I don't understand why people struggle to buy gifs for me. I'm fantastic to shop for without resorting to books or mugs with quotes.
If you're struggling to buy a gift for the writer in your life or need to prompt someone to buy the perfect writerly gift, here are some of my favourite gifts I've received and love as part of my writing journey. ($0.99 to $500)
> FROM FREE - BOUQUETS OF SHARPENED PENCILS
A rom-com classic I saw as a kid promised me bouquets of sharpened pencils. However, since the release of You Got Mail, no one has given me a bouquet of sharpened pencils, so this year I made one for myself.
I did this for $0, but if you don't have a plethora of pencils in the house, you can buy a dozen yellow pencils from most dollar stores for about $0.99 cents. then some dried flowers, an upcycled glass jar, and some ribbon of colourful craft tape are all that's needed. (Watch the video to see how I made this one.)
However, if you aren't feeling crafty, then some of my favourite stationery are Mont Marte Duo Markers and Leuchtturn Notebooks.
> $4 Writing Gloves
Fingerless gloves are wonderful and one of the easiest things to knit. One of my favourite brands is Storiarts' Writing Gloves. They are great for keeping our hands warm while allowing us to type.
> $30 Fan-Kid Type STUFF
Something featuring their favourite book paired with something from the book. For example, for my 42nd birthday, my husband got me a T-Shirt with the Number 42 on it with a design from The Life, The Universe, and Everything by Douglas Adams. Pair that with a towel, and every Hitchhiker's Guide fan will go wild.
> $30 Environmentally Friendly Writing Tools
Last year, my husband gave me a Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook, and it's great because I can reuse the same notebook over and over and save paper and luggage space.
BONUS: I discovered that there are notebooks that you can use in the shower! How cool is that? I MUST emphasise that unlike the other items on this list, I don't have one of these. However, Aqua Love Notes Waterproof Notebook.
> $30 $27 Portable Keyboard
I LOVE my portable keyboard, mine is from Microsft, but there are lots of different brands, styles, sizes, and price points. I'm sure you'll find the right one for you.
$97 $59.99 - $170 $157.23 Neck Massager (limited-time sale)
My husband bought me an electric neck massager, and this was the gift I didn't know I needed.
I have is the Beurer Deluxe 3D Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager, which is a little more pricey, but it is one I can very much recommend.
> $30 PLUS - Fountain Pen
A nice treat might be a fountain pen and ink. Neil Gaiman recommends the Lamy pens for those who never used a fountain pen.
If you are lucky enough to live in New York, there is the Fountain Pen Hospital, where you can try out different pens and find the right one for you. Neil Gaiman took his publisher there to let her choose her own pen as a special thank-you gift, and this is a great idea for those who have time and opportunity for that special writer in their life.
> From $17/month Subscriptions
In past years I've done a duo membership to MasterClass and shared it with a friend and gifted subscriptions to apps and memberships that my husband or daughter have been keen to get.
I would recommend being sure the person you are gifting the subscription to is keen on it.
I gifted myself an Audible subscription this Christmas and got Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes for FREE.
> FROM FREE - TIME
The best gift you can give any writer is time. Whether it's a promise to watch the kids while they go and do their thing or splurging on a writing holiday for them, there are many levels and price points here. But the gift of time is the greatest gift to give someone who needs time to write.
Ultimately writers have a relationship with words. If all else fails, an honestly written card or even an email will be warmly appreciated. Thank you for reading and for loving a writer.