If you are looking for a gift for someone on your list owns or is receiving a network media player, you want to be sure they have content to watch. Consider giving the gift of access to thousands of movies.
Almost every media player, networked TV and component, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Sony PS3, Google TV, Apple TV,--over 200 different devices-has the ability to stream media from Netflix. Netflix began as an online DVD rental service where renters pay a monthly fee to have DVDs mailed to them. The service has since morphed to add online movie and TV streaming directly to those Netflix enabled devices.
Netflix has made it easy to give a gift subscription to their service. Touted as one of Oprah's Favorite Things for 2010, you can choose the type of subscription along with the length of subscription from one month to a year. Types of subscriptions include Instant Que online delivery for $7.99 per month, or Instant Que plus One DVD-at-a-time (not Blu-ray Discs) for $9.99 per month.
To redeem the subscription, the recipient goes to the Netflix Gift Page. Note that they must register a method of payment. The payment method will be charged a nominal amount each month--probably just a few cents--to be sure it is still valid. Another words, you can't give the subscription to someone who doesn't have a credit card or other way of paying to continue the subscription or pay for a lost DVD.