Gifts for Writers

It's time to buy a writer a present. But what do they want?

The choices of pens and paper may not appeal, but this page lists many ideas besides these obvious ones.

From desk accessories and storage solutions, to nifty notepads and portable writing aids, this Hub aims to offer good ideas for a range of budgets which will help make your shopping choices a little easier.

Help create the right writing environment for the writer in your life - or treat yourself if that writer happens to be you!

To help a writer get into creative mode, why not make a gift of some writing-inspired clothing?

Spooky Cute Designs has a range of exclusive products created specifically for writers. These items are totally exclusive to Spooky Cute Designs' online store (see link above).

New items are regularly added to the collection of stylish t-shirts, mugs and steins, mousemats, bags, hats and greetings cards which you won't find anywhere else.

Any of the images on a Spooky Cute Designs t-shirt is available on a massive selection of different styles for women, men, children and even pets. A very wide choice of sizes, colours and prices are available, along with secure payment and international shipping.

T-shirts are an easy and eye-catching way to promote new books, too.  Don't overlook this useful idea for book tours or group visits.

All writers use stationary, so you can never go wrong by offering this as a gift. Printer paper, ring-binders, notebooks, pens or envelopes may sound dull but they are always useful to every kind of writer.

Some writers like to have a particular kind of pen for writing with, especially if they prefer to write in long-hand. Elegant fountain pens come in a wide variety of price ranges - but an economical pack of ball-points can be more practical.

Many writers create directly onto computer these-days, and blank CD disks or boxes for storing discs will be welcomed. Printer paper is vital, despite attempts to create paper-free working environments.

I strongly suspect most writers dream of having their own room dedicated solely to writing. Most have to compromise, however! One childrens' author I know writes in his greenhouse. Another taps away at her laptop during the train journey to work. Others use spare bedrooms or a corner of the living room, and many a novel has been written on kitchen tables between school runs and meal times, or before setting off to the office each morning.

If the writer has to use part of a busy living room, try using a screen to shield the workspace. Earplugs might be useful, too, if a noisy environment proves distracting. Some office furniture is not only useful but serves to enhance the idea of a work area.

However, there are a few other things which can help make the writing process easier - aside from glowing Do Not Disturb! signs or electrified fences (though the temptation to install the latter device is entirely understandable.)

A good, up-to-date dictionary and thesaurus is useful - though not entirely necessary assuming a person has internet access.

There are umpteen 'How To Write' books readily available. The two that I regularly recommend are On Writing by Stephen King and A Writer's Workshop of Horror edited by Michael Knost (which contains masses of practical guidance for writers of all genres.)

A subscription to a writers' magazine can be a welcome gift idea and there are many publications available now, each with its own style and approach.

Writers' breaks and courses can be for just a weekend or longer. The cost and suitability of these vary widely, of course, so it would be advisable to make enquiries on an individual basis.

Correspondence courses for writers might also be considered as a gift, though perhaps enrollment in a local adult writers' class could be a better option.