The reissue or box set
Anniversary editions of the albums he grew up with often come with demos, live tracks and liner notes he has never seen. Box sets and remastered vinyl are a lovely way back into records he already knows by heart.
Check the details before you buy. Some reissues are simple repackaging of the same tracks, while deluxe editions add unreleased material. Reading a few reviews will tell you which kind it is, and a fan will notice the difference.
A better way to hear it
If his music still plays through something from the nineties, he will notice the difference straight away. A good digital radio for the kitchen, a wireless speaker for the living room or proper headphones for the garden can make old favourites sound new.
Choose something simple to set up. A dad who loves the music but not the gadgets will enjoy a speaker that connects in one step far more than a system with a manual.
For the record player
If he has kept his records, a new turntable or a cleaning kit gives them a second life. If he gave them away years ago, a turntable is a brilliant excuse to start again, and you can add a record or two from his favourite era.
Many modern turntables also connect to a phone or speaker, so he can play his records through the system he already has. A pair of old favourites to start with turns the first spin into a proper moment.
The book about his band
Band biographies, big photo books and histories of the scene he loved are the kind of present dads actually read, usually in one sitting on Boxing Day.
Autobiographies by musicians he admires are another safe choice, as are lavish photo books from the era he loved. Look for a recent edition with new chapters if he may have read the first.
The gig, for the two of you
If his old favourites are touring again, two tickets for you and him beats any box. If not, a voucher for a local venue or a tribute night can be just as good a night out.
Book early. Tickets for well known acts sell quickly, and a pair of seats together matters more than the price. If you cannot arrange a date, a gift voucher for a ticketing site lets him pick the night himself.
Still stuck? Ask him to start a HintDrop list. It is free, works with any shop, and lets the whole family see what has already been bought, without him seeing who is getting what.
Frequently asked questions
What do you buy a dad who loves music?
Something that adds to the music he already loves: an anniversary reissue, a better speaker or radio, a book about his favourite band, or gig tickets for the two of you.
Is a record player a good gift for dad?
Yes, especially if he still has his old records or always talks about them. Add one record from his favourite era so he can play something straight away.
What if he already owns every album?
Look for reissues with extra tracks, live recordings, box sets or the band's biography. They add something new to music he already knows.
What music gift works for a dad who is not into gadgets?
A music book, a reissue on vinyl or CD, or tickets to see a band from his era. No setup needed.
How much should I spend on a music gift for dad?
A book or a reissue can cost 15 to 30 pounds, a speaker or radio 50 to 100, and gig tickets depend on the act. Pick what suits the family budget; the thought matters more than the price.
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