Workman Publishing
Tiny Violin: Soundtrack for Your Sob Story
A pocket-sized gag book-and-gadget that literally plays the world's tiniest violin for dramatic moments.
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Where it ranks in our guides
A medal marks a podium; the score on the right is the product’s score for that recipient.Scores by criterion
Pros and cons
What we like
- 3.9-inch replica violin with mini bow and chinrest
- Press the string button to play a sad tune
- Vinyl stand lets it sit on a desk
- 32-page illustrated mini book on the origin of the phrase
What may bother
- One tune, one joke: it will not hold attention for long
- At 3.9 inches it is a desk trinket, not a statement piece
Our verdict
82 / 100Slip it into an office swap or a stocking for someone who groans and grins at the same time. It brings a joke, a stand and a little book. As a main present, or for a person with a dry-serious streak, it will fall flat.
Frequently asked questions
Does it actually make a sound?
Yes — it includes a built-in sound effect that plays a tiny violin tune on demand.
Is this a good office gag gift?
It's a compact, instantly understood joke that works well in an office setting or as a stocking stuffer.
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How we score
The CTG score out of 100 is the weighted average of five criteria rated for every product: proven reliability (36%), perceived value (18%), bond and memory (18%), originality (14%) and novelty (14%). Each criterion has its own published scale, identical for every product: it rates generously, because every product in our selection is already good. The score does not depend on the guide. 60 to 69: average gift. 70 to 77: good pick. 78 to 85: safe bet. 86 to 89: favorite. 90 and above: the perfect gift, a label reserved for excellent products that customers like, one winner per occasion. In a guide, the score for the recipient combines this score with the place in the ranking. The budget is an indicative range: the exact price is shown by the store at checkout. Read our full selection method →