In order to help you give the perfect gift to a vinyl record enthusiast, we have put together a list of the best items which include items that is sure to deepen their passion even further.
Gift-giving can be difficult, especially when it comes to the people on your list who are tough to shop for. It’s hard enough trying to find something that they will like and use, but you also have to find something within your budget! This year we’ve rounded up six ideas for a vinyl record enthusiast friend of yours, which include items like turntables, records, ornaments, and more.
1. Record Player And Speakers
When it comes to gifting a friend who loves vinyl, there are a few essentials to consider. One of these is the record player and speakers. You can find both new or used at various stores, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for before making your purchase.
There are four types of turntables: manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, and direct drive. Manual ones require lifting on the arm with one hand while spinning the disc in place with another; semi-automatics have some buttons that make tasks like setting speed easier; full automatics do most everything automatically (including lowering the stylus onto an LP) without any user input except selecting which track to play next; and then there are direct drives, which spin faster than other models by using a motor to rotate the platter.
There are also two types of speakers: bookshelf and floor-standing. Bookshelf models require significantly less space than floor-standing ones, but they won’t deliver as much bass response or soundstage depth; floor-standers take up a lot more room in your home, but you can feel their vibrations right through your feet when listening to moderate volumes.
2. Phono Preamp
There are many different phono preamps available on the market. Therefore, when you choose to gift your friend one, you can check for the best phono preamp under $500. Going through reviews and reading through the specifications will help you decide which one to give.
Unlike turntables, phono preamps are more likely to be found in home studios and production spaces because they require an external power source. They also have fewer moving parts than a turntable, making them easier for people who don’t want their music interrupted by too much vibration or sound interference.
3. Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit
Listening to music is good for your health. You can ensure that your friend continues to enjoy the benefits of good music by ensuring the records are kept clean. Cleaning keeps them in good shape and prevents damage.
This kit contains everything you need to clean one record – a microfiber cleaning pad, distilled water, two cotton cloths (one for wet cleaning and one for dry), a bottle brush, an anti-static record sleeve, a ph test strip, spot remover solution for vinyl records which removes those pesky stains from old LPs. It also comes with instructions on how to use the accessories included in this kit.
4. Album Sleeves To Protect Records
Having album sleeves to protect vinyl records is a great idea. These sleeves are thin sheets of plastic that come in packs and can hold up to 12 records at once. They will help keep the record clean, as well as protection from dust or scratches if it’s placed on the shelf directly with other albums.
The best album sleeve brands you should look into include Mofi for their top quality products, which usually retail around $12 per pack, but they also have cheaper options like this one by ZZ Packaging (starting at just $0.84). Another option would be The Album Cover Company, which has transparent coverings starting at only £11.95 plus shipping costs depending on where you live.
5. Turntable Slip Mat
Gifting your friend a turntable slipmat is the easiest way to ensure that they maintain their record player. This small but thoughtful gift will make a big difference in how long and well your friend’s records are preserved for years to come.
A vinyl enthusiast will be thankful for this one-time investment because it can protect their beloved collection from scratches on both sides of their precious LPs. A turntable slip mat is also recommended if you or your giftee has an old-style wooden table with little padding. It helps prevent any damage or scratching of the surface due to vibrations generated by moving parts within the turntable while playing music – listeners report significantly less noise when using these mats!
6. A Classic Album From A Favorite Band or Artist
Give them that classic album from their favourite band in the form of a vinyl record! This is an excellent gift idea for someone who cherishes collecting albums. It’s advisable to go with a new album they might not have heard of or one that has been re-released as an anniversary edition.
Or if you’re feeling crafty, make them their album! It could be anything from the kid’s favourite story to mom and dad’s wedding day. The possibilities are endless when it comes to DIY vinyl record gifts!
Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect gift for a friend. But when that special someone is also really passionate about vinyl records, you can run into an even bigger problem! We hope the list of ideas we’ve provided will help you find a perfect gift for your vinyl record enthusiast friend.