An old steel wheel raised up off the ground with bricks makes for a simple wood/coal forge. That's what I'm going to use, since because I have all the materials already. Just need a bellows or a hand cranked turbine, which can both be had for cheap online. The goal for now is to make some usable items (bottle openers, knives, whatever) without using power tools.
You ain't kidding about the cost of a real anvil. Even the small ones are out of my price range for now. A sturdy base to mount it on is essential. This one's screwed into a piece of locust