The holidays are approaching fast and many people need ideas for families, friends and coworkers. Usually simple, generic gifts are fine, but what happens if a person's shopping list includes a book lover? The challenge is finding a book the person hasn't read. Or what genre the person loves to read, especially when trying to keep the present a surprise.
Below are some unique gift ideas for bookworms. They are well-priced, even for those on a budget, and more importantly, show the recipient that her/his loved one cares.
Christmas Gifts for Bookworms and Stocking Stuffers
One great way to show friends and family love is to find them a present that encompasses their favorite hobby. Instead of buying a book, why not buy an accessory for the book or a literary night out? Some ideas include:
- A functional tote bag with multiple pockets for carrying books.
- An artistic bookmark that can be used all year around. A great place to look are holiday bazaars and craft fairs.
- Take the book lover to a reading by an author. Many times they are free, or as a treat, buy the friend or family member the book and have it signed by the author on the spot. Check local colleges and universities for a list of readings.
- A year-long subscription to a literary magazine, such as The New Yorker or to a small literary journal.
- A funky or beautifully-crafted book shelf. Look to IKEA or a local furniture shop for ideas.
- Movie tickets to a movie based upon a book. Throw in popcorn and soda to be a good gift giver!
- A leather-bound journal to write down all their literary thoughts.
Websites that Offer Bookworm Presents
Two websites in particular offer some great ideas for book lovers. All presents are reasonably priced and offer a wide price range for customers of various financial backgrounds.
The first site is Cinzia Designs which has a wide variety of prescription Sunreaders for more upscale gift givers. The glasses come in hip and fun designs, often channeling the nostalgic age of old Hollywood glamour from the days of Marilyn Monroe and Bette Davis. All Sunreaders come with a durable and slick carrying case. Price ranges from $24 to $135.
The second site is Literary Traveler magazine. Each year the publication puts out their annual Holiday Gift Guide, detailing a variety of gifts hand chosen by the editors for the particular audience of book lovers. Presents range from the extravagant Amazon Kindle, the priciest of them all, to a travel edition of Scrabble, priced at just $13.49. Another great gift (the first item mentioned in the bulleted section above) is the Bloomsbury Bookbag Tote from Levenger for $58.
For the holidays this year (even Valentine's Day!), finding the right gift for a lover of reading can be as simple as thinking outside of the "book." If a gift giver researches the ideas on the above list and checks out the two websites mentioned, s/he should be able to buy the right present in no time!
Jennifer Ciotta - Jennifer Ciotta is the author of I, Putin (Vladimir Putin novel): http://vladimirputinnovel.com.
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