Probably one of the most difficult groups of fly anglers to buy for are those that are just beginning. Some of them develop a craze for the sport right from the start - you will know these people by the look in their eye whenever the topic of fish comes up, or by their actions when they drive on a bridge over any river. Usually, they will make every effort to stop the car right on the middle of the bridge, caring little about taking up the lane, and promptly jump out of the car. They will stand on the bridge, looking down into the water for great lengths of time, with hardly a word being said.
Of course, it only gets worse the longer they have been flyfishing. Get used to it, bridges were built so anglers could look at flowing water.
Other than locating a bumper sticker that reads "Caution, This Car Stops Suddenly On All Bridges", what else could you put under the tree for the beginner fly fisher?
Of course, in order to flyfish, one must have a rod, a reel, a fly line of some sort, a length of leader material, and some flies. That's pretty much it. If you do insist on purchasing any of this, be sure to find out whether your angling friend already has some particular brands and models in mind. There are several excellent rod manufacturers that produce quality rods with the beginner in mind. Rods that won't cost you an arm and a leg, but will still be of such quality that the angler won't be frustrated while perfecting their cast.
You can take a look at what's available by visiting the Fly Rod Manufacturers category. You will want to know what length and weight of rod the angler is looking for. If he/she is planning on fishing a great deal for small brook trout, a 12 weight salt water rod won't be appropriate.
My own recommendations would be to consider rods made by St. Croix, G. Loomis, Talon, and Reddington. This of course does not imply that there aren't others that also make great rods for the novice.
A reel is also a vital part of the fly anglers tackle. They are available in a huge range of prices, dependant upon the quality of machining, the type of drag system, and in some cases, the name. This is definitely one area where you do not want to buy the cheapest possible. Good reels may be had for $50.00 to $120.00, with much more expensive ones also available. I am somewhat partial to Scientific Angler's reels, and have found them to be of high quality for the price. If you want to spend a little less, consider a J.W. Young, a reel made in England and that many beginners have started out with. I have recently heard some good things about a Japanese reel made by a company called Okuna, but I have no personal experience with it.
Unless you know for sure the type of fishing that is going to be done, it is probably best to leave the choice of lines to the angler. This is especially true if they are planning on taking lessons from an instructor, as some instructors prefer to teach using double taper lines, while other teachers believe that using a weight forward line is more encouraging for the beginner. More than likely a floating line will be used but certainly there are circumstances where sinking lines are called for. Other types of lines are for more specialized situations, and should probably be best selected by the angler after they have greater experience.
So, now that we have listed a few cautions regarding gifts for the beginning fly angler, what can we find that will certainly be of use and appreciated?
Probably one of the best gifts are books. Books can teach the novice so much about flyfishing and flytying. Nothing beats having the one on one experience from a good instructor, but there are also some helpful written guides available. One of the best I have seen is by Joe Petralia, entitled Flyfishing: First Cast To First Fish. This book will prove to be very beneficial to those that are just learning how to fly fish and the author has provided an excellent work on the subject. You can also read my review of the book. Another book written with a humorous style and helpful in explaining flyfishing is Fly Fishing For The Compleat Idiot: A No Nonsense Guide To Fly Casting by Michael Rutter. Bill Mason's Fly Fishing: Learn From A Master is also an excellent resource.
For those learning to tie flies, it will be hard to beat Helen Shaw's classic Fly Tying. Excellent close up photos with the author's tips and directions will have anyone tying good flies in no time!
Fly tying kits often materials that will not be used much, but they can be a good way for someone to begin stocking their fly tying bench. Often, the quality of the tools that are in kits are a little to be desired, but having a small selection of tools, a vice, and some tying thread and materials is a great way to begin to learn more about fly tying. If nothing else, it will provide ideas on what tools and materials the tyer should start thinking about acquiring other useful items including feathers and furs. Many of the on-line Fly Shops have tying kits available.
Finally, you might want to consider purchasing lessons as a gift. There are many excellent fly fishing schools and instructors, and perhaps you can work out some type of gift certificate to put under the tree, so that your friend will be able to call up the instructor, make an appointment, and not have to worry about paying for the lessons themselves. As well as the flyfishing schools, many guides also offer lessons. Sending your friend off for classes will at least minimize the chances of you being struck by a hook while they try to learn their casting technique in your vicinity!
For The Fly Tying Bench
Custom Rod Builders
General Always Useful Gifts
Last Week:
The Muncher is a favorite of Ian James for carp, smallies, more. 
Thoughts of a Chicken Rancher. Doc tells it like it is.