Gifts for Writers

Gifts for writers are abundant. Naturally, we writers all enjoy receiving gifts geared towards our personal likes or interests but there are a number of gifts particularly helpful and enjoyable for writers. Whether you are looking for a great gift for a writer or a writer wanting to add to your 'wish list' I hope this will be helpful.

Cross Pen & Pencil Sets for Writers:

The A. T. Cross Company has been making pen and pencil sets for over 150 years. An American owned and operated company based in the US. Over the years I have purchased a dozen or more Cross Pen & Pencil sets - all of the sets were given to others as gifts. Until Christmas 2009, I never owned a set myself. My set is black and silver but Cross offers a variety of colored and designed sets.

Just a little side note here, I would like to share one of my favorite stories. When Florenz Ziegfeld of Ziegfeld Follies was told that Irish linen petticoats for Follies dancers were far more expensive than plain cotton he responded, "I know. But Irish linen does something to their walk - remember, they are Ziegfeld Girls!" While the set may not improve or increase my writing I do know, just using the set makes me feel special.

Moleskine Notebooks for Writers:

If you are not familiar with Moleskine notebooks, they are spectacular. The notebook I received is bound in oilcloth covered cardboard with a ribbon bookmark, an elastic band to keep the notebook closed when not being used (or stuffed in my purse), and a pocket in the back I have found great for adding receipts I want to save for future reference or business cards.

Writers and artists have used notebooks similar to the Moleskine notebooks for years. Some of those famous people include Oscar Wilde (playwright, short story writer, poet, and journalist), Vincent Van Gogh (Dutch Post-Impressionist painter), Pablo Picasso (Spanish painter and sculptor) and American writer and journalist Ernest Hemingway.

If the writer in your life is like me, notebooks of any kind are always needed. I watch for the back-to-school special where you can get spiral notebooks ten for a dollar and such. I stock up for the year. Yes, I do use my laptop for the majority of my writing but there are times I cannot be on the computer or just do not feel like typing. I go through a couple dozen notebooks a year not counting what the grandkids use for drawing and playing games.

Writer's Market Books for Writers:

I received the 2010 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market book for Christmas but there are many other Writer's Market books geared towards particular areas of writing including Christian Writer's Market book, Poetry, and many more. The Writer's Market books are great providing a wealth of information for writers. Tips on writing, publications, requirements for different publications, and contact information for individual publications is a short list of what is included in the Writer's Market books.

Special Thank You:

I would like to thank my second oldest son, his wife, and grandson (due in April) for the wonderful gifts they gave me. Yes, I received all three of the above gifts for Christmas. Far more important than the gifts themselves is the wonderful encouragement from my family to continue and further my writing.

Any or all of these are great gifts for writers. Not just for Christmas, do not forget Mothers Day, Fathers Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or just because you love the writer in your life.

To learn more about my terrific son you might also read:
Support Our Troops A Mother's Story
The Most Memorable Fourth of July