Everyone has a guy like Earn in their life. Earn is the struggling, college dropout-turned-music manager on Atlanta, the FX dramedy that was created by rapper and actor Donald Glover. Earn doesn’t have any money, barely has a job, doesn’t have a car or a place to live. Despite his sometimes unnerving circumstances—whether he’s your brother, your friend or your on-again, off-again romantic partner—you love him anyway. Of course, he’d obviously love some cash for Christmas. But if you want to be a bit more thoughtful, take a look at these gifts that would satisfy that big-dream, slim-pocket guy in your life.
1. Free Rides
Having an unofficial chauffeur is nice, until he or she starts asking for gas money or stops picking up your phone calls. For that brother who’s on the grind and needs more than a bus pass, give him the gift that’ll get him to that next gig. Uber or Lyft gift cards will let him ride in style.
2. The Book on Business
The gift of knowledge is super important for that budding entrepreneur in your life. For that broke buddy with big dreams, let entrepreneur and Shark Tank judge Daymond John tell him how to take his business acumen to the next level by giving him John’s latest book, The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage ($17.68, hardcover, Amazon.com).
3. Outkast Duvet Cover
Hip-hop heads, especially those who grew up in the ’90s, loooove Outkast. The Atlanta-based duo, who Earn rocks out to in the final moments of the season finale of Atlanta, is a great inspiration for a music mogul in the making. For ever-present motivation, this Outkast-inspired duvet cover ($97 for queen size from Fine Art America) acts as a constant reminder that the grind starts as soon as you wake up.
4. Vinyl Me, Please Subscription
Want to make sure that the guy in your life remembers just how much you love him every single month? Gift him with a subscription to Vinyl Me, Please ($75 for three months), which includes a special edition album, art print and the perfect cocktail recipe, and lands right at his doorstep.
5. Tidal Subscription
Since new albums debut every Friday, a subscription to a music-streaming service is quite essential to staying up-to-date on the latest hits. Tidal offers exclusive music and high-definition music videos, sure to inspire an up-and-coming music producer or entrepreneur.
6. Mini Bluetooth Speaker
With a new Tidal subscription, he can blast his tunes on this small speaker he can take anywhere. For music heads, this Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker ($179) gives you quality sound to listen to new music and classic hits.
7. Mobile iPhone Battery Charger
There’s not much worse than a dead phone. This iPhone battery charger ($99) comes in handy 1) when you need to request that Uber or Lyft after a long night out and 2) while listening to your favorite songs when you’re thinking creatively about your next business move.
8. Hair Products From Oyin Handmade
Men who rock natural hair are notorious for swiping a dap or two of their mom's, sister's or girlfriend’s hair products. So this holiday season, stuff his stocking with a few moisturizing hair products from Oyin Handmade to make sure the whole household has healthy hair that shines.