The Best Cheap Gifts for Writers

The holiday season is the time for giving gifts to those in your life, including all the writers you know and love. Finding cheap gifts can be hard enough, but finding cheap gifts for writers can often be a challenge, especially if you aren't sure what type of gifts writers appreciate. As a freelance writer, I know the types of gifts I love having around. Let me share with you five cheap gifts for writers that I would personally be glad to receive or would definitely consider giving to other writers.

#1 Set of Pens

Even in the day and age of the computer, most writers still use pens on a regular basis for writing drafts, ideas, and sketching out some plot points. Yes, pens are one of the best cheap gifts for writers because they are so versatile and, well, so necessary!

There are many kinds of pens on the market. They range from a cheap 10-pack of Bic pens costing between $1-2 (depending on where you shop) to the classy fountain pens that will set you back more than $50. I prefer Pilot pens for my writing - they generally cost about $2-4 each. I find Pilot pens have a nice, even, smooth roll and provide clear, crisp lines and longhand.

#2 Journal Book

Ever since I was 12, I have kept a journal - both for writing and for keeping track of how my days go. Be it I use a journal for drafting my commercial writing ideas or for recreating by putting to pen my thoughts and activities from my day, the point is a journal book is another handy item and near the very top of my list of cheap gifts for writers.

You can find blank journal books with 100-250 pages ranging from $5 to $20; the more expensive ones often include scattered images, famous and inspirational quotes, or leatherette covers.

#3 Blotter

I keep a blotter on my desk when I write. Blotters help keep ink off my desk and provide a smooth place to write. Besides, they tend to help visually center my writing area on the desk. Blotters vary in size, shape, and design.

Many blotters include beautiful or inspirational images, others are plain and are meant to serve only the purpose of keeping a writer's desk free of errant marks. Either way you go with the blotter gift you buy, prices start at around $15 for a very basic blotter to over $25 for an elaborate blotter. Some small, clear vinyl blotter-style pads can be found for under $10.

#4 Booklight

I remember when I was young discovering that my booklight was just as good for writing books as it was for reading books.

Booklights are just too handy not to have around, and writers such as myself use them all the time for writing when in the dark - like when in a dark room where turning on a light would be either inconvenient or rude, or when riding as a passenger in a dark car, bus, plane, or train. Booklights can be bought at virtually any office supply or book store and start at under $20.

#5 Carrying Case or Hand Bag

As a writer who doesn't stop writing - even on the go - I like to have a handy place to carry my notebook, pen, and booklight. Finding an appropriate carrying case or hand bag is not necessarily difficult, but do keep your gift recipient's preferences in mind.

Does he or she like leather or cloth? Something big or small? Colorful and flashy or more subdued and demure? Is he or she a traveler? Travelers will find a smaller bag is more convenient than a larger bag. When you buy the carrying case or hand bag, consider the writer, and do your best to match his or her personality. A good carrying case or hand bag can be kept and used for a lifetime if handled respectfully.

A carrying case or hand bag can be had for under $15 if you shop at a place like Staples, Office Depot, or Wal-Mart. If you are willing to invest something closer to $25-50, you should be able to find a wide variety of small carrying cases and hand bags at a luggage or traveler's store.

Resource:

Personal Experience and First-Hand Knowledge