by Isobel Clayton

Created on: April 04, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

First of all, do your research. If the movie buff in your life loves the old Henry Fonda films then a Jane Fonda sponsored-gym ball is a little too tenuous to bring joy into their life. Make a shortlist of their favourite films and actors and then consider the following possibilities:

1. Limited edition box sets

- You know the sort...twenty-three hours of never-seen before footage and interviews with the director about his toe-nail clipping collection. From your point of view, the unseen clips would have been better off locked in a safe and buried at sea but to the film fanatic they are like gold-dust.

2. Original movie film-cells

- You can buy film-cells, all neatly framed and presented with a picture from the movie. These aren't particularly cheap, but they are hugely popular with collectors and make a stylish and unique piece of artwork to display in the home.

3. Movie figure collectibles

- There are lots available, and you are best to buy the figurines that are limited edition. To own something that represents a favourite movie is always good, but the knowledge that you may be owning something that will appreciate in value and be coveted by fellow film buffs is an added thrill.

4. Movie tour

- By this I don't mean one of the guided, impersonal coach-loads that are trundled through private streets in the hope of spotting some Z-list celebrity taking out their trash. Pick the Movie Buffs favourite films and look into their locations. Some will be unfeasible because of cost, others plain won't exist (sorry guys but there isn't a train to Space, The Final Frontier yet) but you may end up with a shortlist. Perhaps you've wanted to see France, "Amelie"-style...or to hire some minis and re-enact "The Italian Job". Whatever it is, if you find a film location in your own country or in a country where you are taking a holiday then any website connected with the film will give you the places to see. When I had a holiday in San Francisco I deliberately sought out the locations of "The Maltese Falcon" - a favourite film of mine. There was something magical about seeing the places from the movie, still in existence and recognisable over half a century later! I was taking the holiday anyway, so it was a day that didn't involve any expense apart from shoe leather in walking around hunting for the sights.

5. Cinema tickets

- Going to watch movies isn't cheap so why not buy a voucher or pass and the movie buff can pick the film!

6. Books

- Autobiographies/biographies, film guides, "making ofs"...all of them packed with trivia, gossip and fresh insights.

Happy choosing!

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