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 Christmas day!
- Book / Cameron Crowe: The Uncool
Fans of music history will love this memoir from legendary writer, director and former San Diegan, Cameron Crowe. Lots more background detail that the film / play, Almost Famous, doesn’t have, and you get the rest of the story as well. https://cameroncrowebook.com
- Lip Balm / Kimmi Butter Tallow Lip Balm
Award winning country singer Kimmi Bitter has her own lip balm available! “A little bit creamy, a little bit country, and as buttery smooth as fresh-churned comfort.” www.kimmibitter.com/merch/p/kimmi-butter-tallow-lip-balm
- Children’s Book / Jefferson Jay: Hunt For The Holiday Spirit
Soon to be an animated series, the book “follows four siblings on a magical Christmas Eve adventure to rediscover what the Holiday Spirit really means — kindness, love, and the courage to be yourself.” www.eventbrite.com/e/the-hunt-for-the-holiday-spirit-first-edition-childrens-book-pre-sale-tickets-1973013091268
- T-Shirt / The Casbah
An essential piece of clothing for any discerning San Diegan! Comes in black. https://casbahmerch.com/products/the-casbah-t-shirt
- Sweater / Switchfoot: Ugly Sweater
An allegedly unattractive way to keep warm this winter! https://switchfoot.com/collections/2025-christmas-gear/products/ugly-sweater
- Video Game + Vinyl / Satanic Puppeteer Orchestra: Press Start
The world’s greatest human / robot duo is at it again! A highly collectable vinyl album includes amazing packaging. This time out you get a custom video game, magazine and other goodies. Start with this title and collect them all!
www.satanicpuppeteer.com/opk/#Albums
- Seasoning / Willis Farnsworth: Shred the Gnar Salt
Christmas is upon us, but in California it’s never too far from BBQ season. For shredders of waves, riffs, ribs — and everything in between. “A no-BS proprietary blend of sea salt and fresh herbs (rosemary & sage) crafted by guitarist and culinary expert extraordinaire, Willis Farnsworth.” https://www.kimmibitter.com/merch/p/shred-the-gnar-salt
- T-Shirt / Staring at the Sun T-shirt by Scott Shaw!
Artist / producer Scott Shaw has been a part of our childhood for decades, with animated cereal commercials a specialty alongside co-founding San Diego Comic-Con, work on The Simpsons, Sonic The Hedgehog and more. Here he has the animals at The San Diego Zoo performing a concert in Wegeforth Bowl with the California Tower in the background! As seen the cover of the compilation album, Staring at the Sun XIII. www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/68147561-critter-concert-at-the-zoo?store_id=913030
- Magazine / Ugly Things
Hands down the most in-depth music history magazine going! Mike Stax’s publication recently published its 70th issue and it’s still going strong, diving deep into music history, 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!
- Gift Certificate / Your Favorite Record Store
Can’t decide on just the right item? Vinyl Junkies, Folk Arts, Re-Animated Records, Lou’s Records, M-Theory, Spin Records, Taang Records, Nickelodeon Records, Red Brontosaurus 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.
