Though 2021 didn't see a complete return to normalcy in nightlife, this year, clubbers, DJs, producers and venue owners across the globe experienced a remarkable return to events that many of us envisioned as a pipe dream not long ago, even if the future of nightlife still remains uncertain.

Resident Advisor compiled several electronic music-affiliated products for our readers as they begin their holiday hunt or finalize their wish lists. This music lover's guide encompasses a range of items from simple, practical gifts like a Bandcamp gift certificate, to headier purchases like Plantwave, a bio-sonification device that allows producers to make music with their plants. There's sustainably-made clubwear from dance music-friendly brands, and glittery protective ear plugs, ideal to wear during a blisteringly loud set at an underground warehouse night.

With a focus on independent brands, many of these products are not only a representation of the scene's DIY ethos, but an opportunity to help sustain the electronic music ecosystem.

Literature

- Join the Future
  
  Penned by electronic music journalist Matt Aniss, the 2019 book Join the Future details the origins and rise of bleep techno through a compelling blend of social, cultural, musical and oral history. It's a solid gift for anyone curious about the ins-and-outs of British dance music.
  
  Buy here.
- Lady of the House
  
  Published last month, the new coffee-table tome Lady of the House celebrates the invaluable contributions of various women trailblazers in the dance music industry. Written by events manager and promoter Laila McKenzie and writer Ian "Snowy" Snowball, the book features exclusive photos and behind-the-scenes interviews from the likes of Reno Ultra Naté, DJ Paulette and Charlotte de Witte.
  
  Buy here.
- Long Relationships: My Journey from Unknown DJ to Small-Time DJ
  
  Long Relationships tells the trials and tribulations of the now-retired "lower-mid-tier" club DJ Harold Heath, but a DJ of any caliber will relate to the poignant autobiographical account shared here.
  
  Buy here.
- Love Injection Annual Subscription
  
  Those based in New York are probably already well aware of the free editions of Love Injection, the print zine and brain child of DJs Barbie Bertisch and Paul Raffaele, at select locations around the city. However, for the music lovers who live outside the neighborhood—or who simply want those editions delivered to their doorstep for a year—they can subscribe for the publication's annual subscription.
  
  Buy here.
- Teklife, Ghettoville, Eski: The Sonic Ecologies of Black Music in the Early 21st Century
  
  Here's a heady option. Published this year, Dhanveer Singh Brar's Teklife, Ghettoville, Eski moves from the footwork scene in Chicago to the grime scene in East London. This book makes the argument that the Black aesthetics of these genres profoundly shaped the social life of the cities in which they were made.
  
  Buy here.
- Ten Cities: Clubbing in Nairobi, Cairo, Kyiv, Johannesburg, Berlin, Naples, Luanda, Lagos, Bristol, Lisbon. 1960 – March 2020
  
  Originally published in the last months of 2020, Ten Cities: Clubbing in Nairobi, Cairo, Kyiv, Johannesburg, Berlin, Naples, Luanda, Lagos, Bristol, Lisbon. 1960 – March 2020 consists of 21 essays which span 40 decades of clubbing history. Spanning 500 pages, this one is recommended for any electronic music enthusiast interested in expanding their specialist history outside of the Western sphere.
  
  Buy here.

Apparel and Accessories

- Black Artist Database tee
  
  Black Artist Database is a community-based online platform that features hundreds of Black artists, labels and collectives, along with links to their work. These new shirts are stylish and comfortable (printed on 100 percent organic Jersey cotton), and better yet, they help to support the ongoing development of this essential website.
  
  Buy here.
- Bond Hardware D-Ring 3-Pocket Holster
  
  Eccentric clubwear shouldn't be made at the expense of the environment. Founded in 2012, BOND Hardware started with a mission to design unique pieces for New York club kids as ethically and sustainably as possible. Their D-Ring 3-Pocket Holster in white marries smart practicality and sleek aesthetics as the ideal accessory for long, debauched nights.
  
  Buy here.
- Ghostly Backpack
  
  The Brooklyn label Ghostly collaborated with San Francisco-based company DSPTCH for this durable backpack, which is large enough to fit small- to mid-sized gear. The bag's material consists of 100% recycled polyester fiber resilient to all weather conditions. It's a no-brainer for the camping enthusiast or festival-goer.
  
  Buy here.
- HECHA / 做 NYC Overalls
  
  Long affiliated with Brooklyn's electronic music scene, New York brand HECHA / 做 NYC specializes in sustainable, hand-painted, one-of-a-kind garments. These black-and-white brushwork overalls make for a singular gift that serves as half objet d'art, half year-round club outfit.
  
  Buy here.
- Nyege Nyege Tapes long-sleeve shirt
  
  The label Nyege Nyege, based in Kampala, Uganda, houses some of the most inspiring dance music coming out of the East African region. This long-sleeve embroidered shirt is a promising option for an imminent winter, depicting the elaborate album artwork of Indonesia duo Raja Kirk's Rampokan LP, which was released in October.
  
  Buy here.
- Studio Ānanda Astrology-themed Jerseys
  
  New York DJ and graphic designers Raver Jinn, Fariha Roisin and Prinita Thevarajah joined forces to create this astrology-themed jersey collection. Consider this one gift with the power of two. It's available via Studio Ānanda; 25 percent of all proceeds are donated to Sogorea Te' Land Trust.
  
  Buy here.
- Unsound Dəəp Authentic Scarf
  
  Virtual reality artist Sam Rolfes designed this colorful, oddball scarf that sold out at this year's edition of the cutting edge Polish festival. Here's a second chance to snag the statement winter accessory before it's gone.
  
  Buy here.

Gear and Equipment

- Akai MPC One Retro
  
  This limited edition unit combines the classic design of the MPC60 with the feature set of the contemporary MPC One launched in 2020. Gift this one to the producers who have a weakness for retro nostalgia, but refuse to sacrifice the advantages of modern technology.
  
  Buy here.
- Audio Technica AT-LP5X
  
  We all have that one friend who has somehow amassed a sizable vinyl collection but doesn't actually own their own record player. For those in the market for a new record player, whether they are a beginning vinyl collector or a veteran audiophile, Audio Technica is always a reliable brand. Their AT-LP5X model boasts a sleek design, matte black finish, three speeds and most importantly, remarkable sound.
  
  Buy here.
- Crystal Guardian Ear Plugs
  
  The only way to enjoy music front left is with a pair of trusted ear plugs, especially if those earplugs are bespoke. Crystal Guardian offers custom-fitted silicone ear plugs that can reduce volume by 10, 15, 20 or 25 decibels. They also come in a variety of custom color glitters, so users can protect their hearing in style.
  
  Buy here.
- Ninja Tune x AIAIAI
  
  This iconic collaboration between one of the most respected UK independent labels, Ninja Tune, and one of the most trusted headphones brands, AIAIAI, never sounded so good. Boasting 20 hours of high quality wireless audio, vegan leather cushions and speaker units constructed from recycled Ninja Tune vinyl, it's an essential piece of gear that’s also environmentally friendly.
  
  Buy here.
- Plantwave
  
  Many have heard of music made specifically for plants, but what if plants made music for us? Born from the zero-waste record label Data Garden, Plantwave is a bio-sonification device that transforms a plant's electrical variations into music. The process yields relaxing sounds for the listener—and maybe even their Monsteras.
  
  Buy here.
- Symbol Audio MAX Turntable Stand
  
  Vinyl lovers can rejoice: Finally there's a turntable stand with an accessible price point. This one from Symbol Audio is perfect for those looking to conserve space in their home. Even with its compact form, it still manages to fit 250 records, a stereo amplifier, headphone rack and most importantly, the standard record player.
  
  Buy here.
- Teenage Engineering PO-12 Drum Machine
  
  This pocket drum machine may look unassuming, but it comes with a 16 step pattern sequencer, 16 sounds, 16 pattern chains and 16 global effects. Running on AA batteries, it's also extremely portable, making it perfect for novice producers who prefer to hone their skills on-the-go.
  
  Buy here.
- Ed Hurtz Turntable Slipmat
  
  Founded in 1990, New York shop Turntable Lab is a sanctum for turntablists in pursuit of a wide selection of custom slip mats. This trippy Ed Hurtz slipmat will elevate the appearance of any standard setup, though it should be used with caution—stare too long and it may induce lysergic side effects like vertigo and nausea.
  
  Buy here.

Home Goods

- Acid House Love Blueprint
  
  Tracing the history of acid house from its early inception across dance floors in Manchester, New York and Chicago, Dorothy's Acid House Love Blueprint print is for the electronic music nerd who could benefit from a pop of color on their bedroom walls.
  
  Buy here.
- Ilian Killa Bees Papers
  
  If on the hunt for stocking stuffers, here's a solid one: papers from the beloved Munich label to carry any herb of choice.
  
  Buy here.
- Wata Igarashi "Mineral" Aroma Mist
  
  Wata Igarashi is a master of channeling psychedelia through his music, which sweeps across crisp, hallucinogenic techno and blissful, glittering ambient. Aroma Vita + collaborated with the Tokyo artist to bring the gentler tail of his sound to life through a custom-made fragrance. Fittingly, the mist comes with a USB carrying a custom track that Igarashi created to accompany the item, Mineral.
  
  Buy here.

Miscellaneous

- Bandcamp Gift Certificate
  
  Unlike most music streaming outlets, Bandcamp is an online record store that is firmly musician-focused in its politics—82 percent of each purchase on the site goes directly to an artist or their label. A Bandcamp gift certificate allows music lovers to buy their favourite tracks without putting a dent in their wallet, and it also contributes to sustaining global underground scenes.
  
  Buy here.
- Tresor 30 Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set
  
  The fabled Berlin techno club and record label Tresor turned 30 this year. To celebrate the milestone, the outlet put out a limited edition 12 x 12-inch box set comprising a whopping 52 tracks from both techno pioneers and those currently shaping the genre's future. But that's not all: The complete set also includes a poster, sticker pack, 16-page booklet and download card.
  
  Buy here.

Literature

Join the Future

Lady of the House

Long Relationships: My Journey from Unknown DJ to Small-Time DJ

Love Injection Annual Subscription

Teklife, Ghettoville, Eski: The Sonic Ecologies of Black Music in the Early 21st Century

Ten Cities: Clubbing in Nairobi, Cairo, Kyiv, Johannesburg, Berlin, Naples, Luanda, Lagos, Bristol, Lisbon. 1960 – March 2020

Apparel and Accessories

Black Artist Database tee

Bond Hardware D-Ring 3-Pocket Holster

Ghostly Backpack

HECHA / 做 NYC Overalls

Nyege Nyege Tapes long-sleeve shirt

Studio Ānanda Astrology-themed Jerseys

Unsound Dəəp Authentic Scarf

Gear and Equipment

Akai MPC One Retro

Audio Technica AT-LP5X

Crystal Guardian Ear Plugs

Ninja Tune x AIAIAI

Plantwave

Symbol Audio MAX Turntable Stand

Teenage Engineering PO-12 Drum Machine

Ed Hurtz Turntable Slipmat

Home Goods

Acid House Love Blueprint

Ilian Killa Bees Papers

Wata Igarashi "Mineral" Aroma Mist

Miscellaneous

Bandcamp Gift Certificate

Tresor 30 Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set