Having trouble finding gifts for the readers and writers in your life? Or are you in the market for some gear for yourself? Here are a few ideas to fill in the holes in your shopping list:
Books
This suggestion is a no-brainer. You can’t be a successful writer without being an avid reader. They go hand-in-hand. The only problem with gifting books is finding one the recipient doesn’t have already. That’s where the next idea comes in handy.
Gift Cards
Gifting books to readers is risky business, but giving a gift card to a local bookshop never fails to please. It gifts the reader in your life with not only a book, but an afternoon of wandering book shelves filled with stories waiting to be chosen. This is always a welcome gift. Always.
Notebooks & Journals
Every writer needs a stack of notebooks and journals to fill with ideas. I keep one as my main Writer’s Notebook and then one for each project. I prefer those that will lay flat when I write, but it’s all personal preference. Lined. Dotted. Graphed. Blank. It’s up to you. Each are helpful in their own ways. I typically choose dotted or lined for writing, but blank for inspiration books.
Slippers
Cozy slippers are the best for home offices. Any kind. Any variety. They don’t show on Zoom calls, so you can get crazy if you want.
Heated Floor Mat
My husband gave me a heated floor mat I use under my desk. It saves my feet during winter months and makes me happy every time I toast my toes. It’s great when slippers just aren’t enough warmth.
Backup Drive
Thumb drives, backup drives, services that automatically back up work are invaluable to protecting those precious words the writer in your life (or you) has put on the page. Do not underestimate the importance of protecting the work.
Backup Batteries
I love my backup batteries for phone and laptop. They allow me to work far beyond my device’s capability no matter where I am. I use the Power Oak battery for my laptop and swear by it, but there are great brands available. Mophie Powerstation Plus XL, Anker PowerCore (several versions), INIU Portable Charger, MaxOak Laptop Power Bank, and more. Same is true for phone backups.
Charging Stand
In the office, it helps to have charging stations. I use one for my phone and love it. There are many options depending on the type of phone and other devices you have.
A Plant
Nothing brightens up an office better than a plant. Choose one that suits the light and the person. I am not great with plants, so a type that is death resistant is best for me.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
I swear by my noise cancelling headphones. I often put them on without sound just to block the neighbor’s lawn service or noises from my family when they are home. Blocking the noise lets me focus on what needs to be done. If I need a boost of energy while doing something non-writing-related, like finances, I play music. Or listen to a tutorial to learn a new skill. They are invaluable.
Apple Pencil
If you have an iPad Pro, you definitely need an Apple pencil. It turns your iPad into a notebook, drawing pad, library. I mostly use mine to highlight and markup research and manuscripts, but have been known to sketch a bit too.
Annual Memberships
Gifting an annual membership to MasterClass or SkillShare is a great way to help the writer in your life keep learning and growing in their craft. Or check out a number of other learning sites to build skills.
Writing Books
There are some great writing books out there to help writers. Some of my favorites include: Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel by Lisa Cron; The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Martha Alderson; The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby; Writing Creative Nonfiction: Fiction Techniques for Crafting Great Nonfiction by Theodore A. Rees Cheney; Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott; Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting by Sad Field; Make a Scene: Crafting a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time by Jordan Rosenfeld; The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler; Storyworthy by Mathew Dicks; and so many more.
Audible
What can I say? More books. It’s always a good idea. I like to listen to Audible during my daily walks and in the car. Or while I clean, cook, fold laundry. It allows me to read while doing other required tasks so I don’t fall behind in either one. It also helps me manage that overwhelming pull to read instead of clean. This way the house stays clean and I get to finish my story. That’s a win no matter how you look at it.
Hobonichi Planner
These are great planners available from www.JetPens.com. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and types so you can choose the one that suits your writer. I love how flexible the Hobonichi is, but I also love the Clever Fox Planner too (available at clever fox.com or on Amazon.
Japanese Stationary Items
Pens. Pencils. Notebooks. Adorable pencil holders. JetPens.com has pretty much anything you could ever want when it comes to writing materials. I use their pens and highlighters exclusively. I also have one of their pen holders and other stationary supplies that keep me organized and on track. Great quality and an extensive collection. You can even check out their YouTube videos for recommendations and demonstrations.
Book-Related Fashion
Pride and Prejudice sweatshirt or scarf? Yes. Library socks? You bet. Any book-related clothing works. You can find lots of options at Etsy, Rebubble, Out of Print, and other great shops.
Library Gear
The same goes for gift items and clothing from major libraries, like the Library of Congress or the New York Public Library. This is always a win.
Geeky Fun
Need something to raise your spirits while working? Maybe a Luffy statue or Vegeta Pop figure? A fun print for the wall or a stuffed Hedwig? I have a few (read: a lot) of toys and geeky items on my desk and book shelves that keep me smiling even on days I’m struggling to put my own words on the page.
Have fun shopping! What gift ideas do you love for writers and readers?