The holiday season is a great time to give writing- and reading-related gifts. Here is a quick list of ideas. These are simple links. I do not have an affiliation with any of these companies. I’m simply sharing ideas for things I’d love and think you might too. Enjoy.
NOTEBOOKS
Writer’s Leather Notebook & Pen Set
This beautiful leather notebook is perfect for capturing those random story ideas and fragments of dialogue. This custom Retro51 Wanderer Pen and Large Refillable Writer’s Log is made with the writer in mind. It comes with 192 lined pages and your choice of antique silver or antique copper pen. They come in a pinewood box with a sliding lid and leather handle. A great gift for any writer on your list, even you. $94
The Moo Notebook
I don’t know about you, but notebooks that don’t lay flat tend to end up with broken spines. This notebook prevents that from happening because each page lays flat automatically. These hardcover notebooks come in a variety of colors and include 160 pages lined or unlined. $19.99
Clever Fox Planner—Pro Planner
This planner has everything you could need from a daily, weekly and monthly view with planning pages and habit trackers. It lays flat and features a faux leather cover with a fox on the front in a wide variety of vibrant colors, as well as class black. This is the ultimate in planner. This is their pro planner, but they also have The pro planner is larger than most at 8.5 x 11 inches. They have other sizes available for a smaller price, as well as a project planner that covers three-month period for intense planning. Pro Version $34.99
PENS & PENCILS
Where’s the Library Pencil Set
Set of “Where Is the Library?” Pencils for the traveling writer/reader. This set includes the big question in five languages (including English). $7.95
Write that Book Pencil Set
Write your novel with specific pencils. This set includes a pencil for research, 1st and 2nd drafts and the all-encompassing Write Awesome Bestseller choice. Set $8.72
RESEARCH & CRAFT
Give the Gift of Craft
Buy your writer a pass to one of many writer’s conferences throughout the country. There are many options available, from ASJA to Writer’s Digest. For a full list of conferences, workshops and retreats, consult the Poets & Writers database.
Offer the Gift of Learning
Or choose a workshop from Gotham Writers, Writer’s Digest or Writers Studio.
Offer a Retreat
If you are feeling generous, send your writer on a retreat. You can choose a formal writer retreat or simply book a quiet cabin somewhere where your writer can escape into the page. Some retreats are listed on the Poets & Writers Database.
Or a MasterClass
There are several great sessions to choose from with MasterClass — Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Joyce Carol Oates, Shonda Rhimes, Dan Brown, David Baldacci, Aaron Sorkin — or you could jump in the deep end and get a year pass for access to all the classes. Single classes $90. Or get an all-access pass for $180.
ACCESSORIES
Reduce Eye Strain
Protect your writer’s eyes with a pair of anti-glare computer reading glasses. There is a wide range of options available from $18 to $95+. Pick one that will reduce eye strain and fit your writer’s personality.
Trust Optics Blue Light Blocking Glasses
$18
Warby Parker Blue-Light-Filtering Lens Options $95
Sling Neck Book Light
Slip the light around your neck and free your book. This neck light offers more light than the typical clip on light and doesn’t get in the way of turning pages—a bonus in my book. $13.99
Wear Your Book Love with a Book Pin
These lapel pins feature book covers for a variety of titles ranging from Goodnight Moon to Leaves of Grass. They are 1 inch tall by .075 inches wide. $11 each.
Book Worm Pin
Or show your book love with this book worm pin. $10
Cover Up
Nab a Bookish Beanie to stay warm and show your lit love. $25
Bookish Ball Caps
If baseball caps are more your thing, check out the writer’s collection at Cafe Press. $18
Advertise Your Love
Love Jane Eyre? Jane Austen? Show it with literary temporary tattoos inspired by the book. $9 Other authors available.
Drink Your Coffee…
In an appropriate mug. Everything is on fire writer’s mug. $14.95
Are You More EXT. NIGHT?
Then grab a screenwriter’s mug instead. $14.40
Grammar Police?
Grab a grammar mug set to keep the rules front and center. $55
WRITER DECOR
Mario Chain Chomp Lamp
While not writer-related, it is fun and would provide ample light for reading. This lamp is perfect for your geeky writer. $49.99
The Writing Manifesto Print
This poster is full of writerly advice set in a graphic manner. It would be perfect above a desk. $24.49
The Literary Insults Chart
Lose yourself in the best literary insults from writers, from the hilarious to sophisticated zingers. $25
ELECTRONICS & APPS
Listen Up
Try a small wireless speaker to stream writing music when at home.
For Your Ears Only
Or go for noise-cancelling headphones when you’re out and about.
Take Backup
Backup battery for your laptop. I use this one, but there are many options out there for all types of laptops ranging from $50 to $150.
Buy an App
There are some great productivity and writing apps out there. I use and love Notion and Todoist. And I am in the process of buying Campfire Pro. But there are many apps that are great options for writers.
CLOTHING
PJs
For those days you don’t want to leave yours.
While You’re at It
Grab a pair of fun slippers too.
Declare Yourself
With a Book Nerd hoodie.
Cold in Your Writing Space?
Try using fingerless writing gloves. Other authors and books available.
Socks Help Too
Why not wear literary ones? Pride and prejudice socks. $8
Define Yourself
With a writer’s definition tee. $20
Identify Your Role
With a tee that shows you are the protagonist in your story. $17
CASES & BAGS
Nevermore…
Run out of the house without your Raven Book Clutch. $78
Fall Down the Rabbit Hole
With an Alice in Wonderland iPad case. $46
Never Run Out of Pens
With your Punctuation Pencil Pouch featuring the phrase “let’s eat, Timmy” multiple ways. $12.12
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Book Boxes
There are many great book box subscriptions. Check out a list of popular ones and pick the best one for your writer/reader.
Disney+
Because. That is enough reason.
Netflix
Because. Again. Plus there is a fantastic Anime about creating a dictionary I highly recommend. It’s The Great Passage. But there are so many great stories waiting to distract you from your own.
WRITER’S BREAK
Here are some general gifts that are always welcome.
Eat at Home
Find a food service that delivers to you so there’s no time needed for shopping or cooking. There are many options depending on your diet and preferences. All are great, from grocery delivery to food service options that help you prepare home-cooked meals. Or pick a restaurant that delivers food ready-to-eat. Food is always good for writers.
Tea & Coffee
Tea and tea makers are great options too. Or coffee. Many writers run on caffeine.
Snacks Work Too
Salty. Savory. Sweet. So many choices.
Writer’s Books
Pick up a writer’s book to hone your skills.
Book Store Gift Cards
Gift cards to bookstores are a natural choice. Who can pick a book for a book lover? The chances of getting something they don’t own or have read are slim. Pick a card from their favorite store or a local independent bookshop.
Coffee Shop Gift Cards
Local places. Starbucks. Panera. Wherever you can eat and write will be welcome.
Movie Tickets Work Too
Most writers love stories whatever the form.
Enjoy the season! Next week we’ll begin a four-part series on NaNo–Now What? Until then, happy shopping.