Everyone has a vinyl enthusiast in their life, be they a friend or a family member (… maybe it’s you!), but knowing what to get them for Christmas other than a selection of LPs may well pose a challenge. But if that person is indeed a vinyl head, they will love any vinyl-related gift, especially one they wouldn’t think to get for themselves!
Storage, care and maintenance may seem a little droll to some, but to anyone who loves their vinyl there is very little of greater importance out there, so why not treat the vinyl head in your life to something from the following list? These are budget friendly and some will make fantastic stocking-stuffers (or failing that, tree fillers) that will bring a smile to the face of any vinyl owner.
Remember, all prices were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
QUICK GLOSSARY
If you’re reading this, chances are you already know a fair bit about turntables. For those who don’t here are a few keywords.
- Turntable – the vinyl record player
- Tonearm – the long arm that sweeps across the record holding the phono cartridge and stylus
- Phono Cartridge – the rectangular pick-up at the end of the tonearm connecting to the wires in the tonearm and holding the stylus that plays the record
- Stylus – this is part of the phono cartridge – fixed in MC cartridges but can be changed when worn in MM cartridges – and is traditionally referred to as the “needle” – this is what sits in the record groove and reads it
Remember, all prices were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
1. Acc-Sees Pro Vinyl Carbon Fibre Cleaning Brush – £7.19
he Acc-Sees Carbon Fibre Cleaning Brush is a highly popular brush which will remove dust and grime from the surface of the vinyl, all the while reducing static build up. The fibres of the brush have been designed to find their way deeply into the grooves, so this is a brush better suited for the albums you play a little less often.
Why will they love it?
It’s simple and inexpensive but it’s very effective. And it will show them that you care about the condition of their vinyl just as much as you do. A fantastic stocking stuffer too!
2. Acc-Sees Anti Static Vinyl Record Disc Cleaner – Cleaning Fluid (250ml) – £8.00
Protect your precious vinyl from dirt, grease and grim build up with regular use of the Access Fluid. It will work on nearly any type of soiling, whilst being gentle on the vinyl itself. Easy to apply and lasts for ages too!
Why will they love it?
It’s another great stocking stuffer that shows you care, and with semi-regular use it will ensure their vinyl stays in top shape for years. Hey, there are vinyl records that can still play perfectly six decades since they were pressed. With proper care, a vinyl record will keep on giving.
3. Pro-Ject Cork IT Turntable Mat – £19.90
Even the simplest things can make the biggest of differences. Most turntables will come supplied with a felt mat, but a cork mat has been well documented to provide a better sound quality, owed to the fact it keeps the record from slipping during playback. A small change, but a big difference, and a very good way of really improving the sound quality of vinyl playback without spending very much at all.
Why will they love it?
They won’t know they love it until the try it, but once they do they’ll be convinced! It’ll be a little nod to your appreciation of good quality playback, and will help them upgrade their turntable to the next level.
4. Pro-Ject Level IT Spirit Level – £19.99
Did you know that a level surface for your turntable shelf or equipment rack is essential for perfect playback? Well, it is. And the only way to determine a completely level surface is with a spirit level. It’s no surprise that a few brands have cottoned on a produced some highly accurate (and to scale) versions of their own! Pro-Ject’s own version is very cute, and highly accurate.
Why will they love it?
They may not have thought about how level their shelf/equipment rack was until now, and will love the branding. Another excellent stocking stuffer!
5. Mobile Fidelity MFSL Rice Paper LP Inner Sleeves (50 Pack) – £24.95
Storage is an essential part of vinyl maintenance. Mobile Fidelity’s rice paper anti-static sleeves are three-ply, with a paper layer sandwiched between two sheets of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with translucent front. They are anti- static, which prevents records from gathering static. And static means poor playback.
Why will they love them?
This gift means that 50 of their vinyl records will be housed in what are regarded as the finest sleeves in the world. Mobile Fidelty use this everytime they release an album, and you’d be hard pressed to find a more effective alternative. Your loved one deserves the best, and so does their loved ones … their vinyl!
6. Glorious Record Box 110 Vinyl Record Storage – £35
If their vinyl collection is their pride and joy, they’ll want their storage to reflect that. But if their own money is going on more important things (such as the acquisition of more vinyl…), simple things like storage may well fall by the wayside. They will hold up to 110 records, and their open side makes it easy to flip through them. They are designed to be used with other Glorious Record Boxes, and will happily stack together – so when one gets full, the next will sit happily on top!
Why will they love it?
Protection and access in style. Help them give their vinyl a home and they will love you forever. And plus, it will encourage the acquisition of a few more!
7. Pro-Ject Leather It Turntable Mat – £44.95
Remember the cork mat from before? A leather mat is a step above that. Offering a high friction yet wonderfully smooth surface, this is a mat that will keep your vinyl from slipping during playback perfectly well, but won’t risk any damage in the process. And as a bonus, it will also reduce vibration. Less vibration means less interference and even greater sound reproduction.
Why will they love it?
An easy to implement upgrade which has two profound effects on how their vinyl both plays and sounds? They’ll love you forever.
8. Spin Clean Record Washer MkII – £89.95
We’ve said more than once how the cleaning of your vinyl is essential for both playback and for prolonging the life of both the turntable and the stylus (the needle inside the cartridge). To ensure the best possible clean, we recommend a machine. Washing with a brush and liquid will help, but a spin clean will ensure the dirt and grime is gone – along with any fingerprints you’re likely to get when cleaning in the traditional way!
Why will they love it?
They’ll be too busy giving their record collection the best clean its ever known to thank you – which is exactly the reaction you want from a Vinyl Head!
9. Pro-Ject Record Puck Turntable Clamp – £49.50
If your loved one had any make of Pro-Ject turntable, this is the clamp for them. Keeping your records flat during playback is extremely important, which is why Pro-Ject engineered this clamp out of solid brass. It will sit on the spindle of any Pro-Ject, and will keep that record playing flat and smooth.
Why will they love it?
It’s a well made and thoughtful bit of kit that they may not have thought to get for themselves. Just make sure their turntable is a Pro-Ject first!
10. Thorens Vinyl Cleaning Kit – £69.95
If you’re not sure what they already have in their cleaning kit, get them the full package! This attractive wooden box contains:
– Antistatic cloth (clean and discharge your records from static)
– Curved velvet brush (for careful surface cleaning prior to playback)
– Carbon fibre brush (for careful removal of dust and dirt from the grooves prior to playback)
– Diamond cleaning brush including fluid (for stylus cleaning)
– Stylus cleaning brush (quick dust removal)
– Vinyl cleaning liquid (for cleaning dirty records)
All of the highest Thorens quality. All your bases are covered!
Why will they love it?
It will be all they’ll need to care for their records in one handy place. It even comes with its own dedicated box, so storage won’t be a problem. A very thoughtful gift that they’ll love to receive, and will use again and again for years to come.
So there we have it, ten inexpensive and clever gifts to surprise the vinyl head in your life. On the surface they may not appear overly heartfelt (or romantic, if the recipient is a partner/love interest) but these presents will ensure the preservation of something that means a lot to that person. And that in itself says more than a simple box of chocolates or a collection of bath smellies ever could.
And if you want to sweeten the deal with a few LPs in the process, that won’t hurt either. Of course.
Happy Christmas, to you and your vinyl lover!