork that proves it is authentic.
  
  

Musical Instruments

• When a country music aficionado becomes inspired by the melodies, a musical instrument gives them a chance to emulate the stars. Learning an instrument without tutelage can be frustrating and difficult, so a few lessons accompanying the gift will keep the recipient on track. A thoughtful gift to today's country music fan could produce tomorrow's next big artist.