is more time!! But since Santa doesn’t have access to the time/space continuum, I’ll settle for some books instead. The Anti 9-to-5 Guide and Query Letters That Rock are both on my wish list this holiday. Truth be told, I’ve already read both of them, but I want to my own copies so I can refer them without running to the library.
Here are some other suggestions for the writer on your holiday gift list…
Fancy notebooks and office supplies. I know you can write just as well in a plain spiral notepad, but frankly it’s not as fun. I’m a sucker for cute little notebooks and pens, so I have several sets strategically placeed around my apartment in case inspiration strikes. Right now I’m coveting the mini notebooks and mouse pads from Paperchase, the British paper purveyor that just opened a store in Boston. See Jane Work also some cute supplies.
Magazine subscriptions. Please do not (I repeat: do NOT) buy me a gift magazine subscription, because I’m trying to widdle down my reading list, but it’s a good idea in theory. Magazines.com is running a gift promotion right now, so you could help out a fellow writer that way.
Writing course or membership. We writers need to stick together! I love my memberships to Freelance Success (btw, the rates are going up on January 1, so now’s the time to join!) and Media Bistro, and I bet the wirter in your life will like them, too. Both offer online courses and some of MB’s classes are offered in person, too.
Charitable donation. I’d love for someone to donate money to a childhood literacy program or a local library on my behalf (hint, hint). Alternatively, you could donate a favorite childhood book to Toys for Tots or another organization. Charity Navigator is a great way to research nonprofits.
Inkygirl offers more writing-themed gift ideas. I’m curious… what’s on your wish list this year?
Books are always on my wishlist. I had the chance to go pick some from my mother yesterday. I love bookstores so for me, despite the holiday shopping frenzy, it was a well spent day. I know on Christmas Day at least one of my presents will have three books I know I’ll love!
I’ve also dropped hints for friends and family to just get me Dymocks or Amazon gift cards/vouchers. It’s another way to buy books and prevent them running the risk of getting me something I already have or won’t enjoy.
Stationary is definitely an risk free options when gift purchasing for me too. When I buy my own I tend to stick to standard kinds of notebooks (the ones I know I love that are simple, spiral bound, a particular size etc.) and blue bic biros (also simple, basic, inexpensive kind) and anything purple. I don’t need flashy stationary (although interesting things always catch my eye) but I could never have enough pens and notebooks.
I love your magazine subscription suggestion. Another option might be newspaper home delivery subscriptions, ebooks and website memberships. Perhaps for the more tech-minded writer a good gift would be domain name registration or renewal and the costs of hosting.
Finally, if you really just can’t get a gift together writer’s could always use more money. Cash, while not as creative or memorable a gift is always very much appreciated. Especially since we’ve just spent a fortune buying gifts over the holiday season.
Hi Rebecca, thanks for such a thorough response. I’m a sucker for stationary, too!
You write for a living…ooh, ah. Am envious. I write too. Fiction, though. I’ve published a few shorts in various literary journals and am at work on a novel (an endless novel).
I like your blog!
Angie
(www.AllAdither.com)
Only today did I realize I kinda want a Kindle, but they’re totally sold out. But the voice recognition software and the digital recorder were both on the list, as was the Borders gift card.
Then again, so is something cashmere and a Nintendo Wii. I love that stupid bowling game.
Slippers. My home office has no heat, so I’m thinking slippers might even count as a business expense.
Trish, that is brutal!! My apartment is a wee bit chilly this time of year, too, but I heeded my mother’s advice and put plastic on the windows.
Hi Angie, thanks for stopping by! I will definitely check out you blog, too.
Susan, Already I got a BIG-to-me Christmas wish filled. And that’s because of YOU and *the whole staff* at Urban Muse. Thank You for showing me how to do links in a blog. Somehow I hadn’t pulled that skill together until you spelled it out. So now I’m Queen of Links (Well, do use them a lot) and each time under my breath I say Thank You Santa Susanna!
EE
(http://russiawithlove.blogspot.com)
Aww, Eileen, that is very sweet of you to say. Glad I could help.