Book Lover Gift

For the true book lover, assemble a few treats to enhance his or her enjoyment of a favorite pastime. Box up some bookmarks, highlighters, a protective book cover, and a small dictionary to keep handy by the bed. Book plates and an embossing tool let your friend give favorite books a personal stamp. A small portable reading light makes reading in bed easy.

 

Handyperson Gift

If the song your favorite handyperson most often sings is "If I Had a Hammer," answer the plea with a backup tool kit to store in the kitchen or den. Fill a rectangular plastic basket with a small hammer, various screwdrivers (Phillips, slot, large, and small), a tape measure, and pliers, both needle-nose and plain. Tools will always be handy when they're needed.

 

Movie Lover Gift

Give a relaxing night at the movies with all the comforts of home: package a tub of microwavable popcorn with a videotape of a favorite movie and perhaps a certificate for a movie rental. Some candy, bottles of soda, and a copy of a comprehensive movie guide complete the gift.

 

Lunch-for-One Set

For friends or family members who usually eat lunch at their desks, make the experience more civilized with a lunch-for-one set that fits into a desk drawer. Camp flatware, a microwave-safe plate, mini salt and pepper shakers, and a place mat and napkins can all be stored in a small plastic box, along with a small bottle of dishwashing liquid for cleanup.

 

Exercise Gift

If someone on your gift list is likely to make (again) that most common New Year's resolution, help him or her put a best foot forward with a "bouquet" of athletic socks, wrist bands, wrist or ankle weights, shoelaces, and a certificate for a visit to a local health club for a class or fitness evaluation.

 

Bath Time Gift

For the tiny tots on your list, make bath time a rub-a-dub good time with a net bag full of bubble bath, floating toys, a spout protector (shaped like a friendly animal), and children's soap in fun shapes.