Radio Ramblings: Gift ideas for music lover on your Christmas list

By Medicine Hat News on November 22, 2018.

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is less than five weeks away. I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed quite the influx of shoppers hitting the mall and big box stores over the last couple of days. This week in particular has been extremely busy because of the anticipation of tomorrow’s huge shopping event, Black Friday.

There’s a long history of Canadians heading south of the border to do their Black Friday shopping, which has now evolved into the ultimate shopping extravaganza across the world. In fact, according to Google Trends, our interest in Black Friday grows each year in Canada. Black Friday first made an appearance in Canada in 2008 with retailers hoping to discourage shoppers from heading to the States to get a good deal. It started to really gain traction in 2012. And now, Black Friday deals start up a week beforehand and last all the way through to Cyber Monday.

According to a new survey six out of 10 Canadians say they plan to shop on Black Friday. The average person plans to spend about $733 on gifts this year, up from $648 last year.

Now, I’m all about finding a good deal. I’ve been scouring the flyers this week, looking for deals on everything from electronics to clothing — pretty much anything I can get on sale for my friends and family on my Christmas list.
If you’ve got a music lover on your list there are a number of items you can get on sale this week. Whether you’re looking for headphones, a turntable or a new Bluetooth speaker, there are some pretty cool gift ideas for the music lover on your list.

Over the last couple of years vinyl has made a huge comeback. Why not buy your special someone a record player complete with one your favourite albums of the year. My pick would be Disturbed’s “Evolution” or maybe The Glorious Sons’ live album “Little Prison City.”

Do you know someone who plays guitar? Get them some customized guitar picks. For the concert connoisseur pick up a ticket stub/diary holder so they can have a keepsake for all their concert tickets.

Another great Christmas gift idea is a pair of tickets to an upcoming concert or event. There are so many amazing rock shows coming to Medicine Hat in the new year.

The Trews will play the Esplanade Feb. 3 and Matthew Good brings his acoustic show a few weeks later on Feb. 19. Don’t forget about the Classic Albums live series featuring Led Zeppelin IV Feb. 1 and AC/DC’s Back in Black on April 17.

Good luck braving the crowds tomorrow. Happy shopping!

Cassie Donnelly is the morning show co-host at 105.3 ROCK. You can reach her on twitter @cass_1053rock.