My Favorite Thing — The Gift of Music
I can’t carry a tune, but I love music. Whether it is soothing acoustics to calm down my household, celebratory songs to get my kids up and going on a fun day, or female anthems to belt out when no one else is home, there is nothing like music to enhance my home and my day. At this time of year, I don’t need musical talent to share the gift of music. This holiday season, give music to those on your list, and make sure to hook up your own personal sound system, for great entertaining and to rock out to Pat Benatar when no one is looking.
- Sonos. This system has literally changed my life. We had the house hardwired for sound a decade ago, but it was cumbersome and complicated. With Sonos, all you need are the speakers and wifi and you are good to go. Blast the same song throughout the house, or have different tunes going in different rooms. It is all at the touch of a button on your phone.
- Music subscription. Give a teen in your life a year of commercial-free music with Spotify or Pandora. For just dollars a month, you have practically the entire music library in your hand — except Taylor Swift. As I type this, I’m listening to Adele Radio on Pandora and song after song, it does not disappoint.
- Beats Headphones. They are definitely pricey, but if you are looking for a special gift, worth the money. The sound is excellent and when traveling, they drown out even the most annoying of little siblings. Groupon Goods occasionally has them on sale, so be on the lookout.
- Bluetooth speakers. These range in price and for the most part, you get what you pay for. You don’t need to go high end if you are buying for a bedroom, but for the great outdoors, you may want to splurge a little more. You can get personal. I was at Sports Authority last night and saw Millennium Falcon speakers for your Star Wars fan. You can get waterproof ones for your shower singer or dancing water ones for your hippie chick.
- Extra earbuds. These make a great stocking stuffer. If your home is anything like mine, you are always losing earbuds and chargers. You can have some fun with shapes and styles, or just go for the classic from Apple. Life was certainly simpler before technology, but then again, I couldn’t hit this here button and blast REO Speedwagon, now could I?