Writers can be a tricky lot to buy for unless you’re a writer yourself. The rest of the world—well, they’re tempted to buy us a straight jacket. So if you’re a writer, I highly encourage you to start an Amazon wish list and publicize it widely among those who might give you gifts throughout the year. A nifty function of Amazon’s wish list: the items you place on your wish list can come from other online retailers as well.
Scrivener
My number one gift pick for writers is Scrivener software. This writing software now comes on either the Mac or PC platform. My understanding is the PC version’s functionality is still a little behind, but is rapidly catching up with the Mac version’s. Scrivener allows a writer to not only draft material, but to store research, pictures and all the other flotsam associated with writing. I can’t say it’ll complete replace Post-it notes, but I carry around a lot less paper since I began writing in Scrivener. The software is a bit complex, so consider an add-on gift of Gwen Hernandez’s Scrivener for Dummies.
Office Supplies
Office supplies are always a welcome gift for writers. This is one of those times when it’s perfectly fine to give a gift card to Staples, Office Max, Office Depot or, better yet, your local office supple store. Don’t forget about smaller online retailers, like See Jane Work.
Paper and Ink
Yes, this gift idea is about as sexy as toilet paper, but I promise you a writer will love it. Purchase a box of printer paper and a couple of ink cartridges for her printer. There’s nothing worse than running out of ink or paper when you’re in the middle of editing a manuscript. Check the big club stores—like Sam’s or Costco—for good deals.
Massage
Yes, this massage thing is a recurring them for gift giving at Brain Candy, but that’s because I’m such a believer in them. Writers spend so much time at their desks that they need regular exercise and massage. Research spas that offer a club membership where they charge a lower price per massage if you commit to at least one a month. Can you image how stoked your writer friend would be to know she can have a massage every single month? Heaven!
For you writers out there, what’s your dream gift?
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This is one of those strange not-much-of-anything days. However, December is Tie Month. And people, that’s one gift you NEVER want to give a writer!
