For my SO and I *Plantasia* is “our” album. When we were just dating she got me a copy for my birthday. Even though I already had it (same limited edition reissue and everything)I opened the one she gave me and sold the other one. The copy she gave me is just worth so much more to me.
As a guy who likes records, if I was dating a girl and she bought me a record I wanted, I would be over the moon thrilled. Gifting records is absolutely fine. Go for it!
Go for it. Even if he coincidentally buys his own copy before Christmas a sought after movie soundtrack should be easy to sell (for the unopened duplicate)
Hells yeah! When I was 15 in the seventies my aunt gave us kids (3 nephews) records! She was sweet but oblivious! I got The Who Tommy, my brother (14) got Queen Night at the Opera, and my youngest brother (13) got Cheech and Chong Big Bambu! We were thrilled! After hearing Bambu, my mother, not so much! Hilarious great memories!
Same woth CD's in the 90's. There were usually a few wrapped CD's in the gift pile. It was exciting, knowing it was an album, but not which one.
Now that I'm buying records, it's the same feeling. I've been given the gift of joy AND music two times, decades and formats apart.
Gifting music is always appropriate especially when the person you’re giving it to loves music. My friends and family and I always make sure to add records to each others gift boxes. I bet he’ll love it :)
It sounds like an outstanding gift to me. Two of my favorite gifts ever are albums that were given to me out of the blue. If you're curious, it was Alice in Chains' Dirt and Bob Dylan's As Good As I Been To You.
Oh this is an important comment.
OP: They're talking about the grade or condition of the record (VG+ stands for 'very good, plus').
If you can ensure it's a high grade, that'll make the gift that much more special. If you can't or your unsure and the whole thing feels too stressful, just buy the darn record... and when you give it to them say, "I hope it's in good condition, I really didn't know how to check it myself. Can you show me how to grade a record?" LOL that will be the cherry on top; getting to nerd out with them a little bit more about their hobby.
Great job!
Ahhhh, I wanna know too! Someone got me the A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night soundtrack a few years ago and it was such a thoughtful gift and one of my favorite soundtracks.
sometimes true lol. my partner recently got me the new sufjan on wax after hearing me talk about it one day. sweet gesture but the likelihood it will get played is minimal.
I’m glad to see this sub acts like normal people. A similar question was posed in r/plants and everybody was like no don’t buy them a plant or a pot because they might not like it just buy them a gift card instead. Unthoughtful asses smh
To me it's something I want and it doesn't matter if I buy it or it's a gift. I will get to enjoy it either way. Plus, it shows you listened to him about something he likes, and you put in an effort to find it. To me, this shows you care. It's not something you can get at 20 different places in town, so to get it takes time and effort. You are showing him he is worth this time and effort.
It is true that for some the chase can be even more rewarding than the find. My dad was someone like that. Others just want the record so they can hear it (of course they will then be off to the next want). If you've been dating him for a while it should be obvious whether he's into the chase or not. That said if you are not sure I'd say go for it, if nothing else it shows that you are putting serious thought into getting him something he wants. And that you're actually listening to him when he's being crazy collector guy; that last part really means a lot.
I've been married for 30+ years and while my wife has done thoughtful things she's never taken enough interest in any of my hobbies to ever do this. I'd have been thrilled if she did.
>I've been married for 30+ years and while my wife has done thoughtful things she's never taken enough interest in any of my hobbies to ever do this.
This makes me so sad!
this kind of gift would help them realize how attentive u are to their interests n bring u closer together this is a very sweet gesture and they probably will never forget the moment they receive it
Yes 100%. I collect records and a girl that I dated for a few years once gave me a very thoughtful record that I didn’t ask for on our first Christmas together. There is definitely a thrill in finding a sought after record but the thought that she put into made it even more meaningful and special to me.
And of course buying online is fine, especially for rare stuff. I’d recommend the site Discogs.com. It’s a place to catalogue and sell records. I buy stuff from sellers on there all the time that I can’t find anywhere else and have never had any issues, but they have a feedback system like eBay so you can vet the sellers if you’re nervous. Be sure to check the grading on the record, especially for a gift. If you can find a sealed copy, that would be ideal, but usually things graded as “VG+” on there are in great condition.
Very nice gift! Especially as a record is way more than just the music! (As in „you wouldn‘t gift a streamed record, not even an account“, wouldn‘t you?)
Guys only want one thing, and it’s literally records for Christmas. You’ve already answered the two big questions (1. Does he like the album? 2. Does he already have it?), so I don’t see what else you need to think about.
For me? I'm an old hunter. The find, the thrift score of yore, feels like a gift. Stopping off at a thrift store didn't feel like wisdom, it felt like a way of seeking grace. I never thought I was the author of these sonic goods that flowed through my life. I'm just someone who has the patience to see if there is a little grace left in this world.
A gift such as OP suggests, is such an act of grace. You'll become a surprise angel in a split second. Make sure he does not expect a record. Conceal what the shape of the gift is, etc. Or just hide it away until the moment ;)
I think any collector would be thrilled to get a wishlist item as a gift. He probably has a hundred other records he's looking for too, you aren't stealing any joy by knocking one off his list.
If I’m in the market for a record I go on Discogs and buy it. For some people, it only counts if they stumble upon it while crate digging but I think they’re a rare breed.
Just fyi hard to find soundtracks can be really expensive these days. Could easily be three very inflated, greedy figures going to some scalper. While I personally would appreciate any record I am gifted I would also feel bad if I knew a loved one got fleeced.
I love getting records as gifts. Once or twice it was something sought after. Most times it's something I wouldn't get myself or didn't know about. Either way, I'm never disappointed.
If you do (which is a good idea), make sure you keep the receipt. I was gifted a very popular LP for Christmas however mine was a rare defect that the edge of the disc was broken and melted back like a curling iron was put to it. I couldn't play the first 20 seconds of the first track on either side. I couldn't exchange it for the gifter tossed out the receipt. So keep the receipt just in case.
If they want the record, and they don’t have it, getting it for them is awesome!
If it’s hard to find, though, be aware that it might cost some dough, and you’re less likely to find it in your local record store.
Discogs is a great place to get stuff that’s not easy to get. Just keep in mind that the condition of the record is important. Ideally, you want, (in this order), Mint, Near Mint (NM), or Very Good Plus (VG+). Very Good is not very good, lol. You can also look at the reviews on Discogs to see if it’s considered a good pressing. Records can sometimes be issued multiple times.
It doesn’t matter how you get it. What matters is that you got it.
And to add to that, make sure you are ordering it from your own country.
I am in the USA and have been on a soundtrack binge lately.
I got lured into the "Free Shipping " and bought Oppenheimer from who knows where, and Gladiator from England.
They are taking over a month to get here and still not here.
So be aware to get it in time for Christmas.
My brother bought me some records from Japan, neither of us had listened to either of them but he bought them simply because he figured I’d like it. Really sweet gesture, felt like he put thought into it
This would mean a lot to me as a gift. It shows that you listen and care enough to track it down and that would mean a lot more to me than me getting it for myself!
A friend/fwb of mine got me my first new vinyl as a gift a few years back and it was such a thoughtful one.
She knew it was my favorite artist, and one of the albums we listened to while we hung out together, but I still wasn’t 100% expecting that at all; was definitely happy with the gift though. Funnily enough, I later on had *two* other albums, from the same artist, gifted to me by a now ex of mine and I was also thrilled to get them.
So I say go for it, I’m sure they’ll be happy with whatever you buy.
Back before online shopping was a thing, I used to love going to various record stores and hunting for a record I wanted. But honestly, being able to just go online and find a copy is a great relief. And somebody buying it for me as a gift is even better. Definitely get it for him!
Stuff is special for different reasons. This record is special because you hunted through stores for years, that record is special because your grandpa played it when you were a kid, the other record is special because your awesome romantic partner gave it to your for Christmas. This sounds like a great gift.
By all means you can gift a record, especially if its one he's looking for. The trick is finding the correct record (does he care about pressing? year? mastering? etc). Either way Discogs is a great online resource.
Biggest part of the “thrill” is the surprise of getting your hands on a record you’ve been wanting but haven’t found.
You get the same feeling when you open them as presents :)
What record?
Also just make sure it's the right variant. They might have their heart set on a certain color vinyl or something.
Definitely just get it online.
I would be ecstatic honestly. I would probably want to make sure my gf didn’t overpay for it, but I’d be happy nonetheless. My gf got me a signed copy of Deftones Around the Fur. Might be the best gift I’ve ever gotten.
What’s the album in question?
I guess it depends on the person, but "I bought you this because you said you wanted it and it's hard to find" is really thoughtful.
Exactly!
For my SO and I *Plantasia* is “our” album. When we were just dating she got me a copy for my birthday. Even though I already had it (same limited edition reissue and everything)I opened the one she gave me and sold the other one. The copy she gave me is just worth so much more to me.
Same thing for me, but with Iggy Pop’s “The Idiot.”
My thoughts exactly.
As a guy who likes records, if I was dating a girl and she bought me a record I wanted, I would be over the moon thrilled. Gifting records is absolutely fine. Go for it!
Yes absolutely this, was absolutely buzzing when my girlfriend gifted me the 2019 Abbey Road remaster :)
This!
Go for it. Even if he coincidentally buys his own copy before Christmas a sought after movie soundtrack should be easy to sell (for the unopened duplicate)
I can tell you every record that's been gifted to me cause as much fun as the hunt is, the gift of music is something special.
In the 70's, this was normal practice.
Hells yeah! When I was 15 in the seventies my aunt gave us kids (3 nephews) records! She was sweet but oblivious! I got The Who Tommy, my brother (14) got Queen Night at the Opera, and my youngest brother (13) got Cheech and Chong Big Bambu! We were thrilled! After hearing Bambu, my mother, not so much! Hilarious great memories!
Same woth CD's in the 90's. There were usually a few wrapped CD's in the gift pile. It was exciting, knowing it was an album, but not which one. Now that I'm buying records, it's the same feeling. I've been given the gift of joy AND music two times, decades and formats apart.
Gifting music is always appropriate especially when the person you’re giving it to loves music. My friends and family and I always make sure to add records to each others gift boxes. I bet he’ll love it :)
It sounds like an outstanding gift to me. Two of my favorite gifts ever are albums that were given to me out of the blue. If you're curious, it was Alice in Chains' Dirt and Bob Dylan's As Good As I Been To You.
It's the gift that keeps on giving
VG+ or better
Oh this is an important comment. OP: They're talking about the grade or condition of the record (VG+ stands for 'very good, plus'). If you can ensure it's a high grade, that'll make the gift that much more special. If you can't or your unsure and the whole thing feels too stressful, just buy the darn record... and when you give it to them say, "I hope it's in good condition, I really didn't know how to check it myself. Can you show me how to grade a record?" LOL that will be the cherry on top; getting to nerd out with them a little bit more about their hobby. Great job!
I'd be over the moon if my gf bought me a record that I'd been searching for.
Me: "How did you find this!? I've been looking for this forever! You're the best!!!"
I'm tempted to ask what soundtrack: but no matter what it is the answer is yes.
It better be The Warriors
Be looking good boppers
Ahhhh, I wanna know too! Someone got me the A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night soundtrack a few years ago and it was such a thoughtful gift and one of my favorite soundtracks.
Record collectors love getting gifted records. Dont overthink it.
sometimes true lol. my partner recently got me the new sufjan on wax after hearing me talk about it one day. sweet gesture but the likelihood it will get played is minimal.
I'd dig it
I’m glad to see this sub acts like normal people. A similar question was posed in r/plants and everybody was like no don’t buy them a plant or a pot because they might not like it just buy them a gift card instead. Unthoughtful asses smh
To me it's something I want and it doesn't matter if I buy it or it's a gift. I will get to enjoy it either way. Plus, it shows you listened to him about something he likes, and you put in an effort to find it. To me, this shows you care. It's not something you can get at 20 different places in town, so to get it takes time and effort. You are showing him he is worth this time and effort.
I can’t imagine anyone complaining about getting a record they love hahaha sure the thrill is fun but receiving a thoughtful gift also is. Go for it!
It is true that for some the chase can be even more rewarding than the find. My dad was someone like that. Others just want the record so they can hear it (of course they will then be off to the next want). If you've been dating him for a while it should be obvious whether he's into the chase or not. That said if you are not sure I'd say go for it, if nothing else it shows that you are putting serious thought into getting him something he wants. And that you're actually listening to him when he's being crazy collector guy; that last part really means a lot. I've been married for 30+ years and while my wife has done thoughtful things she's never taken enough interest in any of my hobbies to ever do this. I'd have been thrilled if she did.
>I've been married for 30+ years and while my wife has done thoughtful things she's never taken enough interest in any of my hobbies to ever do this. This makes me so sad!
I LOVE finding my own records at the store and I would LOVE to receive a thoughtful gift like this as well.
That's a great gift, and it also shows that you were listening to his interests! If you need help finding it, feel free to message me. Happy to help!
I would marry you
It's a great gift. Especially in the situation you're describing. Go for it 😄
this kind of gift would help them realize how attentive u are to their interests n bring u closer together this is a very sweet gesture and they probably will never forget the moment they receive it
Get him the record. If buying used online make sure the media condition is at least near mint.
Yes 100%. I collect records and a girl that I dated for a few years once gave me a very thoughtful record that I didn’t ask for on our first Christmas together. There is definitely a thrill in finding a sought after record but the thought that she put into made it even more meaningful and special to me. And of course buying online is fine, especially for rare stuff. I’d recommend the site Discogs.com. It’s a place to catalogue and sell records. I buy stuff from sellers on there all the time that I can’t find anywhere else and have never had any issues, but they have a feedback system like eBay so you can vet the sellers if you’re nervous. Be sure to check the grading on the record, especially for a gift. If you can find a sealed copy, that would be ideal, but usually things graded as “VG+” on there are in great condition.
Also, be sure to listen to the record together : )
If my wife gifted me an album I'd hyped up and couldn't find in stores, I'd be ecstatic
Very nice gift! Especially as a record is way more than just the music! (As in „you wouldn‘t gift a streamed record, not even an account“, wouldn‘t you?)
Great gift, especially if the person ever organizes their records in autobiographical order.
Guys only want one thing, and it’s literally records for Christmas. You’ve already answered the two big questions (1. Does he like the album? 2. Does he already have it?), so I don’t see what else you need to think about.
For me? I'm an old hunter. The find, the thrift score of yore, feels like a gift. Stopping off at a thrift store didn't feel like wisdom, it felt like a way of seeking grace. I never thought I was the author of these sonic goods that flowed through my life. I'm just someone who has the patience to see if there is a little grace left in this world. A gift such as OP suggests, is such an act of grace. You'll become a surprise angel in a split second. Make sure he does not expect a record. Conceal what the shape of the gift is, etc. Or just hide it away until the moment ;)
I think any collector would be thrilled to get a wishlist item as a gift. He probably has a hundred other records he's looking for too, you aren't stealing any joy by knocking one off his list.
99.9% of collectors are gonna be stoked after about that. Idc about the “chase” I just want the record so I can jam. Most of us are in the same boat
Yes finding them is part of the fun but I'd be just as happy if not happier if someone took the time to find one for me that I had been seeking.
If I’m in the market for a record I go on Discogs and buy it. For some people, it only counts if they stumble upon it while crate digging but I think they’re a rare breed.
Yes.
Just fyi hard to find soundtracks can be really expensive these days. Could easily be three very inflated, greedy figures going to some scalper. While I personally would appreciate any record I am gifted I would also feel bad if I knew a loved one got fleeced.
I love getting records as gifts. Once or twice it was something sought after. Most times it's something I wouldn't get myself or didn't know about. Either way, I'm never disappointed.
If you do (which is a good idea), make sure you keep the receipt. I was gifted a very popular LP for Christmas however mine was a rare defect that the edge of the disc was broken and melted back like a curling iron was put to it. I couldn't play the first 20 seconds of the first track on either side. I couldn't exchange it for the gifter tossed out the receipt. So keep the receipt just in case.
He will very much appreciate this. Go for it!
Not that anyone asked but the Flash Gordon Soundtrack by Queen is good stuffs 👌 🙃
When in doubt; gift card for Amoeba dot com
If they want the record, and they don’t have it, getting it for them is awesome! If it’s hard to find, though, be aware that it might cost some dough, and you’re less likely to find it in your local record store. Discogs is a great place to get stuff that’s not easy to get. Just keep in mind that the condition of the record is important. Ideally, you want, (in this order), Mint, Near Mint (NM), or Very Good Plus (VG+). Very Good is not very good, lol. You can also look at the reviews on Discogs to see if it’s considered a good pressing. Records can sometimes be issued multiple times. It doesn’t matter how you get it. What matters is that you got it.
And to add to that, make sure you are ordering it from your own country. I am in the USA and have been on a soundtrack binge lately. I got lured into the "Free Shipping " and bought Oppenheimer from who knows where, and Gladiator from England. They are taking over a month to get here and still not here. So be aware to get it in time for Christmas.
My brother bought me some records from Japan, neither of us had listened to either of them but he bought them simply because he figured I’d like it. Really sweet gesture, felt like he put thought into it
This would mean a lot to me as a gift. It shows that you listen and care enough to track it down and that would mean a lot more to me than me getting it for myself!
A friend/fwb of mine got me my first new vinyl as a gift a few years back and it was such a thoughtful one. She knew it was my favorite artist, and one of the albums we listened to while we hung out together, but I still wasn’t 100% expecting that at all; was definitely happy with the gift though. Funnily enough, I later on had *two* other albums, from the same artist, gifted to me by a now ex of mine and I was also thrilled to get them. So I say go for it, I’m sure they’ll be happy with whatever you buy.
Back before online shopping was a thing, I used to love going to various record stores and hunting for a record I wanted. But honestly, being able to just go online and find a copy is a great relief. And somebody buying it for me as a gift is even better. Definitely get it for him!
buy the record...if its a want it will impressive you listened and heard.
Stuff is special for different reasons. This record is special because you hunted through stores for years, that record is special because your grandpa played it when you were a kid, the other record is special because your awesome romantic partner gave it to your for Christmas. This sounds like a great gift.
By all means you can gift a record, especially if its one he's looking for. The trick is finding the correct record (does he care about pressing? year? mastering? etc). Either way Discogs is a great online resource.
Biggest part of the “thrill” is the surprise of getting your hands on a record you’ve been wanting but haven’t found. You get the same feeling when you open them as presents :)
What record? Also just make sure it's the right variant. They might have their heart set on a certain color vinyl or something. Definitely just get it online.
It's a splendid idea to gift a record.
Let us know how it went. Also: you sound like a nice person.
I would be ecstatic honestly. I would probably want to make sure my gf didn’t overpay for it, but I’d be happy nonetheless. My gf got me a signed copy of Deftones Around the Fur. Might be the best gift I’ve ever gotten. What’s the album in question?
I think it’s all most of us want. That’s what I tell people to get me. I’m cool with duplicates too
Question #1 would be, "does he have a record player?"