7 Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Writers
Christmas is upon us and the panic of buying “the perfect gift” has settled in. If you have a writer on your gift list, I have a few ideas for finding the gift that will light up his eyes and say, “I support your dreams.” To tell the truth, it may be more important for a writer to know the she has the support of her family and friends than to get the perfect writer gift, but the perfect gift is always nice.
- Writer’s Market 2008. The Writers Market is the book for the marketing side of being a freelance author. The book contains information, addresses, topics, and tips for getting published in over 3,500 different magazines. The Writer’s Market is updated yearly with new publications and updated listings.
- Notebooks. In this digital age, writers still rely on pen and paper to capture ideas. I like to carry a small pocket sized notebook with me all the time. This is handy for when inspiration strikes on the road. I use a lot of regular sized notebooks too. Even with a laptop computer that goes anywhere, nothing beats pen and paper for jotting a quick note or catching that fleeting inspiration.
- Gift certificate to an office supply store. An office supply store doesn’t sound like the most “Christmasy” place to find a gift, but I’m being completely serious. I have an office supply addiction, and I suspect that many other writers have a similar addiction. I spend a lot of money at Staples for things that I need, like printer paper, ink, computer disks, etc. I could spend a lot of money on things that I want there too. My list of wants include a new microphone/headset, a external hard drive, and a 22″ computer monitor (or 2). Your gift certificate will be appreciated.
- Post it notes. When I am writing, I often think of things I need to say later in the article. Sometimes, I realize changes that need to be made in stuff I have already written. If you could see my laptop computer, the whole wrist rest area is covered in post it note reminders.
- Magazine Subscription. Give the gift of inspiration, all year long. There are some very good writing magazines such as Writer’s Digest
, Writer
, and Poets & Writers Magazine
. If the writer on your list already subscribes to these magazines, give him a subscription to a hobby magazine. Writers are readers and inspiration can come from anywhere.
- Tea/hot cocoa/coffee. In the cold winter months, typing on a computer always makes my fingers cold. I love having something warm to wrap my fingers around. There is something inspiring about good tea.
- Spill proof mug. Have you ever seen the havoc a full cup of tea can cause when spilled on a keyboard? If you spend hours in front of a computer, one day you will likely spill something on a keyboard. Help your writer save her computer, buy her a spill proof mug.
I have given you a short list of stocking stuffers for writers, but remember, when all else fails, give chocolate!
Tags: Christmas
