You know they have already browsed in bookshops on foot and online, they have perhaps trawled through the review section of the Guardian, they have their eye on this special hardbound edition, this year's Booker, a non-fiction that you couldn't even imagine they would pick - well, there's no telling what booklovers have set their hearts on. So what to do?
Give them book vouchers. All major bookstores, like Waterstones, Books etc and Borders have them and it means that your loved one will be sure to get the book they always wanted. Or for those who have grown out of bookstores and like browsing from the comfort of their home, nothing beats Amazon gift certificates. Email them, print them at home or post them, personalised gift certificates are available from £5 to £500. I just love them!
Adopt a Book! is an unusual gift that supports the British Library's book conservation team. From £25 you can choose from a list the book you would like to adopt and the certificate to be sent to the beneficiary. Similar schemes exist in other libraries, like in the Royal College of Surgeons, the American Antiquarian Society, etc.
Pay £5 for four books and receive none! Book Aid International "reverse" book club provides books to people of all ages in Africa. Or from £8 give text books to African schools and help give children the education they deserve, from Oxfam Unwrapped
Gifts from the iconic Penguin range are highly desirable. What about a HG Wells "Invisible Man" mug or an Agatha Christie's "The Labours of Hercules" tea towel? There are also delightful pencils, each bearing a classic Penguin title, book bags and deck chairs to rest your favourite book on.
Book chairs are great for reading in many different situations - in bed, at the computer, in the kitchen (as a recipe book stand), for taking notes from a book whilst writing or typing and it can be used as a laptop stand as well. They fold flat and come in many designs.
Bookmarks are always bound to make an impression, especially those pewter ones that feature old coins (pennies, shillings, fathings) mounted on top. You can even chose a coin from a particular year!
Book labels are a special gift for the discerning book lover and I am not talking about any book labels but the ones made to both contemporary and vintage historical designs by
Ex-Libris. Choose from a range of bookplates to be reproduced either on paper or a good-quality rubber stamp and use them to claim ownership of that special book.
A Booklight sounds like a minor gift but for those of us who are keen to read everywhere, a good quality booklight is a godsend. From planes to camping sites to darkened rooms, booklights are essential booklovers' accessories. Go a step further and get your booklover friend or relative, a reading light. These lights are developed with readers in mind and provide a crisp, near daylight pool that is easy on the eyes.
Good luck with your Christmas shopping!
