[$12.95, Barnes&Noble]

Let me tell you something. I have a weakness for purses. And a weakness for a-line skirts. And a weakness for things that sparkle. I also have a weakness for olives, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-themed ornaments, newsboy caps, and many other things.

But my biggest weakness (and the reason I never have any money) is the bookstore, and everything contained therein.

Which is why I always buy big bags, ones that can fit at least two or three books: one that I'm reading, and a few more that I just bought but want to pretend I already owned so that no one can actually tell how much money I'm spending on books. The Stephen Colbert tote bag, above, is so perfect for this, plus Stephen's manically smiling visage always makes me giggle. Barnes & Noble also has a bunch of other tote bags to choose from, if political satire just isn't your thing.

After the jump, the things you should fill it with when shopping for your special word nerd:

[$12.95, The Library Shop]

I didn't love the book itself, but I love the concept behind this book lust journal. This book is meant to be used to jot down favorite passages in the books you're reading, or to take notes on meaning, context, and anything else you can think of or feel while reading. Additional page formats enable readers to record books on their "to read" list, and to keep track of books lent to friends and family.

[$9.60, Amazon]

Ah...the moleskine notebook, beloved by writers both well-known and unpublished. An elastic for bookmarking, and a small folder on the inner cover make this perfect for jotting down ideas for the next great novel, scribbling snatches of overheard dialogue, and taking down interviews.

[$11.53, Amazon]

A good thesaurus is key for any writer's reference shelf. I have this Bartlett's Roget's Thesaurus, and refer to it often (when I'm having a brain spasm mid-article).

[$18, Levenger]

You can use Margin Maker to take notes in the margins of whatever book you're reading. Cut or tear it to the length you need, place it in your book, and then remove it easily at any time. You can keep it extra long to double as a bookmark.

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Related: Stocking Stuffers for Word Nerds, Gifts Under $25 for the Jaded Indie Rock Aficianado, Gifts Under $25 for Giant Nerds, Gifts Under $25 for Foodies, Gifts Under $25 for the History Buff, Gifts Under $25 for the Domestic Diva, Gifts Under $25 for the Design Snob, Gifts Under $25 for Media Nuts