The Ultimate Gift Guide for Writers
The end of this week marks the unofficial beginning to the holiday shopping season in the United States. Thursday is our Thanksgiving holiday, and the day after is known as Black Friday, the day retailers finally sell enough to put their accounting books “in the black” for the year.
I’m not one of those who camps outside of a store Thursday night to hit the sales at 4 a.m. In fact, I’m not a shopping-type person at all. So I desperately need help knowing what gifts to buy for people.
With that in mind, I decided to put together this list of gift ideas for writers. If you’re a writer, this might help you give suggestions to family or friends. Or you can direct your family to this post for ideas. Something on this list is bound to please every writer out there.
Stocking Stuffers
- Snack foods to keep up energy
- Timer for writing sprints
- AquaNotes waterproof notepads (for shower ideas!)
- Pens (these are my favorite—multicolor, blue, or black)
- Pencils/mechanical pencils
- Notepads (various sizes for purse, nightstand, car, etc.)
- Highlighters
- Stamps with various messages (suggested by Daniel Swensen)
- Randomizers like story cubes (suggested by Daniel Swensen)
For Writers Who Outline
- Note (index) cards
- Notebooks (most writers prefer plain spiral or steno pads over fancy, leather-bound books—those are too pretty to use *smile*)
- Ugly writing journal (so we’re not tempted to “save” it) (suggested by Daniel Swensen)
- Corkboard
- Pushpins
- Whiteboard
- Dry erase markers and eraser
Technology Helpers
- Programs like Scrivener (Windows and Mac) for organizing and word processing
- Dragon Naturally Speaking for voice recognition-driven writing (suggested by Kyla Rucci)
- Latest version of favorite word processing program
- Flash drive for backups
- Typing program (learn to type faster!)
- More memory for computer
- Bigger hard drive for computer
- Wireless/ergonomic keyboard or mouse
- Mini voice recorder
Big Ticket Items
- New computer/laptop
- Bigger computer monitor
- Printer
- eReader (Kindle, Nook, etc.)
- eTablet (iPad, Android tablet, etc.) (suggested by Angela Quarles)
- Ergonomic desk chair
- Website/blog hosting or design
- Registration fee for writing conference or workshop
- Membership fee for writing group (like RWA—which is open worldwide and for more than just romance writers)
Miscellaneous Suggestions
- Gift cards for books (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.)
- Gift cards for office supply stores
- High-quality printer paper for queries/submissions (suggested by Christy Farmer)
- Printer ink (suggested by Shain Brown)
- Canisters of favorite coffee or hot chocolate (suggested by Angela Quarles)
- Tea or other writing beverage (suggested by Daniel Swensen)
- Fingerless gloves (suggested by Angela Quarles)
- Totem for a muse (figurine, stuffed animal, etc.) (suggested by Lisa Hall-Wilson)
- Subscription to music source (Pandora, Spotify, Grooveshark, etc.)
- Premium level of online service (Dropbox for automatic backups, Amazon Prime for free shipping/lending library, etc.)
- Entry fee for a writing contest
- Lecture packets for Margie Lawson’s writing courses (suggested by Stina Lindenblatt—see her recommendations for which packets to get)
- Massage gift certificates (suggested by Julie Glover)
- Back or foot massager (suggested by Gene Lempp)
- Comfort clothes (robe and fuzzy slippers *smile*) (suggested by Brooklyn Ann)
- Writing time (anything from babysitting to a writers’ retreat)
What did I miss? Do you have suggestions for other items to add to the list? Which things would you most like to receive? Is there anything on the list you wouldn’t want? Are you shopping person or not?
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For big ticket: an etablet if they don’t already have one 😀 That’s my next big purchase… For stocking stuffers, love the handerpants Angela found: https://plus.google.com/103528534457978794055/posts/fFBRFsTzoBM I live in a house without central heat, so these could come in handy… Their favorite hot tea or hot chocolate or coffee to keep them well-supplied.
Hi Angela,
Yes, I thought about listing an etablet, but when I had one, I discovered I didn’t use it for writing stuff too much. The lack of a keyboard and the iffy handwriting recognition made it doable, but I’m aiming to get a netbook (mini laptop) instead. 🙂 However, you’re right–tablets should be up there because everyone has different methods (and they are a cool toy!). 🙂
As for the handerpants, last year I bought some cheap fabric gloves specifically for the purpose of cutting off the fingers. 🙂 They were better looking too. LOL! Thanks for the comment!
I have an iPad 2 and you can get a nice wireless keyboard for it. In fact I wrote the last 4 chapters of my WIP on one. I got it last year as my big ticket item. =)
Great Idea Jami!
Hi Todd,
Oh cool! Thanks for the information about iPad’s wireless keyboard. 🙂
Ink. How about ink? Those manuscripts drink it like water.
Hi Shain,
Oh yes, good one. In Arizona, we can’t even bother with inkjet printers because they dry out so fast. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Coffee, tea, or writing beverage of choice. It might seem only tangentially related, but to some people, it’s really not.
Also, I’m a fan of the moderately-priced hardback journal with a big ugly sticker across the front. There, it’s already ruined, now write in it!
One year, someone got me a red rubber ink stamp that read “COMPLETE AND UTTER BULLSHIT.” Maybe not for everybody, but I’ve put it to some very therapeutic use.
Also, randomizers like the Observation Deck, Oblique Strategies, Rory’s Story Cubes, etc.
Hi Daniel,
Ooo, I forgot about the story randomizer cubes! Great suggestions, I’ll add them to the list. 🙂
This isn’t exactly writing-related, but sort of: Massage gift certificates. If you write day in and day out hunched over a computer or laptop, now and then a back massage is a glorious thing. My shoulders and upper back would repeatedly thank the gift-giver. Great ideas, Jami!
Hi Julie,
Oh yes, I completely agree with you. 🙂 Thanks for the great suggestion, I’m adding it to the list!
How about a good old fashion voice recording device. I’m guessing most people use there cell phones, but I’m not sure how much storing an audio file will take away from it’s memory for photos & videos. Plus it’s not that easy to just hit “record” and start talking. You have to actually look at your phone to find the app and find the start record button. I don’t have one, but I can imagine that I would constantly use it in my car for my 45×2 minute commute to work.
Hi Jamie,
Yes, I had mini voice recorder on the list, and I’m assuming that’s what you meant? Thanks for seconding the idea! 🙂
High quality printing paper for writers in the query process/ or who are required to send in printed chapters to an agent/editor/publisher. Happy Thanksgiving Jami 🙂
Hi Christy,
Yes, good one! Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll add it to the list. 🙂
Love, love, love Scrivener. I’m using the free trial version during NaNoWriMo, and when I finish I get a discount certificate to purchase. It really helped me when I was plotting. The other great thing I’ve found while writing is that if an idea comes to mind while you’re writing, you can just click in the notes section and put a reminder there for later. Also love the fact that the type stays in the middle of the page.
Great list, Jami. Have a great Thanksgiving. ~clink~
Hi Kerry,
Thanks for the information about Scrivener. I haven’t used it, so I don’t know what all it offers. I’m currently using One Note and random scraps of paper (seriously, back of receipts, envelopes…I’ve scribbled on them all) to jot things down. I haven’t had enough of a reason to learn something new yet. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Excellent post! I’m always in need of new notebooks and pens (partially because my child steals them). And I cannot sing Scrivener’s praises enough. LOVE IT, and it’s easy to use, even for techo-dummies like me.
Have a great holiday!
Hi Stacy,
We go through pencils like you wouldn’t believe here. 🙂 The Costco packs of 10 boxes of a dozen pencils each? I.e., a lifetime supply for most people? Gone. LOL!
And ooo, another vote for Scrivener. Thanks for the information and the comment!
GREAT list! love it.
Hi Elena,
Hope it’s helpful for you. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
LOL, I’m going to be doing a post on this in a week or so. I also recommend a fuzzy robe and slippers…a writer always needs more work clothes. Ooooh and wine.
Hi Brooklyn Ann,
Yes, “comfort clothes” are always good. 🙂 Thanks–I’ll add that to the list!
I like the Aquanotes idea. And a cork board would be nice too.
Scrivener, as Kerry mentioned, is awesome.
The best part about it, for anybody who is self-publishing is that formatting for e-pub, Kindle, and print is incredibly simple. Only a few months ago that was a nightmare for the techno-un-savvy. Scrivener looks amazing in all formats and it does all the hard stuff (like html coding for ToC and customizing fonts for chapter headings). Just yesterday I was looking at two best-selling books, one by a big six publisher and one by an independent author, both of which could be vastly improved with this program. No excuse for shoddy ebooks.
Hi Stephen,
Yes, I have Aquanotes in my shower, and I use them all the time. They really do work. 🙂
That’s great to hear about Scrivener and ebook formatting. I hadn’t heard of that feature before. Thanks for the comment and information!
I’ll take a 3-book deal, thank you. What? I’ve been VERY good this year! ;p
Hi Michele,
LOL! Put that in your letter to Santa. I think he specializes in gifts like that. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
This is a great list. You forgot a muse – this is a little personal – but maybe for a spouse or something. My husband bought me a Lara Croft figurine. She stands on her own – wearing combat boots, bare midriff and thigh holsters – the whole deal. But, the best part is when I sit on the desk shelf behind my laptop – she points both guns at my head. I write better under pressure 🙂 lol
Hi Lisa,
That’s a great idea! My muse wouldn’t approve of something else being called a “muse” though–he’s very territorial. Hmm, maybe we could call it a “totem.” 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll add it to the list!
*I mean – when Lara Croft sits on the shelf behind my laptop* – I know, now there’s a mental picture. Sorry 🙁 lol
Hi Lisa,
LOL! Don’t worry, I knew what you meant. 🙂
Ha! I’m printing this out for That Man! I live in Vegas, I really don’t need another pair of socks, LOL
We always add a ream of paper for the wee beasties and their art/writing to Christmas lists for extended family. I think I’m adding that to mine too 🙂
Great post Jami!
Hi Raelyn,
Here’s hoping for something better than socks. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Love this list, I’ll take it all. Yep. Mail to…*grins*
A foot or back massager is also a good addition for a writer. Can’t use them all the time but they are great rewards to give oneself for all the time we spend sitting.
I think I’m going to have to check out Scrivner. I’m using WriteWay now, which is fine, but I’m seeing so many people talk about their love for this program (including the person that got me into WriteWay originally). Putting that one top of my list.
Oh, books of any kind are great gifts for writers.
Fun post, Jami 🙂
Hi Gene,
Oh, interesting that the person who once recommended WriteWay is now recommending Scrivener. And yes, books are great gifts for writers, but… *looks at towering TBR pile* …it’s safer to go the gift card route with me. LOL! Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll add them to the list!
Wow this is everything we could possibly ever need. I’ll just forward this to everyone I know 🙂 If I had aquanotes I would never get out of the shower. I just need a waterproof laptop in there. Fun post!
Hi Sara,
“I just need a waterproof laptop in there.”
LOL! I’ve often thought the same thing. They really should make laptop covers or something, shouldn’t they? Thanks for the comment!
How about books on craft like “Writing the Breakout Novel” or “The Fire in Fiction” both by Donald Maass or “Plot and Structure” by James Scott Bell
Hi Nancy,
Absolutely! Especially if we give specific titles that we don’t have yet. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
What a great post! I’d just done a similar one recently, but it didn’t have all of these wonderful suggestions. I’ve been pondering Scrivener, and now think maybe I need to let Santa know I *need* it. LOL Thanks for an awesome list!
Hi Donna,
Yes, I’m more and more tempted by Scrivener as well after reading all these comments about it. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Chocolate….the Life Pause button you suggested….a 3 day writing holiday without the kids… Something that plugs directly into my brain and downloads the story I want to write…not the mess that actually flows through my fingers onto the keyboard….
Hi Maureen,
LOL! I love your ideas. I wonder if we can start a mass request to Santa and get him to take our needs more seriously. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Anything from The Literary Gift Company!
http://www.theliterarygiftcompany.com/index.asp
Hi Wendy,
Oo, thanks for sharing that link! What an interesting website. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
Love the G2 pens and working hard at NaNoWriMo so I can get Scrivener at half price. Great list.
Hi Susan,
Good luck with NaNo and thanks for the comment! 🙂
[…] The Ultimate Gift Guide for Writers by Jami Gold. Pens with free chocolate? […]
Great gift ideas!! Had to fb it.
Hi Traci,
Glad you found some good stuff here. 🙂 Thanks for sharing it on FB and thanks for the comment!
Great list, Jami. Any idea what to get my non writer husband? He’s not into normal guy things. 🙁
Hi Stina,
LOL! Nope, sorry. The whole reason I put this list together was to help others like me: too clueless to come up with ideas. 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion of Margie’s Lecture Packets, though, and thanks for the comment!