My Annual List of Gifts for Writers, 2023 Edition
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
It’s that time of year again, where we get to delve into unique, fun gifts for writer friends (or ourselves – we need treats too!). Here’s a little inspiration for your gift list – or your wish list!
How about monthly inspiration and information in the form of a subscription to Writer’s Digest or Poets & Writers – Writer's Digest is more geared toward popular fiction and nonfiction; P&W has a more literary focus. Both feature craft articles, writer interviews, and tons of resources for the writer in your life.
Here’s a nostalgic Library Card Tote Bag from Amazon. Looks just like the library check-out cards of yore. Don’t need another tote? You can get a similar coaster set or Christmas ornament.
Can’t decide on just one thing? Here’s a reasonably-priced book lover’s gift set, featuring a tote (“My Weekend Is All Booked”), a 20-oz stainless steel tumbler with lid, and a “Just One More Chapter” leather journal.
Or this Ultimate Writer Boxed Gift Set, with two different options that include things like a candle, bookmark, pencils, a mug, notebook, etc.
This cute Bookish Companion Reading Journal can help keep your reading organized with room for notes, reviews, quotes, and more.
I love this custom desk organizer for writers, with room for glasses, pens, phone, earbuds, etc. Lots of different choices in terms of how it’s set up, and you can personalize it with the writer’s name.
This Creative Block is actually a good thing! Packed with “over 100 curated breakthrough suggestions from artists, neuroscientists, mindfulness and creativity experts” it’s designed to break you out of any creative rut.
A writer can never have too many mugs, and this customizable “Please do not annoy the writer, s/he may put you in a book and kill you” is a fun addition to the mug collection.
Moleskine notebooks are popular for a reason. They’re beautiful, acid-free, come in a wonderful variety of shapes, colors, and unique covers (fine art, literary, Asian-inspired, etc.) plus they offer high-quality pens and pencils.
Here’s the perfect sign for writers who need that little bit of extra motivation to believe in themselves and get to work.
Did you know you can gift Substack subscriptions? Prolific and award-winning writer George Saunders, winner of the Man Booker Prize for his novel Lincoln in the Bardo, runs Story Club, a guided discussion of one short story a month from the perspective of craft and the writer’s life. More than just reading a Substack, this is an interactive community discussion, guided by a master writer and teacher (he’s a Professor of Creative Writing at Syracuse University).
Finally, I’ll be offering the same packages as last year – but half off!
One Hour New Year’s Plan: We hone in on the writer’s goals – short and long term – and make a plan to meet them. This can mean anything: essays/articles, short stories, a novel... or even just how to create a viable plan to write more regularly. This can also be an “AMA” to pick my brain about a particular aspect of writing or publishing, doing an MFA program, etc. $29.
First 25 Pages Manuscript Review: Includes a coaching call to answer any questions the writer might have about the feedback, and a plan for next steps. $79.
Interested? You can purchase this through the Contact Page.
There you have it! Don’t forget to gift yourself something that will inspire your writing in the new year – whether from this list, or something you’ve had your eye on for a while. Or if you have other great gift ideas, let us know in the Comments!
If you find this useful, head on over to the Contact Page and sign up to get my weekly email featuring tips on creativity, productivity, and the writer’s craft.
