Trying to find the perfect gift for a special designer? Here are some of my favorite ideas:

If they’re new to design and need to build a library, you could put together a book package that includes a good print design reference, like Claudia McCue’s Real World Print Production; a good basic web coding book, like Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML; and a good web design guide, like Sitepoint’s The Principles of Beautiful Web Design. These three books are good choices for any designer’s library. A subscription to How Magazine would be a great choice as well.

A subscription to an online reference site like lynda.com or Safari would excite any designer. I don’t know what I’d do without my Safari subscription. It’s wonderful to be able to search a library of design reference books and jump straight to the information you need within minutes.

Most of my fellow designers also like fine art. A gift of art supplies would definitely bring a smile to their face, and provide a much needed break from the computer.

If they’re a seasoned designer–one of the old folks, like me–you might want to get them something to help them relax and unwind. My dream present would be a wilderness retreat with no technology in sight. Of course, after a few days, I’d miss it….maybe.

Hope your holidays are filled with love and warmth. May all your scripts work on every platform and your style sheets validate.

See you in 2008.