Got a music lover on your gift list, but stumped on what to get them? You’re not alone. Musicians, music lovers, and aficionados are a famously hard group to shop for. You can do your best to head to your local music store and pick something at random out, but there’s no guarantee it’ll be a great gift. Shopping for a music lover is a lot like shopping for a coffee lover; you have to be “in” before you understand the market.
Is the person you’re shopping for a critic, a musician, or a producer? Maybe a combination of all three? Producers will appreciate new listening gear like headphones and studio monitors. Musicians will appreciate new music software, a new instrument (of course) or other gear. Music lovers and critics will find a ton of joy in vinyl versions of classic albums. If you’re looking for a gift guide for the music aficionado in your life, look no further. Below is a list of our five favorite music-related gifts that are sure to please anyone on your list this holiday season.
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Crosley Voyager Turntable – $39.99
The Voyager three-speed turntable is the perfect way to bring a bit of vintage flair and analog-inspired flavor under the Christmas tree. The voyager features a clean, retro look with modern features and design. It’s lightweight and low-profile, so it can fit into any space and is perfect for traveling. Spin just about any record size on the turntable, or play music through streaming services with the device’s Bluetooth functionality. RCA outputs on the back of the system allow you to plug in your existing system or attach bigger speakers that add another dimension of sound quality and volume.
If you are inexperienced with analog sound and want an easy, no-fuss way to get into the scene, this is a great way to do it. It’s a perfect gift for any music appreciator who hasn’t made the jump to vinyl records yet.
Apple HomePod Mini – $99
The HomePod mini is Apple’s remote speaker system. It features 360-degree sound from speakers that are able to be placed around the house for immersive, multi-room audio. Plus, it’s connected to Siri — which means you can set alarms and reminders or search for info on the web without having to pick up your phone. You can also control smart home accessories like lights and appliances through the HomePod Mini.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated while carrying around a Bluetooth speaker that disconnects and doesn’t fill the room with sound, you’re not alone. The HomePods connect to each other intuitively and easily, allowing you to stream your music in every room of your house automatically. They’re the perfect gift for someone who loves to jam out to their favorite songs at home. They’re also a great option for anyone on your list who you’re not sure what to buy for; they’re super-practical and fit a need in just about anyone’s life.
Beats Studio Pro – $174.99
Beats Studio Wireless headphones are an ideal gift for the music producer on your list. Beats Studio headphones offer a premium sound experience with their unique noise-canceling technology to block external noise. They also have a built-in real-time EQ to help preserve clarity and sound range. The headphones don’t just cover up sound with white noise; they actively block noise by responding to and mimicking outside sounds.
Although these headphones are wireless, they have up to 22 hours of battery life and 3 hours of play with only a 10-minute charge. Not only does the battery last long, but they’re also super-lightweight and comfortable, meaning you can spend all day in the studio without any distractions. Studio headphones like these help producers hear each and every detail of the song they are mixing or recording in stunning detail. They’re the perfect gift to help music levels take their craft to the next level.
Sonos One SL – $179
Sonos speakers have become the gold standard for in-home audio, and for good reason. The basic premise of Sonos speakers is that they connect to each other through Wifi pairing to provide a whole-home audio experience. They also have the ability to pair together as a stereo set, meaning you can hear songs that were mixed in stereo the way they were intended to be played.
Their compact design allows them to fit in just about any space. They can be stowed away on a kitchen countertop or on bathroom vanity. You can stream from your phone or play through Apple Music with Siri. The Sonos One features Class-D amps, a single tweeter for high frequencies, and one mid-woofer for perfect vocal clarity and bass.
Sony WH-1000XM4 – $278
Other noise-canceling headphones might work fine, but Sony’s noise-canceling technology leads the pack. Their high-quality noise canceling allows you to hear every word, note, and detail of your favorite music. Every pair of headphones comes with active noise canceling built-in. Made more for the listener and less for the producer, these headphones are perfect for users with long commutes or busy days. You can even adjust the level of noise cancellation on the headphone for more or less ambient noise.
Studying or listing to music in a crowded environment? When you say anything out loud with these headphones on, they automatically pause your music and allow ambient sound to come through so that you can have a conversation. It’s the perfect tool for commuters or busy professionals. Once you stop talking, your music plays automatically again.