I’m guessing many of you fall into two camps when it comes to holiday gift-giving. The first camp is always looking for ideas for family and friends. The second camp includes people that have yet to compile a wish list detailing the things you want. In the spirit of giving, here are six items that will make great presents for writers, whether it’s for your wish list or the perfect gift to give.
Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had a great writing idea in the shower. Yet by the time I stepped out of the water, the idea was lost. That’s why this Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad is so brilliant. It’s available from many sellers on Amazon for a starting price of $14.99. This is a must-have for every writer!
Literary Candles
Who wouldn’t love one of these soy candles with a unique scent that is reminiscent of a favorite book. You’ll feel like you’re having tea with Alice and the Mad Hatter with the White Tea candle. Or enjoy the fragrances of lily, lilac, rose, hyacinth and ivy with the Pemberley candle, straight out of Pride and Prejudice. Black currant tea and leather books is the smell from the 221B Baker Street Candle where you’ll be one with Sherlock Homes. These literary candles are available for $16 through Uncommon Goods.
photo credit: Callie Meaney via Uncommon Goods
Notebooks and Pens
Even if you write predominantly on the computer (which I do), there are always those moments where you’re out-and-about and an idea hits. My writer’s notebook is a small, simple Moleskin black leather reporter’s notebook that my husband gave me for my birthday. He took the gift a step further by embossing my initials on the cover. This gift came at a time when I was fully embracing writing and Bryan wanted to give me something that was meaningful and encouraged my dreams.
Hand Massage
Whether your writing style is using a keyboard or scribbling long-hand, our poor hands are spent by the end of the day. Of course a full body massage is awesome, but if you don’t have a lot of cash – or want to make it more writer-focused – think about the gift of a hand massage. Several massage studios – like Massage Envy and reflexology clinics – offer affordable massages just for hands.
Ideal Bookshelf Greeting Cards
As both a writer and book lover, I feel in love with Ideal Bookshelf products. This company and its artist have amazing products, including mugs, pins, tote bags, prints, and even wrapping paper. But my favorite bookish items are the greeting cards. You can chose among several different themes: classic novels, children’s literature, cook books, girl heroines, SciFi, Jane Austen, travel, love stories, and Christmas tales. And if you can’t pick just one, opt for the postcard variety pack, which includes one of every theme.
photo credit: Ideal Bookshelf
Grammar Teacup and Saucer Sets
These cups are perfect for the editor in your life! VenueDecor’s Grammar Teacup and Saucer Sets feature common grammar mistakes on the 8 oz. cups, with the explanation on the matching 6-in. saucer. Choose between “to and too,” “your and you’re,” and “their, there and they’re.” And as an added bonus, the undersides of the saucers use the featured words in a sentence. The sets range from $32 – $48 are available from VenueDecor on Etsy.
photo credit: VenueDecor on Etsy
Bonus Idea: What writer doesn’t love a good writing book? From books about the craft to ones filled with practical exercises to get the pen to paper, this curated selection of writing books has something for every writer on your list. You’ll find classic authors about the craft, from Anne Lamott to Julia Cameron, to fiction-writing experts like Lisa Cron and memoir enthusiast such as Theo Nester. There are also classics on grammar, speech writing and the best writing books for kids.
What writing-inspired gift did you love to get? Do you have other ideas?