Low Cost Christmas Gifts for Actors and Actresses

When you've got an actor or actress on your gift list, you'll have to be creative thinking of low-cost Christmas gifts that he or she will love. These ideas are excellent for the budget-minded consumer who wants to give budget friendly Christmas gifts for actors and actresses. Actors and actresses aren't any different from other people, they just like a bit more drama... which you can easily provide in the form of a fantastic, but low cost, Christmas present. Here are five suggestions, ordered from lowest priced to the last more extravagant gift, all of which your actor or actress will love so much they jump around and shower you with kisses, which is any gift giver's goal, right?

First, you could give the gift of knowledge in the form of a book related to his or her craft. Whether you choose the slightly facetious Breaking Into Acting for Dummies (retail: $21.95), Acting: The First Six Lessons (retail: $24.95), Acting for the Camera ($14.95), or Acting for Young Actors: The Ultimate Teen Guide ($16.95), you can easily choose a book about the art appropriate to the person who will be getting the gift. Want to save even more? Search "Acting" on Amazon.com and you'll get a list of over 300 books, many of which you will find for under $7, if you don't mind giving a used book as a present. (And why should you?)

Next, if your actor or actress watches more on the big screen than she reads on the page, why not quiz him a little in the hopes of finding out favorite actors. (If you are particularly lucky, you'll already know at least a few.) Search for DVDs of Inside the Actor's Studio that feature that actor or actress. These range in price from $10 - 25, depending on the celebrities interviewed. If you're completely stumped, you might like Leading Men or Icons, which offer a range of actors in one package. These DVDs offer a great opportunity for your aspiring actor to learn more about the lives and careers of screen legends. A useful gift for any actor or actress, DVDS can be found in stores near you or on Amazon.

The website Incognita offers t-shirts and gifts for actors and actresses. From the t-shirt that says "ACTRESS: I'm not Crazy, I'm rehearsing" ($27) to a whole line of products featuring the 50s-style graphic "The Audience From Hell": mug ($13.99), messenger bag($23.99), ringer tee(19.99), and many more, the website offers the largest range of gifts and apparel specifically designed for those in the entertainment industry. You'll find everything from aprons to framed prints at the site, and if you keep browsing, you might even find cool presents for others on your list.

Want something a little more, how can we say, useful for your acting friend? How about a subscription to Backstage, which is the definitive resource for actors hoping to find jobs and connect with other actors around the country. Subscriptions are pricey, but that's exactly why you should give it as a gift to your starving artist friend. A six-month web only subscription will set you back $70, or you can upgrade to six months for print and web for $99. Includes 24-hour access to thousands of job listings, as well as the chance to post headshots and resumes for director review. An invaluable gift.

Finally, for those with a little more to spend, why not sign up your aspiring actor or actress for a course at your local community theater. In Providence RI, Pershiable theatre offers a one-day workshop for acting in front of a camera for $125. They have many other offerings as well. To find courses, call your local community college to check their non-credit offerings. Look for theaters in your area, then call to see what classes they offer.