Bitsy Kemper

What Writers Really Want (Hint: Not Another Journal)

It’s that time of year when shopping is at the top of our minds (the holidays, not black Friday). Got a writer friend on your list? I realize we are a quirky bunch. To help out, I’ve culled some super fun ideas that you probably wouldn’t have thought of, and that I think writer friends will adore. I mean the writer in your life likely has all the pens, snarky mugs, signing markers (fine tip and wide), and fancy note/idea books they will ever need. They’ll appreciate you thinking outside the proverbial box.

As author and business owner Lisa Bader explains in her book Wrap with Love, gift-giving doesn’t have to stress you out. It shouldn’t. It should bring you joy! The very point of it is to say, “Here is something that made me think of you, and I want you to have it.” <cue the “awwww!”> If you’re giving a gift with no thought behind it, maybe you should save your money. If it’s because you really can’t think of anything, take them out to lunch instead.

I suggest avoiding gifts that are bound to sit on a desk and collect dust, such as pencil holders, posters, plaques, etc. (even stuff that doesn’t start with “p”). While these items can be great, I’d like to steer you towards gifts that offer your budding Shakespeare practical use. This way, they’ll appreciate and think of you every time they pick it up. (Inspirational wooden boards like “Someone out there needs your writing” are super supportive and kind, but couldn’t you put that $12 towards something they can USE (or eat?).)

If you’d like to wow the works off of your writer friend (or just get an all-caps THANKS!), here are some out-of-the-box, creative gift ideas*. Most are in the $25 range. I tossed in a few bigger ticket item ideas for those REALLY out to impress.

1. USE-LOTS-OF-TIMES STUFF: If you don’t want to get too personal and I’ve now shamed you out of getting the “Be careful or you’ll end up in my next book” tumbler, what about a

• “Books Are Magic” advent calendar that gives 25 days of small book-related fun? Each day they’ll open up a little something book-themed like greeting card or fun stickers they can use on the thank you note they’ll be sending.

• Or, some winter gloves with those finger tips that let them text—you know, in case they get struck with an idea in the middle of building a snowman.

2. JEWELRY: If you are looking for something more personal, think Jewelry. There are many charming, inexpensive necklaces that feature the image of open books. To me, most of the inexpensive necklaces don’t look like they’ll hold up for long, though.

• I suggest something sterling, gold plated at minimum.

• Maybe a sterling silver charm they can put on a keyring or existing necklace/bracelet?

• The one pictured is $32 but was on sale last I looked.

• Maybe something more Jane-Austen-y or Gothic?

• Consider a $19 necktie with a book pattern [or one that’s more subtle.]

3. WRITERS BLOCK MEDICINE: I found some charming kits that help break up writers block by offering up all kinds of ideas and ways the storyline and/or characters can be shaken up.

• Writer Emergency Pack as well as Storymatic offer cards to choose from that give you scenarios, twists, personality quirks, etc.

• Writing Dice gives almost endless scenarios of time, place, POV, character, etc., combinations based on how the dice are rolled. I haven’t had the need to use them yet but if your writer friend is a novelist, this might be great for them.

5. EVEN MORE BOOKS: Speaking of more books…since voracious readers make creative writers, how about a one month or more subscription to Kindle Unlimited? They can download pretty much all the books they want for as long as they have the subscription!

6. SHIRTS ‘N STUFF: Etsy has a slew of fun shirts and stuff for writers. Most are gender neutral. A quick sampling:

• “Unreliable Narrator” tee,  “in my author era” sweatshirt, a fun “Write Revise Panic Edit” tee (on sale for $7.80 when I saw it), “I Make Stuff Up” tee with image of open book and classic typewriter…ones with Write On and I Can’t I’m Writing, Author

• Smells Like She’s Writing a Best Seller candle (that won’t gather dust if the writer lights it when writing)…and on and on. Have a look! Remember these are handmade items and are shipped by the artist so don’t count on getting it overnight. It’s bound to be worth the wait.

7. GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD What about a yoga class pass or membership? Or an “I’ll watch the kids for an hour while you take a walk/hike/bath.” Give them time to loosen their shoulder and FINALLY LEAVE THE HOUSE. They can let ideas simmer once they hit the yoga mat or trail. Good energy begets good energy. It’s free!

8. SMALL STUFF: OK, fine. If you want a little something that’s fun and shows you care and is under ten bucks (or were when I found them), or maybe want a stocking stuffer, here you go:

• Go Away I’m Writing socks for when they are kicking back on their laptop, show that you believe in them by bringing a bottle of champagne to celebrate when they finish their novel or sign their first contract
• $5 pack of book-related stickers
• $7 dangle earrings with pic of stacked books
• $9 “A writer is a world trapped in a person”
• pencil holder/makeup bag
• $9 vintage library card coaster set
• …if you are on a budget you can still find plenty.

If you see other ideas, please comment below so I know what else to buy myself from my husband this year lol.

Remember that it really is the thought that counts. So please, put some thought into it. You don’t have to spend big to show your love. You need to simply show your love.

Shop well, my friends.

PS Someday I’ll get this formatting stuff figured out. Alas, today is not that day.

*Please note: as an affiliate, I might make a small percentage of sales off some of the links, at no extra cost to you.