Gifts for the Writer
- by Nancy Cohen
What should you buy for the writer on your gift list? Some of these items are no brainers. Others are generic, and still others apply to the individual. But here are some cost-effective ideas that may appeal to all in no particular order. The best way to get a wish list: Ask. Or go look at their desk if you have access and see what they collect or use the most.
Some of the more interesting gifts I’ve gotten have come from my writer pals or my kids, like the jar labeled Writer’s Remedy that holds little squares with different words for inspiration, or the figure holding a hammer to his computer with a plaque that says #1 Author & Mom, or the coffee mug with my book title. Be imaginative, or be simple. Whatever you give will be appreciated.
1. Books and DVDs on their Wish List.
2. Gift Cards to Barnes & Noble or Borders, Starbucks, Office Depot, iTunes if appropriate
3. Office Supplies: highlighters, ultra-fine Sharpie pens, a good quality ballpoint pen, a stapler, a desk calculator, paper clips, rubber bands, pads of paper. You name it, we can use it.
4. Personalized notepads and Post-its. Great for scribbling notes to fans.
5. Cute desk accessories like Brighton pens and clocks or a Koziol magnetic paper clip holder.
6. Scented Candles. Scents can soothe or energize.
7. Body lotions, hand cream, scented soaps. If we smell good, we feel good.
8. A gift certificate to a day spa. A manicure or massage can go a long way toward relaxation.
9. USB Flash Drive. We can use several as backup to keep in different locations.
10. Chocolates and Wine. You can never go wrong here. My favorite place to order food gifts is http://www.winecountrygiftbaskets.com They have a selection of everything and their prices are reasonable.
What else would you add to this list?
Posted in The Writing Life on December 10th, 2009 RSS 2.0
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December 10th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
What a great list! I found some very nice writerly-themed holiday cards on etsy from citylight. Look under “Library Themed Christmas Card” and that will take you to the store.
I have also found that booksellers appreciate gifts of books. No one thinks to buy them books since they work with books every day, and of course they love books, so…
Happy Holidays!
December 10th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
How true, Nancy. That’s a good suggestion for booksellers. Another site I like for writer gifts is http://www.levenger.com
December 10th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
This is a wonderful list – I’d be thrilled with anything you mentioned! For a newly published author, how about a shadow box frame to display their first book?
December 10th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Good suggestion, Allison. Or get a laminated plaque made of their first book cover. Paperweights, book ends, magnifying glasses…ideas are all over!
December 10th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I love getting gift certificates to buy books myself. But there are some great suggestions here. Thanks Nancy!
December 10th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Hi,
Great list of ideas. I have a Christmas party to go to on Sat. and need a writer gift to exchange. Thanks for all the ideas.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
A nice pen. There are some inexpensive disposable fountain pens available now. Reliable, fun, and come in different colors.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Novelty pens are another cute idea.
February 10th, 2010 at 11:11 am
Hey, I tried to email you regarding this post but can’t seem to reach you. Please email me when get a moment. Thanks.
April 5th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Finally! As a self confessed romantic I have been searching endlessly for a true romantic gift for my better half. It has been a trying task. I’m over the moon that i stumbled across this “Gifts for the Writer” page! I have finally found the missing piece of the puzzle.