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Podcast and audiobook lovers listen everywhere: on the commute, while cooking, on walks and as they fall asleep. The best gifts give them more to listen to, or better and more comfortable ways to listen in each of those moments.
This guide covers memberships, headphones for different situations and speakers for listening around the home. For readers who prefer print, see our gifts for book lovers.
Quick Picks
| Gift | Best for |
|---|---|
| Audible membership | A monthly audiobook credit |
| Libro.fm membership | Audiobooks that support independent bookstores |
| Shokz OpenFit 2 | Listening while staying aware of surroundings |
| SleepPhones headband headphones | Falling asleep to a podcast |
| Sony WH-CH720N headphones | Affordable noise canceling at home or commuting |
| Sonos Roam 2 | Listening around the house and outdoors |
| Soundcore Motion 300 speaker | Clear voice audio on a budget |
| Waterproof shower speaker | Podcasts in the shower |
- When do they listen? Commuting, exercising, cooking and bedtime all suit different gear.
- Content or hardware? A membership gives them more to listen to; gear improves the experience.
- Check their platform. Audiobook apps and phones work best with compatible services.
- Comfort counts. Long listening sessions need comfortable headphones.
More to Listen To
Audible Membership Gift
Why it’s a good pick: A gift membership with monthly credits for audiobooks, plus access to a catalog of included titles and podcasts.
Best for: Heavy audiobook listeners
What to check before buying: Check the gift length and whether they already have a membership.
Libro.fm Gift Membership
Why it’s a good pick: An audiobook membership that shares its proceeds with independent bookstores, with gift memberships available directly from Libro.fm.
Best for: Listeners who want to support local bookshops
What to check before buying: Check that they’re happy to use the Libro.fm app. Gift options are sold on Libro.fm rather than Amazon.
Headphones for Every Moment
Shokz OpenFit 2
Why it’s a good pick: Open-ear earbuds that sit outside the ear canal, so they can listen while still hearing traffic, colleagues or family.
Best for: Walkers, cooks and busy parents
What to check before buying: Check fit with glasses and the charging case size. They let in more outside noise by design.
SleepPhones Headband Headphones
Why it’s a good pick: Soft headband headphones with thin, flat speakers that are comfortable to lie on, made for falling asleep to audio.
Best for: Bedtime listeners and side sleepers
What to check before buying: Check the size, wireless or wired version and whether the headband is washable.
Sony WH-CH720N Headphones
Why it’s a good pick: Lightweight, affordable over-ear headphones with noise canceling for commuting and focused listening at home.
Best for: Commuters and budget-conscious listeners
What to check before buying: Check battery life and comfort for long sessions.
Speakers Around the Home
Sonos Roam 2
Why it’s a good pick: A portable, waterproof smart speaker that works on Wi-Fi at home and Bluetooth outdoors, great for podcasts while cooking or gardening.
Best for: Listeners who move around the house
What to check before buying: It works best with the Sonos app. Check whether they already have Sonos speakers.
Soundcore Motion 300 Speaker
Why it’s a good pick: A compact Bluetooth speaker with clear sound for spoken word and music, at a lower price.
Best for: Kitchen and desk listening
What to check before buying: Check battery life and water resistance rating.
Waterproof Shower Speaker
Why it’s a good pick: A small waterproof Bluetooth speaker with a suction cup or hook for listening in the shower.
Best for: Morning podcast listeners
What to check before buying: Check the waterproof rating and how it charges.
More Gift Guides You Might Like
- Best Wellness Book Gifts for Fitness Lovers (Training, Sleep + Healthy Habits)
- Best Birthday Gifts for Book Lovers (Editions, Subscriptions + Reading Accessories)
- 25 Best Gifts for Book Lovers: Unique & Useful Ideas
- Digital Gifts for Book Lovers (Audiobooks, eBooks + Reading Apps)
Browse every guide in Book Lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good gift for someone who loves audiobooks?
An audiobook membership, comfortable headphones or a speaker for listening around the home.
Are open-ear headphones good for podcasts?
Yes, they let listeners stay aware of their surroundings, which is useful while walking or cooking.
What headphones are good for sleeping?
Headband headphones with flat speakers are more comfortable for side sleepers than earbuds.
Can I gift an Audible membership?
Yes, Audible offers gift memberships with different lengths.
Getting the Timing Right
- Check the delivery date for the recipient’s address at checkout, not just the “fast shipping” label.
- Popular gadgets can sell out around the holidays and big sale events, so order early.
- Check compatibility before you wrap it. Phones, laptops and smart home apps must match the device.
- Out of time? A digital gift card can be delivered by email on the day.
Memberships can be delivered by email, which makes them good last-minute gifts.
Before You Buy
- Ask when and where they listen.
- Check which audiobook app they use.
- Check phone compatibility for headphones.
- Check the current price and the delivery date at checkout.