‘There’s a song in my heart’ is what your music-loving friends and family will say this winter when opening presents from CanCulture’s gift guide
By: Julia Lawrence
Snow-filled days warn Canadians that the countdown for the perfect gift has begun. So whether it’s a musical theatre or hip-hop listener you’re shopping for, there’s something on this list for every music lover to enjoy this holiday season.
Books, books, books
The gift: Find a photographical coffee table book of their favourite genre or artist that they can flip through or display in their room as a piece of art. Check out your local used bookstore’s music section for unique options with a lower price point.
Are they a fan of music history? Gift them a copy of “Is This Live?: Inside The Wild Early Years Of MuchMusic: The Nation’s Music Station,” filled with anecdotes and memories of how MuchMusic defined Canada’s sound.
Where to shop: In used bookstores like ABC Books, Pulpfiction Books and Encore Books and Records, or order through businesses like Indigo for mainstream and recent book releases.
Price range: $10+.
Don’t for-fret to strum the coffee
The gift: No tuning is necessary for this guitar.
This guitar-shaped spoon is perfect for someone that plays the instrument and drinks a lot of coffee or tea. You could continue the theme by pairing it with a mug and a selection of their favourite hot drinks to make it a whole package.
Where to shop: SpoonArtBoutique on Etsy and your local grocery or variety store to find mug and beverage options.
Price range: $5.75 per spoon, upwards of $15 if making it a package.
Who said you can’t stand on CDs
The gift: Holiday shopping can be “tuf,” but not with this present idea.
Confirm you know their favourite album cover design without being too suspicious, and then work with a small business owner that uses the textile manufacturing method of tufting, a type of yarn to create a dense rug and recreate the cover art as a CD rug. Either complete a workshop and create it yourself or order a custom rug, but don’t wait too long on this one, as commissions take time.
Where to shop: Look up #Tufting(Your area), i.e. #TuftingToronto to find businesses/artists near you. In Toronto, some shops offer workshops like Emo Tuft or Chillax Tufting Studio, but if you want to commission a rug, try Tuft Theory.
Price range: $100+ depending on the workshops and commission prices. If it doesn’t say directly on the site, ask for a consultation to know the price upfront before committing.
Just don’t scratch it
The gift: Nothing can beat a good old classic like gifting records.
Even if they don’t have a record player, a record can be used as room decor and admired for viewing. If you’re up for the cost, pair the record(s) with a record player.
Where to shop: Look into Kops Records, Cosmos West Records, Funky Moose Records or search “records” on a map near you.
Price range: $6+ on records alone, $100+ with a record player.
Wearing the next act
The gift: These jewelry items will have the person singing show tunes every time they’re worn (be prepared).
Playbill-themed gifts are great for those into musical theatre or who simply love watching actors abruptly break out into song live on stage. Get a mix or an all-time favourite that you know they’ll keep for years to come.
Where to shop: AKStudioBoutique on Etsy, or get crafty and DIY the earrings yourself.
Price range: $10+ depending on shop and materials.
Apparel, apparel, apparel
The gift: Sometimes the perfect present is a simple T-shirt.
A gift they can wear almost anywhere while being comforted by the fact that their favourite band or artist is coming along with them. If you’re feeling funky, maybe add a pair of socks to balance the fit.
Where to shop: Hot Topic, Sunrise Records or any other store that sells music-branded clothing. There’s no guarantee that a thrift store will have the artist, but check out their T-shirt sections before heading to box stores.
Price range: $5+ in thrift stores and $25+ in box stores.
Don’t be a lyre in poker
The gift: Turns might be longer with this deck because people won’t stop admiring their cards.
Switch up the usual card game gift with these musical-greats-themed cards. Along with the illustrations, you also learn about the leading faces in new genres, when playing a game.
Where to shop: Uncommon Goods online.
Price range: $15.
Keep your headphones warm
The gift: If you know a big music lover, you’ll probably also know that their most prized possession is their headphones. These covers are cute, comfortable and act as an accessory.
Where to shop: If you’re a DIY connoisseur, you can probably create these using a pattern and only pay for the materials. Alternatively, you can commission local artists like Alexandria Masse or sellers on Etsy like Handmadify.
Price range: $23+ depending on seller and materials.
Carry music with you everywhere and anywhere
The gift: Music keychains can be great if your loved one is a keychain collector or your everyday music lover.
Subtly find out a song that has meaning to them and then order a keychain version with the artwork so they can carry that piece of music with them anywhere.
Where to shop: Look on Etsy for music keychain sellers like YourSignatureGifts.
Price range: $10.
