Another holiday season means another excuse to dive into the music and media we love. Whether you’re shopping for a vinyl collector, a binge-watcher, a bookworm, or a pop-culture completist, our writers rounded up their favorite releases and standout finds to make gifting easy. Here are the picks that hit the right notes this year.
Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. This means that the GeekDad/GeekMom contributor may make a small amount of commission if you click through and purchase the item at no extra cost to you. We may have also received the item for review from the manufacturer.
Baby Beluga LP
Suggested By: Jonathan H. Liu
Mfg: Raffi/Good Neighbor
Price: Starting at $30
Purchase: Baby Beluga LP
Description: Raffi’s classic album is back, celebrating its 45th anniversary. Enjoy a mix of Raffi’s songs and traditional tunes, including the iconic “Baby Beluga.” The eco-friendly LP is made of a non-vinyl alternative that’s 100% recyclable and contains no PVC. (JHL)
Sinners’ – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Suggested By: Paul Benson
Mfg: MUTANT
Price: $$15-$45
Purchase: Sinners’ – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Description: Following on the heels of one of the most critically-acclaimed films of the year is the <i>Sinners</i> original soundtrack. Available in either a 2-LP set with colored vinyl or a CD, this soundtrack features 22 original songs and recordings from the movie. MUTANT carries a selection of soundtracks and scores from a variety of films, television shows, and even video games.
Human After All Remixes
Suggested By: Z.
Mfg: Daft Punk
Price: $37.99
Purchase: Human After All Remixes
Description: Originally released in March 2006 as an exclusive Japanese limited edition, Human After All Remixes is the companion piece to Daft Punk’s third studio album, Human After All. This new western iteration includes all 10 tracks from the original project (with contributions from the likes of Soulwax, Peaches, and Digitalism), as well as five new additions—including the Basement Jaxx’s “Kontrol Mixx” of “Technologic.”–Z.
Meliora Deluxe 10th Anniversary
Suggested By: Z.
Mfg: Ghost
Price: $32.99
Purchase: Meliora Deluxe 10th Anniversary
Description: Before they were a household name, Ghost was just your run-of-the-mill… occult-themed… arena rock outfit from Linköping, Sweden… Then came Meliora, featuring Billboard-charting single “Cirice,” and the rest, as they say, is history. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Meliora with this two-disc deluxe edition, pressed on neon green vinyl with a commemorative Papa Emeritus III “Mummy Dust” buck! –Z.
My Hero Academia: You’re Next (Blu-ray)
Suggested By: MAJK
Mfg: Funimation / Crunchyroll
Price: $18.94
Purchase: My Hero Academia: You’re Next (Blu-ray)
Description: The latest feature-length entry in the My Hero Academia universe brings big action, heartfelt moments, and plenty of fan-favorite characters to the screen. In You’re Next, Deku and his classmates face a new threat that pushes their powers and teamwork further than ever, delivering a cinematic adventure that blends humor, heroics, and emotional stakes in classic MHA fashion.
KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack
Suggested By: MAJK
Mfg: Republic Records / Visva
Price: $49.90
Purchase: KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack
Description: If you’ve been waiting for a soundtrack that bridges high-energy pop, cinematic scope, and collectible fun, this hits it. The “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack supports the animated Netflix hit with an electrifying roster of songs featuring fictional idol groups and real-world K-pop stars. It features anthems like “Golden” and “Takedown,” plus bonus items such as a fold-out poster and a random photocard insert, making the physical edition feel like a fan kit you’ll want to keep.
Ponyo
Suggested By: MAJK
Mfg: Studio Ghibli / SHOUT! Factory
Price: $20.99
Purchase: Ponyo
Description A timeless family favorite from visionary director Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo delivers a whimsical tale of friendship, sea magic, and childhood wonder. When a spirited goldfish named Ponyo escapes her ocean home and befriends a curious boy, the boundary between land and sea becomes delightfully blurred. This release is perfect for family movie nights, introducing younger viewers to the magic of animation while delighting longtime Ghibli fans.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Suggested By: MAJK
Mfg: DreamWorks Home Entertainment
Price: $17.29
Purchase: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Description: Here’s a modern classic to drop into your family movie-night rotation full of soaring dragons, daring heroes, and the kind of heartfelt friendship that sticks with you. It’s a gift that works for kids and grown-ups alike, whether you’re sharing the story with a six-year-old or revisiting it as a nostalgic treat together.
Pokemon Detective Pikachu
Suggested By: MAJK
Mfg: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
Price: $8.00
Purchase: Pokemon Detective Pikachu
Description: Here’s a family-friendly adventure that blends mystery, humor, and a heartwarming dose of Pokémon magic into one smart film-night pick. With charming performances, fun world-building, and a PG rating, it works for kids and grown-ups alike, whether you’re introducing a brand-new fan to the franchise or revisiting it as a shared treat.
