’Tis the season to celebrate and to make our list for Santa. I always loved writing to Santa as a child. It was magical that I could write a letter to someone like him and know he received it. I knew that because at least one of my requested gifts always appeared under the tree on Christmas morning, except when it was too large or unrealistic, like the horse I wanted one year or the penguin.
These days my lists go to my husband who tries to offer a combination of items off my list with things he picks out to surprise me.
My list always includes things writers would love. Here are a few items I’ve found and dreamed up this year:*
The Practical
Noise Cancelling Headphones: There’s nothing worse than trying to write and be hampered by leaf blowers, loud talkers, or any number of other noisy distractions. That’s why noise cancelling headphones are a life-saver. According to Consumer Reports, Bose are the way to go. $345 and up.
The Bungee Chair: This is the only chair I use in my office and I swear by it. I can spend hours in it and never feel uncomfortable. It is so comfortable I can’t begin to tell you. The Bungee Chair is $200 at the Container Store and comes in a few colors.
Zenergy Ball Chair: Another option if you want to work on your posture and core. The Zenergy Ball Chair is an alternative to the usual ball chairs. $130.
Camera: Sometimes you want better quality or more features than your phone can provide. There are some great DSLRs available. A camera or camera kit with a tripod and lenses are great gift options for the writer in your life.
The Fun
Shakespearean Insult Mug: This mug includes the best of Shakespeare’s insults. It comes from my favorite place in Washington, DC—the Folger Shakespearean Theater and Library. The shop there has a wide variety of great gift ideas. You can shop the Folger here.
“I Cannot Live Without Books” Mug: How better to get your caffeine than in a mug featuring a quote from Thomas Jefferson? Nothing! This mug is a classic offering of the Library of Congress Shop located in the Jefferson Building. $12.
Library Card Tote Bag: Another offering from the Library of Congress Shop. What could be better for hauling around all your books than in a classic black-and-white tote with a giant Library of Congress library card on its front? Nothing! $25.
A Vintage Typewriter: I don’t know about you, but I love the old typewriters. My favorites are the antique Underwoods that sit tall and black and practically beg me to tap its keys. There’s something about the history of them that makes me want to let the words flow. You can find a range of vintage typewriters through eBay and at local antique shops.
Bookstore Candles: Can’t get to your favorite bookshop? No worries. You can recreate the scent with a bookstore candle from Frostbeard Studio. Check out Frostbeard’s other options, like Oxford Library or Christmas at the Burrow. $18
Library Card Coasters: Set your coffee on an antique library card coaster in bright color. $41 for a set of 4 coasters.
The Helpful
Aqua Notes: I don’t know about you, but I always come up with my best ideas when it’s the most difficult to capture them—in the shower, the car, on a walk. This idea helps with one of those locations (Siri helps with the others). Aqua Notes would let me take notes in the shower without fear of soggy paper or running ink. $7 each
ZEI Time Tracker Cube: This is a genius idea. It is a die that links to your computer to track your productivity and hours. For a freelancer, this is a life saver. There is nothing worse than forgetting to track your time when it comes to invoicing a client. The ZEI Time Tracker Cube makes that process a breeze. Simply set it up to work with a number of time-tracking software options and then simply roll the die to the proper function as you work your way through the day. The die includes eight customizable sides for tracking your tasks. You can choose a one-time fee for $99 or if you want to track your data, you can opt for a one-time fee of $49 with a $9 monthly fee for the ability to export your data for invoicing and planning, as well as reporting features and support.
Writing Workshops: Nothing could be better than learning something new. There are a wide range of workshops available from Gotham Writers, Writer’s Digest, and LitReactor.
Gym Membership: Writing is a sedentary pursuit. Any reason to get moving is a good one. This could take the form of a gym membership or yoga classes or really anything that gets a writer on her feet and in motion.
The Fashionable
Banned Book Socks: Every pair helps fund literary programs. Plus you show your position against censorship. $12 per pair. Out of Print offers a lot of products writers would love. Check out their site at www.outofprint.com.
Book Nerd Hoodie: Another Out of Print offering that proudly proclaims your status as a book nerd. $50.
“To Thine Own Self Be True” Mobius Necklace: This necklace features the famous line from Hamlet. It is sterling silver and is 18 inches long. It’s another great offering from The Folger Shakespearean Theater Shop. $53.
Alice in Wonderland Writing Gloves: Grab a pair of these fingerless gloves and be inspired by a passage from the classic Lewis Carroll book. Or choose another literary favorite. $26 per pair.
Carpe Librum Sweatshirt: Seize the book! This unisex sweatshirt is the perfect way to declare your love of books. $17.95
Furry Offerings: There is nothing better than wrapping up in something warm with a good book. Try the Ugg throw for $49.99 or a cozy furry robe for $129. Unless it is curling up with a cat. Go to your local shelter to find a furry friend to keep you company as you indulge in the ultimate reading experience.
The Geeky
Adagio Tea Fandom Samplers: Don’t just drink tea—declare your fandom. Adagio Teas has a variety of teas in literary and film-related tins. You can choose from Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones or just about any other fandom you can imagine. Check them out here. Prices vary.
ThinkGeek is my favorite source for all things geeky. It has all manner of geeky gifts, from apparel to toys and more. Some of my favorites are:
The Floating Nimbus 2000 for $19.99
The Book Light for $12.99
Subscribed
Here are my favorite subscriptions (and ones I lust after):
Audible: Tell me a story. Nothing is better on long car rides or on the treadmill. Audible offers a lot of stories. Enjoy a free book and for a limited time get three months for just $6.95 per month.
Once Upon a Book Club: This is the best subscription book service I’ve seen. It includes a book each month (YA or adult) and three to five items that are directly linked to the book. Readers are asked to unwrap the gifts when they reach specific pages within the book. They also include a printed quote from the book and opportunities to connect with other subscribers on Facebook and Instagram. $34.99 per month.
Scribbler: The subscription service specifically for writers. This box includes a newly released novel and writerly gifts. But it goes beyond that by including a peek behind the process with lines edits, a revision letter or other look at the editing process. The Scribbler box also includes an invitation to chat with a publishing professional (agent, publicist, editor). Finally the author includes advice on a writing topic, such as world building, plotting or character. Color me intrigued. $27.50 per month.
Want more book subscription options? Try Cratejoy. They have a ton of great book-related subscriptions for every type of reader—fantasy, sci-fi, YA, mystery, thriller, and more. This link shares 14 of their best book subscription boxes.
Writer’s Digest: The classic writing magazine. They even have a VIP service that offers a chat feature and links to more resources. The magazine is $19.96 per year and the VIP service (which includes the magazine) is $49.
Poets & Writers: This is a great magazine because it has literary articles, as well as nonfiction and poetry. It is for the seasoned professional who wants help finding grants and contests. The magazine is $15.95 for one year.
Grammerly: If you are a lover of grammar or a bit uneasy around it, Grammarly can help. They offer a subscription service that offers access to a comprehensive grammar and spelling software package. It starts at $11 per month.
The Ultimate:
A Writer’s Retreat: What could be better for the writer in your life than a dedicated time to write? These writer’s retreats could be the answer: (Prices do not include transportation.)
Well Spring House in Massachusetts is a reasonable option for self-starters at $260-310 per week depending on the time of year. They welcome writers of all types and levels.
Or perhaps you need some inspiration from a gorgeous landscape? Then try one of these international options:
Creative Writers Workshops offers walking retreats for writers in the beautiful Aran Islands of Ireland. Retreats run from $1400US to $1900 depending on the specific retreat.
Write Away Europe offers writer’s retreats in Greece, Italy and Prague. Find out more here. Approximately $2000-3000US depending on the location and program.
These are just a few options. There are many out there if you do your research. Or you could just book a cabin in the woods somewhere and go it alone. There’s nothing wrong with that. The only thing that matters is quiet and a place to write without interruptions of daily life. Be creative. If the writer in your life likes the beach, book a cottage on the shore. If she prefers mountains, look to the Rockies or Alps to find a spot to toil while sipping hot chocolate. I don’t know a single writer who would turn away from a writer’s retreat in any form.
When In Doubt
Still not sure? That’s okay. Gift cards are always welcome. Local bookstores, big box bookstores, coffee houses, or any other place that offers a good spot for writing would be welcome. Or choose a gift card from one of the shops mentioned above.
Favorite Sources
The Folger Shakespearean Theater and Library
Etsy–Search for writer’s or reader’s gifts
* The links are provided for the sake of convenience, not for any financial reward. This blog does not use affiliated links.