Top Ten Gift Ideas for Movie Lovers

The holidays are upon us once again and it's time to start planning that lengthy gift list. I don't know about you but I usually come across a handful of people that a generic Bath and Body Works scented lotion or a Macy's sweater just won't do for. In this particular case, I'm talking about that movie lover in your life.

Pretty much everyone I know has one in their life and it does tend to get a bit tricky in figuring out what on earth to get them because you've been bought then every DVD known to mankind! Well, my friends, I've found a solution! DVDs are not the only gift these family members or friend have to receive! This year, opt to be different! I've comprised a list (which are listed in no particular order) of a few ideas I think would be great for that special movie lover in your life.

1. Movie Snack Gift Packs - Everyone who ever has gone to a movie theater to watch a movie has had movie theater popcorn, nachos, candy, hot dogs, etc. For those that like to watch movies at home, you miss out on the snacking. So, you can solve this solution for your movie obsessed friend by buying them ready made movie snack gift packs. Many of these packs include a popcorn container (which some are made out of plastic to reuse them - yay!), popcorn, candy bars, chip, cheese, etc. Pretty much anything you'd like to eat at a movie theater, you're able to have access to at home!

Of course, the food included in this gift pack will run out so if you're interested in buying something more permanent, a popcorn popper might be the type of gift you're looking for. There are a number of places you can find something like this: department stores, kitchen supply stores or you can even google it online and a number of places online will pop up (on pun intended) and you can order from there!

2. Subscription to movie magazines or books - Everyone I know that loves to watch movies also loves to follow up on upcoming attractions, behind the scenes gossip and of course, reading up on their favorite actor, actress, director, etc. So, how about a subscription to a movie magazine? There are a number to choose from: Premiere Magazine, Interview, Entertainment Weekly, Filmmaker Magazine, Moviemaker Magazine, etc. Rummage through your local bookstore magazine selection because they probably will have some interesting one that your friend/family member would absolutely love to get!

If a subscription doesn't sound appealing, how about books geared towards the movie making process, guide to classic films, 100 must see movies, etc. There are a slew of these type of genre books online, especially on the Barnes and Nobles website. Any book retail store will have a great selection of books about movies for movie aficionados.

3. DVD Gift Sets - I know, I know. I mentioned earlier that there were a ton of things to get movie buffs besides DVDs but this is a bit different! What I mean by Gift Sets are, for example, if you know your movie buddy loves a specific actor, why not get them a DVD collection with movie that particular actor has been in? I know Barnes and Nobles has come out with boxed sets specifically for many Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart and a number of other actors. Also, if you don't find boxed sets for a particular actor you know your movie recipient would love, you can always buy a handful of their DVDs and package them together.

4. Movie Memorbilia - Buying props, autographed items, etc., is what this category would represent. Obviously, this could range from buying objects that were actually used on set of a particular movie (which could be pretty pricey) or buying items off of official movie websites. These could be movie t-shirts, hats, mugs, calendars, posters etc. Pretty much anything with the movie's title or one of their characters slapped on it is a good grab.

5. DVD Player - Depending on how much money you would like to spend on a DVD player, this could be a really expensive or inexpensive gift. Nowadays, with new gadgets coming out every few months, a decent DVD player could be found at a very affordable price. The difference with buying a DVD player for a movie lover, is to buy a DVD player that can play ALL types of DVDs. I'm referring specifically to International and foreign films. Many Asians or Indian movies, if shipped from that country, normally won't play in an American DVD player. You'll have to check out the format and ask the sales representative if the platform will allow all types of DVDs to play. This is a great grab for those movie buffs who are more than likely going to invest time in a number of international and foreign flicks.

6. Surround Sound - Even if you're not a movie lover, this is an awesome gift. There is no other way to watch a movie - especially if what you're watching is an action packed movie with all kinds of things blowing up. In all actuality, ANY type of movie sounds great with surround sound. This is a great gift for those that spend a lot of time watching movies at home, plus, it's a great way to kill two birds with one stone because they'll be able to use the surround sound on their television as well.

7. Reclining Chair - Although movie theaters don't have reclining chairs, don't you always wish they did? There's nothing better than cozying up in a reclining chair with your feet propped up and you laying back watching a great movie. Allow your movie friend to relax at home with a great reclining chair that has a cupholder (this is a must) and any other great added accessory your particular home furniture store may carry. A reclining chair can be used as a gift for pretty much everyone and anyone who likes to relax and enjoy television or movies. Specialty furniture or gift stores, for example, like Sharper Image, carry massage chairs that would be a superb variation on this gift.

8. Movie Membership - Are there any local movie clubs in your area? If so, this might be a great opportunity to sign your friend up and get them in the loop of festivals, discounts, events, etc., happening in your area or elsewhere that they may be interested in. You can easily google movie membership or clubs in your area but one of the coolest ones I've found is the AFI Movie membership. You can find out if they have one in your particular state when you begin the membership process. This is a great that your movie buff loved one will be sure to love.

9. Blockbuster/Netflix Membership - Let's face it, as easy as it is to go out to rent DVDs, how much easier would it be to request them at the touch of a mouse - MUCH EASIER! Blockbuster and Netflix have created such an easy way to rent DVDs that are extremely hassle free. The best part is, you'll be able to pick a renting plan that gears towards your friend/family members movie watching habits. Do they only get a chance to rent once a month? Not to worry - there's a plan made just for those folks. This is an awesome gift for those people that rent movies a lot and find themselves at home watching movies instead of going out.

10. Movie Trivia Board Games - There are a bunch of movie board games out there that seem like so much fun! One of these that I've seen more recently is "Scene It?" They have a number of different game packs and a movie game pack is one of them. This is a great way to have your movie family member/friend get all their friends and family involved in what interests them and plus - board games are always fun.

Hopefully this list made your shopping list a lot smaller or at least, narrowed it down. Good luck shopping this holiday!