Exclaim! Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Music Merch and Books of 2022

BY Exclaim! StaffPublished Dec 6, 2022

There's more to being a diehard music fan than logging huge numbers on your Spotify Wrapped. True fans show their allegiances a little more creatively: in the clothing they wear, the books they read, and, in the case of this year's must-have music merch, even on their mouse pads. Oh, and there's also a very graphic sex toy, if you really want to shock the people on your Christmas list.

Alvvays "Very Online Guy" mouse pad


Surf the net in style with this blue and white mousepad that name-checks a standout track from Alvvays' excellent new album Blue Rev.

BackxWash screaming tee


BackxWash captures this spirit of existential dread in this B&W tee.

The Longest Suicide: the Authorized Biography of Art Bergman by Jason Schneider


The Longest Suicide charts the improbable, five-decade-long career of Art Bergman, from fronting legendary OG Vancouver punks the Young Canadians to his JUNO Award-winning solo career and recent resurgence.

Bedroom Rapper by Cadence Weapon


MC, critic, journalist and poet laureate Rollie Pemberton weaves in his own journey from a beat-making kid in Edmonton to Polaris Music Prize-winning artist with the history of American and Canadian hip-hop and UK grime.

Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats limited edition vinyl figures


Japanese art toy company Presspop is celebrating Unlocked, the 2020 collaborative album from Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats, with this pair of seriously dope vinyl figures housed in a box designed by Unlocked cover artist Chris Wilson.

Halluci Nation bucket hat


This reversible bucket hat features the Halluci Nation crest on the top of the multicolour side, and the duo's name on a teal and pink band circling the black side.

GWAR Cuttlefish of Cthulu sex toy


A collaboration with fantasy-themed sex toy company Bad Dragon, he Cuttlefish of Cthulu is modelled after the creature that lived in the crotch of Gwar's late singer, Oderus Urungus. The perfect gift for the intergalactic barbarian in anyone's life.

Pierre Kwenders Papa Wemba Long Sleeve Mesh


This colourful mesh shirt features a photo of the Congolese singer, who Kwenders paid tribute to on his Polaris Music Prize-winning album, José Louis and the Paradox of Love, with quotes down each sleeve.

Massey Hall swag


Toronto's newly renovated Massey Hall had a big year in 2022 — and fans can celebrate the legendary venue with a tote bag, book and various show posters.

Men I Trust slipmat


Keep your wax in place and scratch free with this Men I Trust slipmat, featuring either the band's hand-drawn logo or the "Tailwhip" whistling man design.

Orville Peck sleeveless flannel


With embroidered bronco silhouettes, this sleeveless red flannel shirt captures the Orville Peck aesthetic to a tee.

Tegan and Sara: Modern Heartthrobs by Melody Lau


Modern Hearthrobs chronicles Tegan and Sara's tale from their humble beginnings as a teenage folk duo through their global pop breakthrough and beyond. It's part of the Bibliphonic book series offering short takes on Canadian musicians.

Snotty Nose Rez Kids killer whale T-shirt


Part of Snotty Nose Rez Kids' Sink or Swim Tour collection, this limited run black tee features an unidentified flying orca beaming up a suburbs cruising sedan.

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