The holiday season is upon us! Looking for a hip gift for the discerning music lover in your life? One of the best ways to support local music is to purchase directly from the artist when possible. Here are ten fun options that’ll brighten anyone’s day!
1) Musical Instrument / The Farmers Kazoo
More essential than ever in these troubled times. We can’t do better than the band’s own description of said item/stocking stuffer: “New. No slobber! Specially tuned for ‘Happy Boy’ accompaniment in the key of ‘wheeee.’”
Shop Here
2) Toys / Blink 182 Funko Pop 3 Pack
What’s My Age Again Pop! 3-Pack of Blink-182 features Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, and Tom DeLonge Funko Pop Figures. Also available: Enema of the State figures and a pixelated set!
Shop Here
3) Magazine / Ugly Things
Hands down the most in-depth music history magazine going! Mike Stax’s publication recently published its 67th issue and, as always, it’s a great read, diving deep into music’s yesteryear, with each issue practically a book unto itself. Pick up individual issues where you can, but a subscription is recommended so you don’t miss out!
Shop Here
4) Bass / Hairy Scary Spice Short Neck Heart Shaped Bass
You may not want to dress like him, but now you can sound like bassist “Hairy Scary Spice” of storied local rockers, The Spice Pistols, courtesy of this custom bass guitar from Doodcraft. Several different models are available!
Shop Here
5) Book / Scott Shaw!’s Comix & Stories
Just what it says in the title, this is a collection of legendary artist Scott Shaw!’s comics and stories. Best known for his work on The Flintstones, The Simpsons, Sonic the Hedgehog and other cartoon classics, Shaw! has also provided artwork for numerous music-related projects, including Rhino Records, The Ramones, San Diego music comp Staring at the Sun Volume XIII, and The Spice Pistols. Cowboy Mouth fans will find artwork from a project that was eventually abandoned.
Shop Here
6) Art / Lou Reed Battles Nazis
This striking print by artist Rashid Samuel Hasirbaf features Lou Reed battling Nazi soldiers in an homage to 1940s-era comic books. A follow-up graphic may include The Velvet Underground.
Shop Here
7) Vinyl / Manganista 7” Box Set
A three-single box set on colored vinyl, with art by David Russell Talbott and packaging designed by graphics legend Michael Buchmiller. Each single contains the songs “Human Being” and “Angeline” in different musical settings, from rock to dub, with extras including a sticker, air freshener, a package of “space rocks,” and a set of plastic robot toys. Collectible!
Shop Here
8) Christmas Tree Ornament / Switchfoot Surfboard
The band’s name is surf lingo, so this surfboard-shaped ornament makes perfect sense. Its bright colors will stand out against any green tree.
Shop Here
9) Historic Artifact / Queen 1 – Live in San Diego 1976
This box set includes a pair of tracks recorded at legendary U.K. group Queen’s March 12, 1976, concert at the San Diego Sports Arena. The fact that these two songs are included on this box set bodes well for further tracks from this concert being released in the future.
Shop Here
10) Gift Certificate / Your Favorite Record Store
Can’t decide on just the right item? Vinyl Junkies, Folk Arts, Re-Animated Records, Lou’s Records, Beat Box, M-Theory, and your favorite neighborhood record store can help. No music fan is ever going to be upset about receiving a gift certificate to a record shop.
Don’t miss out! Click below to discover this story and more in the full issue.
