The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide For Music Lovers

‘Tis the holiday season, and you know what that means — the spirit of gift-giving comes alive once more. The season can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re rushing to the nearest mall or endlessly scrolling through online stores and e-commerce platforms to find the perfect gift for a friend, loved one, workmate, or significant other — especially if they’re into music.

But apart from the usual cop-outs, such as buying a physical version of their favorite album on CD or vinyl, maybe it’s time to kick it up a notch. If you’re feeling extra — and you have the means to splurge on others, or even treat yourself to a cute little gift in the spirit of the holidays and for braving through the year — then this is your sign to do so.

Billboard Philippines has your back for last-minute holiday shopping, offering the perfect gifts for any music lover — from diehard fans and casual listeners to record collectors and concertgoers — including reliable earplugs, durable speakers, a hefty turntable, and fan tees.

Sony Turntable with BLUETOOTH® connectivity

Kicking off our list with what we can consider a chart-topper when it comes to being thoughtful, extravagant, and special — a turntable from Sony is a good choice. For only PHP 12,999, the PS-LX310BT record player allows you to experience the timeless sound and feel of vinyl while merging the past and the present. With stable Bluetooth connectivity, you can also play music straight from your other devices. You won’t need wires, cords, or cables — just connect and enjoy easy listening. Not to mention, it also comes with a built-in output that can plug directly into any sound system. If you ask us, it looks hella sturdy and clean sitting next to a record collection. Maybe it’s time to brush the dust away, unwrap those records, and finally spin them to good use.

JBL Xtreme 2 Black Open Box Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Listening to music alone with your own ears is a nice feeling. But if you’re looking to blast Christmas music during gatherings with your loved ones, then opting for a reliable speaker everyone can enjoy is a must. Luckily, JBL has the Xtreme 2 Black Open Box Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker in its lineup. Wireless Bluetooth streaming, the ability to connect up to two smartphones or tablets, and taking turns to cue up songs all make it perfect for families or friend groups who love sharing their favorite tracks. With over 15 hours of playtime and waterproof capabilities, this speaker is as durable and compact as it is worth its price of PHP 16,999.

Record crate

Going back to talking records, a collection won’t be complete without a safe and aesthetically pleasing storage solution to house them all together. Sure, you could just stack them on the side of your bedroom, but once you get a record crate, there’s no going back. With a record crate, you won’t need to worry about leaving them somewhere and accidentally getting warped or having them devoured by a pet. Plus, it comes in handy for carrying your collection (or a portion of it) around and taking a glance at the fruit of your labor in an expensive yet fulfilling hobby. There are tons of readily made crates already available, but if a custom one is up your alley, why not go for it? A personalized record crate allows you to match your style, fit your space perfectly, and even adds a sense of personality that comes with your record collection.

Fan tee

When you’re already thinking about the cost of the other gifts on this list, nothing beats the classic fan tee — a tried-and-true gift that rarely fails. Beyond being something they (or you) can use in daily life, a dedicated tee showing off one’s fandom is an instant hit. If you’re gifting a Bloom something, then a BINI tee is both thoughtful and practical. Pair it with a small accessory or anik-anik that best represents their personality or a handwritten note, and you’ve got a gift that’s personal and memorable.

Guitar pick punch (make your own)

We’re heading into a bit of a niche here. If you know a musician who loves to rock out with their guitar in their spare time — or even as their profession — and very specifically always loses their guitar picks, we’ve got something that might come in handy. A guitar pick puncher basically lets them create picks straight from old and unused credit cards, expired gift cards, or any thin plastic. It’s practical, clever, and a fun little gadget any guitarist will appreciate. And even if they don’t play the instrument but love to collect something to fidget with, or want an addition to their mural that celebrates their love for music, you can never go wrong.

Soundcore R50i Noise-cancelling earbuds

In a world full of Bluetooth earbuds, you might think to go for the most expensive pair or whatever everyone else is using. But we think Soundcore is a bit of an acquired taste. For less than PHP 1,000, you can get the R50i Noise-cancelling earbuds. They boast a powerful, extra-bass experience with over 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, and over 30 hours when safely stored in the charging case. AI-enhanced calls are also available thanks to the two built-in mics. On the plus side, you can easily carry your earbuds anywhere, anytime, so you can enjoy long commutes, hours in a vehicle, or just getting lost in music without any hassle.

Light Stick

A light stick is often a fan’s first purchase if they’re into concerts, especially for those obsessed with P-pop or K-pop. As such, a light stick makes one of the best holiday presents a fan can receive. For an A’TIN, receiving an Esbi light stick would be perfect. Gifting them one helps them get ready for the Kings of P-pop to return to the stage with a brand-new era. It’s not just a collectible but a way to show support and feel connected to their favorite group that turns their bedroom into a jam-packed arena filled with music and colors.

Loop earbuds

Last but definitely not least is a must-have item in any concertgoer’s starter pack. The Loop Earplugs are perfect for blocking excessive noise that could potentially damage one’s ears — essential for enjoying music and experiencing live shows safely. They provide effective noise reduction while adding extra comfort. Additionally, they come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the favorite of the person you’re gifting them to. These earplugs are reusable, washable, and made of super-soft silicone. And when not at concerts, they’re also great for sleep or relaxation in loud environments.