No matter what kind of artist you have in your life — be they a musician, audio engineer, content creator, DJ, or anything else — Sweetwater is confident that we can help you find the perfect gift. But does giving the perfect gift require spending a lot of money to make someone’s holiday season feel special? We can answer that question with a resounding “NO!” In fact, we’ll prove it to you! Below are Sweetwater’s picks for 2023’s hottest holiday gifts under $100.
For Mixing Engineers
Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
The world’s most famous microphone
If there’s one mic that doesn’t need an introduction, it’s the Shure SM57. While its cousin, the Shure SM58, is arguably as famous (and also makes a great gift under $100, by the way), we chose the SM57 as the one mic that everyone should own due to its versatility, legendary build quality, price point, and the fact that it sounds good on just about any instrument onstage or in the studio. Its 40Hz–15kHz frequency response naturally rolls off the low frequencies and EQs anything that goes through it by offering a slight presence boost in the 5K–8K range. The SM57 is built like a tank, so it makes the perfect guinea pig for adventurous musicians starting their recording and performance journeys.
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Medium-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Fantastic sound at a fantastic price
It’s pretty astounding that the Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser mic costs less than $100, considering that it covers the entire 20Hz–20kHz spectrum and will handle a maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of 144dB — way more than anyone would ever need or want. Simply put, the AT2020 is an excellent choice for any beginning or mid-level audio engineer looking to capture the entire frequency range of loud instruments (such as snare drums and guitar amps) so that they can then process to their heart’s content with EQs, compressors, etc. The AT2020 also has low self-noise, so it works for recording quiet sound sources. And its pivoting stand mount makes it super-easy to get it placed just right.
PreSonus Eris E5 5.25-inch Powered Studio Monitor
Fantastic sound at an amazing price
We’re cheating a little bit with this gift because, ideally, one would want two of these PreSonus Eris E5 5.25-inch powered monitors so that they could listen and mix in stereo. Still, there’s no denying that for under $100, the PreSonus Eris E5 monitor is simply incredible. It has what PreSonus calls Acoustic Tuning controls; these enable your gift recipient to place the monitor against the wall without ruining their ability to mix due to low-frequency buildup. It also has a whopping 80 watts of Class AB amplification that puts out a proverbial wall of sound. Finally, the Eris E5 features variable High and Mid Cutoff controls plus Low Cutoff settings of Flat, 80Hz, or 100Hz. These enable it to work in any room and pair well with a subwoofer.
For Guitarists
Gator Economy Gig Bag
Gator quality at an unbeatable price
Electric guitarists of all ages and skill levels will benefit from having a Gator economy gig bag on hand. It’s a convenient, economical way for them to go from their homes to gigs, rehearsals, schools, houses of worship, or anywhere else they need to travel. Its 10mm-thick padding will keep their beloved guitar safe and snug, and the interior is lined with nylon, so it won’t scuff the finish or leave traces of lint like other materials will. The headstock section of this economy gig bag is reinforced, and Gator added an exterior accessory pocket to hold strings, tuners, and more. Finally, the Gator economy gig bag is easy to carry, thanks to its shoulder strap and convenient handle.
Danelectro Honeytone N-10 Mini Guitar Amp
A clip-on amp that turns them into a walking concert
The Danelectro Honeytone N-10 Mini Amp makes a great gift for guitarists of all ages, but we at Sweetwater think it’s particularly well-suited to young shredders. Firstly, it’s tiny: at only 1 inch x 2.5 inches, it’s one of the tiniest amps you’ll likely ever find! Secondly, the Honeytone N-10 operates like a full-size amp — it has a tone knob for adjusting bass and treble frequencies and an overdrive knob for dialing in distortion. Next, it’s highly portable since it is powered completely by a 9-volt battery and even has a clip for hooking to a belt or belt loop when little Eddie wants to entertain family and friends with a small concert. Finally, a headphone out means your guitarist can go back to silent practicing once the show is over.
For Drummers
Zildjian Limited-edition 400th-anniversary Drumstick Bundle
Give your drummers this historic bundle
The drummers and percussionists in your life have awesome timing — not just because of their musicality but also because they get to receive this limited-edition Zildjian 400th-anniversary drumstick bundle! It features a special drummer’s towel and four pairs of 5A drumsticks that memorialize a different era of Zildjian’s incredible 400-year history. These all get housed together in an awesome-looking commemorative box. Honestly, this limited-edition Zildjian bundle makes an amazing gift for anyone interested in music history, even if they’re not a drummer . . . just make sure that your gift recipient doesn’t actually use these collectible, commemorative sticks. After all, quadricentennial anniversaries don’t come around very often!
For Keyboardists
Nektar Impact GX Mini 25-key MIDI Controller
A mini studio that they can take anywhere
MIDI controllers are absolute necessities for modern musicians of all stripes, and there’s no better tool to start learning MIDI with than the 25-key Nektar Impact GX Mini MIDI controller. It may seem tiny, but the Nektar Impact GX Mini has Octave Up and Down buttons that enable it to play parts across an entire piano keyboard. You also get a Shift key that unlocks incredibly handy secondary functions as well as Transport keys for starting, stopping, fast-forwarding, and rewinding, so you can record in a DAW without needing to take your hands off the Impact GX Mini. Finally, it features a joystick for manipulating pitch, modulations, and other MIDI messages in real time . . . how cool is that?
CME WIDI Master Bluetooth Wireless MIDI Interface
Ditch the cables and make music anywhere
The CME WIDI Master MIDI interface is a small device with huge implications. It essentially replaces your gift recipient’s physical MIDI cable and enables them to perform, record, and compose with MIDI wirelessly via Bluetooth. Since it pairs automatically with any Android or iOS device, the CME WIDI makes a great gift for any musician — whether they’re a professional performing onstage or a teen making beats on their phone. Plus, the CME WIDI interface is powered completely via the MIDI port on your device, so there’s no need to purchase batteries or an external adapter. Finally, if you’re worried about latency, then don’t be — the CME WIDI features ultra-low-latency performance.
For DJs
Numark DJ2GO2 Touch 2-channel Serato DJ Controller
Compact DJ deck for spinning anywhere
Another gift that makes music possible anywhere — but specifically for the DJs in your life — is this Numark DJ2GO2 Touch Serato DJ controller. Sweetwater DJs are astounded by the DJ2GO2’s value and how many features Numark packed into it. A single USB cable connects it to your Mac or PC, and from there, the DJ2GO2 is completely operable without even touching a mouse. It has two platters and decks (plus a crossfader between them), pitch and level controls, and separate gain controls for headphones and the master out. The DJ2GO2 also comes with Serato DJ Lite software and features iOS compatibility for various popular DJ apps.
Ortofon Pro S OM Turntable Cartridge and Stylus
Get your fledgling DJ started with scratching
Scratching records is a quintessential DJing technique, but it can cause some serious damage to equipment if your DJ goes about it haphazardly. That’s why Sweetwater DJs recommend gifting them this Ortofon Pro S OM turntable cartridge and stylus. DJ styli come in two basic types: elliptical and spherical. You want a spherical stylus for scratching because its shape minimizes contact with the record and thus minimizes wear and tear. That’s precisely what you get with the Ortofon Pro S OM. It’s an excellent entry into scratching, and it simply makes a great general-purpose DJ cartridge due to its built-in solid cantilever.
For Content Creators
On-Stage MBS5000 Desk-mounted Broadcast Microphone Boom Arm
Budget-friendly boom arm for precise mic placement
With the rise in streaming, podcasts, product reviews, interviews, and more, one thing is obvious: content creation is booming. If you have a content creator in your life, then nothing will set them apart like having a professional presentation, and that’s why this On-Stage MBS5000 desk-mounted broadcast microphone boom arm is such an excellent gift for creators of all ages. It frees up precious desk space by removing the need for a conventional tripod, includes an integrated XLR cable to help maintain a clean workstation, and supports mics up to 3.5 pounds. Pull it in when you need it, and push it away when you don’t.
Logitech Litra Beam Premium Streaming Key Light
Convenient, travel-friendly key light that looks fabulous
Many of today’s content creators stream and record their content in multiple locations. For them, having a reliable mobile rig is an absolute necessity. If this describes the content creator in your life, then gifting them a Logitech Litra Beam key light will surely make you a star. The Litra Beam takes up little desk space and comes with its own deskmount. Its dynamic LED lighting with TrueSoft technology looks fantastic for any streaming or small-scale broadcasting setup. It equips you for various filming situations by offering adjustable color temperatures. Choose the Litra Beam from Logitech for a great-looking, convenient key light they can take anywhere.
JBL Lifestyle Quantum 300 Over-ear Headset
Versatile headset with 3.5mm TRRS connector plus USB
Tailored specifically for gamers, the JBL Lifestyle Quantum 300 is a fantastic over-ear headset. It comes complete with a flip-up microphone that provides clear communication during team missions on battlefields. Your gift recipient will have no problem immersing themself in their game’s environment thanks to the Quantum 300’s 50mm neodymium drivers that accurately reproduce game sound. The Quantum 300 is also versatile enough to pair with just about any gaming setup due to having both a 3.5mm TRRS connector and a USB-A-to-TRRS audio adapter. Finally, the Quantum 300’s memory foam cushions are comfortable enough to wear for as long as it takes to take down that final boss.
Can’t Decide? Give a Sweetwater Gift Card!
If you can’t make up your mind, then we have the perfect gift solution: a Sweetwater Gift Card! These can be purchased as either a digital card or as a physical card that you can use as a stocking stuffer.
For a digital card, simply click on the “Send as an e-Gift” button below, fill out your information, and choose the amount you want to place on the card. You can then email the gift card to your lucky giftee that day or choose a later date — you have up to a year to send it! Send a personal message with your gift card to make it even more special. Your giftee can pick from any of our 63,000 products, and they don’t have to spend it all on one purchase.
For a physical gift card, choose the “Send a Gift Card” option, choose the amount and the message, and we’ll handle the rest by mailing the card to either you or your recipient.
Whichever you choose, we are confident that the convenience will make this holiday season less stressful all around! These are the easiest way to make the season a little brighter.
Find the Perfect Gift Today
Hopefully, we demonstrated that amazing gifts don’t have to break the bank! Any gift on this list is sure to please — the recipient gets a great holiday present, while you get the satisfaction of both making them happy and knowing that you made an intelligent, budget-friendly purchase. It’s a real win-win situation! With the holiday season just around the corner, don’t hesitate to call one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700 and order the perfect gift today!
