Six Christmas Gift Ideas for Science Fiction Fans

Nearly everyone has at least one science fiction nut in his or her life, and you probably struggle every year to figure out a perfect gift to feed that person's need for sci-fi related material. This Christmas season, take some of the guesswork out of what the perfect gift for that science fiction fan might be with one of these six gift ideas for a science fiction buff.

Any serious fan of science fiction is familiar with the "pulp fiction" era of science fiction. "Worlds of Tomorrow: The Amazing Universe of Science Fiction Art" was put together by science fiction editor/fan/historian Forrest J. Ackerman and author Brad Lindweaver. It features 300 pieces of the "pulp fiction" art that graced the covers of science fiction in the early years of science fiction of the 1930, '40s, and '50s, when bug-eyed monsters, rocket ships, and scantily-clad women were the way to push the work into the hands of teenage boys.

The "Heroes" franchise collection on DVD would be an excellent gift. It features all of the television episodes of seasons 1 & 2 of this groundbreaking story about the next step in human evolution, combining some of the best elements of science fiction from comic books, and high concept, Hugo-winning works such as "Darwin's Radio" (Greg Bear) and "More Than Human" (Theodore Sturgeon).

The first taste that most of mainstream America had of science fiction was the legendary television series "Star Trek" (1967-69). "Star Trek" broke the mold for what science fiction could be and recast it, setting the groundwork for later television series and movies, not only within the franchise, but making it possible for work such as "Star Wars" and "The Terminator" to get taken seriously. No true collector of science fiction memorabilia would think of NOT having a phaser or communicator on their wall or shelf.

Original framed movie posters make excellent, if sometimes expensive, gifts. The Big Three science fiction movie posters for a true collector would be either "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "Forbidden Planet," or "Alien," all of which changed the tone and reach of science fiction's influence on society and culture on a broader basis than mere entertainment. Easier to find, and less expensive, would be reproductions of a poster for any of the "Star Wars" or "Star Trek" franchise movies.

Last, but not least, and my personal favorite - "Star Trek" Christmas ornaments, exclusively available through Hallmark stores. Each year one or two new ships or figures are released, with sounds and light. My tree looks like a fleet from Star Fleet Command.

From the comic book world to the big screen, 2008 saw the release of three major motion pictures with a science fiction theme. "Iron Man," "Dark Knight," or "The Incredible Hulk" would all make excellent stocking stuffers.

This list could go on, but with any one of these six gift ideas for the science fiction fan, you're sure to bring a smile of joy to the child within.