If you have a writer on your Christmas list, finding the write gift can be pretty easy–there’s always the option of buying a gift card to Amazon.com, or even better to a local independent bookstore. If gift cards aren’t your thing, here are some other ideas.
Writerly t-shirts, scarves, gloves, and more!
One of my favorite places for literary t-shirts (not to mention fingerless gloves, scarves, and more) is Storiarts where classic literature becomes wearable!
I have The Raven (Edgar Allen Poe) fingerless gloves but the t-shirt has been on my wish list for a while. Love this long-sleeved Raven tee. (pictured left). They also sell book-themed items from Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, Alice in Wonderland, Little Women, The Secret Garden,
and many more.
Another great place for literature inspired products is Out of Print. Continuing with the Poe theme, you’ll find Poe coasters, along with tons of fun products for the literary mind: jewelry, tote bags, tea towels, and even books!
I can’t wait to start shopping for myself here! There are some great banned books socks, fun bookish scarves, and a cat pin!
Pens & Pencils & Notebooks
I don’t know if I’d recommend gifting pens, pencil, or notebooks to a writer unless you know him or her really well. We are quite picky about what instruments we use. I, for example, love the sound and the feel of pencil on paper, I hate ball point pens unless they are purple and am a fan of the G-2 gel pen. For a while I was into dark colored paper with light colored gel pens, even sparkly ones. As for notebooks, I hesitate to write in a really beautiful notebook and prefer a colorful Moleskin. That said, a nice little notebook to carry around when the muse strikes is a good gift.
Book(s)
Books are aways a great gift. Even better if it is a book written by someone you know. Books about writing are also great gifts.
Some of my favorites are:
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott which tops the list of favorite books about writing for many writers.
The Muse Is In: An Owner’s Manual to Your Creativity, The Awe-Manac, and The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard), all by Jill Badonsky. Jill’s books are full of joy and beauty and fun ideas for inspiring creative work. (Full disclosure, Jill is a friend and I consider her a writing mentor).
A Writer’s Book of Days: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life by Judy Reeves (another beloved friend and mentor). This book is also a favorite for many a writer. There is a chapter for each month and writing prompts for every day. Any time you’re stuck staring at a blank page you can open the book and find a prompt for the day and get back to writing.
Also by Judy is Wild Women, Wild Voices: Writing from Your Authentic Wildness filled with exercises, and writing prompts. Judy’s Wild Women workshops are legendary and this book is way to bring that workshop into any writer’s home.
Tea
What writer doesn’t like tea? (except those who prefer coffee perhaps). For snuggling up with a good book, a cup of tea is the best companion. I like to shop local and the New Mexico Tea Company offers a great variety of teas herbal and caffeinated. You can order online or find a tea shop in your town and shop there! My favorite is the Blood Orange Rooibus (isn’t that label beautiful!), great hot or cold.
For coffee lovers a pound of locally roasted beans or even a gift card for Starbucks (free wi-fi and hello egg nog lattes!)
And need a mug to go with that tea? This Write Like a M*F* mug inspired by Cheryl Strayed famous Dear Sugar column… and print out the essay to go with it.
Literary Subscription(s)
Judy Reeves says “a writer is a person who writes,” and I would add that writer is a person who reads. One of the best ways to be inspired and to learn is to read as widely as possible. Some of my favorites include The New Yorker for great writing from creative nonfiction to poetry and fiction and The Sun magazine for essays, poetry, and photography. Or consider a subscription to a literary journal like Tin House, The Kenyon Review, or The Paris Review, to name a few.
Another option would be a subscription to Audible.com. Listening to great books is as much fun as reading them!
Cat
What writer doesn’t need a cat? No, don’t get a cat for a gift–the decision to have a pet is a life changing one.
But a cat pin, a picture of a cat on a tote bag, or a stuffed animal…
or maybe not.
Time
Finding the time to write for a busy mom or for any overworked day-job-holding writer. But how do you give the gift of time? How ’bout babysitting for a writer who has kids, gift a class or workshop at your local writing center, or if you can afford it, a few days in an Air B-n-B for a private retreat. Or a maybe even a trip to a writer’s conference.
Whatever you gift your favorite writer, if it comes from the heart it will be perfect.
Happy Holidays!