I’m poor. Thus, I’m going to recommend music related gifts that are at least relatively inexpensive.
Actual Music
Because I am short on greenbacks, I still use the free version of Spotify. Over the past few weeks, the fine folks have Spotify have increased the volume (in number) of the commercials for their premium service, which exchanges your money for the chance to not hear any more of those commercials. I pretty sure this is related to the fact that artists like Taylor Swift and the Black Keys aren’t making enough money by putting their music on the streaming service. It makes sense that it would easier to divide the revenue from premium payments to the artists instead of slicing up those ad dollars.
As a young man named Saul once said, Pandora doesn’t go back in the box (I know it might be slightly confusing because there is a less successful music service named Pandora). Spotify is a good idea; something I feel makes radio, which for the most part is unsatisfying, obsolete. Perhaps if more of us pay for Spotify it might be able to retain artists like Swift. You get the first three months free and then it’s $9.99 a month after that, which is about the same as Netflix.
Headphones
You can’t go wrong with headphones. I think it’s important to have a consistent soundtrack to my life. Being a frequent user of headphones I also have a strong track record of breaking or losing them.
For over the ear, how about the JVC flats, $12. Bam. CNET says they sound surprisingly good for their price. Good enough for me. I’m listening to music through a phone or a computer most of the time anyway.
Prefer the inside the ear variety, how about the Philips sports ear hook, $30. That’s a little pricier. You can get non ear clip style for cheaper but if you’re doing anything remotely active having those ear clips helps. When you consider Dr. Dre is asking you for at least $379 for his headphones, $30 doesn’t sound so bad.
Speaker
Like to listen to your music out loud? How about the Latte SoundMagic Boom, $30. It’s blue tooth adaptable so it should be easy to connect your computer or phone. Similar speakers can cost more than $100.
Gifts for Actual Musicians
Fear not, I’m keeping with my cheapskate theme – I’m not going to put Fender Strats or full drum kits on here.
Know any guitarists or bassists, this do it yourself guitar pick punch is freaking sweet and only $35. Every dude (and probably ladies too) has some plastic in his overstuffed wallet that is less than valuable.
I think this Amplitube iRig has some utility. Converting your iPhone into an amp doesn’t seem to be that great of an idea. The speaker on the old iPhone is not the best. However, I think as a tuner, this is a good idea. Plus, they sell these at Wal-mart for $25.
For drummer lovers, I think this Swiss Army knife tuner is cool, also, less than $20.
Stupid Stuff
Know a hipster baker, this vinyl cupcake stand would be right up his or her alley, $10.
For those vintage loving hipsters (all of them probably), these music related, Wes Anderson-inspired posters (I only linked to one but there are a few options) are nice, $20.
Know any fans of both Kanye West and irony … ok, this might be a niche group, this shirt features one of my favorite Ye lyrics, $11.
Any recovering metalheads in your life, this poster for just $8 might be perfect.