Gift Giving for Book Lovers

The holiday season is here, and it's time to think of gifts for your family and friends. As a book lover, I have to recommend great gifts to give to someone who loves books. My family and many of my friends have known for years how much I love books. And, many of them have been smart enough and sweet enough to purchase a book for me for a birthday or Christmas gift. I thought to myself when receiving the gift, "How smart of them to get me something that they know I'll use." So, here's a guide to buying gifts for someone who you know loves to read.

Books

Of course, buying them a book is always a great choice. Find out what genre of literature they like, and hit the bookstore and find them something in that genre. Whether it's romance, African-American literature, science fiction, historical fiction, biographies, self-help, etc. The list could go on. Finding out what types of books they look helps in getting them the book that they would enjoy reading. Better yet, ask them who their favorite authors are, and select the latest book from that author.

Bookstore gift card

This is probably the best idea for a gift. That way they can pick their own book. Get a gift card to places like Borders, Barnes and Noble, Waldenbooks, Amazon.com, or any other large bookstore. I'm telling you, the person will fall in love with you if you give them a gift card to one of these great bookstores. I know from personal experience. A $25 gift card could get them two or more books, depending on the price. Or one recently released hardback book.

Magazine subscription

I am a voracious magazine reader. I used to wait with great anticipation for the next issue of my favorite magazine to come to my house when I was a magazine subscriber. Find out what their favorite magazines are and purchase a magazine subscription for them. That makes a wonderful gift. And, they usually aren't that expensive.

Amazon Kindle eBook Reader

Oprah Winfrey went gaga over this on her show. She's a voracious reader too, and she loves it. I would love it if someone purchased one of these for me. It retails at $359. Pretty pricey, yes. But, if you have the big bucks, and it's for someone really close to you, like a spouse, child, or parent, it could be worth the investment.

These are just a few suggestions for gifts for book lovers like me. I would be thrilled to receive any of these gifts, and I know other book lovers would too.