It's back! The best holiday gifts for writers (ZERO notebooks, pens, and 'book' knick-knacks on this list)
Feel free to tell Aunt Susan that you *don't* need another copy of Writers For Dummies okaythanksgreat.
This time last year, you LOVED my list of the best holiday gifts for writers. Or maybe what you really loved was my list of what writers DON’T want. And a whole lot of you are dealing with Aunt Susans of your own. Solidarity! As such, I’m happy to share once again my list of the best and worst gifts for writers. May Santa be good to you all!
Correct me if I’m wrong, but writers don’t want:
Last year’s best selling book (“well since you’re in publishing I thought you’d be interested…”)
Pens, notebooks, diaries, and day planners picked out by someone else (what kind of monster thinks you’d write with black ink?)
Literary-themed accessories and knick-knacks featuring books, pens, and quills.
Books about writing advice or how to pitch a story (I’ve been at this for over a decade but thanks for the copy of Writing For Dummies).
Mugs, teas, and tea accessories. Like we don’t already have our beverage game down pat.
Most of the items on this list. Oh, and this list. Sorry.
Here are some gifts that writers would like to see under their tree this Christmas:
Feel free to send this to your gift exchange group or your fusty Aunt Susan, who seems to think you need some glitter gel pens and tiny earrings in the shape of a book.
Something to support our non-writing life and hobbies. We want high quality hiking socks, a cool puzzle, or tickets to a play, just like everyone else.
A “Paid Invoice” candle that smells like a wonderful vacation (fresh air and sea salt) and celebrates our success.
Nibbl Cheese Box delivery. I think even the food writers would make an exception to their no-foodie-gifts rule for this Canadian cheese delivery company, which sends out gourmet boxes with five cheeses plus crackers, spreads, snacks, and accessories.
Little Fox Apothecary pillow mist is delightfully fancy and more subtle and sophisticated than cheap faux-lavender sprays. It’s charming and pretty and isn’t book themed. What a concept!
A gift certificate for a car detailing package come spring. Writers spend a lot of time in their cars, aka their mobile offices, and having a pro scrub it out is a real treat.
A Saint James Breton shirt or sweater. These nautically-themed sweaters and long-sleeved shirts favoured by Breton sailors are considered wardrobe basics in France… but for those of us in North America, they’re a luxurious piece that’s cozy for working from home and polished under a blazer for a meeting.
Feeling generous? Splash out on Shakespeare and Co’s year of reading bundle. A total of twelve books are shipped out in three lots over the course of a year. This iconic Paris bookshop’s recommended books are exceptional reads.
Want to spend $25 or less?
A Wonder Pens Stationery Shop gift card. Writers do appreciate Chapters gift cards but this Toronto-based shop (which ships internationally) sells beautiful puzzles, cult-classic Blackwing pencils, and pretty wasabi tape.
A gift certificate for a mini-manicure and the promise that you will take over child or elder-care responsibilities for the afternoon so they can have some time to themselves. (But don’t even think about doing this if you are not ride-or-die committed to the helping-hand part of the gift. Don’t be the friend who bails).
A couple of gourmet chocolate bars and a heartfelt letter telling us how much you enjoyed one of our articles.
A new houseplant propagated from one of your own and some homemade cookies.
Happy Holidays to one and all! May you always be on the nice list ;-)