Stocking Stuffers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Rob Putnam

2021 has been another challenging year. But one of the many lights at the end of the turbulent tunnel is Music Connection’s annual and invaluable stocking stuffer gift ideas for the holidays. Worth its weight in gold records, it stands as yet another symbol of our unyielding, unstinting commitment to service (you’re welcome). Think of it as if Eddie Van Halen, Janis Joplin and Prince got together in the great hereafter and compiled this inventory of sublime stuff for stockings. Have we overstated the case? Doesn’t matter, because if you’ve read this far, the indoctrination is already complete.

Infinity Orb Magnetic Levitating Speaker $89.99

There are few things cooler than a levitating speaker. Except, of course, for nearly everything else on this year’s list. The only potential problem is that you may have to get flight clearance from the FAA anytime you want to listen to Kanye West. Then again, Ye might insist that any of his songs would make speakers levitate anyway. But since these are guaran-Yeed to float, grab ‘em to be on the safe side. tinyurl.com/27us2shy

Sing Like Never Before

$49.95 (Kindle or paperback)

Six years in the writing, Justin Stoney’s Sing Like Never Before sets itself apart from other vocal coaching books in that it includes hundreds of note-worthy illustrations. This is a great title for a vocalcoaching book, but bad legal advice for a mob associate while being interrogated. But Stoney has given thousands of voice lessons throughout his career, therefore it’s unlikely to be construed as legal guidance. tinyurl. com/4zupe2aa, singlikeneverbefore.com

Music-themed Socks

$8.00 and up

Stuff these stocking-stuffer socks into your favorite musician’s stocking this year. Sockologie has nearly 100 different musicinspired socks from which to choose. If you can’t find something that you like here, you either secretly hate your friend or you’re the Ebenezer Scrooge of footwear. With these socks, you’ll keep your feet both warm and cool concurrently. sockologie.com

Customized Flash Drives

Prices vary

A USB drive with a band’s name and/or logo can be a handy way to present sample tracks to industry folk. Even if a recipient takes a while to listen to the music, they're likely to repurpose the flash drive, ultimately, which keeps the band name front and center, mentally. There are various companies that offer this service and price tends to vary with quantity, so look around. Some starting points include premiumusb.com, customusb.com and flashbay. com. Disc Makers (discmakers.com) even offers cassette-style drives at around $9 apiece.

Hilitchi 26-piece Guitar Repair Tool Kit $17.64

This tool kit was designed with guitars in mind, but it tackles tech tasks for a number of other stringed instruments such as ukulele, bass and perhaps even a marionette. Amongst its arsenal are variously shaped files, an exchangeable screwdriver and everything needed for string changes. If the tool kit is used even once during a performance emergency, it will have been worth the cover charge and then some. tinyurl.com/2ybcssz9

Custom Vinyl Prices vary

Vinyl has never not been hip. If the musician in your life has recorded any tracks, they'd probably love to see and hear their songs on vinyl. Allow them to be among the rare few who can say “I’ve got a record out” and actually mean it. There are a number of outfits that offer this service. If your friend doesn’t have a turntable, they’ll know someone who does, so a listening party could be an incidental bonus. Check out these sites: freestylevinyl.com, intheclouds.io, americanvinylco.com

Treble Clef Paper Clips $6.97

(6 colors, 50 pieces)

Sometimes small reminders of a person’s passion can have a profound effect. This assortment of colorful treble clef paperclips can be a shiny source of daily inspiration to any musician. Who knows, paper clips may have even been the inspiration for songs such as “Paperlate,” “Paperback Writer” and even 50 Cent’s “Fully Loaded Clip.” For seven bucks, it’s hard to go wrong. But easy to go right. tinyurl.com/pubtwanb

MuseScore Free!

The ratio of musicians who can’t read or write music to the subset that can is likely high. Many who lack the skill would perhaps love to acquire it, but often can’t find the time or discipline. However, with MuseScore, musicians can begin to add this asset to their artistic portfolios as they notate music. That is, they learn by doing. Moreover, MuseScore is a free application. The company has also uploaded a number of free (there’s that word again) tutorial videos. Gift-givers can simply download MuseScore to a flash drive and slip it into their musician's stocking. Even if it’s never used, the notoriously useful flash drive will doubtless be recycled wisely. musescore.org

Record Coasters

$5.99 (Set of 6)

If you know a musician, then you know someone who could use a coaster or six. Better yet, in the form of a record. Four inches in diameter, they’re made of glass. Amazon has a similar offering––coasters made of vinyl, if the intended recipient insists on coasting it old-school. tinyurl.com/7a3we87z,

tinyurl.com/9j83e8mw

Marshall JCM 800

Amp Head Rug $21.91 and up

Marshall amps have been nearly synonymous with rock & roll ever since Pete Townshend complained that conventional amplifiers simply weren't loud enough. This throw rug comes in three sizes and is likely the perfect accent to the floor of any rec room, den or rug-deficient studio. It may not go to 11, but it’ll certainly go on your floor. tinyurl.com/bcwnwfsm

Drum Tuning Key $7.99

It’s easy for drummers to feel overlooked or even ignored in a world where lead vocalists and guitarists tend to claim the vast majority of the on-stage glory. Let them know that they're not forgotten with a set of tuning keys that fit quarter-inch socket square drum key tension rods. They come in a set of three with an additional continuous motion speed key thrown in for free. If the drummer still feels neglected… then buy him or her a guitar.