Whether your favorite DJ is just starting out or recently worked a hip, thirtieth rave, chances are, they would prefer DJ themed gifts for the holidays. The DJ world can be an exciting one with new people, great themes, and a life-long party that is always “in the works.” DJs typically own an extensive arsenal of tunes, equipment, and gadgets, all of which have to be hauled between jobs or clubs. Luckily, most DJs don’t mind the extra baggage. Here is a list of great DJ gifts to make their holidays rock, pop, and freak.
Ableton Live Software – Ableton Live recently released version six, a software upgrade that DJs worldwide have been anticipating with excitement. Ableton Live is much more than mixing software; it is an all inclusive sampling suite that allows for unrestricted creativity for vids, remixes, and mash ups. With new capabilities including the ability to interface with Quicktime, Ableton has become a top contender for best DJ software available.
Sunglasses – The gift of a Sunglass Hut gift certificate is a thoughtful expression that allows your favorite DJ to select the very best pair of shades for themselves. Though sunglasses are a hip gift that any DJ would love, it’s not always easy to select the perfect pair, and let’s face it: some frame styles look just awful on certain folks. With a Sunglass Hut gift card in $50, $75, $100, $150, or $200, you can give your favorite DJ the gift of style, class, and chic with several high-end name brand specs to choose from. Shades are essential tools to protect eyes that are used to dark club lighting. You seldom see a DJ out during the day without sporting a pair of decent shades.
Blank CDs and DVDs- A spool of blank CDs are great for any DJ to burn track mixes, cruise tunes, and samples. Online Labels carries bulk CD labels, an essential tool for any DJ to keep tracks straight. Colorful Images carries a full line of CD labels you can personalize. For $14, you can buy a set of twelve full color self adhesive photo and message customized labels. You might think about buying a large quantity of cases to go along with the gift of blanks as well. For video creators, rewritable DVDs are a well appreciated gift. Just be sure your DJ owns a burner prior to purchasing blanks.
Professional Headphones – If you are looking for a professional grade, comfortable, durable pair of headphones that will please your favorite DJ, consider Sennheiser. Sennheiser is one of the finest brands of headphones available today with professional grade headphones and headsets in a variety of styles. These aren’t your cousin’s crappy earbuds. Sennheiser is an investment in quality sound for any style or need. Though they aren’t as cheap as a pair of Pioneers, Sennheiser’s ultra lightweight style, noise cancelling ability, and state of the art design make them the perfect gift for professional DJs and mix masters.
CD wallet – Office Depot carries a well-made, sturdy CD wallet, the Foray™ Cd Wallet, whose squared slim line design is the perfect size to tote to clubs or parties. This 224 disc wallet is easy to flip with space for just one CD per side of each double-sided secure sleeve, reinforced, wipes clean, and is padded to be heat and moisture resistant. $34.48. For a smaller capacity CD wallet, consider the Case Logic Koskin CD wallet from Pc Connection. This wallet protects up to 128 CDs, four to a page, and is just $24.78.
Rave Factory – For awesome T-shirts with cool Rave Factory logos, cruise to Rave Facory’s website. Rave factory is a company that provides electronica fans with great clothes and music. They also offer price comparisons for all sorts of electronics so DJs can figure out exactly what to buy and where. They don’t stock electronics, but they can point you in the right direction to purchase things like video games, computers, home appliances, and electronics. Rave Factory has an awesome reputation for this service and for its music offerings.
Personalized Business Cards – A box of cool business cards with a smart logo make a great gift for DJs who like to freelance. Business cards are a professional way to advertise for more work during networking sessions and parties. Be sure to get all the important basic information before having the cards printed, and select a logo that works for the DJ without looking cheap or rushed.
DJ Bag – A Chrome Logo Citizen Messenger bag from chromebags.com or a Vagrant DJ laptop bag is an awesome gift for any DJ who has a lot of gear to haul between jobs and clubs. Decent bags with plenty of space, compartments, and lightweight portability are appreciated holiday gifts that combine style with functionality. Choose a bag that fits the personality of the DJ and consider getting it personalized with the DJ’s initials or theme.
Padded Laptop Case – A Targus Notebook Slip Case from Circuit City is one of the best lightweight bags to tote a 15.4″ laptop, the current peripheral of choice for most DJs. The shoulder strap is padded as is the notebook compartment, which protects your laptop from typical bumps and brushes, which are typical of scrambling to get to the next job or heading home after a long night. $39.99. Be sure to check the size of the DJ’s laptop prior to purchasing a bag for it.
Magazine – DJ Mag is a print publication that brags on being “the authority on underground dance music.” It’s the perfect gift for DJ’s, dance music fans, promoters, and club producers with news, tips, tricks, and buzz. For some DJs, DJ Mag is the best resource for trend analysis, gleaning new ideas, and reading the reviews of electronica equipment, music, and techniques. Gift subscriptions come with the option of an announcement card.
Whatever you choose for your favorite DJ this holiday season, be sure to think about a gift they can use and enjoy. After all, most DJs live and breathe the club, the tunes, and the atmosphere of the next rave or turn, always thinking of new concepts, plans, and experiments they can test during the next party. Have fun shopping. Happy holidays!
