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Trying to find a gift for your author friend (or family member) for Christmas or any other occasion? It can be difficult to find great products to gift, especially for highly creative writers and authors. Here are the 20 best gifts to get any writer or author excited.
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Boost their spirits with quirky literary gifts
Gift inspiration through certified and effective online classes taught by the world’s best writers, screenwriters, and authors. Through Masterclass, legends and professionals pass on their wisdom with replayable on-demand videos, complementary activities, and more supplemental tools and resources.
Any writer dreams to learn from household names like Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, and Aaron Sorkin. Masterclass is a gift that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Here, gift some of these (or all of them with an All-Access Pass):
- Dan Brown teaches writing thrillers: Create discomfort and explore morally gray themes
- Neil Gaiman teaches the art of storytelling: Discover how good stories become great
- R.L. Stine teaches writing for young audiences: Keep asking questions and adapt to different readers
- Margaret Atwood teaches creative writing: Build a vivid understanding of the story world
- Aaron Sorkin teaches screenwriting: Develop a strong intention
2) Paddywax Library Collection Scented Wax Candles
Smell the fragrance of inspiration in the air through notes of cherry blossoms, star jasmine, rainforest bamboo, and trailing ivy. Light up the mood for writing with cotton wicks that burn cleanly.
These are Paddywax’s hand-poured, artisanal scented candles that produce atmospheric scents perfect for writing sessions. In particular, this Library Collections pays tribute to classic figures of literature—Jane Austen, Edgar Allen Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, among others. All perfectly packaged in a gift box detailed with the author’s photo, bio, and stamped labels, each candle is paired with famous literary quotes and custom fragrances designed to uplift the writing spirit.
Nothing quite like decorating a workspace with the greatest insults of literary legends. Break the gloom and doom of tedious writing with a lot of humor and wit, creatively designed into one colorful poster.
Every insult is, of course, credited to its literary author and even the referenced work. It also includes unique tags like Bodily Qualities and Dogs. With one look, writers can have both a quick literature check-in and a good, hearty laugh.
4) Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist
Spice up a writer’s day (or evening) with both classic and cutting-edge cocktails that gets its kick from beloved literary novels. With Tequila Mockingbird, the everyday creative takes a more spirited look towards literature, literally. The award-winning cocktail book contains not only 65 illustrated recipes but also wry commentary, bar bites, and drinking games to keep the spirits going.
5) Just One More Chapter Glass Mug
Be it scalding coffee, calming tea, or simply water, drinks are an important part of writing. This 13oz glass mug is the perfect addition to a workplace.
Safe for the dishwasher and microwave, it’s sure to last as long as penciling in another chapter, or two. You can trust that the glass is thick and bottom-heavy so there’s less worry about breaking it in the middle of a busy draft. Best of all, with the “Just One More Chapter” minimalist design, writers don’t need the extra effort of coming up with excuses.
6) Out of Print Literary Cotton Socks
Keep warm when writing with these cotton and polyester socks for ensured comfort, durability, and breathability. No more worrying about freezing ideas out. After all, Out of Print socks offers more than 31 literary designs.
From fan favorites like Harry Potter, classics such as The Great Gatsby, to library cards and mini typewriters, writers can choose adorable patterns and styles that fit their writing mood and their size. Lacking inspiration? Put on these Out of Print socks, dance around, and have fun!
Cheer them on with productive gifts
Writing in the dark may bring out the grunge aesthetic but taking care of a writer’s eyesight is way cooler. Brighten up the workspace and the mood with this Light Therapy Lamp. It uses a UV-Free LED that brings no radiation and minimizes light pollution. This lamp can get up to 1000 lux of bright light—a dose of sunlight perfect for writers stuck inside all day. There are also 3 modes, activated by touch, for the most effective brightness, whether it’s for scribbling at midnight or reading at dawn. Find the best place for the Light Therapy Lamp, especially with its portable design, and keep the writing ball rolling with a clear perspective.
8) Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
Peace and quiet is not just an option. It’s a necessity for writers. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones ensures that with 11 levels of noise-canceling control and an option for ambient sound. Aside from taking out unwanted distractions, these headphones can also create an atmosphere by playing your curated writing playlist and keep you updated on schedules. It connects to your phone seamlessly and any other virtual assistants like Alexa. With its lightweight, stainless steel headband and angled ear cups, and up to twenty hours of wireless battery life, creatives can get lost in their own world for the better.
There’s something particularly disappointing with a hot beverage gone cold after what’s supposed to be a successful writing session. It gets even more annoying to have to leave the workspace to brew a fresh, steaming drink. All that goes out the window with this electric mug warmer, waterproof, and safely designed.
There are three temperature settings to choose from to either keep the drink quite hot or just right. It’s lightweight and portable with a convenient cord length. Drink in the comfort of the office or use it on the living room couch. Best of all, the VOBAGA Coffee Mug Warmer has an oversized base that allows more than your average cups and mugs. Never waste time pouring hot chocolate in the kitchen when you could be pouring over writing.
All writers deserve time to relax. Stretch out those muscles, calm that creativity. A bath is a great way to spend that time and it’s even more luxurious with a Premium Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy. The bamboo material finished with a thin protective coat of waterproof varnish makes this high quality and extremely durable. Meanwhile, the extendable handles and non slip silicone grips keep this caddy secure and stable on the tub.
But what wins this over is the rustproof metal reading rack that can hold tablets and books without worry. As a cherry on top, this caddy includes a wine glass holder (literary cocktails, anyone?) and a cellphone tray. All in all, The Premium Bamboo Bathtub Tray Caddy completes a perfect creative timeout—reading a book while soaking in suds.
11) RYMEK Typewriter Style Mechanical Keyboard
Who says writers don’t get injured in the field? From muscle pains to wrist strains, many aches can put an end to writing, temporarily and more. This mechanical keyboard uses saddle-shaped keycaps arranged comfortably for that much-needed ergonomic writing space. Type faster and healthier.
Not only that, the RYMEK Typewriter Style Mechanical Keyboard spins the vintage typewriter to suit modern needs. It’s a creative combination of a modern and classic design such as the paper rest for a tablet and the scroll knob for volume controls. All the while, this keyboard takes on a sleek and sophisticated look. With its retro aesthetic, compatibility with different devices, and ergonomic features, it’s surely the best gift for writers.
Show your support with long-lasting gifts
Every writer needs to read. What better way with a Kindle? Choose from a variety of versions that suits different needs. The Kindle brings stories closer to readers with easy access to Kindle Unlimited, Prime Reading, Audible, and other digital libraries. Its screen is specially made for reading, whether it’s relaxing under the sun or laying indoors on a caddy. Stories are a writer’s favorite. Discover the next one with the accessibility and convenience of the Amazon Kindle.
13) Kindle Unlimited Membership
Complete the package. Kindle Unlimited gives access to more than a million ebook and audiobook titles to add to a digital library. It only takes a few easy clicks to browse through various selections through the Kindle or the Kindle app. Goodbye hassle, enjoy reading to the fullest. Gift your favorite writer a month, six months, a year. Or if you’re extra generous, two years worth of stress-free, amazing stories.
Storytelling is a craft that should be consistently improved over time. John Truby, one of the most well-respected and sought-after story consultants in Hollywood, has more than a few important things to say about storytelling. His book, The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller, dives deep into his unique approach towards a multi-faceted and effective narrative. For scripts, to novels, to short stories, and anything in between, this book contains lessons and techniques that can shape an average writer into a master storyteller.
15) On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
If there’s at least one person a writer should listen to, it’s Stephen King. The critically acclaimed, internationally bestselling, and multi-award-winning author discusses his perspective of the craft and the emergence and struggles of his career. Part memoir, part masterclass, On Writing tells King’s powerful story while inspiring its readers how to tell their own.
Writing doesn’t need to be a solo experience. Make it shared, educational, and crazy. With Bananagrams, players compete against one another to build crossword grids. This simple yet entertaining game challenges those spelling muscles and tests the limits of creativity. It’s a worthwhile brain exercise for creatives in need of a change in pace, all tucked in a handy banana case.
So gather around. Bananagrams brings everybody together and the crazy thinker in each one—just in time for the holidays.
17) Novel and Short Story Writer’s Market 2020
Getting published is a journey that takes a lot of time, grueling effort, and incredible patience. Cut that down in half with The Most Trusted Guide to Getting Published. On its 39th edition, NSSWM has been the go-to resource for hundreds of updated listings for book publishers, literary agents, fiction publications, contests, and more. Like yellow pages, but cooler because it’s for writers on the road to publishing. Each listing includes valuable contact information and submission guidelines. Not only that, this book holds interviews and articles on tips and tricks of the trade, serving as a market handbook.
18) Before and After the Book Deal
Every writing experience is a little bit different and that can be a scary thing. In the many steps between having an idea of becoming a published author, there are many questions—Are MFA programs worth the time and money? Did you get a good advance? What do you do when you feel envious of other authors?
Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book brings all the answers (and more) straight to whoever is asking. Filled with candid wisdom and intimate anecdotes from over 150 contributors across all walks of the industry, this book can serve as a saving grace from nerves, the right pep talk to reach the finish line, or an insider look into what really goes on behind closed covers.
Contemporary writers need contemporary perspectives. Zadie Smith is a beloved and award-winning voice of the modern generation. Her collection of essays, Feel Free, tackle questions relevant to our time in wry and electric writing that sound like that friend we all helplessly admire. This book reintroduces contemporary culture and politics—say, Brexit and the Bieber Fever—by an author that understands all its interconnected importance. Smith’s essays are riddled with heart, passion, and truth that calls in harmony to writers of today and tomorrow.
20) Book Wishlist
Still can’t decide what to give your neighborhood writer? Simply ask them or access their Amazon wishlist. Pluck out book titles that you know they’ve been saving up for or special editions that fit just right with your budget. That may be the complete collection of Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments with its puzzle-like spines. Or a foil-stamped hardcover in a gold-stamped case with archival scrolled color maps, exactly like the Inside HBO’s Game of Thrones: Collector’s Edition.
With all that’s said, writers are actually pretty easy to please. A good book, wrapped in genuine appreciation, still makes the best gift every season.
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