Gift Guide 2009: Sound Investments

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THE HOLIDAYS MEAN lots of harking and hearing, from silver bells ding-a-linging to herald angels singing. This hit list of melodic presents — from an antique-y brass bell to a super-modern wireless radio — should help ring in the new year.

» Ring Tones
A clementine orange mid-century phone (which also comes in red, green, turquoise and lemon) has been restored to work with modern technology ($195, Anthropologie.com).

» Music, Boxed
No bells or whistles here: Simply plug an MP3 player into this handmade mahogany and maple speaker by Boston-based Dinsmore's Workshop for a blissfully basic way to amplify tunes ($56, Mjdinsmore.etsy.com).

» Melody Shaker
Four handheld sound-makers — including this bead tumbler — turns a pack of kids into a mini-orchestra ($26 for four, Giggle, 5330 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase; 301-664-6407).

» Tweet This
Handmade bird callers (like this on for sandpipers) make cheap stocking stuffers for nature lovers. ($45, Apres Peau, 1430 K St. N.W.; 202-783-0022).

» Imix Master
Records, schmecords: Mod DJ's can use Merkury Innovations' portable iPod mixer to scratch, spin, and groove ($120, Urban Outfitters, 3111 M St. N.W.; 202-342-1012).

» Knit Wit
Cheeky hand-knit bird rattles by Bla Bla Kids meld soft textures, bright colors and engaging sounds ($32, the Blue House, 7770 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-656-6088).

» Best/Worst Gift
"The best and worst gifts I've ever gotten were from boyfriends. One year, a guy I was dating gave me a potted orchid- so much cooler and more romantic than cut-flowers. In high school, another guy gave me dangling dolphin earrings. He just didn't know any better." — Rachel Cothran, blogger, Projectbeltway.com

Written by Express' Jennifer Barger and Betsy Lowther
Photo by Marge Ely/Express