Top Gifts for Writers

There are plenty of writers (and aspiring writers) out there, but few people think to get them gifts that will make their life easier and more fun. Everyone enjoys receiving a gift that will make their pastime (or for some their career) more enjoyable and less time consuming. So here are the five top gifts for the writers you know. Next time a holiday comes around (ahem, Christmas is right around the corner) think about gifting one of these great products and watch their gratitude because you remembered and were thoughtful enough to get them something they were passionate about.

Number one for the serious writer (and serious aspiring writers) is the current edition of Novel and Short Story Writers Market. This book can get pricey since in reality it must be purchased every year to keep up with the market and important addresses and phone numbers. The 2006 Novel and Short Story Writer's Market retails for $24.99 which may not be that expensive but means a few nights of dinner to a freelance writer. It contains over 1,500 listings for everything from book publishers to magazines to contests. It also contains the crucial contact information needed by writers, directions on how to submit your work, interviews with writers and editors, and additional articles. The Novel and Short Story Writers Market can be purchased online and in many major book stores.

Another great gift for writers is a new laptop bag. Many serious writers have a laptop wherever they go and could always use a new bag. Lets face it, most writers are broke and don't spend a lot of money on these kinds of things. A great laptop bag that won't cost you a fortune is the Targus Sport Notebook Backpack. This laptop bag offers the portability of a backpack with lots of compartment space for the writer who carries everything with them. It also features a removable padded slipcase, removable CD/DVD sleeve, and fits screens up to 15.4 inches. The Targus Sport Notebook Backpack retails for $29.99 and is available for purchase at most electronics stores, some department and office supply stores, and online.

The next great gift idea is a new computer chair. Most writers spend the largest quantity of their time at the computer and are often plagued by sore backs and stiff necks. Make sure it is an ergonomic chair that's large and comfy like the Global Leather Executive Chairs, or you can even go for a massage chair like the Leather Massage Chair. There are lots of options online, in your local electronics store, office supply stores, and department stores too. If the price is too steep consider going in with others and purchasing it together. As a writer myself, I understand that a comfortable computer chair is a commodity I can't live without!

Another great gift item for the writer in your life is an ergonomic keyboard. Typing all day leads to carpal tunnel as well as other syndromes and pains. A nice ergonomic keyboard not only helps with these problems but also makes life easier on writers. An example of a good ergonomic keyboard is the Ergoboard by Tech Solutions. It retails for $39.99 and can be found at most major office supply stores, electronic stores, some department stores, and online.

Last on the list a blank book. While most writers tend to type most of their work on computers in today's world, it's always nice to have a blank book to take with you while you are out and about for jotting down any good ideas. It can also be used as a journal and one thing most writers do not normally take the time to do is to write down their own thoughts. Writers are usually very busy and by the time you are down working, jotting down your own thoughts just becomes an after thought. No matter what the use, almost all writers will love getting a blank book, even if for no other reason but the encouragement to write that a blank book offers.

You may have thought it impossible to come up with a great gift idea for the writer in your life, but it just takes a little thought and a lot of consideration on what a writer's life revolves around. Everyone loves to get gifts that bring out their inner most loves of life, so encourage the writer you know by getting them something that they can not only use, but will cherish forever.