Everyone has that loved one. Their heads are always in the clouds, ears covered by headphones blasting new obsessions. Or perhaps they’re locked away, perfecting a guitar riff or nailing a drum fill. However, their passion is evident; music is at the centre of their universe.
Buying this person a present can be tricky. On a surface level, it’s great that they have such apparent interests, but the question is, what to buy? Whether or not you’re musically inclined, these are the best gifts for the music lover in your life — no expertise necessary.
Vinyl records: the timeless gift
Vinyl is timeless, isn’t it? For die-hard music fans, vinyl records encapsulate a nostalgia of holding their favourite music in their bare hands. It’s special, and modern artists are increasingly releasing physical records because of the resurgence in consumer interest.
HMV is a smart place to start. The chain’s vinyl collection spans old and new — allowing you to find items with deep meaning. Records raise tons of questions (here’s what exactly the deal was with Lorde’s vinyl insert for Virgin).
One note: when shopping for newer releases, consider that the vinyls are available in renewable sources, rather than PVC. Vinyl records might be timeless, but manufacturing has moved forward in recent years.
Turntables for the audiophile
Does your loved one have a turntable? Every seasoned audiophile dreams of the perfect turntable for their collection of precious vinyl records. The difference between a high and low-quality turntable is astounding; in fact, poor products can actually damage the records.
The easiest way to determine if they need an upgrade is to ask them to play a record. What do they say about the machine? Are they hesitant to use it or reveal that it’s faulty?
Concert tickets or experiences
Gifting live music creates lasting memories. It might be a concert ticket or an intimate gig — the exact setting doesn’t matter. What does your loved one enjoy? This should be entirely subjective.
A quick Google reveals which of their favourite artists are touring. Just remember that many of the ticket-selling platforms require advance registrations (which could be a sneaky way of beating them to it).
Music tech gifts
It’s the 21st century. Wake up, and smell the coffee…while probably listening to music through headphones or portable speakers. The right gear seriously elevates the listening experience, and a thoughtfully chosen tech gift could be perfect. Think speakers, earphones, headphones, amplifiers, and recording devices. Whatever floats their boat.
Stick to the basics, and you won’t feel overwhelmed. Who knows, perhaps they’ve been dropping hints all along?
