Top Ten Gifts for Writers

Do you know someone who is a writer? Perhaps they write full time and support themselves from the income, or maybe they just write part-time. Maybe their writing is something they just do for themselves and have never tried selling or publishing any of their work but they have big dreams. Here are some gift ideas for that wonderful writer in your life.

1. New Pens - It IS an obsession. Most of the writers I know have an absolute love affair with new pens. My husband no longer rolls his eyes or checks his billfold when I go shopping for new writing utensils; he just shrugs his shoulder and knows better than to argue anymore. Last Christmas he fed my addiction and bought me a huge pack of new gel pens that he noticed me eyeballing, and I loved it. This can be a tricky thing, however, if your writer has a certain brand or type of pen or pencil they prefer over all others. Most of us do, so it might be a good idea to do some spying ahead of time. Did they stop and drool over a certain pack of pens last time you went shopping together? Do they always have the same brand of pen they use to write with? Check their desk and see; if every pen is exactly the same chances are that is the one they would want as a gift. A gift card to a favorite art or office supply store is another good option if you aren't sure what they prefer.

2. Notebooks, Journals or Writing Pads - A close second in terms of an addiction, many of the writers I know have several notebooks and journals for various ideas and purposes. I almost never throw a notebook away once I'm done with it and can never seem get enough. Beautiful journals in particular are a favorite of mine and the most recent aquisition was a leather covered journal with tie closures. Perfect! Perhaps your writer has a long commute or is always on the go and would enjoy having some sturdy, durable notepads he or she could keep in a purse or briefcase to have on hand whenever inspiration strikes.

3. Writer's Market 2007 by Robert Lee Brewer - Along with a letter or card stating how much you believe in them and their ability this might be just the gift to help someone take their dreams to the next level. This book is probably the single greatest resource for writers trying to market and publish their work. In fact, I've heard several writers say if they could only have one writing book this would be the one. The book lists over 3500 opportunities to market an article or story so you'll be providing a huge pool of listings for your writer to draw from. While most of us work off an older, outdated copy, buying them the latest version just shows how much you support their efforts as well as giving them the best chances at success.

4. A Weekend Away - Sometimes writer's can get so busy with life they don't have the opportunity to write as much as they would like to. Buying your writer an evening or two in a hotel, or other retreat location might be just the jumpstart they need to get started on their next big project! Fish around first and see if there is somewhere specific they've been wanting to go and you might be able to arrange it for them. Another option to is free up some spare time for them. Offer to run errands once a week for a month, or arrange a cleaning service so they can relax and write without having to tend to time-consuming details.

5. A Creative Writer's Kit by Judy Reeves - A lovely little compact kit of writing prompts, inspiring quotes, journal pages, and tips of the trade is portable and a nice gift for anyone who enjoys writing. Based on Reeves' book "A Writer's Books of Days" this kit is perfect for overcoming writer's block, getting started or helping with building some momentum.

6. The Write-Brain Workbook by Bonnie Neubauer - Yes, another book! We are writers after all; what did you think would be on our top ten gifts list? More than just a writing prompts book, this workbook helps writers overcome some of the basic problems we all face, and unlock our creativity more fully. By experimenting with writing differently, and getting over the "blank page" syndrome, this workbook helps writers work quickly and produce a lot more content. BonnieNeubauer.com also has additional free resources to compliment the 366 exercises in the book.

7. Desk Top Organizer - One of the battles I constant face as a writer is getting and staying organized. Usually my writing workspace also doubles as a bill-paying, mail-sorting, letter writing, child-reading center and when I feel I have more organizing to do, than time for writing, it's easy to give up before I even get started. A great desk-top organizer would be a boon for any writer. You could even volunteer to help them organize their desk for a little extra bonus!

8. A Massage - Perhaps I'm biased becuase I'm also a registered massage therapist, but I know there are many times I've finally peeled myself off the computer chair and wished I could splurge on a massage for myself. Writer's spend so much time hunched over a notebook or computer that our necks and shoulders are chronically in pain and tension. A massage session (or two!) is a great way to show your caring support.

9. A Magazine Subscription - Writers love new ideas and inspiration. There are several magazines specifically for writers that not only share inspiring ideas, but also discuss trade specific tips and techniques. Two big ones are "The Writer Magazine" and "Writer's Digest Magazine". The Writer's Magazine has been published since 1887 and is "full of features authors can use...". The Writer's Digest Magazine is full of tools and resources for writers as well as contest and other fun events. Either or both would make excellent year-long gifts for a writer you care about.

10. Bookstore Gift Shopping Spree - Not sure whether your beloved writer has any of the books mentioned above? Take them to the bookstore for a coffee and shopping trip! Offer them X number of books. All writers are also readers so even if we don't need another resource manual we always love picking up some of the latest bestsellers. After all, as writers it is important to keep up with what is going on in the current market. Or so we tell ourselves to ward off guilt as we browse the bookshelves. It will be a fun adventure together, and they will get something you know they will enjoy.