Raise your hand if this sounds like a familiar scenario to you: 'Twas the month before gift-giving season, and you had some really good intentions to shop early. It was all part of your plan to both beat the rush and also pick out some super-thoughtful, truly special presents for your nearest and dearest. You were going to beat Santa Claus at his own game and he would have never seen it coming.
But then — the weeks ticked by. No gifts were bought. (Except for those sweet knee-high boots you purchased for yourself on Black Friday because they were on super sale and how could you be expected to pass that up?) And suddenly, it's mid-December and you're wracking your brain for what to buy for who and how to get it to them on time.
If that sounds like you, first put your raised hand down because you're starting to look nuts. Second, get thee to our gift curator, because it might save your life. Third, if there are any music lovers on your list, then chill completely because we've already pulled together a long list of on-point presents for that set. But time is still of the essence, so let's get right to the good stuff.
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Gift Idea: Personalized Record Doormat
This is one way to do a welcome mat, I guess?
Photo: Courtesy of Uncommon Goods.
Gift Idea: Tidal Subscription
Giving the gift of Tidal is also giving the gift of the Lemonade visual album. Now just think about that for a second.
Photo: Courtesy of Tidal.
Gift Idea: Arianna Grande Cat Headphones
Also a solid choice for people who like their tunes with feline ears. Brookstone really outdid itself this time.
Photo: Courtesy of Brookstone.
Gift Idea: Bruce! (Okay, Concert Tickets)
If anyone can give me Bruce for Christmas, I would be mighty obliged. But short of that, concert tickets — or a Ticketmaster gift card — would not be a bad way to go.
Photo: Geoff Robinson Photography/REX/Shutterstock.
Gift Idea: A Ukulele
Admit it. You thought I was going to tell you to buy a Marilyn Monroe poster and doubted my gift-recommendation cred. But seriously: A ukulele isn't a bad present, and they're pretty cheap on Amazon. Just saying.
Photo: United Artists/REX/Shutterstock.
Gift Idea: Music-Themed Perfume
No joke. The scent is inspired by M.I.A.'s song "Sunshowers."
Photo: Courtesy of Bloom Perfume.
Gift Idea: Wireless Headphones
We have a LOT of ideas about this particular present choice, folks. Check them all out here.
Photo: Courtesy of I.Am.+
Gift Idea: Holiday-Themed Kanye Socks
I'm dreammming of a Kannnye Christmas!
Photo: Courtesy of Hellasox Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: Vintage Vinyl
For your friend who has a record player and nothing to spin. Or maybe they do have some vinyl, but you're hoping that this year's holiday party isn't just old Smiths albums again.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
Gift Idea: Vintage Concert Tee
For the throwback grunge-lover in your life who would rather have this than something fancy and equally expensive.
Photo: Courtesy of FlowersVTG Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: Dolly Parton Saint Candle
And if you're not into Dolly (how dare you?!), this Etsy shop has a whole slew of celeb candles.
Photo: Courtesy of Cal Arts Candles Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: USB Mixtape
So, here's what you do: Make a playlist. Save it on your desktop. Upload it onto this USB. Give it to the human you have a crush on. Assume they'll read between the lyrics. Live happily ever after or until you're over it and get back on Tinder.
Photo: Courtesy of DittyByte Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: iPhone Amplifier
This one is ceramic and very modern-minimalist! But honestly, it's a good thing to have even if it looks silly. So perhaps add it to your "maybe buy" list.
Photo: Courtesy of Living Earth Ceramics Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: Spotify Subscription
'Nuff said. Bonus points: Curate a couple playlists for the recipient.
Photo: Courtesy of Spotify.
Gift Idea: Vintage Concert Poster
Your mom — and by your mom, I mean my mom — is going to really dig this Sonny and Cher gem.
Photo: Courtesy of The Big Top Shop Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: Music-Themed Cookie Cutters
For the baker in your life who also took guitar lessons that one summer between senior year and college, and fancies themselves a musical pastry chef of sorts.
Photo: Courtesy of Silicone Gamer Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: Amp-Shaped Phone Cover
Does not come with miniature electric guitar. (Sorry.) Does come with general awesomeness. (Seriously.)
Photo: Courtesy of Fine Art Designs Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: Legends Of Rap Card Deck
Want to know everything about the artists who put the rap scene into motion? Then you need this deck of trading cards. And if you're feeling generous, you can also buy one for a friend. Win-win.
Photo: Courtesy of Legends of Rap Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: Music Lessons
No, I'm not advocating for you to give Elton John to a friend as a present. But since he is the patron saint of piano playing, here's a thought: A gift certificate for a music lesson — be it on the ivories, or the kazoo — isn't a bad way to encourage someone you care about to let their creativity flag fly.
Photo: Julie Jacobson/AP/REX/Shutterstock.
Gift Idea: Books About Music Or By Musicians
This David Byrne book is a great pick because it also looks good on a coffee table, even if the lucky recipient doesn't read it. But there are oodles of music-themed book options. Go get 'em.
Gift Idea: Illustrated Drake Poster
This is the "Hotline Bling" dance in drawing form. But if you're not feeling the Drake poster as a present, then perhaps a "Single Ladies" illustration is more your style?
Photo: Courtesy of Draw Me A Song Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: A Harmonica That Is Also A Necklace
So you can take the music with you, wherever you go! (Note: Write that in the card that goes with this present.)
Photo: Courtesy of Paper Face Studio Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: The Tiniest Music Box Ever
It's so cute and small AND you get to pick the song it plays.
Photo: Courtesy of EsdeMusica Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: A Build-Your-Own Electric Guitar Kit
Honestly, this seems like a lot of work, but if someone is into building things and also happens to know how to play the guitar, maybe they would appreciate the project.
Photo: Courtesy of Albatross Guitars Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: Bieber Stuff
Really, any Bieber stuff. But specifically, this Bieber-themed T-shirt.
Photo: Courtesy of Trending Tops Etsy Shop.
Gift Idea: A Record Player
"The sound quality, you guys. The SOUND quality!" This is what your friend — who after receiving this gift will listen exclusively to records— will say whenever someone else brings up Spotify. Part of the present is putting up with their album snobbery. That's even more generous than giving them the record player in the long run.
Photo: Courtesy of Target.
Gift Idea: Apple Music Subscription
Your mom, who finally figured out how to use her iPhone, will love this!
Photo: Courtesy of Apple.
Gift Idea: Smashmouth's Cookbook
Okay, no. Do not give this cookbook to anyone, because the gift of Guy Fieri forwards is not actually a gift. But there is no shortage of rock-'n'-roll cookbooks. So do a little poking around on Amazon, and I'm sure you'll find something suited to your needs that is a little more all star. (See what happened there?)
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.
Gift Idea: Fancy Bluetooth Speaker
For the person who has everything except this tiny box, which blares music at alarming levels capable of shaking your apartment walls.
Photo: Courtesy of Bose.
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