The holidays are around the corner, and so are the days of eleventh-hour gift buying. As per our annual tradition, we've prepped and primed a hefty list of gift recommendations for you to browse. Ideal for both your music-loving friends and culturally curious acquaintances, we guarantee there's a perfect gift for everyone on the list—and not without a range of affordable prices.

This guide features an inclusive collection of concept gifts from niche tech gear to merch from culturally significant institutions, labels and moments (USB rings, DJ Deeon apparel and an updated RA tote, anyone?) Whether you're looking for books on party history, party-ready scarves and sunnies or even a spot of natural wine to fill your cup this season, we've got you.

Take a look below and see what catches your eye.

Literature, apparel and miscellaneous text by Merilyn Chang. Tech text by Nick Taylor.

Literature

- Rave Against the Machine
  
  Raving has always been associated with transgressive forms of self-expression. From its culturally underground origins, the dance floor is a sacred space for communities to gather and "dance on the ruins of collapsing" socio-political systems. Mckenzie Wark takes readers on a hike through legendary and undisclosed locations in New York’s rave scene to understand the pulse of a culture spearheaded by the queer and trans communities that guide it.
  
  Buy here.
- You Are Never Alone
  
  In Cheyenne Clementi and Valentina Morandi's new book, Never Alone 1997-2004: Raving in Europe, the spirit of a good party never dies. With new archival photos dated over two decades ago, this photo book will take readers to the heart of the rave through the lens of free-spirited revellers and community builders.
  
  Buy here.
- Synth Gems
  
  The invention of the synthesizer has notably changed the course of electronic music today. Oli Freke dives into the dense history of the instrument along with other electronic music-making gems in his new dual-installment series, Vintage Synths and Drum Machines & Samplers. This zine collection features 46 of the most influential synths and drum machines in the history of electronic music.
  
  Buy here.
- Bangers and More
  
  The multi-disciplinary culture and fashion collective, Sports Banger, headed up by Jonny Banger has been interrogating UK pop culture since its origin. Banger's book details the brand's rise into one of the more influential cultural satirists of the modern day which now houses a fashion line, record label and more. This book features archives from never-before-released interviews and collaborations with iconic figures in the world of fashion, art and music.
  
  Buy here.
- Queer Music History Preservation
  
  New York journalist, David Kennerley, has compiled over 250 club flyers from the nightlife scene in New York during the '90s and released them as a collection in his new book, Getting In. The book contains quotes from members of the scene including Lady Bunny, Linda Simpson and more, as well as maps showing the history of clubs around the city.
  
  Buy here.
- Party People
  
  Ed Gillett's Party Lines takes readers from the rock and roll events of the '70s all the way to the present day era of post-Covid partying. The new book captures the contentious debates around the politics of dancing, whether it is used as a medium of self-expression, resistance, hedonism or more. No doubt, the party has grown to become a conceptually complex space, open for further exploration.
  
  Buy here.
- A Quick Ting
  
  Grime is an undeniable force in UK music culture. The genre, cultivated through local radio shows and launched into the main stages of the UK's biggest festivals, has broken barriers and stereotypes to achieve the cult status it has today. Author Franklin Addo takes readers on a journey through the history of grime in his latest book, A Quick Ting on: Grime, to explore the cultural significance of the genre and how it became a the sound of a generation.
  
  Buy here.
- Dance Floor Intimacies
  
  Luis Manuel Garcia-Mispireta explores the nuanced world of the dance floor in his latest book, Together Somehow: Music, Affect, and Intimacy on the Dancefloor. Drawn from his experiences with subcultures in Chicago, Paris and Berlin, Garcia-Mispireta describes the curious nature of "stranger-intimacy" and the healing and bonding nature of sharing a dance floor with others. Despite its restorative qualities, he also dives into the micro-aggressions and injustices that quietly exist amid the utopian vision of the party.
  
  Buy here.
- Remembering Rex Club
  
  To commemorate the legendary legacy of Rex Club, prior to its June 2023 renovations, Rex Club 1988-2023 captures the iconic history of the club through an archival collection of photographs, flyers, found objects and more. Released by the club itself, the book promises to be nothing but authentic to the character of the space as it transitions into its new era.
  
  Buy here.
- Girl Talk
  
  Collecting the voices of the women behind Factory Label, Audrey Golden's I Thought I Heard You Speak recounts the history, successes and failures of the fabled label through the underrepresented women who made up its backbone. Whether pioneering sound technology, DJing or running the legendary club The Hacienda, women played an integral role in setting the scene. Now, in a series of interviews and essays, Golden chronicles the oral history and reveals the true cultural significance of the label.
  
  Buy here.
- The Beat, The Scene, The Sound, The City
  
  DJ Disciple and Henry Kronk give a behind-the-scenes account of how DIY house music grew into an international phenomenon. These communities, sheltered in both underground basements and glam nightclubs, all share one commonality: their love of a good party. This was all shattered starting with the drug crackdowns of the 80's, the AIDS epidemic and the tightening scrutiny of law enforcement. DJ Disciple takes readers on a journey to understand the ebbs and flows of party scenes in major cities all over the world.
  
  Buy here.
- How Black Music Changed the World
  
  The influence of Black culture can be felt in every corner of music, especially in the twenty-first century. Yet scholars are still wary to acknowledge the influence of "Black British" music—constantly relating genres like grime and UK drill to their American equivalents. Black Music in Britain in the 21st Century gives credit to the brilliant minds that crafted the unique Black music scenes heard all across Britain, along with examining its oft-overlooked global impact.
  
  Buy here.
- Magical Realism
  
  Photographer Jim C. Nedd's debut monograph reveals over six years of photography, taking viewers on an introspective journey through his home in Colombia. The photo book—released by PAN—is a balance between staged and documentary-style work and captures the local mythologies, cultural tensions and personal sentimentalities of his relationship with his home.
  
  Buy here.
- Temporary Spaces, Forever Places
  
  John Leo Gillen's Temporary Pleasures examines how the structure and sound design of club spaces have changed from the '60s to contemporary times. Gillen dives into the architecture of club scenes in various cities around the United States, before embarking on a tour of international space from Manchester to Ibiza, where he assesses the commonalities of what works for an ideal party. Temporary Pleasures offers but another angle into the root of what makes club culture so endlessly appealing.
  
  Buy here.

Technology

- Great Sound, No Strings Attached
  
  Home studios and DJ rigs quickly descend into cable spaghetti. Danish audio brand AIAIAI offers the chance to declutter your speakers with its UNIT 4 wireless studio monitors. Powered by battery, they receive audio over WIFI or bluetooth, so no cables are required. In addition, they're relatively light so you can take them to a gig or move them around your studio to achieve the best audio. Batteries last up to 10 hours on a charge and can play and charge at the same time, if needed. Icing on the Christmas cake—they're made of 100 percent recycled plastics from post-consumer sources.
  
  Buy here.
- Back in Black (And Silver)
  
  Technics' GR2s, the latest editions of its SL-1200 and SL-1210 decks, continue to improve on perfection, offering a quieter power source and added noise cancelling, plus a new, smoother drive control that eradicates vibrations on the platter. According to the brand, this means better tracking, more rotational stability and a lower noise floor. These are small iterations rather than earth-shattering new features, but if you're in the market for new decks, the GR2s are among the finest Technics have ever created. Added bonus: the black ones have a black tone arm and the silver ones are more silver than ever.
  
  Buy here.
- Vintage 'Verbs
  
  Plate reverbs are huge physical devices that use sheets of metal to create sound reverberations. In the days before digital reverbs, these were some of the only ways you could introduce reverb to sounds, short of recording in a vast acoustic space. SoundToys' Superplate plugin models five classic plate reverbs so you can recreate their specific characters in your DAW. The EMT 140, EMT 240, Audicon, Stocktronics RX4000 and EcoPlate III have been emulated to create realism and luscious, expansive space, while the audio chain offers three flavours of analogue colour: tube, solid-state and clean. Plug in, get wet and enter vast, shimmery bliss. And don't forget to read our full review here.
  
  Buy here.
- Granular Synthesis at a Snip
  
  Japanese synth maker Sonicware has created a tight little line of inexpensive but highly versatile instruments with its Liven range. This year's addition was Texture Lab, a granular synth. To create tones, it samples audio and then slices it up into tiny slivers or "grains." These can be manipulated and reordered to create anything from drones and pads to elaborate, rhythmic patterns. Granular synthesis can add a totally different palette of sounds to a production set-up that's loaded down with subtractive synths. It's a granular instrument that's packed with features but also light, portable (useful for sampling raw audio) and fairly priced.
  
  Buy here.
- Hawtin's Hardware
  
  Richie Hawtin's first hardware instrument came out this year, in collaboration with Latvian brand Erica Synths. At first look, Bullfrog is a simple device with just a single analogue oscillator, a voltage-controlled filter, two envelopes and a built-in delay. But it's modular, with patching routes designed to open up the sound to vastly creative territories. Hawtin dreamed up Bullfrog as the perfect way for producers to step into the world of modular synthesis, with just enough features to offer versatile sound design while not bogging you down in patch cables, dividers and the creative paralysis that often results from technical complexity.
  
  Buy here.
- Made for Mods
  
  After a two-year development period, German synth company Jomox finally released its FM (frequency modulation) synth a few months ago. Like the other instruments created by the brand (Alpha Base, SunSyn, Resonator Neuronium and more), the Mod FM charts its own course, approaching FM synthesis in a hybrid, semi-modular fashion. Six digital oscillators pass through analogue envelopes and filters. Each voice has two discrete LFOs and the synth is multitimbral. It's not an instrument for the casual user, but the Mod FM would be perfect for drowning those long winter nights in bright, sizzling chords and resonant metallic clangs.
  
  Buy here.
- Unleash the Beast
  
  One of the most distinctive desktop synths released this year, Pittsburgh Modular's Taiga takes three raucous oscillators and sends each through its own wavefolder, a modulation device that crushes waveforms, wringing out their harmonics. Taiga also boasts one of the most unusual dynamics sections seen on synth, upwards of 60 patch points for redirecting signals and modulations pathways, and tons of under-the-hood features that will reward endless hours of experimentation and patching. If you're looking for one compact box that will deliver eons of fun, this could be the ultimate Christmas gift.
  
  Buy here.
- Discreet Beats
  
  Small enough to fit in a stocking but surprisingly big on sounds, the Stylophone BEAT is this year's cutest rhythm machine. Made by Dubreq, which has been building the little Stylophone portable synth since the '60s, the BEAT features four drum kits and four bass stabs. You can loop patterns, overdub sounds, mute individual instruments, apply quantising and adjust a master tempo. Sounds are all triggered by touching a stylus to one of BEAT's metallic pads, and played over an inbuilt speaker. It's never going to boom like an 808, but then you can't fit an 808 in your pocket or take one on a plane.
  
  Buy here.
- Polyphonic Powerhouse
  
  Cherry Audio, creators of fine digital emulations of classic synths, just released a recreation of the Korg PS-3300. The original, produced in 1977, was one of the earliest polyphonic synths and despite less than 50 being produced, it remains legendary for its rich, fat sounds—vintage models can change hands for 100,000 US dollars. Cherry Audio's clone replicates the full functionality and sound of the original instrument, along with a meticulous visual representation of its panels, including virtual patch points and cables. If you've dreamed of playing with a real PS-3300, this is probably as close as you're ever going to get.
  
  Buy here.
- Blasts from the Past
  
  In his Studio Digest, London-based producer Steven Julien told RA that his Akai MPC 2000 XL is the piece of equipment he's used most in his career. He even named a track after it, "XL", on his debut album, Fallen. While Akai has continued to update its MPC range since the 2000 XL debuted in 1999, many prefer the big, crunchy feel of the older models. Luckily, it's now easy to get vintage gear like this, and an MPC 2000 XL in good condition with some memory upgrades costs around the same as it did when it first came out.
  
  Buy here.
- Grandmother Knows Best
  
  Namechecked by Cinthie as one of her go-to pieces of gear for bass sounds, Moog's Grandmother is a modern classic. One of the most popular pieces of equipment produced by Moog since the company sprung from its own ashes in 2002, the Grandmother is a semi-modular, monophonic synth with a built-in spring reverb. First released in 2018, with an all black "dark" version released in 2020, prices have remained strong. As they are built like tanks, we suggest you pick one up second hand. The popularity of the synth means there are always some floating around on the used market.
  
  Buy here.
- Circuit Breaker
  
  If you're starting to branch out into hardware, Novation's Circuit Tracks is an all-in-one groovebox with two polyphonic synth tracks, two MIDI tracks and four drum loops. It also has built-in effects and compression so you can start creating straight out of the box. It's been around for a couple of years in various forms but remains a decent piece of hardware that's easy to use and fast to set up. Plus it has the connectivity to play well with other instruments, including a full-sized MIDI in, out and through, and an analogue sync out for hooking it up to drum machines and instruments with built-in sequencers.
  
  Buy here.
- Light It Up
  
  Pioneer DJ is not a brand known for its lightweight headphones. Prior to these, DJs looking for something light and very portable were more likely to spring for a pair of pricey Sennheisers. But the HDJ-CXs have changed that, combining great sound and excellent nuance with minimalistic design. Weighing in at just 136 grams, they are still robust enough to weather long sets and plenty of time on the road, with a stainless-steel construction that passed military-grade testing, according to Pioneer. Both straight and coiled detachable cables and spare ear pads are included, to further lengthen their working life.
  
  Buy here.
- Control the Night
  
  Pioneer DJ's DDJ-REV5 is one of the most fully featured software controllers on the market and one of the best in its price range, for users of Serato and rekordbox. Near-unique features include auto-BPM transition, a smart way to mix between tracks with widely different BPMs and Piano Play, which turns a cue point into a stab that can be played across a piano-key octave. Stem control is excellently implemented and each deck offers up to six FX sends using finger paddles. Unlike its more expensive older sister, the DDJ-REV7, you can also use the REV5 to control up to four decks at once.
  
  Buy here.

Apparel and Accessories

- Friendship Rings
  
  Belgium-based music label. DeeWee, and jewellry brand D'Heygere have come together for a new collaboration featuring the Signet Ring engraved with DeeWee's signature logo. The new product, made of 925 sterling silver, comprises of a built in USB-drive that includes exclusive music from DeeWee as well as one of a kind digital artwork.
  
  Buy here.
- Bundled Up
  
  The oft-tongue-in-cheek Colombian label, Tratratrax, is known not only for their music releases, but also their penchant for, ahem, conversation-starting merch. The latest drop includes their Perreando y Llorando (which roughly translates to "dancing and crying") scarf. Made in Portugal, the accessory is 100% acrylic yarn and double sided for those who want to get the most out of its wear.
  
  Buy here.
- Toy Totes for Adults
  
  New merch alert. Toy Tonics has dropped a new canvas tote bag. Designed by their creative head, Kapote, Toy Tonic merch is 100% original and this cheery yellow tote is made of organic cotton. The versatile piece can be carried as a multi-use hand or shoulder bag.
  
  Buy here.
- Dada Designer
  
  Unsound Festival has released another covetable merch line, this time designed by their "artificially intelligent" artistic director and debuted at a sunset fashion show at the local reservoir. The burnt banknote image on the back of this hoodie is reference to Unsound's earliest venue, the Communist-era Hotel Forum. Based around the idea of absolving personal sins (especially ones committed during the festival), purchasing the hoodie illustrates a conceptual donation to hell, in exchange for redemption.
  
  Buy here.
- No Drinks in the Booth!
  
  Perfect for bad hair days and sweaty post-rave commutes, this hat in crisp cream with blue embroidery is the right accessory to a low key outfit. This classic design is a welcome addition to all wardrobes. Even better, all proceeds go toward the Refuge Worldwide radio platform in Berlin.
  
  Buy here.
- Kindred Keychains
  
  London-based radio platform Kindred presents a keychain to keep your spirit levels in check. The wispy, neon hue of these accessories offers a pop of standout color for those who are prone to losing their keys—or USB sticks. Plot twist, they may also glow in the dark.
  
  Buy here.
- The Right to Dance
  
  Morgan Hislop, DJ, producer and designer joins forces with Waterworks Festival and The Right to Dance to create this eye-catching red graphic t-shirt. All proceeds will go to War Child UK to help children in conflict zones, particularly in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Yemen and other areas.
  
  Buy here.
- Friendship T
  
  The legendary Berlin Atonal festival has released new pieces of merch including the Friendship Head Black T. Made in Berlin and with 100% cotton, this T boasts heady and intricate designs, as shown in the abstract figures on the back. With hand drawn and replicated detailing, this piece is a guaranteed eye catcher and conversation starter.
  
  Buy here.
- Altered Attire (Shameless Plug 1)
  
  We commemorate our 13-hour-affair at Tresor with a limited edition Altered States Crew T. The basic black T features large, neon yellow, bubble-fonted text across the front, making it the most suitable rave attire to stand out under the club lights.
  
  Buy here.
- Shameless Plug 2
  
  Our classic Resident Advisor black tote bag receives its 2023 update. Made with 100% cotton and printed in the UK, the bag—sporting a gridded 3D logo—is a quality addition for any occasion.
  
  Buy here.
- Delusions of Grandeur
  
  Electronic music's provocative favorite LSDXOXO recently re-upped his latest merch including the 'D.O.G' Tee. The rib-necked shirt is made with 100% cotton, and features LSDXOXO's latest EU tour dates on the back, paired with a graphic rendition of a masked figure adorning a 'Lucha Libre' style mask at the front. It's a statement with a capital 'S', just like the artist himself.
  
  Buy here.
- Orange Wink
  
  Esteemed garage label Dr Banana teams up with Sub Sun to release a limited line of sunglasses. Boasting 100% UV protection, these glasses are tinted retro orange, a nod to the 70's, and paired with hand finished acetate coating to reinforce the tortoise shell frames—in their own words, "built to last a life time."
  
  Buy here.
- Drip, Drip, Drip
  
  This past June, RA collaborated with the founder of research and community based brand Water & Music, Cherie Hu, for a guest editorship premised on the intersection between music and tech. Having inspired and cross-pollinated our thoughts, we can't get our minds off their work—which is why we'll be sporting their W+M slightly acid washed, maroon thinking cap all season long.
  
  Buy here.
- Mask On, Mask Off
  
  Cult brand Kuboraum has accessorized the electronic underground for years, sported by the likes of Caterina Barbieri, Space Afrika and Skrillex. Operating under the tagline "made in Italy, dreamed in Berlin," the multifaceted brand just launched their new line of sunglasses, also referred to as masks, that are designed to add definition and highlight the user's personality. This one in particular revamps the trendy Y2K shield glasses into a sleek acetate pair, ready for the floor.
  
  Buy here.
- Radio Reactive
  
  Edinburgh's radio platform EHFM was founded in 2018 as a digital hub for creatives to showcase their work. It has, since, blossomed into an international presence, with reach even across the Atlantic. To help keep operations running, EHFM has introduced merch including the Shopper Tote, with all proceeds going directly to support the radio platform. Wavy, loud graphics paired with simple coloring make for the ideal carry.
  
  Buy here.
- SLINK Snakes
  
  NYC native club-music label, SLINK, and the 3D artist, Radimir Koch present their latest piece—the "Flower Snake" earring. Made with 100% sterling silver, the beautiful serpentine accessory can be bought as a stand alone piece or as a pair.
  
  Buy here.
- Freak Like Me
  
  DJ Deeon is arguably one of the most significant and influential electronic music figures to have come out of Chicago. Having been the pioneer of ghetto house and an early shepherd of footwork, his legacy has widely lived on past his untimely passing earlier this year. To honor his contributions to the music scene, footwork crew Teklife created the Yeah Deeon T. The perfect purchase to commemorate a legend.
  
  Buy here.

Miscellaneous

- DJs Cry Too
  
  DJ Tears is a new natural wine project created by SWAK and members of Berlin collective Einhundert. Born out of a love for wine and music, its founders often combine the two in their event series, which most recently featured a five-hour radio take over with Refuge Worldwide. This specific drop of purple DJ Tears, produced in the Czech Republic, prides itself on tasting "a little bit emo" with notes of spiceyness amidst the wisps of pineapple compote, apricot yogurt and smoke aroma.
  
  Contact to purchase.
- Bandcamp, Best Camp
  
  You know the drill.
  
  Buy here.
- Members Only
  
  Can't get enough of London's infamous club, fabric? We know, and they do too. Fabricfirst, the community platform for fabric lovers is offering limited-time options to get membership benefits for their future events. Both label and club membership options are available, the former prioritizing digital and physical music releases and the latter geared more toward party fanatics who want to fast-track their nights out.
  
  Buy here.
- One Big House
  
  Virginie Kypriotis' 'A Night at Berghain' poster is an ode to Berlin's most infamous (or famous, if you prefer) club, Berghain. The Paris-based artist is known for her unique poster designs which often feature tributes to various international nightlife scenes. This specific poster details the rendevous of a typical night out in Berghain, illustrated with a light-hearted and trippy take on the mingling of hedonism and euphoria on the dance floor. A cyclope Sven even makes an appearance.
  
  Buy here.

Literature

Rave Against the Machine

You Are Never Alone

Synth Gems

Bangers and More

Queer Music History Preservation

Party People

A Quick Ting

Dance Floor Intimacies

Remembering Rex Club

Girl Talk

The Beat, The Scene, The Sound, The City

How Black Music Changed the World

Magical Realism

Temporary Spaces, Forever Places

Technology

Great Sound, No Strings Attached

Back in Black (And Silver)

Vintage 'Verbs

Granular Synthesis at a Snip

Hawtin's Hardware

Made for Mods

Unleash the Beast

Discreet Beats

Polyphonic Powerhouse

Blasts from the Past

Grandmother Knows Best

Circuit Breaker

Light It Up

Control the Night

Apparel and Accessories

Friendship Rings

Bundled Up

Toy Totes for Adults

Dada Designer

No Drinks in the Booth!

Kindred Keychains

The Right to Dance

Friendship T

Altered Attire (Shameless Plug 1)

Shameless Plug 2

Delusions of Grandeur

Orange Wink

Drip, Drip, Drip

Mask On, Mask Off

Radio Reactive

SLINK Snakes

Freak Like Me

Miscellaneous

DJs Cry Too

Bandcamp, Best Camp

Members Only

One Big House