Five Gifts for Writers for Under $20

Whatever the season, gifts for writers can get a little stale after a while. Sure, you could give yet another gift certificate to Staples or Amazon, but if you're looking for something a little more personal these gifts for writers are sure to be appreciated.

1. Literary Action Figures
For writers with a sense of humor, consider giving a literary action figure. You may have seen these in novelty stores in your area; they make great gifts for writers. Jane Austen, Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, and even the Librarian are some of the action figures available. They generally retail for under $10 in stores. Online retailer Archie McPhee Toys, Gifts & Novelties (mcphee.com) carries them for around $4.95-$8.95.

2. Page Points Bookmarkers
Page Points are great gifts for writers who like to read. They're specially made to be moved easily or they can be left inside a book indefinitely without damaging pages. Their sleek metal design makes them perfect luxury gifts for writers and readers who enjoy fine details. Page Points are available in tins of three dozen from Levenger stores (levenger.com) for $10.

3. Paperblanks Journals
Classic gifts for writers are journals. Any art-loving writer would enjoy Paperblanks. They come in several sizes and each journal features a design based on a work of art or ancient manuscript. Most have magnetic or elastic closures to protect pages and an interior back pocket for storing loose papers and other mementos. Archival and acid-free, these journals will be around for a while. Designs can be viewed at the Paperblanks website (paperblanks.com). They can be purchased from most major bookstores and online for $10-20.

4. Magazine Subscription
There are plenty of magazines that would be great gifts for writers in the $20 and under category. Subscriptions to Writer's Digest or Poets & Writers can each be given for under $20. What if the writer on your list already subscribes to those magazines? Try a small literary magazine or a hobby magazine your friend would enjoy. Magazine subscriptions provide lots of possible gifts for writers and you can search for them by price or genre at magazine subscription websites or at Amazon.

5. Manuscript mailers
Mailers may seem like an impersonal gifts for writers, but a set of mailers can be paired with a good luck token for a friend who has recently finished a manuscript. The lucky charm adds a personal touch to this practical gift. Manuscript mailers can be found at Papyrus Place (www.papyrusplace.com) or Writers Store (www.writersstore.com) for around $12.95 for a pack of 5.

When choosing gifts for writers you don't have to limit yourself to books about writing or gift certificates. And you don't have to spend a fortune. If you're looking for personal gifts for writers in your life, try some of these budget-friendly ideas. You may even find something to give to yourself.