Holiday Gift Ideas For Writers, Librarians and Bibliophiles

(Updated Dec. 5: added links to other writer gift lists at the end of post as well as additional gift ideas.)

I received such a positive response to last year’s
Holiday Gifts For Writers, Librarians and Bibliophiles list that I thought I’d post one again; I’ve tried not to overlap too much with last year’s list, so please check that list for more ideas for writerly gifts.

As Market Watch columnist for Writersmarket.com, I browse publishing news on a daily basis. It’s been a tad depressing lately, what with all the layoffs and closings, and awareness that most editors are probably cutting down on how much new material they accept.

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, I suspect that I’m not the only one who is planning to be more frugal when buying presents. Here are some ideas for cool and interesting gifts that you can get your writer friends without blowing your holiday budget, as well as some higher-end options.

There are already many lists of writing-related books out there, so I’m opting for non-book gift suggestions. If you have additional ideas, please do post them below and I’ll add them to the list!

And of course, don’t forget about the Inkygirl Gifts For Writers store.

Range $0-20

Gift coupon for TIME: What writer couldn’t use more of this? Offer to babysit, to provide dinner, to pick up the kids from school, to do some chores — anything that might give your writer friend some much needed time to do his or her writing. Make your own certificate, or feel free to use the one I’ve created above (click on image to get the higher res version for printing).

Fishs Eddy has some great literary-themed mugs and “memo” trays ranging from $12.95.

Writer’s Gift Basket: Put together your own gift basket for writers. Items that might go into a $20 package could include some nicely packaged tea bags or a bag of gourmet coffee, a small packet of truffles or pre-wrapped chocolates (like Lindor), a nice pen or some pencils, a small notebook with a cheerful cover. If your budget is larger, you could add a writing-related book or two, or a gift certificate for a bookstore.

Another idea for the gift basket or just on its own: a gift certificate from a coffee shop.

Pen nib earrings $14. These handmade earrings feature Victorian fountain pen nibs, one with an elegant little swan. Made by TillyBloom in Etsy — check out the rest of her shop for unique handmade jewelry, like this How To Write A Story Necklace.

Personalized Bookmarks: All writers are readers, and all readers need bookmarks. A personalized bookmark is easy to mail and you know your writer friend will use it. Here are some ideas on how to make your own bookmark, or you can also get your bookmarks laminated at a copy shop. Ideas for source paper: photos of you and your friend, photos of your friend, pages from your friend’s book or article (photocopy first unless you have an extra copy!), colour magazines — look for pictures or articles or headlines that remind you of your writer friend.

Moleskine notebooks: These great little notebooks are my favourite kind of notebook, perfect for jotting down writing ideas — I can never have too many. They come in a wide range of sizes and types. Each comes with an elastic band to hold the notebook closed, with a sewn spine that allows the book to lie flat when opened, a ribbon bookmark, and an expandable pocket inside the rear cover. If you’re not sure what type your writer friend would prefer, go for the classic “Moleskine Small Plain Notebook” ($12 and up). There are also many cheaper versions available in stationery stores.

Gift certificate for an office supply store, or a gift basket full of office supplies.

Tiny bottle pendant with scrolls inside $10. “Made with a teeny tiny glass bottle and several hand rolled scrolls made out of recycled magazines. The pendant is approximately one inch long and very lightweight. The top is sealed shut so your message won’t fall out. ” Relishdress is a college English teacher and has many other literary-themed gift items available in her Etsy shop.

Book and Pen Earrings $11.95. Check A Likely Story for other affordable gifts “for the bookish sort.” Like these Reader’s Glasses Book Earrings (also $11.95):

Range $20-50

Literary Luminaries Book Bags ($23.95) are constructed with reinforced nylon for durability and feature padded and lined interior, handy mobile phone pocket, and extra long handles for over-the-shoulder carrying. 12″ tall x 11.5″ wide x 3.25″ deep. I own the Women Writers book bag (a gift from a friend) and love it. I lust after their umbrellas ($24.95). Check out the rest of the Literary Luminaries site for writer-themed note cards, bookmarks, coffee mugs, playing cards, journals, posters, and magnets.

Buzz Lumbar Massage Pillow ($25) “To enjoy a soothing lumbar massage anytime, just place our Buzz Lumbar Massage Pillow in any chair and lean back to activate the vibrating massage nodes. Also provides soothing back support for plane, train, home or office. Uses 2 D batteries (not included).”

Hand-knitted fingerless gloves $20. Created by cofygirl on Etsy. “These gloves are perfect for keeping your hands warm while typing, knitting, walking, hiking, writing, journaling, bike riding, crocheting or just for retro fashion! They are felted from an upcycled lambswool sweater. Very soft!
I can make these in pretty much any color and they stretch to fit most hands. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests you may have.”

Back and front of t-shirt:

Four Things You Should Never Say To A Writer t-shirt (see above), from my Inkygirl shop. $20.95 – wide range of colours and sizes.

Wine Glass Tags made from vintage typewriter keys (set of 5) $49. “Perfect for the entertainer. Hand-crafted vintage typewriter key wine markers. The keys were gently removed from the 1930-1940s era typewriter. We hand polished them placed on a ring (that’s easy to place on and off a wine glass.)”

This pillow from Bas Bleu ($19.99) is perfect for a mystery writer. It has pockets on the other side of the pillow for storing glasses, pens, a notebooks, etc. Check out the rest of Bas Bleu for other literary-themed gifts.

Online writing courses. Give a gift certificate for an online writing course service. Prices vary; make sure you do some research upfront to make sure you’re choosing a good service. Here’s a list posted by Writing-World.com; you should also read Moira Allen’s Getting The Most From Online Classes.

New York Public Library messenger bag $29. This messenger bag with embroidered NYPL Logo is available in two classic colors: basic black and olive green. Bag has a large main pocket that zips shut, a small back zippered pocket, and 3 front outside pockets for your Metrocard and other small necessities. The front also has several slots for pens or pencils and a cell phone holder, and the flap clasps securely shut.

Range: $50 and up

One-of-a-kind Book-Purse. Instead of throwing them away, Caitlin of Rebound Designs takes old and damaged books and turns them into one-of-a-kind book purses. And get this: she’ll also take any book you send her and turn it into one of these bags. Prices range from about $100 and up.

Membership to a writers’ organization. Those who write for young people, for example, might be interested in a membership to the SCBWI or CANSCAIP (Canadian). You can find lists of writers’ organizations at the beginning of this writer networking list by Sal Towse.

A massage session, especially if your writer friend has been working particularly hard recently.

Emily Dickinson Necklace US$68: A great accessory for the fashionable poetry lover, this necklace features the opening lines of Emily Dickinson’s classic poem #1741 (“That it will never come again / Is what makes life so sweet”) pressed into sterling silver. The second layer of the pendant is a leaf cut from gold.

A fancy pen: Though most writers use computers to do their writing these days, a gift of a nice pen is always appreciated. Try , Levenger (any other pen retailers you like? please post below). Or perhaps an ergonomic pen like Yoropen, or order some personalized pens with the name of the writer’s newest book.

Bed Desk $69: From Dynamic Living.

Digital voice recorder, for making note of writing ideas.

Lapalot Lap Desk US$128: Especially great for those who like to do some writing away from the computer…or you could probably prop your laptop on it if you prefer sitting in a comfy armchair or couch instead of at your desk for a change. Thick Lycra cushion filled with foam beads conforms to your lap, and strong magnets keep the desk tightly closed when you carry it. You can find many other great gift items for writers and readers at Levenger.

And for a higher-end gift idea for discerning writers who also collect art…

Sewn Machine Art $240: These soft sculpture typewriters are handmade from vintage fabrics and buttons, created by The Gun Club. Shipping is $15 but they can also be picked up at the gallery (for the locals). They are approximately 9”x16”x7” .

From the site: “Sewn Machines are a series of analogue devices rendered in recycled, vintage and found materials. They are designed and hand-fabricated by the design group, The Gun Club, in Los Angeles, CA. Materials are selected from the collections, leftovers and cast-offs, of the designers and their associates. Sewn Machines can be seen as a sort of by-product of the group’s myriad creative processes; as such, no two are alike and their availability fluctuates.”

Other holiday gift idea lists for writers:

Archived Inkygirl posts under the ‘Gifts For Writers’ category
Last year’s Inkygirl list: Holiday Gifts For Writers
HubPages holiday gifts for writers (books)
SCBWI tips for shopping for the holidays (membership required)
Sal Towse’s list of gifts for writers
Writer’s Digest bookstore
Squidoo: Literary gifts for Book Lovers
Angela Hoy: Your Writing As a Loving (and Inexpensive) Holiday Gift
OrganizedWriter.com< top ten holiday gifts for writers/a>
WOW! Women On Writing has a downloadable PDF of their Holiday Gift Guide (4.9 MB)
AssociatedContent.com: Budget-Friendly Gifts For Writers
Writer Unboxed best holiday gifts for writers
WrittenRoad.com 18 Gifts For Writers
About.com Fiction Writing ‘Top 10 Gifts For Writers’
Suite 101.com’s Great Gifts For Writers
Freelancewritinggigs.com: holiday gifts for writers: practical tech gifts

That’s it for now; I may add a few between now and the end of the year. If you have any other suggestions, please do post them below!

Tagged as: gifts