If you have people on your holiday gift lists that might seem difficult to buy for, audio gifts always come in handy. Put simply: Everybody likes music of some sort. And, everybody else has communication needs related to audio equipment. Your tricky gift-ees must fall into that “everybody” category somewhere.
Related: Automotive Holiday Gift Guide 2014
Below, I’ve assembled a gallery of audio-themed present ideas across the approachable price spectrum. From headphones to speakers and earpieces to microphones, something on this list will click with that difficult gift target amongst your ranks.
2014 Home Audio Gift Guide
If you're looking to add home audio options for someone on your gift life, this collection offers plenty of choices in your budget.
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HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset
PRICE: $64.99
BUY IT NOW: AMAZON
Kingston's latest entry into the Gaming headset market separates itself from competitors by making comfort a focus, in addition to stunning sound clarity. No longer will you have to end a gaming session early due to discomfort. And with compatibility across everything from tablets, to PC, to the PS4, you won't ever want to take them off.
The best part, though, is its affordable price.
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iHome iDL46GC Dual Charging Stereo FM Clock Radio w/ Lightning Dock
PRICE: $99
BUY IT NOW: AMAZON
Everyone who works a 9 to 5 has an alarm clock by their bedside, so the iHome IDL46GC makes an ideal gift for anyone on your list. Because if you have to have it anyway, you might as well have an alarm clock that doubles as a dual-charging stereo complete with a Lightning Dock to charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
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Hercules DJ Control Air+ S
PRICE: $249.99
BUY IT NOW: BHPHOTOVIDEO.COM
With the Hercules DJ Control Air+ S, even if you're not a skilled DJ, you can still sound like one. And if you are, then this is an even better gift thanks to the large jog wheels and 4 velocity sensitive beat pads on each deck allowing you to put on the performance of a lifetime.
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Harman-Kardon Soho
PRICE: $199.95
BUY IT NOW: HarmanKardon.com
Many of Harman-Kardon's products sit on the high end of the consumer stereo spectrum. These Soho-i on-hear headphones provide top quality sound via a Bluetooth connection.
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BEM Wireless Speaker Band
PRICE: $49.95
BUY IT NOW: BEM
The BEM Wireless Speaker wraps around the wrist like a watch and allows you to take your music with you via Bluetooth without need of headphones.
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Moshi Clarus
PRICE: $199
BUY IT NOW: Amazon.com
They fall on the higher end for earbud-style headphones, and maybe they push out of the "affordable" range. But, their advanced visual design and sound quality make them worth the money.
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Jabra Stealth
PRICE: $99.99
BUY IT NOW: Jabra.com
A Bluetooth earpiece aimed primarily at iPhone owners, the Jabra Stealth is a reliable handsfree phone earpiece that interacts with Siri. Its lightweight adds to its comfort no matter how long it lives in your ear.earpiece
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Archos Music Beany
PRICE: $29.99
BUY IT NOW: Archos.com
From the "...You'd think someone else would've thought of this by now..." category, the Archos Music Beany puts Bluetooth headphones in a woolly cap. It's perfect for skiers — or snow shovelers.
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Ecoterra Boombox
PRICE: $149.99
BUY IT NOW: Ecoterra.com
Part protective case, part boombox, the Ecoterra wraps up your MP3 device or smartphone in an impact resistance, waterproof frame with base-thumping speakers for outdoor use.
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Satechi Ridemate
PRICE: $34.99
BUY IT NOW: Satechi.com
While technically not an audio device in and of itself, the Ridemate allows bike riders to take their music with them without the need of headphones. The device clamps onto the handlebars and protects any smartphone, MP3 player or tablet for music playback and other functions.
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JBL Synchros
PRICE: $99.95
BUY IT NOW: JBL.com
Designed for maximum ear security with Bluetooth connectivity, the JBL Synchros are aimed at athletes looking for good sound and fewer cords getting in the way.
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Zinivio BTX450
PRICE: $109.99
BUY IT NOW: Amazon.com
The 10 watt BTX450 provides room filling sound and interacts with your iPhone via Bluetooth. Considering you can find it for sale online for as little as $49, its sound quality can be a steal.
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Blue Microphones Spark
PRICE: $199
BUY IT NOW: Amazon.com
A bit of a curveball here as this gadget takes audio in rather than putting it out via speakers. But, for anyone looking to do their own podcasts or home recording, the Blue Spark offers professional quality studio performance.
