It’s the holiday season – time to spend time with friends and family, and time to spend money buying gifts for those close to you. For some, gift giving is a piece of cake. Others … not so much. When it comes to the music lover and vinyl collector on your list, it can be impossible.
Why? Well, records can be expensive, and the person you’re buying for already might have what you want to give them. Yet the gift of music can be one of the great things you can give. It’s why a mixed CD is one of my favorite things in this world. Here are some other outside-the-box gift ideas for the music enthusiast you’re struggling with.
Vinyl Me Please subscription
This service is the gift that keeps on giving. For up to a year, a new record every month will be shipped to your loved one. The subscription also comes with a monthly art print and drink recipe (corresponding to the music). Artists include everyone from War on Drugs to Madvillain. It’s the perfect way to kickstart a vinyl collection. $75 for three months, $284 for a year; www.vinylmeplease.com
Vintage Record Coasters
What’s worse than creating a ring on a coffee table while listening to records? These coasters are the perfect way to show a love for vinyl and music while protecting that table. The double-sided coasters are laminated labels taken from old records. $20 for six; www.vinylux.net/product/record-coasters/
IKEA Kallax shelving series
Vinyl collectors aren’t space savers. Those big, heavy records need good storage. Thankfully, IKEA is here to rescue record-shelving needs with its Kallax line. Twelve-inch albums fit on the shelves with ease. Units come in multiple colors and sizes. $34.99-$139.99; www.ikea.com
Kate Koeppel Design record dividers
Does your friend have too many records and can’t keep track of them? Is the collection disorganized, making it impossible to find what you want to listen to? These alphabetical, laser-cut, hand-finished wood dividers are gorgeous, simple and beautiful. Dividers also are available by genre, in sets of six. $150-$410; www.katekoeppel.com
