The Best Music Merch Gifts of 2023
It’s gift giving season, and one of the best parts of any gift season is seeing what our favorite bands are offering in their own merch stores. We rounded up a bunch of the best music merch gifts this year, including trippy t-shirts, hilarious bumper stickers, various implements for drinking beverages (and opening said beverages) as well as various other items worth adding to your collection. Of course, these are just a few of our favorites, but supporting your favorite bands with an order this holiday season is always encouraged.
(We also recently published our guide to the best turntables for every budget, and we have more gift guides on the way soon.)
Algiers “Claim-King” Crown Bomber Jacket ($100)
Algiers outdid themselves on this year’s Shook, whose merch drop was similarly spectacular, especially on this piece of crown-adorned outerwear.
Björk Xmas Baubles ($40)
Bring a little Björk to your holiday decor with this Xmas bauble ornament, handmade in Poland, featuring the earthy aesthetic of her most recent album, 2022’s Fossora.
Cannibal Corpse Coloring Book ($16)
Need an activity while you’re listening to Cannibal Corpse’s latest album, Chaos Horrific? Break out the Crayolas and dive into the official Cannibal Corpse coloring book, full of mayhem and malevolence, all for you to bring to life with whatever disgusting color of gore and glop you choose.
Carly Rae Jepsen “Psychedelic Switch” Shirt ($40)
One of the highlights from Carly Rae Jepsen’s latest album, The Loveliest Time, is the French touch-inspired “Psychedelic Switch,” depicted colorfully in this shroom-tastic shirt.
HEALTH “Sad Music for Horny People” Shirt ($30)
Never let it be said that HEALTH don’t understand their audience.
Hotline TNT Shorts ($35)
In addition to making incredible shoegaze like that on new album Cartwheel, Hotline TNT’s Will Anderson prints a basketball zine called Association Update, so it’s only natural that the band’s logo appear on a pair of shorts. Be comfy, whether balling or blissing out.
Irreversible Entanglements “Free Love” Tote ($25)
The message adorning Irreversible Entanglements’ tote bag, “Free Love,” is taken from a highlight on their latest album Protect Your Light. But it’s also a timeless message that’s needed now more than ever. Equally important, you can carry back records from a trip to your local shop in it!
Jeff Rosenstock “Smellmode” Candle ($15)
Enhance your HELLMODE listening experience by lighting the accompanying “Smellmode” rosemary sage-scented, hand-poured candle to get in the right mood for doomscrolling punk good times.
Mannequin Pussy “Keep Honking” Bumper Sticker ($8)
Speaks for itself!
The Menzingers Wine Key/Bottle Opener ($12)
If you’re listening to the Menzingers (or Undeath—see below) and you find yourself in need of some liquid enhancement, the Philadelphia punks got you covered. The group are selling a combination wine key and bottle opener, because sometimes you feel like a pinot noir rather than a pilsner.
Mitski Passport ($15)
To coincide with the release of The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, Mitski released an album passport featuring printed lyrics from the album, as well as a sticker sheet and a passport-stamp-style section where you can add stickers, including those you pick up at other Mitski events. Though her website points out: This is not an official government recognized passport, so don’t get mixed up at customs!
Ragana Sweatpants ($40)
Black metal is a particularly chilly style of music, Ragana’s excellent new album Desolation’s Flower being no exception. But the Oakland/Olympia duo understand the hazards, which makes their sweatpants an astute offering—and a stylish essential for at-home heshers.
Ratboys Water Bottle ($25)
Whether you’re seeing Ratboys live or enjoying their new album The Window at home, it’s important to hydrate. The band’s Nalgene water bottle features their own illustrated The Window artwork and holds 32 ounces.
Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter Ashtray ($50)
Whether you’re a smoker or not, or perhaps simply burning some incense while listening to the stunning and harrowing SAVED!, the Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter’s hand-crafted resin ashtray will make a perfect addition to your own sacred rituals.
Slowdive Blanket ($75)
Wrap yourself in shoegaze! Slowdive are offering a woven throw featuring the design from the cover art of new album Everything is Alive—bonus points if you can solve the maze.
Tyler Childers Bandana ($12)
Doing work outside, going for a hike or just dressing appropriately for a spin of Tyler Childers’ new album, Rustin’ in the Rain, this bandana is a good one to have on hand.
Undeath Pint Glass ($15)
Few combinations are as better suited to each other as death metal and a cold one. Especially when the death metal is as fun as Undeath’s 2022 album It’s Time…to Rise from the Grave. Naturally, their own pint glass is metal AF, with a unique demon design, and holds 16 ounces of your favorite elixir.
Wednesday “Bull Believer” Pin ($8.99)
Save some space on your lapel for Wednesday’s enamel pin, patterned after the Nova Odette-designed doll on the cover of their “Bull Believer” single.
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