When it comes to gifting, DJs aren’t the easiest bunch. If they use physical records, you could certainly buy some records that they’re likely to enjoy – some of which might get played at gigs – but you could get a record for anybody. So what do you gift to a DJ?
Whether they’re spinning at an underground club, performing at weddings, or mixing tracks in a home studio, DJs tend to love gifts that either enhance their performance or match their unique vibe. Here are some perfect gift ideas to get you started.
1. DJ Headphones
A really solid pair of DJ headphones is the cornerstone of any DJ’s setup. They’re crucial for cueing, mixing, and getting the right feel of a track before it hits the speakers. What’s more, the headphones need to be able to provide enough isolation from the loud club environment for the DJ to accurately hear what’s going on with the tracks.
A set of headphones is unlikely to be able to do both tasks especially well – closed-back headphones provide isolation from the environment but often at the cost of a more natural frequency response (they often artificially boost the bass) – so consider getting either a pair of headphones that works especially well for mixing/production or a pair that works well in a live environment.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros, for example, are a super popular choice for studio applications such as creating songs, and Sennheiser HD25s are especially liked for live situations due to their isolation.
2. Portable DJ Controller
A portable DJ controller is a gift that any DJ can appreciate, especially if they’re always on the go. These compact devices let them practise their craft wherever they are, whether they’re touring, travelling, or even just hanging out at a friend’s place. Controllers like the Pioneer DJ DDJ-200 or the Numark DJ2GO2 are lightweight, powerful, and easy to use with popular DJ software. Think of it as a DJ’s instrument!
3. Record Crates or Vinyl Storage
For vinyl-loving DJs, adequate storage is always at a premium. Vinyl records can be delicate and need to be stored correctly to prevent damage. A stylish, sturdy record crate or vinyl storage unit not only helps keep a collection organised but also adds a decorative element to any DJ’s home or studio. Look for wooden crates or metal racks that have enough space for a growing collection and are easy to transport to gigs.
4. DJ Laptop Stand
A DJ’s laptop is, for largely digital DJs, essentially their command centre, and having it positioned at the right height and angle is crucial during performances. A sturdy, portable laptop stand is a highly practical gift that will keep their equipment safe and easily accessible. Look for adjustable stands that are durable and compact, allowing DJs to set up their gear seamlessly at home or on stage. This is a gift that may not seem flashy, but it’s one that’ll get used at every gig – making it invaluable.
5. Custom USB Drives
One thing you don’t often realise is how much storage space music takes – sure, it’s not as much as video, but a DJ often needs a lot of music to hand, and that means a good USB drive or external hard drive. But why not make it more personal? A custom drive, perhaps engraved with the DJ’s name or logo, is a small but thoughtful gift that adds a personal touch to their workflow.
We’d recommend opting for high-capacity drives – and make sure they’re SSD drives rather than the more traditional hard drives. SSD drives are much faster, and this is essential for efficiently loading and playing music from the drive itself.
6. DJ Bag or Backpack
A reliable bag for transporting equipment can be the difference between massively stressful load-ins and just turning up, plugging a few cables in, and getting dancing. DJ-specific backpacks are designed with multiple compartments to safely carry specific gear like headphones, USB drives, and even small controllers.
And these bags tend to be built for durability, with padded sections for fragile items and plenty of pockets for organising cables and accessories. This is especially practical if your DJ friend or loved one is often on the move.
7. LED DJ Lights
DJs are not usually just about sound – they’re there to create an atmosphere. If you have the budget, help them elevate their gigs with some cool, portable LED DJ lights.
Compact and battery-powered options can create wonderful visual effects, often syncing to the beat of the music. The only note here is that you may want to watch a number of reviews before choosing an option as there are few things more embarrassing than turning up to a DJ gig in a big club with a tiny revolving mirror ball light.
8. Sound-Activated Light Strips
These work similarly to DJ lights but tend to be more useful for home studios. As the name suggests, they’re sound activated to change colour or pulse in time with music and, being strips, they can be placed along walls, around equipment, or under furniture to create a vibing environment.
9. Music Production Software Subscription
This one’s a little risky for the seasoned DJ because they’re likely to already have the software they need – and once you’re comfortable with a certain DAW (the software used for making or recording music), you tend to be quite hesitant to swap!
However, this is a lovely gift for trying to encourage a aspiring DJ to get more creative. Having access to software like Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Logic Pro X means that you’re able to do a lot of creative changes to music rather than “simply” playing a playlist.
10. Metal Posters: A Unique and Stylish Gift
Finally, for the DJ who’s already completely kitted out, consider an unexpected and artistic gift: metal posters. If they’ve already got all the tools to make music and DJ expertly, then often what’s needed is something to set the mood and provide inspiration. Our beautifully printed posters offer a choice from thousands of designs – whether that’s for a particularly favourite film franchise, a game series, or a particularly loved other DJ of theirs.
Using our innovative magnet sticker mounting method, they’re really easy to mount to walls and even easier to move around if your DJ friend needs a change of scene. Check out our posters here.
