While most people truly enjoy the holiday season, it can also bring a considerable amount of stress. One commonly reported cause of holiday stress is shopping for gifts.
Selecting the right gift for someone can be a daunting task. When choosing a gift, try to find something that relates back to the recipient’s interests, hobbies or pastimes. One popular hobby for people of all ages is listening to music. To make this holiday shopping season a little bit easier, here are a few ideas sure to “wow” the music fan on your gift list.
* For the record aficionado. Across the country, record sales have seen a recent resurgence. Most major labels offer LP versions of newly released music and a growing number of classic albums are being reissued on vinyl. The obvious gift to consider for a record neophyte on your shopping list is a good turntable. Records should always be stored upright, never stacked one on top of another, so storage cases that securely keep albums vertical are perfect for record newbies. For any serious collectors on your shopping list, search your neighborhood record store or online album dealers for first pressings, which deliver audio quality close to the original master disc.
* For the music lover on the go. Help your loved ones listen to their favorite tunes anytime, anywhere with a portable travel speaker. Travel speakers should be small enough to fit into a carry-on or backpack pocket yet durable enough to withstand life on the go. Also, look for new wireless offerings that allow users to stream music from their smartphone or device, no docking or cords required.
* Get them listening with the perfect headphones. A good pair of headphones is the must-have accessory for any music fan. Headphone quality has a large impact on sound, so getting the right pair is key. Look for sets with special features including in-line iPhone/smart device controls or wireless options that remove the limitations and restrictions of a cord. With a wide variety of price points to choose from and different designs available – in-ear, on-ear, full-sized and more – you’re sure to find a pair for anyone on your list.
* Supply them with the music they crave. Online music services are more popular than ever before. Give your loved ones the gift of uninterrupted streaming with an upgraded Spotify or Pandora account. For a small monthly fee, your friends and family will be upgraded to a subscriber account free of disruptive advertisements. If you’re unsure of which streaming service your friends use or you don’t want to buy a subscription, gift cards are another option. Pandora and Spotify both sell gift cards online and these cards are also available at big box retailers across the country.