I've been looking at all the Nook accessories
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/accessories/
and am very impressed by the marketing package that B&N has put together. They are really pushing a whole "reading experience" vision, not just ereader hardware.
I love my Sony's, but if I was buying Xmas presents for family, then the Nook has all the "warm & fuzzy" vibes that would work when getting a gift for Auntie Marjorie.
They are going to sell a lot this holiday season I suspect, way more than Sony.