Today, I did an interview with Rusty’s Reading. One question was what my top three bucket list things are. I said, “Visit Japan, write a memoir, and…” You can read it here.
Minutes Before Sunset is also being featured on YA Book Deals. Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a free ebook!
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I’m glad everyone enjoyed the interview I did with Andrew Vogel, an actor on Under the Dome on CBS. I really enjoyed his take on creativity and living your passion to follow your dreams. But, today, I am talking about something seasonal. Since the holidays are near, I thought it’d be fun to share gift ideas for writers and readers for everyone who has one (or multiple of them) in their life. We all know about the common e-reader, but I thought I’d add a few more:
1. Gifts for writing, of course: I think most writers love office supplies: notebooks, notepads, pens, etc.
Anything to do with the office will probably be appreciated. Only be weary of that some writers are very specific on what they use. For instance, I only use G2 pens. So if you’re weary about office supplies, you can consider library fun for the office: bookshelves, bookends, desk lamps, etc. I promise you, libraries are getting really creative today. Just check out all the kinds of bookends and articles like 10 Crazy Cool Bookshelves. If you’re good with tools, a lot of these ideas can be built by yourself.
2. Editing software: Editors are expensive every time you use one. If you have software, you only pay once. (This doesn’t mean I am advising people not to use editors. In fact, I think everyone should. But having additional software before you send it off to the editor is great!) Software is also something I’ve also enjoyed using and testing out for companies. I’ve actually done a review of both Dragon Dictate and Grammarly on this website. And, yes, I own both now, and I use them on a regular basis.
3. It doesn’t have to always be for writing: thanks to those personalized gifts websites, anyone can write anything on mugs, calendars, t-shirts, pens, coffee mugs (yum!) and more. How great would it be to get one of your favorite quotes or books (or even your own novel) on a coffee mug? That’d be an encouraging way to start off the morning.
4. Vintage: Readers and writers alike might enjoy vintage things about their favorite novels or even their favorite writing tools. Think of old quills, typewriters, first editions, roll-top desks, reading lights, etc.
5. Gifts don’t always have to cost money. If you have a writer in the family, read their latest work. In a card, tell them you read it and what you thought about it. This will be greatly appreciated from many writers, especially if you haven’t been able to read anything of theirs before. If you have a reader in the family, this concept works again. Read their favorite book or promise to read so many novels a year with them. Look at it as a book club. It’ll help connect you and who knows? Maybe you’ll discover more things about writing and reading than you thought.
Related Websites:
CafePress: Unique Writers Gift Ideas
25 Gifts That Writers Will Actually Use
12 Affordable Gifts for Readers
GoneReading: Gifts for Readers
Have fun shopping! But, more importantly, enjoy the holidays!
~SAT
Shannon A. Thompson 
Reblogged this on Toni Spearman/Author.
I tend to just hand my mother a list of book titles that I want and anyone trying to get me something, I refer them to her. I have never thought of having someone give feedback as a sort of gift for their writer friend but that is actually a really cool one 🙂
Thank you for sharing what you do for gifts in terms of reading 😀 And, yes, I think reading someone’s work can be a great gift, especially to those closest to a writer who don’t normally read. I think it can help bring people closer together when you show some extra energy at understanding their art.
~SAT
My friends caught on that I like old school manual typewriters. Now I have three. And they’re awesome.
That is very neat! You have great friends.
~SAT
Lovely Post, so interesting that I was just searching the web for gift ideas that writers would love. Thank you.
I’m glad I can help 😀 Hope you find the gift you’re looking for.
~SAT
These are awesome gift ideas. I need a new bookshelf. I’ve begun stacking my books on top of each other and in my closet to make room. I can’t wait until the end of this year, so I can take all of the school books off to make more room.
The act of helping you when you cannot afford Christmas presents can be an immeasurable gift to the giver, as well.
Hopefully the suggestions in this article can help you to arrive at a
solution that you feel is acceptable if you find
that you, indeed, can’t afford Christmas gifts this year.
Many luggage companies manufacture packing cubes, including Eagle Creek; travel guru Rick Steves even has his own line of cubes.