Please don't get me any of these things as a gift

Check out our new 2012 Holiday Giving Guide for more free software and DRM-free gift recommendations.

Please send this page now to people who might buy gifts for you, to make sure they don't get you a gift that would be bad for your freedom.

Video games

Music

  • Don't buy iTunes gift cards... instead buy cards which support DRM-free music without the need for proprietary software, such as CD Baby, Amazon or eMusic.
  • If you're in the UK (or not as the case may be) please consider the deliciousness of having 4 minutes and 33 seconds of silence at Number 1 in the charts...)

DVDs/Blu-Ray

  • Most DVDs and apparently all Blu-Ray discs have DRM. Some anime and independent movie DVDs may be DRM-free, so check first. Alternatively, why not take a friend to the movies instead? Many cities have independent cinemas that show movies other than the mainstream Hollywood feature.

Laptops and tablets.

Buying a laptop? Don't buy a laptop from Apple or a laptop with DRM operating systems like Windows Vista or Windows 7 installed... instead buy a laptop running GNU/Linux. The FSF has a page listing some vendors who are suitable, with Lenovo and others make tablets that can run GNU/Linux.

Cellphones

What would a cellphone without DRM look like? Sadly most phones sold come with proprietary software and inevitably some DRM. Support projects like OpenMoko and Replicant by buying devices to help those projects succeed.

eBooks

The DRM situation with eBooks has not improved significantly in the last year. DRM is still the default for almost all eBooks and eBook readers. Instead of giving someone a gift that's going to stop them from lending you books, buy them some excellent used books where possible, and save a tree.

Please send this page now to people who might buy gifts for you, to make sure they don't get you a gift that would be bad for your freedom.