The holidays are fast approaching and the whole world seems to be in a shopping frenzy. It can be difficult to find something for everyone on your list (especially the people who say, “Oh, I don’t need anything!” Shut up, Grandma, you’re getting a gift). On the surface, writers seem like they’re fairly easy to shop for–just buy them a pen and a notebook! However, writers are notoriously picky about their writing implements. Seriously, I can’t tell you how many beautiful notebooks I’ve received over the years when I just preferred to write in a spiral-bound notebook commonly seen in the backpacks of elementary school children. And don’t even get me started on the pens–writers LOVE their pens and are pretty goddamn picky about the kind they like (I personally love Staedler Triplus Fineliners and will accept no substitutes).
But if you’re looking to satisfy those oh so picky writers in your life this holiday season, take a look at some of these ideas that are sure to make them cheer instead of secretly writing your murder into their next novel:
1. Write Drunk, Edit Sober Mug
It’s no secret that writers are obsessive fans of coffee. It might be a stereotype, but lots of us do consume our weight in coffee each day because we enjoy the boost in mental stimulation and anxiety while we try and figure out how the hell our plot is going to work itself out. This mug with Ernest Hemingway’s favorite quote is a fun way to show the writer in your life that you love and support their caffeine addiction.
2. Death Wish Coffee
Death Wish Coffee Company claims that through roasting and careful bean selection, they’ve created the strongest possible coffee–and they’re not kidding. According to Consumer Reports, one fluid ounce of their flagship blend contains 59 mg of caffeine, whereas most coffees only have 12-16 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce. That means that a single 8 oz cup of coffee in the morning contains 472 mg of caffeine. Anything more potent and you’d basically be drinking jet fuel. This is perfect for any writer’s morning wake up call or late night writing session.
3. Anything from Out of Print
Writers are first and foremost readers, and they love to show their dedication to their favorite works. Out of Print has tons of shirts, totes, and accessories displaying tons of popular works. You’re sure to find something your writer loves and will love wearing.
Get this shirt from Out of Print for $28
4. A Cure for Writer’s Block
What do writers hate more than losing their favorite pen? Writer’s block. It happens to all of us and we’re miserable jerks until it passes. With ideas and tricks to help break a writer out of their funk, this is a great gift that will get lots of use. Plus, it’s more effective than banging your head against the keyboard or lying on the floor having an existential crisis, the latter of which is my current preferred method.
5. Aqua Notes for Shower Thoughts
One of the most maddening things about being a writer is having a great idea at a really inopportune time like when you’re in the shower. But now, thanks to Aqua Notes, you won’t lose those plot ideas or brilliant bits of dialogue. It’s a waterproof notepad you can stick in the shower so you can jot down your flashes of brilliance.
6. Smells Like Fiction
Who doesn’t love the smell of old books? Psychopaths, that’s who. Frostbeard Studio has created several candles that are sure to please every writer on your list. You can get a soy candle that smells like old books and Oxford Library as well as great fictional places like The Shire or Sherlock’s Study. Help the writer on your shopping list set the mood with their favorite scent!
Get it from Frostbeard Studio for $6-18
7. Learn from a Master
Every writer can benefit from learning from a master, so why not look at MasterClass? A writer on your holiday list can learn from powerhouses such as Margaret Atwood, Judy Blume, R.L. Stein, James Patterson, Dan Brown, Malcolm Gladwell, Aaron Sorkin, and David Mamet. It’s a bit pricier than most items on this list, but your gift gives them lifetime access to a class so they can study at their own pace.
Get it from MasterClass for $90
8. Free from Distractions
Sometimes you sit down at your computer to write, and then you need to do a little bit of research to fact check something for your work. Then distraction hits and two hours later, you’ve made zero progress on your book but you’ve taken dozens of online quizzes to find out what kind of toast you are (sourdough, in case anyone is wondering). The Freewrite Smart Typewriter takes away the distractions and forces you to focus on what’s in front of you: your words, and nothing but. It has a full qwerty keyboard with a screen akin to a Kindle so your eyes won’t be strained by the blue light of a laptop. Plus, it has the memory to hold up to a million pages! This is the priciest item on the list, but they do offer payment options (although you shouldn’t have to go into debt for the holidays).
Get it from Freewrite for $549
9. When in Doubt . . .
Writers love gift cards to their favorite local bookstore. We’re simple creatures at heart.
What did you think of these gift ideas? Do you have any of your own to add? Let me know in the comments?
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Emily Regan 