21 Gift Ideas for the Aspiring Author or Writer

Are you looking for a special gift for the aspiring author or writer in your life? You may be tired of giving the same old thing. You know the pen, the pencil set or the blank journal. With a little help from a fellow writer (that’s me); you can choose a gift that your loved one will treasure for years to come. Besides that they will look at you with an extra gleam in their eye for being so thoughtful. To celebrate the aspiring author in your life here’s 21 gift ideas to choose from:

1. eBook reader
Most writers are avid readers. But like any millennium professional person, they struggle to find the time to fit reading in their schedule. Give them the gift of an ebook reader. The Amazon Kindle was listed as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things back in 2008. It’s been amazing to see everyone scrambling to get their brand of ebook reader to the market. For example, iPad & Barnes & Nobles Nook have most likely positioned in front of the Kindle. Anyway, your writer would enjoy the easy on the eyes electronic reader. Using cell phone technology one can download the books straight from their chosen brand Apple’s eStore, Barnes & Noble or Amazon Kindle store after purchase. The books are cheaper and in a few minutes you’re reading your favorite business book or novel.

2. Magazine subscription
Purchase them a subscription to a journal or magazine you know she enjoys. Writers have to stay knowledgeable in their field. If you don’t know what she enjoys, you’re probably safe with a publication similar to the kind of work she writes. Poets and Writers Magazine or Writers Digest are safe choices. If you’re not sure about those choices, visit the lists of literary magazines on the magazine rack in Borders or at a local independent bookstore.

3. Current year’s writers market guide
If the writer in your life is serious about publishing their work, then you can save her the expense of replacing it this year. Perhaps you know her specific market, you can get something like the Novel and Short Story Writers Market, Poetry Writers Guide. Or purchase the Guide to Literary Agents; if you know she has a manuscript in the drawer.

4. Gift cards to office supply store or bookstore.
Writers can always use paper, pens and printer ink cartridges. Or if she’s all stocked up she would be thrilled at the opportunity to just buy a book she’s been wanting. You might think about a gift card or certificate from Amazon.com, Borders or Wal-Mart.

5. Journal or blank books
Blank books may sound like the same old thing but they really are a good idea for a writer. Make sure it has an unexpected twist to it. Look for the unusual; a leather bound edition is a good choice. Or consider an inspirational journal with nice quotes at the top of each blank page.

6. Pamper sessions
Think of anything that pampers your writer’s body and soul. Many writers are challenged with carpal tunnel, stiff necks and stiff backs from long hours of writing. Consider a session with a massage therapist, bath soaps, and manicures, climbing gym passes or a membership with your local exercise gym. If none of the above sounds like pampering to your writer, try inspirational music, a favorite novel or a yoga session.

7. Favorite author’s book or tickets
You get to be creative here. Get a copy of her favorite writer’s book; send it to them to sign and send back. Be sure to include S.A.S.E. so they can send it back without cost on their part. If your writer already has signed copies of all her favorite authors, try getting tickets to one of their events nearby.

8. Book on writing
Consider getting a book on writing for a more personal touch. If you don’t know what kind of book on writing to get; try to think of what kind of writing she does? Reference books are always a good choice. Every serious writer is building or already built their reference library. A book about the style of writing or a grammar usage book to help build your writer’s reference library would be good.

9. Laptop
If she doesn’t already own one, any writer would be thrilled to receive their very own laptop. If you are budget conscious, you may get the system one step behind the latest technology to save dollars. Consider getting the platform (Mac or PC) they are already using. Or find out if they desire to switch platforms before getting the new laptop.

10. Laptop case
Aspiring authors who own laptops enjoy a nice case. Try to suit it to your writer friend’s personality. If your loved one is one of those wonderful wacky writers, they would probably enjoy a creative looking case with lots of color. Of course, if their personality is on the conservative side then a more professional black or brown brief case would best fit. Or perhaps, if your loved one is female, she would enjoy a purse looking case.

11. Other mobile computer accessories
If your writer already owns a laptop and case, consider some of the mobile accessories. According to what came with their laptop, you might get them a mobile min-mouse, web cam, mobile printer or lap cooling desk. Thinking of mobility, a broadband card would be great. Your writer can be anywhere and connect to the Internet for business or fun without using Hot Spot technology. Some companies like AT&T or Verizon offer the card free with a 2 year contract at $40-$60 per month.

12. Dinner out
Hard working writers enjoy a dinner out at a restaurant they couldn’t usually afford. Expensive is great but you’ll find a little appreciation will work wonders in the aspiring author’s life. So whatever your budget can afford, make it a special meal. If you want to add a personal touch get a bouquet of flowers along with the dinner. For males consider a cookie gift basket, bottle of celebratory wine or champagne.

13. Writer’s survival kit
Create a gift set; or hire a creative person to design a kit with fun pens, pencils, notepads, coffee mug, pencil sharpener, eraser, favorite writing books, journal, novel and chocolate.  Or make up your own list; just include both fun stuff and serious things. On the fun side, look for a miniature life raft, rope or oxygen mask. Anyway, you get the idea. Have fun and you can be sure it’ll be fun for your special writer.

14. Writer’s gift basket
On the same note as the writer’s survival kit, design a gift basket. In your gift basket instead of a survival theme go with a pamper theme. Put things that will pamper a writer’s hands and/or body. You can start with hand lotions, manicure gift certificate, bath oils and bubbles along with a favorite book. Another idea would be to purchase their favorite novel and build a theme around it. Use the colors from the novel and perhaps some things from the setting of the novel. For example, if the novel is set in another country, use items native to that country.

15. Writer’s t-shirt or other promotional ware
Get a t-shirt with your writer’s favorite writer slogan. Or come up with your own phrase, like Writers Are HOT, He’s All Write With Me, etc. If you already know a t-shirt wouldn’t please your writer, think about coffee mugs, pens, calendars, caps or bags all can promote their favorite phrase.

16. Invest in current project.
If your writer has been struggling to get their book project or script ready to shop for publishers or self publishing, think about paying for one of the costly expense items. Show your support; pay for the professional editing of their manuscript. Or if they are preparing for self publishing, pay for the book cover design with a professional book cover designer.

17. Desktop computer system
Aspiring writers need a computer. This is a wonderful way to inspire your writer to write more with a new computer. Or even if they have a computer, consider upgrading their current system to the latest technology. To cut cost, buy 1 step behind the latest technology. Don’t worry; if you’re buying from a store they probably won’t have it on the shelf if it’s too far behind. Unless your writer is a techie they won’t notice their system doesn’t have the widest screen with the latest techie jingles.

18. Computer accessories
Most writers print a lot. As a gift, consider upgrading their printer to a professional grade (something like a laser color jet). The laser printers (black or color) print more volume than a standard ink jet printer. Also, you might consider a home office wireless networking system. So he can connect all the computers together and use the same Internet connection.

19. Writers software
Perhaps your writer is a newbie and needs some software assistance. There are good choices for editing, novel writing and script writing, etc. If your writer has decided to self publish, there’s now software for book cover design, book layout and templates for ebook covers and interior ebook design.

20. Favorite book series
People in general love series. In movie series, you get to know the characters their dreams, sorrows and challenges. It’s the same with book series; whether it’s a novel series or a self help book series. Think about getting your writer their favorite book series so they don’t have to. They’ll love you for it.

21. Website for writer
All writers need a website to promote their work in the 21st century. I mean why write it down if you don’t want to share it with anyone. It’s the new pen and paper of the millennium. Purchase a subscription with a company that has a website builder service. Let your writer build and explore on their own. Or if you know he doesn’t want to do techie stuff, hire a website designer to design your writer a website. It may just open up a new world to them.

Don’t let the writer in your life think you don’t appreciate him. Choose one of the gifts above and touch their soul. I’m almost sure they will gush all over you with thanks. No need to tell them where you got the idea. Just enjoy the holidays with family and friends. The Book Writing Coach is wishing wonderful success to you and your writer friends!

One more gift idea: Go get gift certificate for Book Writing Course while special offer last!

Post a comment on http://facebook.com/earma.brown or Write to Win Blog comment section with your gift idea(s) and get a chance to receive one of two FREE Book Writer’s Success Kits I’m giving away at the end of this week.

© Earma Brown, 17 year author, web developer, indie publisher
Resource: 100 Days To A Book online course helps service business owners, professionals and writers who want to write, publish and market their best book now!