Non book gifts that won't break the bank

December 4, 2:03 PMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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Image from Powells.com

Are you ready for the holidays or are you freaking out like the vast majority of us who realize that Christmas is just three weeks away and our shopping is far from done?  For those of your counting down, Hanukkah shoppers have 17 days and Kwanzaa shoppers have 22 days.   I've already compiled two lists of books that make perfect gifts.  As I promised last week I have created yet another gift guide for those who still haven't found the perfect gift for the readers in their life.  Today's cheat sheet focuses on non book gifts (for those whose home libraries rival many used bookstores) for those on a shoe string budget. 

Image from etsy

For the music and book lover: how about a literary mix tape?  I've already done the hard work and compiled two mixes of songs about books and authors.  All you need is an itunes account or a library card and you can make a thoughtful gift in minutes (the CD covers are is up to you).  You could also scour your personal music library and make a mix of your own.

For someone who has too many books an not enough bags: how about a cloth bag?  Seattle Public Library sells a lime green one at all of their 27 branches for $1.  Powells Books has a cute brown one with a squirrel (who doesn't love squirrels?) on it.

For someone who constantly dog-ears the pages of books (I'm guilty of it as well): get crafty and make them a bookmark.  I know it sounds corny, but if you have artistic blood running through your veins it could turn out into a work of art.  If you're like me and your crafts would make a five year-old cringe, try making a collage bookmark.  It's a great way to recycle the old magazines and catalogs gathering dust under your coffee table.  You can personalize the collage bookmark for each recpient.  Check out etsy.com for more bookmark ideas. 

For the writer: create a personalized journal.  All you need in an inexpensive notebook.  Bonus points for personalizing it.

For the jewelry lover:  Craftzine.com has a pattern to make jewelry from old books.

Come back tomorrow for more non book gift ideas.