Dec 13, 2022
Whether you're way too far behind on holiday shopping, have a loved one's birthday approaching, or just want to show a sound-loving special someone you care...here are some great places to start. This list covers everyone on your book. The record fanatic, the studio rat, magical musician & anyone with ears. Happy shopping!
- Gill
Unique + Practical Records
Upcycled Record Coasters
These cute coasters are handmade in Philadelphia, good for the planet + each set is unique. One happy customer said he "really loved seeing which albums were included, and looking up the artists he didn't know. We googled and played their songs all night!" It's the perfect home accessory for anyone who always has a record spinning with a drink in hand.
R & Brie
Turntable Cheese Board
Wine, cheese, & great records can perfect any evening. This quirky cheese board is multipurpose (the needle acts as a knife for slicing cheese!) Gift this to your favorite house party host to ensure a rockin' night.
A Sonic Surprise
Curated Record Box by NailCityRecord
Let the pros find your next favorite record. All you need to do is select your budget & gift delivery date...NailCityRecord takes care of the rest. All your recipient has to do is fill out a survey detailing their music taste. Customers are saying "the creativeness behind the curating of this mystery box deserves an applause, hug, raise or promotion."
The Office meets...The Studio
TheChrisAlanDesigns on Etsy
The perfectly accessory for any Office fan. This sign can be customized with studio name & easily hung on a door, or placed right on their mixing desk.
Zoom Recorder Pin
AudioToysCo on Etsy
This is the cutest! It's described as "an accurate miniature of the original (Zoom H4n) audio recorder...a perfect gift for your resident soundwoman, soundman, musician, field recorder, youtuber, recording engineer, audiophile, or record producer." Pick up one (or 3) + check out the other sound-related pins in their digital store.
A Recording Studio Documentary
This documentary about one of the most iconic studios in the world is well loved by music makers & listeners alike. But don't take my word for it...The New York Daily News says, "SOUND CITY has something for everyone. Whether you’re a music gearhead, a fan of the bands and albums recorded at Sound City, someone who appreciates the creative process behind writing and recording songs or even just someone who digs well-made documentaries, the film has it all."
A fun & essential read
Recording Unhinged by Sylvia Massy
Written by legendary engineer Sylvia Massy, this book opens the door for anyone looking for out-of-the-box recording techniques. Sylvia is "joined by Hans Zimmer, Al Schmitt, Bruce Swedien, Jack Joseph Puig, Dave Pensado, Tchad Blake, Bob Clearmountain, Linda Perry, Michael Franti, Michael Beinhorn, Bob Ezrin, Geoff Emerick, and many others...this book has the stories, tips, recipes, photos, advice, diagrams, exercises, illustrations, and jokes that you won't find in any other instructional manual."
Music to your eyes & ears
Personalized Soundwave Print by OandBStudios
A few years ago, I watched a friend of mine (also a musician) get gifted a picture like this, framing a sound wave from one of her original songs. It was such a special moment. Whether you are gifting someone a piece of their music, a shared favorite song, or words spoken by a loved one, this gift is both personal, quick, & meaningful.
When wine gets them singin'
Major Scale Musical Wine Glasses
Have you ever ran your finger along the edge of a wine glass, looking for a resonant tone? These glasses make it easy to find the perfect pitch & enjoy a sonic treat all while enjoying a glass of wine.
Beautifully Colored Cables
Instrument Cable by Sorry Cables
This company makes the most fun cables in (almost) every color. Gift your favorite musician the instrument, speaker, or mic cable of their dreams. These will pop on stage & in the studio, making them your loved one's new favorite (necessary) accessory.
Luxury Headphones
HD600 by Sennheiser
These. Are. Incredible. Considered the industry standard headphones for professional engineers, these are the great gift for anyone who spends all day wrapped up in headphones. Sennheiser describes them "the audio purist’s choice for reference playback" & that couldn't be more true.
A rest for your second set of ears
Headphone holder by MinimumDesign
Your favorite headphones deserve somewhere beautiful to rest, and you deserve a peacefully organized desk, free of knotted cables. This holder is both beautiful & sustainable, made with a blend of recycled wood fibers and bio-plastic made from corn.
Stylish Ear Protection
Loop Experience Pro Earplugs
Anyone who loves using their ears should want to protect them. The Experience Pro Loop earplugs are stylish, comfortable, and adaptable. They come with 5 different size & texture adjustments + an additional 10db sound reducer for extra loud encounters.
Keep your earplugs close
Hush Holders by 3rd Try Designs
Doesn't it suck when you get in a loud situation but forgot your earplugs? These earrings are compatible with the Loop Experience & Quiet earplugs, keeping your earplugs close enough to pop in & out as you go about your day. With these, you'll never have to go without your hearing protection again.
The gift that keeps on giving
Sweetwater gift card
Sweetwater is one of the best gift cards for audio lovers. Sweetwater has something for the audio engineer, musician, podcaster, content creator & gear head. Their website is home to so many resources & live agents to chat with if you need help with a purchase or just want some educated advice. Give your loved one the gift of choice & flexibility.
Gill with the G
Gillian Pelkonen is a musician & audio engineer based in New York. She makes her own music and is always looking to collaborate. As an Audio Engineer, she helps people elevate their sound, and specializes in techniques that enhance natural vocal texture & dynamics (aka the best parts of your unique voice).