A Rough Guide To: The Best Gift Ideas for Vinyl Lovers

Vinyl record sales have been on the rise for the last 15 years, even overtaking CD sales. A combination of OG collectors adding to their stash and a rebirth among younger listeners has seen the value of vinyl increasing.

But what do you buy the record lover that already has all their favourites on the shelf?

Here, we take a look at a selection of essential gifts to put a smile on the face of any record lover (and the perfect compliment to our Essential album range).

The Best Gift Ideas for Vinyl Lovers

So Young Magazine Subscription

An old-school music medium isn’t just about traditional artists. Some of the most important artists in any vinyl collection are the new, alternative and underground conversation starters – bringing a new sound to the classic medium.

So Young specialise in bringing underrepresented and up-and-coming artists to the forefront, inspiring the next vinyl record purchase. We love 'em.

With the difficult landscape print media now faces, a magazine subscription is not only a perfect gift for anyone looking to stay in the know, but an important purchase in support of upholding the beloved music print community.

READ: 10 Years of So Young Magazine

Marshall Audio

Since 2024, Rough Trade is excited to partner with an original giant of British audio, Marshall. Rough Trade customers can also get their hands on a selection of Marshall products in-store and online, with Rough Trade listening stations equipped with the brand’s headphones, offering fans a truly immersive experience.

For those with Bluetooth vinyl players, the Action III speaker from Marshall is the perfect gift for amplifying the authentic vinyl sound without losing its unique quality - perfect for house parties, barbecues and gatherings.

For music on the go, meet Major V, an update on the iconic rugged headphones with 100+ solid hours of wireless playtime. Marshall have fine-tuned their signature sound you know and love with custom-tuned dynamic drivers, and reduced distortion meaning you can hear your music with absolute clarity.

New to Rough Trade - the Monitor III A.N.C. headphones. Hit play and fully immerse yourself in thunderous bass and screaming highs with this chart-topping addition to Marshall's headphone line-up. Created with enhanced active noise cancelling technology and all-day listening in mind, these headphones let you block out unwanted sounds in complete comfort. Enjoy hours and hours of your favourite music, from the first track to the final drumbeat.

Rough Trade x Very Goods Studio - Incense Sticks

Some things just make cense.

Light up your life (and your listening) with this fifteen-stick incense set, packaged inside a bespoke Rough Trade branded box. Like all Very Goods Studio's products these are handcrafted using only high-quality natural ingredients, cruelty-free and non-toxic. An intoxicating bespoke fragrance of pine, grapefruit, patchouli, smoky birch and bay leaf.

Pro-Ject x Rough Trade - OM10

The Pro-Ject x Rough Trade Turntable, handmade in Europe, and now customised with the Rough Trade logo. The belt system works well, and the tonearm balancing and anti-skate are also top quality. This turntable promises clarity and does not disappoint. Rest assured, this is a turntable that can also withstand being played fairly loud without feedback.

With built-in phono preamp this turntable should be straightforward to set up to your speaker system. You also have the option of pairing your phone or headphones via Bluetooth. It's a great weight for a desk or fairly lightweight table so a great shout for one to get started with in a casual home set-up.

Rough Trade x Very Goods Studio Scented Candle

Get Lit.

Burn this intoxicating bespoke smoky fragrance, in partnership with the fragrant folk at Very Goods Studio.

Music isn’t only about sound, it’s about setting a mood, creating a connection and stimulating emotions. Strike that tone even better and amplify your music rituals by incorporating the sweet and smoky scents of our exclusive, Limited Edition candle.

Rough Trade Tote Bag

Vinyl is delicate and can be damaged when not transported or stored properly - and vinyl lovers may even face the challenge of getting their latest buys home from the record store safely.

With one of our stylish, secure and (frankly) iconic tote bags, getting newly acquired vinyl home in one piece has never been easier. They also double up as an ultra-cool general carryall, beach bag, plastic free shopper... the list goes on.

Instant Camera

Nothing screams ‘vintage’ like a picture of a vinyl collection taken with an instant camera.

This is the perfect gift idea for a loved one who wants to photograph their vinyl collection in a style eliciting a strong pre-2000s analogue feel that blends in well with the hobby of vinyl collecting. Maybe they can even create a portable scrapbook of their collection to show off to other collectors?

Amy Winehouse Foundation Line – Fred Perry

Fashion and music are intrinsically tied together, and looking the part is key for the modern music lover. So, why not pick up a new piece for their wardrobe to complement their style?

Band merchandise is always a welcome gift for record lovers. But for those looking to switch up the game, unique vintage-style pieces – such as the latest Amy Winehouse Foundation collection by Fred Perry, informed by Amy’s fashion-forward attitude, with high-glamour styling perfect for your festive nights out - might be the perfect gift.

Wide Receivers x Rough Trade

"Like most creative endeavours, Wide Receivers was born of a combination of an overactive mind, boredom and a desire to make something if not exactly new, but something useful. With a focus on using sustainable, durable materials, Wide Receivers is designed and made by hand in my home studio in Leith, Scotland. I want my products to last, so a wide range of tough, sustainable fabrics are used, from ripstop nylon and cotton, to X-pac, a light and highly water-resistant fabric frequently used in backpacks."

Albie Clark, Wide Receivers Founder

Scene Here: Liverpool

Exclusive!

More incredible work from our dear friends in the North, Dorothy, this time a comprehensive look at the Liverpool music scene. From the Beatles to Modern Sky (everyone's there!) and compiled from customer suggestions on the wall of Rough Trade Liverpool.

Rough Trade Sweatshirt

For fans of Rough Trade and our unrivalled collection of vinyl, look no further than our signature embroidered sweatshirt.

Made from 100% organic cotton, our ‘classic’ sweatshirt is as comfortable as it is stylish - and makes the perfect gift for music fans looking to show off their passion for classic records.

Tatty Devine x Gossip

Whether you’re Standing In The Way of Control or looking to swap that Heavy Cross for easy-to-wear accessories turned band merch: you’ll go crazy, crazy, crazy over front-woman Beth Ditto’s iconic visage laser cut in 100% recycled acrylic and etched and hand-inked brooches emblazoned with sing-along lyrics.

Designed in east London and handmade in the UK: £3 per piece sold is donated to a charity close to Gossip’s hearts, Doctors Without Borders, who provide medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare.

Jazz Club Fragrance - Replica

Vinyl is popular for the experience it creates - with listeners immersing themselves in the sound of their favourite records.

Complement the listening experience with a matching fragrance for a quirky gift idea any record lover will enjoy.

For example, the Replica Jazz Club diffuser, scented candle or eaux de toilette brings the jazz club to the home with a true-to-life fragrance. Perfect for partnering with a new or classic jazz record.

Rough Trade x Manhattan Portage Mini Messenger Bag

Manhattan Portage has been designing and producing urban lifestyle bags since 1983, pioneering the manufacture of authentic messenger bags used by New York City's bicycle messengers. 

Collaborating with this original, adaptable brand to provide Rough Trade style world-ready fashion we highly recommend this miniature version of their classic messenger silhouette, a festival staple with surprising capacity – easily fitting phones, miniature notebooks and even a light windbreaker.

Rough Trade Beanies and Caps

It is rumoured that you lose between 40% to 45% of your body heat through an unprotected head. But fear not, we have a solution. Pick up one of these Rough Trade 'Fisherman' beanies in mid heather grey, black or green colour-ways.

Alternatively, opt for our slightly heavier weight style cap to our classic five panel, fashioned in black cord with embroidered front logo panel. 

We Are Rewind Cassette Player

The cassette player, reinvented.

Like the old-school cassette players, We Are Rewind's players have fast forward/rewind buttons, a headphone output, a volume control and an audio input so you can create your own mixtapes. But because you have to keep up with the times, they've added a few modern touches. First, they have replaced the batteries with a rechargeable lithium battery that provides up to 12 hours of continuous playback. It's more practical and environmentally friendly! They also built in a Bluetooth 5.1 connection so you can connect the player to your headphones or wireless speaker in seconds. It may not sound like much, but it's a world first.

Need somewhere to store your growing collecting of tapes? Check this rack.

Matching wireless headphones? We got you.

Microfibre Vinyl Record Cleaning Cloth

Keep your precious collection in Near Mint condition with this 100% microfibre cleaning cloth.

Can be used alongside Near Mint 360 Vinyl Cleaning Solution.

UK and Ireland Song Map

Similar to the original street map edition, the UK and Ireland Song Map by Dorothy covers the entirety of the U.K. and Ireland with over 1,400 themed song titles.

A perfect pick for any music fan to boast about their knowledge of music when friends are round.

Abbey Road: The Inside Story of The World’s Most Famous Recording Studio

For those who enjoy learning about the history of music, look no further than this fascinating book by Rough Trade customer favourite David Hepworth.

‘Abbey Road’ takes a look at the inner workings of the world-famous music studio. And for fans of The Beatles, the foreword is by none other than Paul McCartney.

A perfect read while listening to your Beatles vinyl collection.

Lyric Prints

Why not turn their favourite record into a new piece of art? Lyric prints are posters that turn meaningful lyrics from any song into a visual display.

Many online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay are home to sellers and artists able to create unique and personal lyric prints for just about any song. These look pretty perfect alongside a vinyl frame or record shelf in any bedroom or home office.

Rough Trade 'Terrace' Scarf

Whether you are queuing up outside one of our events, walking the dog or showing your support from the terraces, our 'football style' scarf will keep your neck warm this winter. 

Limited!

Rough Trade Black Slipmat

Looking to help a loved one spruce up their turntable with a stylish and unique brand logo?

Look no further than our Rough Trade slip mat, available in a single or double pack that provides ample protection for your vinyl.

Rough Trade Club Membership or Gift Card

The perfect record collection is never complete – with new vinyl releases each week worthy of a spot in any music lover’s stash. So, why not give the record lover in your life the gift of new music?

Rough Trade Club is a carefully curated music subscription service. Not only does membership come with a handpicked Rough Trade Exclusive vinyl pressing or CD each month but it also offers members free shipping year-round at roughtrade.com, plus exclusive early access to select live events and online sales.

Membership starts from just £15 a month.

Let them choose.

Alternatively, Rough Trade gift cards are also available in values of £10-200 - making the perfect Christmas stocking filler or a birthday gift that keeps giving all year round.

More, more more.

Looking for gifts for music lovers, but can't find what you're looking for in this feature? Try browsing our extensive range of gift suggestions in Rough Trade's online Gift Shop.