Great Gift Ideas for Readers

Gifts for book lovers are readily available in most specialty gift shops if you know what to look for, but many hobby readers have enough book marks to paper a wall, and not every book hits the reader right, even if Oprah recommended it. Buying a random book in the hope it's a hit is like buying a movie lover a random movie: in a bad case, the book is one the reader will never even crack open. In a worst-case, they will have already read it. Neither scenario is desirable.

To prevent the purchase of a bad gift, it is recommended that gifts for book lovers be reading themed but not specific books unless there is a particular hardcover on the reader's personal wish list and no one else has expressed the thought of purchasing that item for them. Another option is to purchase a special book like a first edition or an autographed copy from a favorite writer. Either gift will be highly appreciated. For those who don't want to purchase literature, consider one of these ten thoughtful items:

Amazon.com, Half Price Books, or Half.com gift certificates - A considerate gift for the book lover is a gift of more books. If you would like to give your favorite reader a book this holiday season, a good idea is to let the reader choose their own. Gift cards are a nice way to recognize a reader's favorite hobby. Either select an online book retailer, or consider a local book shop.

Personalized Book Bag - If your favorite book lover likes to go to the park or the beach to read, a personalized book bag would make a wonderful gift. Many places offer satchels and book totes at a reasonable place with personalization services for just a few dollars more. Select a sturdy canvas or leather bag over a nylon one. Lillian Vernon carries a a colorful model that can be personalized with up to 12 letters. Their Vibrant Canvas Tote is now under $10 and has a reinforced base at a size of 16" x 11 ½." For a smaller bag to fit novels, consider a leather messenger bag.

Reading lamp - Lamps plus carries a full line of floor lamps and flexible reading lamps. Consider a whimsical or ornate desk lamp or one that can be mounted over a favorite chair. Posh tots carries a lovely lamp meant for decorating a child's room but certain to be a favorite for reading fans. The Rabbit Reading Lamp has earthy tones and a gilded empire shade. The lamp's design features a ceramic rabbit sitting cross-legged with a book across its lap.

Reading Journal - Readers love keeping a record of books they've read as well as new books they would like to read in the future. Uncommon Goods carries a 9" x 7" journal with spaces for recording information about and taking notes on over 250 books. For a less formal journal, consider a simple journal-style notebook and a nice gift pen set. Some of the best pens available is available from Joon.com. Consider the limited edition Faber Castell Walden Woods limited edition pen for $600. A portion of the proceeds will go toward preserving Walden Woods to honor Thoreau and his memorable prose. Henry David Thoreau lived in Walden Woods for about two years and changed the world with his memoirs.

Personalized book plates are a thoughtful gift for book lovers who worry about lending out classics. My Own Labels carries a full line of customizable book plates that you can order for your favorite reader in a variety of styles and colors. Prices are $9 for a sheet of labels (which can be up to 45 units depending on bookplate size.)

Pagekeeper bookmark - The Pagekeeper is the tech gadget version of book mark. It is basically a spring that clips pages that have not yet been read together. Consider purchasing a multi-pack to fit several books at a time. No longer will your reader have to worry about losing his or her place when a paper bookmark slips out unexpectedly. The Pagekeeper is one of those gadgets that makes people think, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Book Reading Night Gift Basket - If your favorite reader plans a special reading night each week, the gift of a filled basket of snacks is a thoughtful gesture. You can buy them already made from places like Figis or stuff your own basket with favorite goodies. Be sure to select snacks that don't melt or leave a mess on book pages if they are eaten during an evening read.

Short Story Magazine Subscription - For a continuous supply of reading material, consider genre very carefully. Asimov's Science Fiction and Analog: Science Fiction and Fact are both well respected speculative fiction print magazines. Cemetery Dance is one of the foremost horror magazines. Futures Mystery is for the mystery genre, and other genres carry general print monthlies and seasonal publications that will offer several installments of fresh fiction.

Personalized Bookmarks - Wallace Ink carries over twenty-four varieties of customizable leather personalized bookmarks. They are made from kid leather and can be bought with a discount for bulk purchases of twenty or more units. $7.50 each.

Eye Mask - The spa style Hibermate eye mask from complete sleep solutions is an especially nice way to relax weary eyes after a marathon read. With removable ear pillows, readers can block out sleep interrupting light and give the eyes the chance to relax. Price is just 22.26, and it has a sixty-day guarantee.

There are many great holiday gifts out there for book readers of every variety. Regardless of what you choose for your favorite book lover, be sure to have a happy holiday!