All I want for Christmas is a Study Bible

Ok, so maybe you hadn't thought about asking for a study Bible for Christmas, but it is a good investment if you don't own one.  Plus, if you ask for it for Christmas, it is a free (to you) investment!  There are a few good ones out there to choose from.  If I could just recommend one to you it would be the ESV Study Bible from Crossway.  A hardback version can be purchased from Amazon.com for under $30.  Here is why I recommend it:

1. It contains a great translation of the Scripture.  The English Standard Version is a solid, reliable translation of the Bible that is also fairly easy to read (not as tough as the NAS and not as easy as the NIV).  
2. The study notes are written by many different, conservative Bible scholars.  The notes are quite helpful when you are doing your devotionals and have a question about a verse.  Plus the introduction for each book of the Bible contains helpful information.
3. It contains a TON of helpful charts, articles, maps, and illustrations.  It has articles on theology, other world religions, apologetic issues, and much more.
4. You get access to an online version of the Study Bible for free (notes, articles, illustrations, everything.)  So you can use it even when you are away from home.

One downside is that with all this great information, the Bible itself is massive.  So, you probably wouldn't make this your Bible for taking places (unless you are trying to tone your arm muscles).  But, for a study Bible to keep at home and use to enrich your personal study time it is great.  If you want to get some more info about it (including sample pages) click here.

Now you have one more thing for your Christmas list.