World Music Gift Alternatives

We all occasionally fall into the trap of trite gift-giving. Another set of earrings for Mom, another boring magazine subscription for Dad, another vanilla-scented soap-and-lotion basket for the sister, and so on. Don't feel bad, though, just consider these world music alternatives:

Instead of yet another teddy bear... how about Putumayo Presents Celtic Dreamland? It's just right for the babies and toddlers, with lullabies from Ireland, Scotland and Eastern Canada. (Compare Prices)

Instead of yet another loud obnoxious beeping toy... try Putumayo Presents Animal Playground. It contains songs from around the world, all of which are about animals. It's fun, it's diverse, it's perfect for kids who are just getting the hang of singing along, and their parents will love it, too! (Compare Prices)

Instead of yet another tie... give your Dad Habib Koite's 2007 release Afriki. It's pretty omni-listenable, especially if your Dad is a fan of guitar players (Habib, at moments, sounds like anyone from Django Reinhardt to Eric Clapton, all while maintaining a distinct African sound. (Compare Prices)

Instead of yet another coffee cup... give your child's teacher something that she can both use functionally and enjoy for herself - perhaps The Rough Guide to the Music of Vietnam for an American History teacher - or any of the Rough Guide series, depending on what culture your little learner is studying. (Compare Prices)

Instead of yet another scented candle... give your new age-y aunt something that she really needs - meditation music! Try Loreena McKennitt's 2007 CD/DVD combo Nights from the Alhambra, a live concert of the ethereal songstress, set to a backdrop of a medieval Spanish town. (Compare Prices)

Instead of yet another trashy celebrity magazine subscription... give your entertainment-loving sister a subscription to Global Rhythm Magazine, the best domestic magazine for global music and culture. It's not just a bunch of boring CD reviews written for old people - it's hip and fresh, with articles about artists and genres, as well as travel and food. (Compare Prices)

Instead of yet another vase... give your Mom Nawal's Aman. Nawal is from the Comoros Islands, and is a bit of a rarity - a Sufi woman who plays music. Her sound is quiet, jazzy, and contemplative, and distinctly cross-continental. (Buy from Nawal's Website)

Instead of yet another tattoo parlor gift certificate... your brother might enjoy Tinariwen's Aman Iman. These desert blues hard-rockers have found a niche not only in the world music scene, but in the edgiest part of the indie rock scene as well... they wail, both literally and figuratively. (Compare Prices)