Five Best Gifts for Book Lovers

Do you know someone who likes to read, but you don't know their tastes well enough to be confident about buying a book for him/her? There are good, reading specific gifts that will be well received by any book lover.

1.You can still buy them something to read and let them choose the content! A gift certificate, of course, is a good choice. Major book sellers, online or off, offer gift certificates in a wide array of denominations. Gift certificates are very popular, and even many small stores now offer them.

You can choose a small denomination and add something to it, or buy a larger denomination and present it in such a way that it not only is big, it seems big. Present it in a small box wrapped in fancy paper. A check box works great if you pad it or prewrap the gift certificate with tissue or foil.

Gift certificates are limited to one store or chain, so if you're buying for someone living in a different city or country, make sure the chain has a store there. It would be very frustrating to receive a gift certificate that you couldn't use locally.

Not all gift certificates can be used in "bricks and mortar" stores and not all can be used online, so be sure to find out before you buy. Some can be used in either type of store. If you're not sure of the recipient's shopping habits, try to get one that can be used either way.

2. For a small gift, a bookmark can be special. You can make one yourself any number of ways, or you can buy them inexpensively - or expensively. Some bookmarks even make collector's items and will increase in value. You can buy antique bookmarks, or specialty ones (Narnia, or those with Harry Potter or Star Trek on them).

Look in the antique section of eBay to get an idea of what you'd be looking for, if you're not familiar with them. It wasn't until the1850's that bookmarks were made separate from the book, so don't be scammed into buying an antique bookmark dated before then. (At least not without an attached book!)

3. Book lights vary from elegant desk lamps to clip on night reading lights that work on batteries (and are supposed to keep from waking a sleeping partner). Knowing the habits of the gift recipient will help you choose a reading light that will be appreciated. Does he like to read in bed? Will he be offended by a plastic clip-on? Will the desk lamp fit the decor of his reading room? (A white lamp with a lavendar shade would NOT go well in a wood paneled, nautical themed den...)

4. Magnifiers may be welcome accoutrements to some readers, but it's good to know the reader well before investing in one as a gift. It may be very appropriate for older people, or those with vision problems. Make sure the recipient would appreciate such a gift, then look for a large full page magnifier. These are much more convenient than smaller ones as they don't have to be shifted except when turning the page. In lieu of that type, choose an eyeglass type of magnifier.

5. Book holders make great gifts for those book lovers who read in bed, or those who use patterns or recipes regularly, or for someone who has a handicap which makes holding a book tiring, difficult or downright impossible.

Book holders usually come with small clips that hold the book open to a certain page. Some book holders are very simple page holders, which keeps the book open, but there are quite sophisticated book holders, to. Some come on stands; some do not. Some are even uxurious (and expensive!) and are so adjustable that one can use them in almost any position, lying down, standing up or sitting.

The best gift is one that fills a need in a person's life, whether that person recognizes it or not! Book lovers can be easy to buy for, even if you don't understand or appreciate their book choices.