I was in the elevator of my building last holiday season with a neighbor who had an armful of blank discs. “Doing some homework?” I asked. “Nah, making some mixed discs for my family for Christmas presents.” he replied with a smile.

At first I was taken back by the task this man was going to attempt. I thought, how awkward would it be to give this kind of present to EVERYONE on my list, after all, there are three topics that are very intimate to each of us, Religion, Politics and Music. Especially my parents, who called my music noise for all those years. But then I though about how thoughtful and uplifting a mixed disc could be. I thought of the lost art of making the most excellent mixed tape (I mean disc). Like a well crafted set list, the mixed disc has an opening track (something familiar and catchy) then a transition track or two, then the middle, where you put in all the really meaningful stuff, then the last track, which leaves a taste for more, not feeling like the disc has to be ejected when that first song comes on again. Don’t be discouraged, chances are, you can peg what music your family members might like with a small deviation from what they actually like, which as far as Christmas gifts go, is right on the money, without spending a lot of it.

So what are you waiting for? Go in with some of your friends for a pack of blank discs, grab your laptops and play DJ for an afternoon, your gifts will be an instant hit as you rock around the Christmas tree.

Items needed:

• 1 Blank disc
• 1 Computer (with music on it)
• Optional, wrapping paper (you don’t really need to wrap these, they are stealthy and  mysterious, like UFOs)

Cost: $0.21 per disc (assuming you have access to some music to share and a computer already.)

Posted by matt in ideas |