Gift Ideas for Book Lovers: Five Hot Tips

Searching for the perfect gift for the book lover in your life? Look no further! Whether your bookish friend is a fan of mystery, science fiction, or literary classics, you can put together an amazing gift that is sure to please. Order your gift online or put it together from locally available items; gifts for book lovers come in as many varieties as there are literary genres. Whether you want a serious, cherished gift or a fun and whimsical option, you're sure to find one here that fits your style AND your budget.

1. Boxed Set

If your book-loving friend has a favorite author, consider purchasing a boxed set of books from that author. A boxed set will contain books in high quality hardback editions; that way, your friend can have a full matched set of his favorite books to display on his book shelf. Try the Harry Potter Boxed Set, available from amazon.com for $122.85. Fans of mystery might enjoy a Sherlock Holmes Boxed Set for just over $38.

2. Books and Movies

Buy your book lover the book and DVD version of her favorite story, then put it together with some microwave popcorn and movie theater style boxed candies. Add a 20-ounce bottle of soda and a memento from the movie, such as a movie poster or movie t-shirt, and your gift is ready to give.

3. Wear Your Book On Your Sleeve

Visit Cafepress.com to see a selection of tshirts, bags, coffee mugs, and other printable items inspired by favorite books. Check out this Shakespeare Insults T-shirt for $28 or this Mark Twain Rectangle Magnet for $5. If you don't see something inspired by your friend's favorite book or author, you can create your own custom items using quotes and graphics of your own choosing.

4. Boxes and Baskets

Try this selection of book lover's gift baskets, which include a variety of snacks and an option to choose a paperback novel for inclusion with the package. Or check out this Book Lovers Gift Basket for $44.50; it includes an option to add a Barnes & Noble gift card for an additional price, and comes in a book end chest for a reusable packaging option. You can always put together your own basket, too - include a signed or first-edition copy of a favorite book along with foods inspired by that book (Harry Potter candies and pumpkin juice, for instance).

5. Handmade Marketplace

Etsy.com offers gifts for book lovers in mass quantities. Try these colorful author matchbook notebooks for $6.50 or this custom made charm bracelet for $21.99. Don't forget to browse Etsy's selection of handmade bookmarks while you're there. (Of course, there's always yarn and spinning fiber for book lovers, too!) If you haven't found anything you like yet, contact one of your favorite Etsy artisans and ask for a custom order option. Now that's a one-of-a-kind gift!

Whatever you choose, make your gift memorable by personalizing it for the book lover in your life.