With Christmas fast approaching, I have decided to create a list of gift ideas for writers. Here you go from the extravagant to the affordable.
As my list got too long for my post <eek>, I have had to split it between two posts. Part 1 is the more affordable gifts and part 2 are the more extravagant gifts (anything over £20).
Here it is:
Writing course
Another idea is to support the writer in developing their craft. One of the best presents my husband got me was my online writing course with Curtis Brown Creative. Courses start from RRP £200. Click here to read my review.
Groupon is a great place to shop for bargains and often have offers on courses. This is where I got my Write Story Books for Children online course for just £30! I also got Write Romance Fiction but have not started it yet. The course are flexible and you can study wherever, whenever and take as long as you like!
You could check with your local college or library to find details about writing courses nearby.
Some people prefer a face to face learning experience. A writing retreat would make a great gift. You can buy a holiday that allows them to escape and be with other writers. The retreats often include workshops as well as an ideal environment to write. Check out Skyros Holidays. Breaks start from RRP £90.
Another option is to buy them a mentor! The Literary Consultancy is a company that offers mentors, manuscript assessment and editing. A writer could learn so much from one of their packages. They sell gift vouchers too!
Vintage
Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters is a place to buy high quality vintage type writers (prices start at around RRP £125). Alternatively, you can check second hand sites like eBay or Gumtree. I got mine from Facebook. Writers have a warmth for the aesthetics of these. Some writers might even use one to avoid web distractions.
You could buy them an antique writers bureau (or a new modern one). These desks look beautiful and are an ideal place to sit on your laptop working on your novel. I’ve always wanted one with the fold up lid like this RRP £350 real wood one at Cotswolds.
Green Woods Funiture in the UK uses sustainbly sourced wood to make custom bookcases. Prices start from around RRP £250.
The Ethical Superstore sells fair trade products including furniture. They have bookcases/shelves starting from around RRP £250.
Technology
In the digital age, no writer should be without an electronic means of writing their novel. You could buy them a tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard, a laptop (the Microsoft Surface Pro has a pen to enable them to hand write their novel if they prefer to do so over typing) or a PC. When buying, check out things like whether they can save to a USB device or if they will need cloud storage.
Although most agencies allow you to submit your manuscript online, there is still a need to print. Your writer might appreciate a printer so they can take a document with them to their local writers group or to make editing easier. I have always liked the compact shape of the Canon printers. When buying, look for ones that allow wireless printing so your writer can print to it from anywhere in the house.
There is plenty of software to make writing easier. You could buy them MS Word or software specifically designed for writers like Scrivener or Dabble writer.
Comfort
I do get cold writing and I would love it if someone bought me some nice socks or a warm blanket. These also come in handy when curling up with a good book.
Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic yet warm like wool. You can purchase a fair trade, luxury Alpaca Throw from TraidCraft for RRP £135.
If you writer is vegan they won’t want a blanket made from animal hair. How about an Organic brushed cotton Fair Trade throw from White & Green RRP £133.
Gift sets
For RRP £29.95 you can get them The Writer Box from The Little Bookish Gift Company. The box set contains writing tools and refreshments.
For £39.99 the Writers Hamper from The Story Gift contains a selection of goodies for a writer including writing tools, mug and coaster. They have several other hampers to choose from including one specifically for female authors and another for fairy tales.
How about a tote bag from Zazzle, Cafe Press, The Literary Book People, or Story Gift. These are great reusable bags to use to carry books from the Library. But, if you want something a little more glamourous, how about a Disaster Designs bag from Campus Gifts. Disaster Designs have a ‘Book Club’ clutch bag RRP £35.95, a type writer bag RRP £30.95 and their Ampersand Satchel RRP £49.95.
Thank you
I hope you found this list useful and don’t forget you can always treat yourself. Is there anything on this list you would love? Please let me know if there isanything I have missed out.
Thank you for reading my extravagant writers gift list. I hope you found it useful. If you would like more ideas, please check out my affordable writers gift list.
