Most people who can appreciate a good glass of beer would love to receive beer-themed gifts for a variety of occasions--from birthdays and housewarmings to hostess gifts and thank you gifts. Across the world there is a beer culture of collectible goodies, information about beer, and tools for producing brews. Any of the collectibles and doodads including bottle openers, coasters, t-shirts, ball caps, key chains, coolers, and stadium cushions can be assembled into a thoughtful gift basket, or can act as gift toppers to round out a nice beer gift. Budweiser, Heineken, Miller, Beck's, and a variety of other popular beer brewers have an assortment of merchandise available on their websites for such uses.

For larger, more substantive gifts there are a number of thoughtful options that can either encourage beer appreciation, beer education, or beer collections. Aside from the usual shopping resources online and at chain stores, beer enthusiasts may also appreciate items found at antique stores. The tips below will provide you with specific ideas for where to begin your shopping search.

For friends and loved ones who appreciate drinking a cold brew, the following gifts may enhance their beer drinking experience:

• Kegerator

This slightly pricier gift is a wonderful gift for a man or woman who enjoys keg beer regularly, as this is a mini-refrigerator that will keep an entire keg chilled.

• Riedel Beer Glasses

Riedel is considered one of the premium glass makers in the world, and is especially famous for high-end wine glasses that can, according to Riedel, even enhance the flavor of wine.http://www.riedel.com/ These same craftsmen also make premium beer glasses, and may be well-appreciated by someone who takes beer drinking very seriously.

If the beer fan in your life has taken the interest to the level of a beer brewing hobby, there are a variety of gifts you can purchase to support their hobby. Here are some ideas for the home brewer:

• Brewing Supplies

A beer fan can rarely have enough ingredient stock for the next batch of brew. If the gift recipient has never brewed beer before, simple kits such as Mr.Beer are available to get him or her started. Advanced brewers may appreciate a collection of his or her favorite ingredients.

• Beer Magazine Subscription

Fans of brewing or drinking may get some pleasure out of reading about the latest beers and advances in brewing techniques. There are actually a number of beer-themed magazines in print, some of which include: All About Beer, Brew Your Own, Draft Magazine, and Zymurgy.

• Beer Books

Any local major bookstore will have shelves and shelves of books on hobbies, and beer drinking and brewing is certainly no exception. Some of the books are instructional, historical, or just plain artistic.

Beer antiques and collectibles can be big business for beer fans who are serious about amassing a collection. Or perhaps you know someone who is a fan of a particular brand of beer, type of beer, or beers from certain countries. If that's the case, collectible items may be right up their alleys:

• Old-Time Beer Bottles and Cans

Antique stores and eBay often have a wide collection of beer bottles and cans of all varieties and ages. Most of them will be empty, but that doesn't mean it won't still look beautiful on display.

• Beer Artwork and Posters

Old advertisements, posters, and even pieces of artwork can be a wonderful find for someone who loves beer--especially if they have their own bar or brewing station set up in their house.