What do you get a podcaster who has everything?
The following list might give you some ideas for less than $30.
Note: The Amazon links provided below are affiliate links and will support either the Stacking Benjamins podcast or the FinCon Podcast Network.
1. A Power Surge Protector
Every podcaster loves gear.
Here's an inexpensive way to protect equipment from power surges.
Cable Matters 12-Outlet Surge Protector with 2.1A Dual USB Charging Ports
2. Portable External Hard Drive
As a podcaster producer, I have learned the hard lesson of backing up and having certain files with me at all times.
Sure, I could store everything in DropBox or Google Drive, but it's really nice to have a super-slim external hard drive for those times when I'm traveling and not able to connect to the internet.
Bipra 2.5 inch Portable External Hard Drive, 500 GB
3. Mic Flag
NOW you're talkin! What podcaster wouldn't want to display their show logo on their microphone?
There are services out there that will print your logo permanently on a mic flag, but I found it easy to stick my business cards on these very inexpensive items.
They also come in square shapes and different colors:
Tinksky Mic Flag Microphone Flag Mic Interview Triangular Logo Flag Station with 1.54 inch Hole
4. Boom Arm
While you are looking at the above mic flag, why not consider a boom arm?
The shock mount in this model will hold mics with up to a 2″ diameter (like the ATR2100).
Neewer Suspension Boom Scissor Arm with Built-in XLR Cable, Shock Mount and Table Mounting Clamp
5. “ON AIR” Neon Sign
These are SUPER COOL!
Now you can let people know when they should be quiet and leave you alone in your “studio”.
6. Soundproofing Acoustic Panels
One of the BIGGEST problems indie podcasters have is keeping noise and reverb out of the recording.
Some people record in their walk-in closets because all the shirts absorb sound.
But walk-in closets don't have very good ventilation, and hanging moving blankets just isn't attractive.
Soundproofing panels help absorb reverb and keep background noise down.
They also come in a variety of colors, so you can get creative.
One of my clients wraps every other square with a t-shirt, making his wall come to life with images!
Soundproofing Foam Acoustic Tiles, 1″x12″x12 (12 pack)
or get these really cool hexagonal tiles:
7. Podcast Editor t-shirts
Lots of podcasters edit their own show.
Well, here's something you don't see these in stores.
They are part of a limited collection I created for podcast editors.
Here's one of my favorites:
Browse more podcast editor t-shirts on Amazon
8. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Wait. For the shower?
Seriously?
Yes. Really.
Just go see for yourself:
Rain Shower Head with Removable Waterproof Speaker by Mindful Design
9. My Podcast Reviews subscription
Feed your podcaster's vanity by having podcast reviews from any country emailed directly to him/her.
MyPodcastReviews.com does offer a free service, but if your podcasting friend has two shows – or wants to be notified whenever there's a review on Stitcher, then go with the $5 a month plan.
NOTE: My Podcast Reviews has changed their plan to $50 a year.
10. iPad/Table wall mount or table stand
Mount your iPad or tablet to free up your cluttered desktop.
The iKross is an adjustable stand that can easily be moved to a wall or under-counter mount.
Check this out:
This almost makes me want to buy another iPad!
iKross 2-in-1 Tablet Mount Stand or Wall Mount
Under $30 Gifts for Podcasters
What gifts will you be giving your favorite podcaster that's under $30?
I'd love to read your ideas in the comments below.