The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Perfect Gifts For Podcasters
Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the world, and that means there are more podcasters than ever before. If you have a podcaster in your life — or even if you're a podcaster yourself — these gifts will be enjoyed!
How We Choose
We've reviewed all the best gifts for podcasters to make your shopping a breeze. Whether you're looking for a gift for a fellow podcaster or want to treat yourself, check out our list below.
We've read hundreds and hundreds of online reviews and rounded up the best gifts for podcasters based on price range and function as well as unique ability, so you can easily find the perfect gift.
Whether you're looking for a practical gift or something fun, it's all here. Check out our list of the best gifts for podcasters below!
Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)
Why it’s on the list:
The McElroy brothers are known for their hit podcast "My Brother, My Brother and Me." They have been making podcasts and delighting podcast enthusiasts for over a decade.
In their book, "Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)," the brothers share their insights into the world of podcasting.
The book is an excellent guide for anyone interested in starting a podcast. It provides valuable insight into how to create a successful show and what pitfalls to avoid while drawing on the vast experiences of three of the funniest and most successful podcasters working today.
If you know someone looking to get started with podcasting, this is an essential read!
The Best Part: Learn from podcasters who are successful, but keep it real
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Give tips on how to get the ball rolling without any unrealistic expectations of becoming rich
- After finishing the book I feel ready
- Informative and super funny
Cons:
- It's hard to know if they are joking or serious but it won't give you all the information you need
- Poorly written, did not enjoy
- Continuous mention of their shows for self-promotion
ATS Acoustics Panel
Why it’s on the list:
Most of us don’t have a studio at our disposal, and if you are just starting out as a podcaster you need something to block the echoing everyday sounds of life to produce a good-sounding podcast.
The ATS Acoustic Panel is a great choice for anyone looking to add high-quality sound absorption to their home or studio.
These panels are designed to absorb unwanted reverb and echo, which can make it easier to hear your music clearly when recording or mixing in a busy room.
The Best Part: They come in different colors and are somewhat attractive
From Reviews:
Pros:
- They are a good deal
- Worked great on my ceiling-note they are not meant for this
- These are the best panels out there
Cons:
- A pain to install
- Great sound absorption but the fabric is cheap
- Very heavy
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Why it’s on the list:
This is a very popular mic for podcasters.
The Blue Yeti is a USB condenser microphone that's designed for use with both Mac and PC. It features four pickup patterns, so they will be able to record vocals, instruments, or anything else in ways that would traditionally require multiple mics.
It also comes with onboard audio controls to help get the best sound possible, along with headphone volume control and instant mute buttons.
Though it isn't a dynamic mic or have Bluetooth connectivity, it's great for streaming videos like those on Twitch or YouTube as well as podcasts and interviews.
And thanks to its plug-and-play design, setup is quick and easy - just unpack the mic stand, plug it into a USB port and start recording right away!
The Best Part: it allows you to record and stream in different ways that would normally take multiple microphones
From Reviews:
Pros:
- I’ve used it for 3 years podcasting and when I needed a new one I didn’t even shop around got the same
- Works great for my ASMR channel
- This beats all the headset microphones by far
- Blue Yet is my mic for life
Cons:
- A little overpriced
- The charging port broke after 2 years
- It’s heavy
On Air Sign
Why it’s on the list:
How can you have a podcast and not want one of these signs? Cliche, perhaps but fun nonetheless.
The Paladone On Air Light is a stylish desk lamp that looks like an old-school radio sign. It can be powered by batteries, or charged with a USB port/cord which is nice for when the batteries run out.
This is such a useful gift for your podcaster and will keep people from being noisy and causing unnecessary background noise when they walk past.
The Best Part: Can also be mounted on the wall
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Gave my podcast room the perfect look
- I love that it has a flashing feature
- Great Price
Cons:
- I wish it was brighter
- It doesn't work with a smart outlet
- It didn't turn on
Online Challenge Launch Your Podcast
Why it’s on the list:
The perfect kickstart that your soon-to-be podcaster needs to get serious and launch already! This challenge will get them to launch their podcast in just 5 days.
This action-packed challenge will lay the foundation for success. They will define their podcast's purpose and conduct market research before establishing who, what, and why it's serving.
They will also create an amazing intro, outro, and trailer using proven scripts, learn what equipment to use, how to set up a budget-friendly recording studio, and get cover art templates, and recommendations for hosting.
And of course, they will learn how to get podcast listeners.
The Best Part: 5 days to launch a podcast
Recording in Progress Plastic Door Knob Hanger Sign
Why it’s on the list:
What better way to keep people out of the recording session than to have one of these signs on the door? I'm thinking of getting one myself even though I don't have a podcast. :)
This is a great budget-friendly gift to show your friend you care about them without breaking the bank.
The Best Part: Hmm...It fits most doors
From Reviews:
Pros:
- The bright red color helped with visibility in my office
- They are well made
- The quality is excellent and serves its purpose and keeps people out
Cons:
- I wish it said something on the other side
- Not practical if your doorknob isn't round
- The color looked different than the photo
Editing Headphones
Why it’s on the list:
If your podcaster is editing their own work, these headphones are the perfect gift for a must-have accessory.
With wide stereo imaging and 3D sound reproduction, these headphones will become their trusty companion.
They will get outstanding tonal depth so even the tiniest details in acoustic positioning can be picked up as a must-have for any podcast!
Plus, a mild bass and treble boost produce a pleasant sound without overstating - win-win!
The Best Part: They are comfortable even after hours
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Exceptionally clear
- You can hear things you normally wouldn’t hear
- I used to hate headphones until l found these
Cons:
- Can’t change out the cable with an adapter
- They created a weird sound when I wear glasses
- I got ear fatigue after a few hours
Portable Recorder
Why it's on the list:
The Zoom H1n portable recorder is a great choice for anyone looking to record high-quality audio files on the go. It's small and light enough to take anywhere, making it ideal for podcasters and other creators who want to capture ideas as they happen.
This powerful, pocket-sized device with built-in 90-degree X/Y stereo mics, advanced one-touch button controls, and distortion-free recording will be perfect for when they are traveling, meeting someone for an interview, or an impromptu recording session.
The Best Part: Playback speed control which makes it great for transcribing
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Great quality
- Extremely versatile device
- Great for dubbing
- I have a lot of voice recorders and this one gets the best sound
Cons:
- Excellent recorder but not user friendly
- The mic stopped working after a few weeks
- It feels cheap and fragile
Sound Mixer
Why it’s on the list:
This is a great gift for anyone looking to start mixing live shows. The 3-band EQ and high pass filter on the front panel will give them maximum control over their sound, eliminating unwanted noise and improving the quality of the mix.
It also comes with USB connectivity so you can hook it up to your computer for simple file transfers or use it as an audio interface if you're using virtual instruments like Reason or Pro Tools.
While this may not be the best option if they need lots of channels or want some more advanced features, we think this is one of the best mixers out there right now for its price point
The Best Part: Yamaha
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Far surpasses any other mixer
- Yamaha does it right
- The clarity of the preamps amazing
Cons:
- One of the cords came wadded up and it won’t straighten
- Worked great for 5 years and then died
- The volume knobs are a bit wobbly so transporting it for gigs is risky
Gifts For Podcasters FAQs
We've created this list of Frequently Asked Questions about podcasts so that you can give the perfect gift to your favorite podcaster.
Why Are So Many People Starting Podcasts?
There are a lot of reasons why people are starting podcasts, but one of the biggest is because it's much easier to do than it has been in the past. Podcasting tools have come a long way and they're much more accessible to regular people now. For example, you can start a podcast with just your phone if you'd like!
Some people are also interested in having their own show because not only are they podcast lovers, but also it makes them feel good or gives them self-confidence and purpose. Others want to inform and educate others about their passions or interests. Still, others want an avenue for creative expression. There are many reasons why someone might want to create a podcast; everyone does it for different reasons!
Is It Hard To Be A Podcaster?
It's definitely a lot of work, but it's worth it. The best podcasters make sure that they're recording episodes on a regular basis so that there is always fresh content for their listeners. If you don't have much time to spare and can only commit to creating an episode every few weeks, then you should consider whether or not podcasting is the right medium for you.
Do You Have To Have Expensive Equipment To Have A Podcast?
Technically speaking, you don't need any equipment at all to have a podcast. All you need is access to a computer and an internet connection and you're good to go. You can even use your smartphone if you want, though the sound quality won't be as good unless you invest in an external microphone for the phone.
However, having some basic pieces of equipment will make things much easier for you. First off, consider getting a decent microphone – preferably one that plugs into your computer via USB so it's easy to set up every time. A lapel microphone is best if you plan on doing interviews outside of your studio as they are very lightweight and easy to wear. An entry-level USB condenser mic costs anywhere from $40 to $100 depending on the brand and features offered (expect less expensive mics to produce lower audio quality). If money is no object and portability is important to you, get a shotgun mic that plugs into your computer with an XLR cable; this costs anywhere from around $200 up into the thousands depending on quality, brand name, and additional features like mute switches or volume controls.
Next up, consider investing in soundproofing/wind screening materials for your studio space as well as some editing software if this isn't already built into your computer's operating system (WordPress has free tools available). You'll also want a way of recording yourself speaking without being self-conscious about how you sound (a handheld recorder or voice memo app does the trick nicely); just remember not to interrupt others when doing group interviews! There are different levels of audio editing software, adobe audition can be quite expensive, but audacity is probably all you will need.
How Long Should Podcast Episodes Be?
How long should a podcast episode be? It's one of the most common questions asked by new and seasoned podcasters alike, and there are several schools of thought on the subject.
Some people argue that keeping your podcast episodes short and sweet is best because listeners will tune in with the intention of only spending a few minutes listening. Others argue that it's best to dig deeper into each topic so your content feels more comprehensive. Yet others believe that variety is the spice of life, so having some super-short episodes alongside longer ones is ideal.
Do Most Podcasters End Up Quitting?
While some podcasters may take breaks in between episodes, many do quit podcasting altogether. In fact, one survey found that 35 percent of people who had started a podcast stopped after six months, and 67 percent stopped after a year.
There are plenty of reasons why podcasters might choose to end their show – including personal reasons or a lack of listeners – but this doesn't mean that they failed. After all, producing a podcast takes time and effort (not to mention money), so quitting is often the right decision for those who find it's no longer working for them.
Even if your show does end up discontinued by an official channel (e.g., iTunes or SoundCloud), you can still continue to produce episodes on your own website if you self-host through WordPress or another platform. It can be a great way to keep your show going without having to deal with any legal issues from larger channels like Apple's stricter guidelines around explicit content and copyright takedowns.
Conclusion
If you're looking for great gifts for podcasters, then this list is a great place to start! Podcasting has become incredibly popular recently with new podcasts being created every day. From microphones to recording software and even podcast hosting services, there's lots of great gear out there to help create high-quality shows.
So if you know someone who is a podcast host or plans on starting one soon – this list is the perfect place to get ideas for gifts!
Thanks again for reading and Happy Shopping!
Stacy
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