If “Ten Gift Ideas for a Published Author (or Yourself!) This Holiday Season” didn’t have enough suggestions for you, below is a list of additional gifts you can get for any type of writer in your life this holiday season.
Don’t forget to buy yourself something special!
Ideas include:
Bookends
From pineapples to lions to people in various positions, bookends are a great way to help your writer friend stay organized, have something stylish on their desk, and can be a symbol of support.
You can even find ones shaped like typewriters!
Vintage Manual Typewriter-type Presents
You can find retro-styled computer keyboards that look like typewriters. Other typewriter-inspired gifts include Christmas tree ornaments, framed images, sculptures, and even salt and pepper shakers!
Writing-themed Jewelry
Think of necklaces, bracelets, or cufflinks shaped like pens, books, or typewriters.
You can purchase a necklace with a book charm that has several pages that you can have engraved with book quotes from your friend’s book.
Alternatively, if your writer friend has a favorite book, check to see if any type of jewelry is featured in it. Think of the One Ring from The Lord of the Rings.
Books on Writing Craft
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King is one of the most popular books on writing. It’s less about writing techniques and more about the writing life.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody is one of the most popular books on writing out today. (I own it but haven’t read it yet so can’t comment on how good it is, but the book has many good reviews.)
If your friend has published a book and is figuring out how to market it, there are plenty of books on publishing a novel, including how to create Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, starting a newsletter, and many more.
There are many, many books on writing, so have a look at your local bookstore to see what resonates with you.
Pen holder
Think of your friend’s personality and find a quirky pen holder that matches their personality. It doesn’t have to be a traditional holder; other items can work just as well.
For example, find a local ceramicist or artist and buy a nice mug or container to hold pens and pencils. You could also fill it with some fun and quirky pens.
Or you can make your own pen holder – one for you and one for your friend!
Literary-Themed Candles
Everyone appreciates a nice candle. You can find literary and book-themed candles at many stores.
Scents include:
- Old books
- Bookstore
- Oxford library leather
- New book
These candles can help create a productive writing atmosphere, especially on cold, dark winter days.
Literary Art or Posters
Frame a poster of your friend’s favorite books, or even something from the book that’s relevant, such as maps found in the foreword or illustrations found within. Etsy has a load of choices.
You could also get your friend’s book cover framed.
Writing Retreat Gift Certificate
If your budget allows, you might gift your friend a few nights in an Airbnb in a location that would inspire them to write, like by a lake, ocean, or mountains.
If that’s cost-prohibitive, you could order a week’s worth of meals from a food delivery service and encourage them to do a writing staycation.
Gift Card to a Local Bookstore
I know this is obvious, but every writer loves gift cards to local bookstores. If you want to make it even more special, include a note and let them know you’ll join them and take them out for lunch or coffee before or after.
Make an effort to find a local bookstore – money spent on local businesses stays in the local economy. You’ll also be supporting people who live in your area.
White Noise Machines
This is especially good for writers who live in a city or on a busy road. The machines can come with a variety of sounds, from rain to fans, and can help keep distractions at bay while your friend is creating their work.
As I mentioned in my previous article, the best gift you can give a writer is encouragement and support. If giving a physical gift isn’t your thing, jot down a dozen or so motivational sayings for writers, or simply send them words of support.
You can mail one a week for twelve weeks, or post on their door, or schedule emails – let them know you care and are supporting their efforts to follow their passion.
And may you follow your dreams, whatever they may be.
Have a phenomenal holiday season.
Diane Hatz is a writer, organizer, and inner activist. Her award-winning book “Rock Gods & Messy Monsters” and the follow up “Fallen Spirits” are available at all online retailers. Sign up for her email newsletter to stay in touch.