Budget-Friendly Christmas Gifts that Writers Would Love

As a writer myself, I know what I like to receive as a gift. Of course, it's the thought that counts - but who among us has intentionally set out to buy something for someone we hope they'll hate? After looking around, I have come across 6 Christmas gift ideas for the writer in your life that are budget-friendly and likely to be appreciated.

In today's technology driven world, the simple enjoyment of putting pen to paper has been put aside. How many of us actually hand write a letter anymore? Although I do rely on my computer for almost everything related to my writing, there is a lot to be said for having a "blank book", or journal, to write in. Recently, I went Borders Books & Music and looked through their journal section. This is usually located near the counter or magazine area. I have also seen it near the calendar and planner sections. For myself, I purchased a 5 x 8 sized faux purple suede blank book. It is small enough so that I can carry it with me to jot down thoughts, ideas and observations. It was only $7.95 and I love it! For a friend who has been dabbling with the idea of writing, and is taking a couple months off to travel the country, I bought a travel journal for $14.95. I wrote some inspirational quotes on the inside before I wrapped it. This gift is not only budget-friendly, but is always appreciated ( you can't have too many) and it is unlikely that you would get the exact same one as someone else.

Speaking of calendars, every writer needs one whether they realize it or not. For me, I prefer either the engagement book kind that relates to writing in some way that I keep with me, or the daily tear-off box type that I keep by my computer. At amazon.com, there are several choices but one in particular that I think is perfect for the writer. It is only $14.95, although it is currently on sale for a little less, and has a different word with its origin every day. I love this! Every writer loves language - why else do we revel in the word so much? This little gem can be found here:

http://www.amazon.com/Word-Origin-Daily-Boxed-Calendar/dp/B001HX0YOQ/ref=sr_1_198?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1227042082&sr=1-198

Another item that is a great bargain for the writer is a copystand. This is basically a stand-up clipboard that you can put by your computer for copying or editing from another source. There is nothing more annoying than having to constantly look down at something that you are trying to type into your computer. There are several choices at the Office Depot website, but there is a nice practical one for only $9.95 that I really like. If you want to jazz up the gift a little - add some paper for around $5.95. There can never be enough of that for any writer! You can find the copystand here:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/656520/Fellowes-Copystand-Platinum-Graphite/

As long as we're looking at office supplies - a big cash drain for every writer - an appreciated item would be the blank CD-R. Any writer knows that you had better backup your computer files and work or else you're just asking for a breakdown-worthy episode when the computer crashes. Discs are also great for transporting content or creating content archive discs. Memorex is a great brand, and there are also some available at the Office Depot site here:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/332629/Memorex-CD-R-Recordable-Media-Spindle/

Finally, if you know your writer pretty well, you are probably aware of what types of books and subscriptions they have. There are tons of ways to go here that are budget-friendly and a little more personal. If your writer does not have a Writer's Digest subscription, for $20.00 you can buy them one here:

http://www.writersdigest.com/Shop/

There are also other ideas at this site if you browse the books section. Has your writer mentioned that they would like to get into writing screenplays? There are some great reference guides available. Look around the site and see what you can find.

As long as we're talking about magazines, literary press magazines are wonderful gifts for many reasons. Depending on the publication, they feature new as well as established writers. You can read up and coming writers, or submit your own work for consideration. They are a valuable and often over-looked resource. You will also be supporting the art of writing by purchasing one of these subscriptions, or purchasing even one issue. Many are more like large paperback books than magazines. Two of my favorites are Glimmer Train and Rosebud. They are both glossy paperbacks and have a wonderful selection of quality fiction, poetry, essays and graphics. They also support and welcome submissions from new writers as well as established ones, and have various contests. Here are the links to these presses:

http://www.glimmertrain.com/

http://www.rsbd.net/

Any of the above ideas would work for a writer as a Christmas gift. Not only that, but they will keep your budget very friendly!