ten christmas gift ideas for writers.
Have you got a writer in your life? Do you find them difficult to buy for, or would you just like to support their vocation and possibly win accolades for best Christmas gift? I’ve got you. Here are my top 10 gift ideas for writers:
1. Put their name on it
Most writers want their words to be read. No doubt they’ve dreamed of having their name splashed on the cover of a book someday. Or maybe they’re just harbouring childhood bitterness of having an unusual name that never featured on those little number plates you could buy at newsagents (Carlie with an ‘ie’ over here, I know the pain). Give them a taste of their future literary fame with a personalised notebook, journal or compendium.
Recommendations: I can never go past The Daily Edited for luxe monogrammed leather notebooks and compendiums, and The Dairy for bright, unique personalised tech accessories.
2. Like and subscribe
A subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s like another present every time something new is released. There are so many amazing publications and services that will inspire a writer no end.
Recommendations:
+ A literary magazine or journal issue or subscription — try Kill Your Darlings; Overland; Australian Book Review; Meanjin; Griffith Book Review.
+ Sign up to the Substack or Patreon of a writer you know they love
+ A book subscription service — try Secret Book Stuff
+ An audiobook subscription with Audible
+ A writers’ subscription box full of useful writing tools, such as these from Scripter Box.
3. Not-so-secret society
Who doesn’t love being part of a club? Writers tend to work in solitude so membership to a writers’ society can do wonders to promote their sense of community. They also have myriad useful resources, events and writing opportunities. Choose one in their state or genre.
Recommendations: Australian Society of Authors; Writing NSW; Queensland Writers Centre; Writers Victoria; Writers SA; Northern Territory Writers’ Centre; Writing WA; TasWriters; MARION (formerly ACT Writers); Australian Crime Writers Association; Romance Writers of Australia; Society of Women Writers NSW Inc.
4. Courses and workshops
Learning something new is guaranteed to stoke the creative fire. A writing course, creativity workshop or art/craft lesson is like gifting inspiration.
Recommendations: A simple Google search will bring up plenty of options. I can personally attest to the Australian Writers’ Centre offerings and the Samantha Wills Institute Creat(iv)e Space workshop. For a more bougie option, try Masterclass, which delivers lessons from the likes of Margaret Atwood, Dan Brown, Salman Rushdie and other literary giants. You can also check out art galleries and museums in the recipient’s locality for in-person workshops that can exercise a different creative muscle.
5. Pages of inspo
If your writer buddy is feeling a bit lost and flat, books on the craft of writing and finding creativity can provide a lot of clarity and inspiration to a struggling writer’s mind. There are loads out there, so take your pick.
Recommendations: My personal favourites are Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, On Writing by Stephen King and The Luminous Solution by Charlotte Wood.
6. Pick your poison
Writers generally have an ingestible crutch they lean on when doing their thing. Mine’s coffee. Lots. Of. Coffee. Suss out their beverage or snack of choice and gift it in a personal way.
Recommendations:
+ Fill a canister with coffee pods and write a personal message on the inside of the lid so they’re hit with love and motivation with every cup
+ Grab a bag of beans from their favourite café and team it with a grinder or coffee press
+ Tea that’s especially made for creativity and mental clarity, paired with a beautiful cup or pot
+ Pair a cute mug with Milo and a packet of Tim Tams (or their favourite homemade treat) for an indulgent morning tea break
+ Fill a basket or mini crate with kombucha, green tea, protein balls, fresh fruit and nuts (cherries and pistachios make a particularly festive pairing), or all the ingredients to make a killer smoothie.
7. Literary Secret Santa
Add some fun and intrigue into book purchases by wrapping them in kraft paper and writing clues as to the book’s identity on the cover. This is particularly perfect for when you have multiple people to buy for (like at a friends’ get-together or when extended family drop in for Christmas lunch) or you are buying for people you don’t know well (like the office Secret Santa). Wrap up a bunch and have everyone pick which clues speak to them most.
Recommendations: Purchase done-for-you secret books from Secret Book Stuff for new books, Birch Books for preloved books, or make your own. Head to The Editor’s Bookshelf for some book-spiration.
8. Give ’em a break
You know what writers need more than anything else? Time and space to actually write! Especially if they have children, full-time jobs or other competing priorities. Consider shouting them a weekend out of the house, away from family, flatmates, chores and other distractions, where they can fully immerse themselves in their writing. It doesn’t have to be a big out-of-town trek either (though that would be nice) — even an Airbnb or bed and breakfast a few streets away would do the trick. Bonus points if it has a pool, garden or beautiful view to enliven the senses.
Recommendations: You’re on your own here! Entirely depends on your location and budget. A less expensive option is to pack them a picnic for one and mind the kids while they go to a park for a few hours, or gift them a café voucher that will cover lunch and a few coffees. Every little pocket of time helps.
9. Puzzles
Writers are often overthinkers. It’s useful but also incredibly annoying when they just want to switch off. Puzzles are great for this. The simple concentration required quietens their internal obsession over their work-in-progress. If budget allows, go for something beautiful that could double as a work of art.
Recommendations: Bespoke Letterpress; Trent Dalton’s All Our Shimmering Skies book cover; Okay Lady; Journey of Something; Book Geek.
10. Editorial feedback
Has your writer friend or family member been writing for a long time but haven’t done anything with it? You know they want to be a published author but they are standing in their own way, terrified of others reading their work? Consider a gift voucher for an editor to do a part-read and critique of their work. It can force their hand, so to speak, and help them cross that bridge from ‘hopeful’ to ‘committed’.
Recommendation: One of my bespoke services is The First 10,000. I read 10,000 words of a manuscript (finished or not) and offer advice on what’s working well, what could be improved, sticking points to be mindful of going forward and suggestions on where to go from there. Getting writing feedback at an early stage can save further pain and a lot of money down the track when it comes time for a full edit. It can also give a much-needed confidence boost for a writer to just keep going.
Christmas gift vouchers for The First 10,000 can be redeemed at any time of the recipient’s choosing, so they don’t need to panic about having their work ready by a certain date. Head here to inquire about or purchase this extra-special gift idea.
+ And if you’re now in the mood to watch Love Actually for the 13,985th time, it’s on Binge and Stan in Australia. You’re welcome.
