‘Tis the season to be jolly and giving.
As Christmas fast approaches within the next few weeks, it’s high time that we prepare for the inevitable gift-giving season for our family, friends, and fellow music fans. Searching for the right gift is no easy task, especially when it comes to catering to the diverse tastes of music lovers in your life.
From mainstream pop girlies who live life soundtracked by the hits of Olivia Rodrigo, BINI, or Sabrina Carpenter, to the rocker dads who are avid fans of Ely Buendia, Sandwich, and Rivermaya, there’s a perfect gift out there for everyone. Of course, music preferences often revolve around genres, and the perfect gift can reflect the recipient’s unique tastes, as tailoring your gift to their favorite genre of choice is a thoughtful way to celebrate their musical passions.
With that being said, Billboard Philippines has prepared the ultimate gift guide to help you search for the perfect presents for whoever is on your Christmas list — depending on their varying music tastes. This specially curated guide aims to simplify the process, offering thoughtful, unique, and practical suggestions for every type of music enthusiast.
Rocker Dad
For any rocker dad out there, there’s a whole set of options that can fit their rocking and young-at-heart personalities.
To remind some of your fathers and titos of their experiences growing up with physical media, surprising them with vinyl records or CDs of their favorite rock musicians such as the Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Pedicab, Parokya ni Edgar, or Wolfgang could bring in a wave of welcome nostalgia. Though some of these artists are either pricey or hard-to-find on the physical medium, it’ll make for a welcome addition to their collection of vintage media that are kept in well condition.
For those rocker dads looking for priceless experiences, gifting them with concert tickets to St. Vincent’s upcoming Manila show or Oasis’ reunion shows in Japan and South Korea would also be great options for those willing to spend, although a compact guitar pedal also works as a fantastic gift for dad’s who enjoy spending the weekend participating in jamming sessions.
Though if you’re on a budget, any vintage band tee from bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Razorback, or others could work as a great accessory to any dad looking to step up their style game.
Mainstream Pop Girlie
For the pop music-loving girlie who keeps up with the latest trends and sings her heart out to chart-topping hits, there’s no shortage of perfect gift options.
If she’s into collecting merch, surprise her with official albums or exclusive items from pop stars like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo. These items aren’t just keepsakes; they’re meaningful tokens that represent her love for the biggest mainstream acts of today, so gifting them merch from Taylor Swift’s online holiday store, or Sabrina Carpenter’s special variety of album variants could be a great choice for them to signify their love for pop. But if you’re looking for a gift for the ultimate sing-along queen, a karaoke mic with Bluetooth compatibility will allow her to channel her inner pop star at home or during family gatherings.
If experiences are more her thing, tickets to an arena show — like NIKI’s upcoming concert at the Mall of Asia arena — could make for an unforgettable gift. For a creative and thoughtful touch, a customized playlist journal where she can jot down her favorite hits or make aesthetic concert logs is sure to be a hit.
Finally, a trendy Fujifilm Polaroid camera to capture her concert experiences and everyday aesthetic moments will round out a gift that screams fun, fabulous, and pop-perfect.
Indie Kids and Cubao Expo Regulars
The indie kid who frequents Cubao Expo or religiously follows artists like Zild, Ena Mori, or Clara Benin deserves gifts that match their quirky and creative energy. Start with band merch — think uniquely designed tote bags, enamel pins, or tees featuring their favorite artists. These items don’t just make great wardrobe staples; they also serve as conversation starters for like-minded fans.
Vinyl records, cassette tapes, or vintage-inspired speakers also make excellent gifts, enhancing their love for lo-fi aesthetics and analog vibes. If they’re the type to dabble in music-making, a portable analog synthesizer could be the key to unlocking their bedroom jam sessions, as such a thoughtful gift could inspire them to create their own music and explore their artistic potential.
If they thrive on intimate musical experiences, tickets to small gigs for shoegaze and dream pop acts at cozy venues such as Mow’s or SaGuijo would be the perfect surprise. These gigs often feature up-and-coming artists, providing a unique experience that larger concerts simply can’t replicate. You could even take it further by gifting zine bundles or art from indie collectives, feeding into their love for all things artsy and underground. Heck, even the look (and stellar sound) of noise-canceling headphones can help for immersive listening that is as stylish as it can get.
Aspiring Balladeer Moms
For those aspiring balladeer moms and aunties who cherish OPM icons like Yeng Constantino, Regine Velasquez, and Gary Valenciano, they often are nostalgic souls who will cherish anything tied to their beloved idols.
A personalized karaoke microphone loaded with several OPM hits and classics is guaranteed to bring joy during family karaoke nights, perhaps even unleashing the hidden (or frustrated) balladeer within whoever carries the torch. But for the moms and titas (aunties) who enjoy recording their own renditions of classics, a high-quality vocal mic makes a thoughtful and practical gift.
If they enjoy going out, tickets to concerts featuring their favorite artists or other OPM legends can be a ticket to an unforgettable night. In addition to that, scrapbooking kits can also be gifted to help them organize memories of their concerts and artist encounters can also tap into their sentimental side.
Lastly, consider gifting them timeless songbooks filled with OPM ballads, as some would much prefer to read and cherish their lyrics on a physical and tangible format.
Hip-Hop Homies
Hip-hop fans, like any Hev Abi Son and Illest Morena Daughter, are all about street culture and the beats that drive it.
Gifts that celebrate their love for hip-hop and their streetwear style will hit the mark. Streetwear-inspired merch, chains, or outfit pieces inspired by local rap figures like Al James, Shanti Dope, Flow G, or Ex Battalion can elevate their wardrobe, letting them wear their passion proudly (especially when several hip-hop collectives here have their own equally exciting clothing brands).
For the aspiring beat-maker, a subscription to beat-making software like FL Studio or GarageBand is a creative and functional gift. It’s the perfect way for them to channel their musical creativity and produce tracks right at home. Portable speakers, perfect for blasting their favorite tracks outdoors, are also a solid option, ensuring they always have the soundtrack to their street adventures.
If they’re into visual expression, graffiti kits or sketchpads can help them channel their inner artist. These gifts encourage self-expression, an integral part of the hip-hop lifestyle. And for those who crave live energy, concert tickets to hip-hop gigs or FlipTop events will immerse them in the thriving local rap scene. It’s the perfect way for them to connect with fellow fans and witness the artistry of their favorite performers up close.
Electronica Fans and Poblacion Regulars
If you’ve got a friend who’s all about indie electronica and late-night gigs in Poblacion, there are plenty of gifts to fuel their nightlife energy and love for all things techno. Entry passes to underground raves or electronic music gigs at spots like Apotheka or Nokal will keep them dancing into the night, as such events often feature cutting-edge artists, giving them a chance to immerse themselves in unique musical experiences.
For a home-bound vibe, LED light strips can turn their bedroom into a private rave, setting the perfect mood for solo dance sessions. Pair this with a beginner Pioneer DJ controller to let them explore their passion for mixing tracks and curating playlists that could also easily make them the next big DJ, and inspire them to start hosting their own parties or events.
To those fond of capturing nightlife, a handy digicam or film camera could be the perfect gift for those who love capturing the moment in such places. Even disposable film cameras or just supplementary 35mm film rolls would serve as the perfect stocking stuffers for anyone who likes to frequent such scenes.
The Indie Alt-Pop Crew At 123 Block
Fans of indie-pop bands like Over October, The Ridleys, Any Name’s Okay, or Cup of Joe love all things heartfelt and relatable, and your gifts should reflect that. Start with official band merch — tees, caps, tote bags, postcards, or posters featuring their favorite groups are always appreciated, as these items allow them to represent their favorite artists wherever they go while adding a personal touch to their style.
A planner or journal for tracking concert schedules and writing about music-related memories would be both thoughtful and useful, helping them stay organized while reminiscing about their favorite moments in such a confessional manner. But of course, snagging gig tickets to their intimate performances and shows at Jess & Pats and 123 Block could easily win their hearts in an instant.
Friendship bracelets with lyrics from their favorite songs can also be a sentimental hit, especially if you make one for them and keep a matching piece for yourself. And if you’re willing to splurge a little, the limited-edition CDs often sold at their live gigs that are signed by their favorite indie alt-pop artists would make their hearts sing.
R&B Baddies
For the smooth and soulful R&B fans who adore Dionela, Denise Julia, or Jason Dhakal, gifts that bring out their chill yet luxe aesthetic are ideal. Custom chain necklaces or accessories inspired by their idols’ fashion styles can elevate their individual style game, letting them channel their favorite R&B star’s look with a little Y2K energy that serves as a small yet stylish way to help them stand out and express their personality.
Pair that with a self-care kit — think scented candles, plush robes, or bath bombs — and an R&B playlist to create the ultimate vibe. These gifts encourage them to relax and enjoy their music in the most comfortable way possible. Official albums from both local and international R&B artists like SZA and Daniel Caesar could add a classic touch to their growing music collection, offering them a clear-cut way of deepening their relationship with the genre even further. And for daily listening, a high-quality Bluetooth speaker ensures smooth, clear sound to match their music taste — possibly making every song feel like a personal performance.
P-Pop Fans
For die-hard fans of P-Pop groups like SB19, BINI, KAIA, or ALAMAT, there’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than with gifts that celebrate their idols. Official merch, from lightsticks, albums, and photo cards to shirts and hoodies, is a sure winner in their hearts. These items allow them to show their support during events or everyday life while connecting with fellow fans.
Memberships to exclusive fan clubs with access to behind-the-scenes content will also delight any true stan. These memberships often include perks like early access to tickets, exclusive videos, and member-only merchandise — making them feel even closer to their idols. If they’re dedicated streamers, a subscription to Spotify Premium or YouTube Premium can help them continue supporting their faves seamlessly without ads interrupting their playlists.
Get creative with DIY crafting kits so they can personalize banners or fan signs for future concerts. It’s a fun way to help them express their love for their idols in their unique style. And if you really want to go all out, concert tickets or passes to fan meet-and-greets would be the ultimate gift for any P-Pop enthusiast — creating memories they’ll treasure forever.