Gift Guide: Gifts for Creators

For content creators just getting started recording or livestreaming at home, an all-in-one studio package can be the perfect gift. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Gen 4 package includes a microphone, headphones, USB audio interface, and recording software -- just add a computer.

Ready for the next step up? Help a creator start their home studio with an all-in-one bundle that includes a set of studio monitor speakers, like the Fender Quantum Complete Recording Bundle.

And for a interface that can really grow with you, the SSL 2+ MKII with Slate Digital ML-1A modeling microphone is tough to beat!

Every up-and-coming creator or producer can use a solid pair of studio monitor speakers. Here are our favorite affordable models for home studios, from the sound-bigger-than-they-look PreSonus Eris monitors, to ADAM Audio's desktop-sized ribbon-tweeter offering, the ADAM D3V.

Still recording audio with your phone's built-in mic? You can capture better audio with an external microphone -- and there are tons of great choices out there. Here are a few of our favorites from Shure, Mackie, and more!

New headphones make a great gift for any content creator or music lover. For creators who spend a lot of late nights at their studio desk, we love Shure's premium over-ear headphones like the closed-back SRH1540. For on-the-go listening, Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Wireless are a go-to choice. And if you need a workhorse wired pair of headphones in the studio that goes wireless for casual listening, Audio-Technica's ATH-M50xBT2 is the solution.

Looking for some seriously luxurious cans with an audiophile pedigree? Focal's Bathys headphones get high marks for their comfort and natural sound.

Microphones make great gifts -- even the most seasoned producer is always looking to add to their collection or try something new!

If you're not already familiar with Lewitt Audio's microphones, prepare to be impressed! Capture vocals and instruments with the LCT 440 PURE -- a fixed-cardioid condenser mic that distills Lewitt's high-end tech into an affordable package. Or check out the Lewitt Ray -- a smart mic that senses how far away you are and automatically evens out your levels.

If you'd like to plug the mic directly into your computer or mobile device, without using a mixer or interface, your best bet is a USB microphone like the Shure MV6. And if you want to record two separate microphones -- or vocals plus an instrument -- check out Shure's MV7i microphone: it makes two-channel recording easy with a built-in input for a second mic/instrument input, with a two-channel USB output that plugs into your computer.

Ideal for musicians making videos or livestreaming, tools like the Roland Go:Mixer Pro-X or Mackie M-Caster Live give you the inputs you need to connect 1/4" instruments and pro XLR microphones to your smartphone or tablet.

Want to capture multitrack audio and mix it later? Step up to a standalone portable recorder -- check out the new-for-2025 Zoom H5studio, purpose-built for capturing quality audio anywhere.