Some of the UK’s most notable retailers of music, video and games have selected their personal tips for Christmas gifts – and there really is something for everyone.
With just two weeks to go to the big day, their top picks provide a wealth of options from blockbuster videos like the Game of Thrones Season Finale to classic CD hit collections from the likes of the Supremes and Hank Williams, from the new entry level Nintendo Switch Lite to the plain quirky – a pair of socks from US metal band Slipknot.
A new recommendation will be updated to this article each day and featured across ERA’s social media channels which represent virtually every significant entertainment retailer and digital service in the UK.
ERA CEO Kim Bayley says, “Entertainment retailers live and breathe the products they sell be they music, video or games so who better to ask for Christmas tips than the UK’s biggest experts.”
2019’s CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT GIFT TIPS
1) John Hirst, Head of Music, HMV
- Stocking filler: One of our new and exclusive All Time Greats range of 2CD collections from the most iconic artists of all time. I'd want either The Supremes or Hank Williams in my stocking!
- Regular gift: Something new from our Best Of 2019 offer, either Weyes Blood or Sarathy Korwar on vinyl for me, please.
- For a special friend: Got to be our exclusive "1921 Edition" LP of the new The Who album, with a bonus cream coloured LP featuring 8 of the band's greatest hits.
2) Jon Tolley, Banquet Records
- Stocking filler: Literally, stockings. Or socks at any rate. There’s lots of merch to choose from but nothing says Christmas like socks.
- Regular Gift: It’s the classic albums. People have different definitions of what makes a classic, but in the run up to Christmas it’s the timeless albums that sell well. LPs generally ranging from £15 to £20 from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, Stormzy, The Smiths, The Beatles, Taking Back Sunday
- For a special friend: It’s the box sets. The things it’s hard to justify oneself but you would love it as a present. The Beatles 7” box set which has just arrived is a perfect example.
3) James Cooke, Head of Entertainment, Argos:
- Stocking Filler – Minecraft PS4/Xbox and Back in vogue and hot again.
- Regular Gift – Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order PS4 and Xbox One. Just released with excellent reviews and the movie around the corner.
- For a special friend: – Nintendo Switch Lite in Yellow / Turquiose / Grey. The just released entry price proposition for Switch Lite.
4) Andrew Thompson, Senior Buying Manager, ASDA:
- Stocking Filler – Asda has a great selection of third-party gaming accessories such as the PowerA Universal Fusion headset (£26) and the PowerA Xbox One Wired controller (£25). Both available in a wide variety of colours.
- Regular Gift – there are some great software releases this year that lend themselves to gifting across Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One. Three to call out would be Fifa 20, Call of Duty Modern Warfare and Pokemon Sword & Stone which are likely to dominate Christmas lists this Q4.
- For a special friend: – Has to be a gaming console and with the only new hardware released this year being the Nintendo Switch Lite. Available in 3 colours, The Switch Lite is a great gift for gaming on the go…
5) Danny Gardner, Buying Manager, Sainsburys:
- Stocking Filler – Elf, a hilarious family favourite and always a festive DVD bestseller.
- Regular Gift - Toy Story 4, the perfect Christmas day family movie, a fitting end to the brilliant Toy Story franchise.
- For a special friend: – Game of Thrones Season Finale: Not everyone enjoyed the ending, but all Game of Thrones fans will need to complete their collection this Christmas. Sainsburys Argos have secured an exclusive edition of the season finale on both DVD and Blu-ray, our edition includes an exclusive behind the scenes bonus disc as well as House Stark exclusive packaging.
6) Jess Flynn, Senior Buyer, Books and Music, Sainsburys:
- Stocking filler – The Party Album CD, throwing it back to the 80s with a mix of eclectic feel good tracks across 4 CDs
- Regular gift: - Ball & Boe Back Together CD, the unstoppable due are back for the third year in a row with more powerfully moving duets
- For a special friend: – Jeff Lynne’s ELO Out of Nowhere Vinyl, the legendary artist is back with new material carving new depths to his musical repertoire