Cheap gift ideas: For book lovers

In my recent post My gift shopping strategy, or why small gifts rock, I explained why making small gifts the focus can make shopping both easier and cheaper.

With that in mind, I’ll be compiling the ultimate lists of gifts for under $20 between now and Christmas. I’ve covered bags for him and her, now here are some ideas for the bookworms in your life.

Some of the book lovers on your list might be drooling over the Amazon Kindle, but there are plenty of ways you can encourage their reading habit without spending $399.

As a frequent reader myself, there are three things that I can never have enough of: book lights, bookends, and bookmarks.

For a book light, I suggest the Fulcrum Multiplex LED Book light. It’s just $10.99.

There are plenty of choices for bookends, whether your loved one is a fan of fierce dragons ($16.95), or mischievous monkeys ($11.95), or just something classy ($11.17).

Bookmarks can be a great stocking stuffer, and with so many choices out there it’s easy to find one that is personal. It’s a great do-it-yourself project, too. Or, for just $9.99 you can buy a really fancy bookmark like this silver-plated bookmark with a heart charm and purple Swarovski crystal.

For those who do a lot of reading at their desk, like students and writers, a book holder is a great way to alleviate some neck pain. This one from Fellowes is just $9.99.

Of course, you can always buy them books if you know what’s on their list, but if you only know their general areas of interest, a magazine subscription might be a better way to go. There are thousands to choose from, and many are under $20 for a year’s subscription, including Wired for $10 and O, The Oprah Magazine for $18.

Finally, you can always give them an Amazon.com gift card.

There’ll be more lists of gift ideas for under $20 between now and Christmas, so watch this space.