Christmas Gifts for Bookworms and Book Lovers

Got someone on your gift list who chews through stacks of fiction like termites on wood? Getting a gift for a book lover is easy: just pick up a Janet Evanovich novel or a Barnes & Noble gift card and call it a day, right? While that gift idea works, face it: It's the easy way out. Before you toss the latest Stephen King paperback in your Amazon.com shopping cart (she probably has it already anyway), check out these six "outside-the-bookcase" gift ideas for book lovers.

Autographed book:
Technically it's still a book. However, since getting an autographed book involves a lot more effort than tossing a random Jackie Collins paperback in your shopping cart, this idea belongs on the list. An author-signed copy is something any book lover would cherish forever--even if he already owns the book. Typically, the best way to get an autographed book is to go to a book signing, but that's not always possible. One alternative is Signed by the Author. This website works with many popular authors to obtain personalized autographed books at a surprisingly low cost: Some signed books are only $10! Alternatively, check the author's website. Most authors place information on how to get a book signed on their web page.

Book Gift Baskets
Price: $35-$150
Websites such as Book Bouquet and Enchanted Bookery have a variety of customizable book baskets for all ages and interests. A great gift idea for people who love books, no matter what the recipient's age! Book baskets typically include paperbacks, snacks, and coffee. Kids and baby book gift baskets include age-appropriate toys and games.

Massaging Bed Rest
Price: $99
Reading in bed is one of life's little luxuries and bookworms are no stranger to this indulgence. While reading in bed sounds relaxing and comfy, lack of a comfortable headboard and nagging back problems can make this activity painful for some folks. This contraption from Gifts.com, makes reading in bed easier, offering back support, a built-in vibrating massager, a cup holder, and an overhead reading lamp!

Library Donation
Price: Any amount
Make a donation in your recipient's name to their favorite library. Libraries take donations in any amount--making this a great gift idea for book lovers no matter what your budget.

Personal Library Kit
Price: $15
Chances are, your book lover frequently lends out books to friends and family. Unfortunately, all that loaning leads to lost books. While it's no Library of Congress-style filing system, a personal library kit is the next best thing. These kits, like this package from Uncommon Goods, include pocket cards, checkout cards, and date stamps--just like the system from the old days! Also makes a fun gift for book-loving kids.

Digital eReader
Price: $179-$300
Have a bigger budget? Digital eReaders such as the Sony eReader or the Amazon Kindle are pricey, but are at the top of many bibliophiles' gift lists. Digital eReaders allow users to store hundreds of books in one small device, making this an exceptional gift for bookworms on-the-go.

No doubt about it, a bookworm would love a stack of books or a bookstore gift card. If that's what you decide to go for, there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes, it's fun to to give a unique and memorable gift that will be fondly remembered years down the road. Hopefully this lists sparks your imagination.