Christmas. It’s coming. And if you are buying a gift for a writer, you may be wondering what, besides a gift card to Half Price Books (be still my heart) you can give them.
Well, you’re in luck. Me, my writerly self, and I have been compiling an awesome-gifts list for more than a year now. I’ve only included the best; truly special items with a definite literary connection. Oh yes.
1. AquaNotes
Maybe it’s the steam. Maybe it’s the shampoo. I’ve heard something about negative and positive ions. But whatever it is that makes the shower the ideal place for ideas, here’s a way to capture them. These waterproof note pads and pencils stick on the shower wall, where you can jot down your ideas instead of losing them down the drain. $7.
2. Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist
Here’s something Hemingway wouldst assuredly approve of. With book-inspired cocktail recipes from The Pitcher of Dorian Grey Goose to the Last of the Mojitos (you’ll also have to buy some actual alcohol, of course), you’ll have everything you need to write drunk. Or at least buzzed; BeKind doesn’t want to you become an alcoholic. $12
3. Pulp-o-Mizer
Vintage and cheesiness join together in perfect harmony. Help your writer imagine his or her own masterwork as an old-timey pulp sci-fi magazine. You customize the cover, choosing backgrounds, images and headlines – maybe incorporate some quotes and themes from your writer’s work in progress. Then order it in posters, mugs, notebooks and more. $10-60.
4. Book Pillows
Cuddle up with fluffy classics. These pillows are the perfect accent for another thing every writer wants—a window seat. In a library. With rolling ladders. Basically, these are a great alternative if you can’t afford the castle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. $18-50
5. Fandom Teas
Ever wonder what your favorite characters would taste like if they were teas? Okay, me neither, but now you never have to! If there’s a fandom for it, chances are Adiago Teas has a blend. Or twelve. We’re talking everything from Tolkien to Welcome to Night Vale. Thanks to Victoria for turning me on to them. Six-blend sampler: $20.
6. Literary Quote Posters
Sound great in your ears; look great on your wall. Oh so artsy. Oh so literary. Tack them above the writer’s desk. Stare at them broodingly while sipping cappuccinos. By ObviousState on Etsy. $24.
7. Periodic Table of Storytelling Poster
You don’t have to write formula fiction to have a formula for your fiction. Check out this visual guide to storytelling based on tropes from TVTropes.org, which is probably one of your writer friend’s favorite Internet haunts. Depending on size: $25-80.
8. Personalized Classics
Does your writer friend identify with Elizabeth Bennett or any number of other classic literary heroes? Through Firebox, you can order a classic novel, with the character names replaced with the names of people you know. Your writer friend will either think this is hilarious, or blasphemous. Proceed at your own risk. $30.
9. Dandelion Wine
More accurately, Fentiman’s Dandelion & Burdock soda, which probably is the closest you will get to dandelion wine without making it yourself. Must be accompanied by a Ray Bradbury quote. You can order it through Walmart, of all places, for about $50 plus $30 for shipping and handling if you’re on the west side of the pond. That stuff has to travel from Northumberland, y’all. But you’ll get the prize for being the coolest gift-giver everer. $80.
10. Antique Typewriter
Every writer wants one, but most of us are too practical (read: poor) to shell out a couple hundred bucks on a really nice one. But just look at them. LOOK AT THEM. Imagine the bounce of the keys. The delicious snap as each letter flies onto the paper. The satisfying riiiip as you pull out a finished page. You are a lone reed… $200-500.
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Fellow writers, leave your own gift suggestions in the comments.
