It’s December. I know you’ve noticed – annoying music everywhere, hey? But that also means we’re now officially allowed to talk about Christmas. And gifts.
It’s actually a pretty problematic topic, for two simple reasons. It’s hard to get something cool, suitable and affordable for somebody when you’re looking for it. It’s also tricky to get something for somebody who either literally has everything or is interested in one thing and one thing only.
PART 24 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE
Thankfully, it’s still almost 3 weeks till Christmas, aka Chrissy in Australia. So, to help your creativity a little, I’ve found some pretty awesome gift ideas on the Australian (virtual) soil that you should defo consider for your fam. Whether they live in Oz or simply love (Aussie) music.
And you know what? All 15 of them are below AUD 100 (EUR 62, USD68, GBP 52).
ANOTHER BAND T-SHIRT IS NEVER TOO MUCH
… especially when it mentions Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. But not the regular way. To be honest, I wish I’d come up with this design myself: it’s funny and references a pop phenomenon from the past.
I’m also wondering what a “badseed soup” might taste like but I’m sure we’re gonna see it in Coles (Aussie supermarket) sooner rather than later. So get this T-shirt before it even is a thing.
ECO CARDS FOR A BAND MANAGER TO BE
Yeah, we got smart phones, google docs sharing, email and messengers, and all that awesome technology. But – if you ask me – handing out business cards still has that powerful effect of putting your foot in the door in the music industry. Especially if they’re pretty fly and eco printed.
Which is exactly what Austep offers. So do your band manager-wanna-be friend a favour and order them a bunch this Christmas.
DAD WILL ACTUALLY THANK YOU FOR THIS ONE
I mean, it’s a stubby (beer bottle) holder. There’s no more practical gift than that. Whose Dad doesn’t like to knock a beer or two at a barbie… In case you didn’t know, it gets pretty damn hot Down Under in the summer, so beer gets warm way too quick. Another plus is that AC/DC is the iconic Aussie band your Dad most likely grew up on.
Truth be told, it just checks all the Dad boxes.
COOL JEWELS FOR YOUR DJ PARTNER
For starters, I would absolutely luuuuuuuv these earrings. And I’m sure there’s more trinket obsessed girls like me out there. Moreover, they’re from the Etsy online shop which means they were handmade by an independent arts & crafts artist (this one’s from Sydney).
So you’re actually killing two birds with one stone here. Feeling good about yourself yet?
STRENGTHEN YOUR BROTHER’S SOCK GAME
For those who don’t know: Slow Mover is a song by Angie McMahon, an Aussie singer-songwriter, that – in a way – propelled her music adventure to the next level.
So maybe getting the socks for your “slow mover brother” will have the same effect on their career? And you’d actually be doing them a favour. Let me know about the outcomes.
PRACTICAL DARK MOFO TOTE
I know, it would be cooler if it said “Dark Mofo”. But this tote is quite unique, nevertheless. Because only the ones who are in the know will actually get it. And there aren’t too many people who can say they’ve been to this mysterious Tasmanian festival, organised in the Australian winter month of June and curated by the wackiest of museums – MONA in Hobart.
If that doesn’t convince you it’s a perfectly affordable gift for an Aussie music lover fan, then I don’t know what will.
Image: MONA Museum
FESTIVAL CAMPING ESSENTIALS
If you’ve ever been to a music festival, you know what it means to bring the right gear for your camping needs. And if there’s anything you will surely want (and need) to do in the summer heat to beat exhaustion and thirst after dancing the night away is drink. Whatever the contents, it’s good to have a utensil in the first place.
Some festivals in Australia, like Splendour in the Grass (SITG), have anticipated those fundamental needs. And because it’s one of the most iconic Aussie music events, this enamel mug makes for a pretty thoughtful gift.
DO THE DIDGERIDOO
I’m going to answer your question before you ask it. No, one hour is not even close to grasping what playing didgeridoo is all about. But it will give the student a good foundation to “feel” this amazing natural instrument.
And if you want to understand what true Australian music experience is about, this is something you need to put on your list. I’ve tried it a few times and it’s truly something unforgettable.
(If you’re interested in finding out more about didgeridoos, check out my post dedicated to the instrument here).
Image: Didgeridoo Breath
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RECORD STORE
It doesn’t necessarily have to be Alex Lahey’s album but Wah Wah in Collingwood has a pretty awesome record collection in store. Vinyl is apparently making a comeback slowly, so it’s a good idea to be ahead of the game.
I’m also a big fan of promoting local music shops, not only on Record Store Days. So Wah Wah Records gets my vote for best small, friendly and independent place in Melbourne. But feel free to support others as well.
Image: Wah Wah Records
YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH GIG TIX
I would call this a lazy idea because it’s very simple and obvious for any music fan. But it’s also the one that will probably make the person you’re giving it to the happiest. Gig tickets are not cheap and many times hard to get. And it doesn’t need to be a rip-off for your pocket, either.
Which is why I’m sending you to the Australian Open website. Because their live stage hosts heaps of amazing Aussie (and international) artists every year for the price of a ground pass. BEST. DEAL. EVER.
(Find out more about the Australian Open Live Stage in my post here.)
A FAMILY AFFAIR
A little education never killed nobody. Better yet if combined with fun. Apart from regular games, these playing cards sets also teach music concepts, like differentiating notes.
It’s also good for distracting your kids from Netflix and Fortnite for a little while and spending some quality family time during the “most wonderful time of the year”.
YOUR GRANDMA WILL LOVE THIS TEA
Who drinks tea these days??? Grandmas do. And their friends do, too. So you’re encouraging your beloved family member to socialise here. Apart from that, this bevvy combines two Aussie elements in one: the world renowned Opera House and T2 – an Australian specialty tea company.
If you’re slightly short on cash this Christmas, it’s much cheaper than taking Grandma to see a show in Sydney 🙂
FOR INTERNATIONALLY TOURING MUSOS
So here’s a thing. Passport designs are normally pretty boring and come in totally uncool tones, like dark blue (Australia or the US) or the hideous burgundy (EU member states). My point being: they’re easy to forget when you’re travelling. (Trust me: been there, done that.) But not red.
Considered angry, vibrant, dangerous, passionate, strong and hot. In other words, you can’t miss this it. That’s why having a passport wallet in this colour is a good idea for musos who tend to forget important things all the bloody time.
THE ULTIMATE AUSSIE MUSIC FAN GIFT
Here are the most common stereotypes about life Down Under: every Aussie is a surfer, wears thongs (flip flops) and has a backyard with an ocean view. If it’s somebody from Melbourne, chances are they’re a musician, too, right?
Having all those elements in mind, do yourself a favour and put this ultimate Aussie gift on your Chrissy shopping list.
Note: this is an exception in this selection because it’s not an Australian product. But it’s also so Aussie, I couldn’t resist.
THE GIFT YOU NEVER KNEW YOU NEEDED
Okay, so Christmas is also about getting some unorthodox presents for yourself. Just to be clear, I don’t ever encourage people to buy unnecessary things when you don’t need them. But EVERYBODY needs a toilet mat from time to time. And you can actually play this one. Plus, it comes with a song book attached.
Did anyone say loo party? 🙂
*No, I don’t get any commission from promoting those products – thanks for asking. I just think it’s much better to give something fun, useful, practical and local than spending your hard earned cash on another unnecessary book. Not that there’s anything wrong with books but we all know where all of them end up.
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