Last-Minute Christmas Gifts for Music Lovers

2021-12-22

Story by Anne Erickson

Searching for the perfect last-minute Christmas gift? Here are some musical ideas for the music lover in your life

There’s no denying that music is a great Christmas gift. In fact, music is the perfect gift for the person on your list who seems to have everything. It’s down to the wire for snagging that perfect holiday gift, but music is here to save the day. Read on for some last-minute Christmas gifts that all, in some way, involve music.

Vinyl Records

Vinyl records are all the rage once again. In 2020, vinyl surpassed annual revenue of CDs in the U.S. for the first time in 34 years, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. That trend is still happening in 2021, as the amount of vinyl LPs sold rose 108% in the first six months of the year, up from 9.2 million during the same time in 2020.

Vinyl is readily available, which makes it an easy-to-find last-minute gift. Of course, shopping local is your best bet. Stop by your locally-owned record shop for some deals. A few famous record shops across the U.S. include Flat, Black and Circular in East Lansing, Michigan; Amoeba in Los Angeles, California; and Easy Street Records in Seattle, Washington.

Music Gift Cards

If you’re really in a pinch, a gift card will always do. But, who wants to just get by? Buying someone a gift card to purchase music is more special than just giving a generic gift card. Apple Music, iTunes and Amazon Music all have gift cards available at most major grocery stores.

Musical Instruments

Why not take care of a Christmas gift and New Year’s resolution in one fell swoop? Gift a musical instrument for the holidays, and that’ll also make for a great New Year’s resolution- to learn how to play the said instrument. Guitars are always a great pick. Online retailers are selling instruments right up until Christmas Day. If you want something instantly, head to your local music store. A few major independent music shops across America include Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan; Marshall Music in Michigan; Switched On in Austin, Texas; Brothers Music in Boston, Massachusetts; and Chicago Music Exchange, in Chicago, Illinois.

Songwriter’s Journal

If someone on your list is a songwriter or lyricist and you’re in a pinch, purchase some fancy notebooks to keep their creative vision alive. When the moment and feeling strikes, they’ll be able to pick up that special notebook and think of you as they’re writing their latest masterpiece. Fancy notebooks can be found everywhere from grocery stores to drug stores, so they’re an easy-to-find last-minute present.

A Personalized Spotify Playlist

When you need a gift instantly – as in, a few minutes – there’s always the old-fashioned mixtape route. Instead of a mixtape, we suggest making a Spotify playlist for a super quick gift. Personalize it for that special someone on your list by loading up their favorite songs and artists, plus suggestions that you think they would enjoy. You might need to cap this gift off with an actual, tangible gift, but it shows that you care, in the interim.

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.