Christmas gift ideas for writers

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by Sherri Woodbridge

Created on: October 18, 2009 Last Updated: November 26, 2009

Having a hard time coming up with an idea of what to give your favorite writer for Christmas? Want to give something personal and still practical? Are you wanting to give a gift that says you believe in them? Here are a few suggestions that will help you to find the perfect gift.

Gift cards are popular, hands down. So, if you're going the gift card route, grab one at Staples, Office Max, or any office supply store so that your writer can stock up on paper and printer ink. This is a surefire winner.

Speaking of paper and ink, these are great gifts to give with or without a gift card. Plain white paper will do and check the printer they use for the model number so you get the right cartridge.

A desk lamp will keep their work area well lit. With so many models to choose from, make sure it's the right height for their desk. Desk lamp? Floor lamp? Check their 'space' before you go.

If you're a website guru, consider giving/building your author a great website as a gift. Writers don't want to fool with this stuff and would love a great looking site. A guaranteed pleaser.

What does your author tote their computer around in? Is it time for a new case? Cases nowadays are much improved from just a few years ago. It's worth the effort to take a look at this suggestion and bring a smile to their face. Also consider stocking it with a couple small notebooks and some pencils.

A small tape recorder is a great gift for keeping track of new and fresh ideas so they don't forget them. Priceless.

CD's are a necessity for backing up their hours of work. These are much appreciated by any writer. Flash drives are great, too and in some ways, easier.

While writers love to attend conferences to strengthen their skills, the truth is, they're expensive. Consider 'scholarshipping' their way there. What a way to offer encouragement and say you believe in them!

Business cards would be a fun idea so that your writer can be ready to promote her/himself when meeting an agent or publisher. A gift card with the amount s/he'll need to complete the printing job is probably best so s/he can get it done without having to dig for money when it's time to pick them up. Make sure the card amount will cover the cost.

Writer's magazine subscriptions are great gifts. Writer's Digest is a bi-monthly magazine that offers advice and opportunities for all writers. A great resource for any writer .

A laptop or printer could be the best 'much-needed' gift. Apple is still in the running for being one of the top lines, but there are other brands that aren't as expensive and do a great job for what's needed. If you've got the funds, this is a great gift.

Writer's resources:

Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell is invaluable.

Stein on Writing by Sol Stein

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Other gift ideas:

Randy Ingermanson's Fiction 101 and Fiction 201 CD sets. These are great tools for understanding story structure and are great for writers just starting out.

Office supply ideas for making up a gift basket or giving 'as is':

*Highlighters

*Post-its - a big package (one tablet for each room)

*Booklight

*Giftcard to Starbucks or their favorite coffee/drink shop

*Small notebook they can carry around to jot notes in

*USB flashdrive

*Hand-held tape recorder for recording quick ideas so they don't forget

*Binder clips

*Nice gift pen for book signings

*Thank you notes for sending to the agent/editor who helped

There you are. A few suggestions that will be just 'write' and sure to please any writer on your list!