Having trouble selecting a gift for the writer in your life? Want something that shows you support his or her vocation, but is more creative than a generic pen and pencil set? With a little thought, you can choose a gift that your friend will cherish, both for the thing itself and the thoughtfulness behind it. This gift guide will help you get started.
1. A journal or magazine subscription
Writers, like any professionals, have to keep abreast of their field. You can help with a subscription to a journal or a magazine you know he enjoys, or that publishes work similar to his own.
Poets and Writers Magazine and
The New Yorker are always safe bets. For something more specific to your friend's style, check out the lists of
literary magazines on this site, or the magazine rack at a local independent bookstore.
2. This year's Novel and Short Story Writers Market
Replacing the
Novel and Short Story Writers Market every year gets expensive, but a writer who's serious about publishing has to do it at least every other year. Save her the trouble and the money by getting this year's edition for her...Or if she's sitting on an unpublished novel, get her the
Guide to Literary Agents and jump-start that tedious search.
3. Blank books
Blank books are a bit of a cliché gift for writers, but with good reason. For aspiring writers, a blank book offers them encouragement to write. Old pros will enjoy a nice blank book or journal simply because it's something that they don't tend to indulge in on their own anymore. 4. Massage session
Carpal tunnel, stiff necks, and creaky backs are the occupational hazards of a writer's life. If you see your writer rubbing his neck or shoulders while getting up from his desk, chances are he'd love a session with a massage therapist. Bath soaps, manicures, rock climbing gym passes, and yoga classes are also great ideas. Writers tend to spend too much time in their heads; help them reconnect with their physical side.5. Tickets to see a writer she admires
Find out if someone she really likes is coming to town soon, or if there's a play or movie based on a writer close to her heart. Events like these are great ways to inspire her work, and are perfect for people who already have too much stuff. You can also send a copy of the writer's book to him or her to sign and return (include return postage, of course). Present the tickets inside the signed book, or give her the book on its own.6. Gift certificates to office supply stores or bookstores
You can't go wrong on this one. Writers will always need paper, pens, and printer ink cartridges. And as for books, a writer will love the chance to splurge on some new book he's been wanting to read.For a more personal gift, pick a book on writing -- many are reviewed here. Stephen King's book
On Writing is a great newer book while Anne Lamott's
Bird by Bird is a tried and true favorite. Uncertain about picking one? Reference books are expensive and essential, two elements that make for much-appreciated gifts. To really thrill your logophile, go for the OED on CD-ROM.
8. Laptop
If the complete OED isn't extravagant enough, you can really thrill your writer with a new laptop. Be sure to find out not only what platform, Mac or PC, he uses now, but what platform he'd like to be using. (Could be this was the year he'd planned to make the switch.)9. Laptop case
A cheaper alternative, but still thoughtful, particularly if you've noticed that your friend's case is looking a little threadbare. Go for something leather and classic, if she has to take it into an office, or something funky and creative. There's a huge range of bags to inspire your writer before she even gets the laptop out of the case.10. Fancy meal out
Treat your starving artist to a meal at a restaurant he couldn't usually afford. If your artist friend is really struggling, it's not the calories he needs as much as the fun of splurging. A little luxury goes a long way in keeping spirits high in the face of rejections.
