It’s that time again. Time to start getting Christmas gifts for the people you love. Or maybe just like.
Writers and readers aren’t too hard to shop for. I’m lying, we’re horribly to shop for. The problem is that every reader has a list of books in our heads that we want to read, and it doesn’t always match what we’ve got posted on Goodreads. And then, there’s the fact that people are broke. I mean, hella broke.
Every year I like to help by sharing a list of gifts to give writers and readers that include both things that cost money dollars and things that cost nothing but your time and creativity. I’ll try not to duplicate anything on a previous list. Here are links to the other years I’ve done this.
2015, 2016, 2017
I’ve tried to stick with meaningful gifts that will matter. Because honestly, what’s the point of giving someone a gift if it doesn’t mean something?
For writers
Things that cost nothing but time and love
Do some maintenance on their computer, if they’re not so inclined. Writers are completely dependent on our computers, but not all of us are great with our computers. Some of us don’t know how to do things like clear our cache, update our antivirus or run simple necessary updates. If you have a writer like that in your life, help them. Hell, if you have a person in your life like that, help them. This is a good gift for anyone who’s bad with computers from anyone who’s good with computers.
Help them with a smart device. This is kind of the same thing. I need my tablet as much as my computer, and many other writers are the same. But people who know how to take care of a computer don’t have a clue about taking care of a tablet. Fun fact, they also need antivirus software!
Fix something broken in their house. Or, find someone who is handy to do it. For instance, if you’re handy with a sewing needle and you know they’ve got a stack of sewing waiting, do it for them. If their sink’s been leaking for a week, grab some plumber putty and see what you can do. As a quick side note to this, only do this if you’re actually good at fixing the thing in question. Please don’t break anyone’s sink and then say I told you to do it. Please.
If you’re artistic, make some fan art for their books. I have a great drawing of Sultiana a friend made for me, and I just love it.
Download some writing podcasts for them, so they don’t have to find them themselves. I love podcasts, but I forever forget to download them before I go somewhere that doesn’t have wifi. If someone would just download a bunch of episodes of Ditch Diggers, that would be great.
Things that cost money dollars
The Bullet Journal Method, by Ryder Carroll. Every writer should be bullet journaling. Actually, everyone should be bullet journaling.
Wild Mind, by Natalie Goldberg. Such an inspiring book.
Writing Down the Bones. Actually, make sure they don’t have this book first.
A subscription to Grammarly premium or Evernote. These are both services that I use myself, but I use the free version. The premium version of both is well worth it. (This is not sponsored, I just like both of these companies.)
A lovely fountain pen for their book signings. Bonus points if they haven’t had a signing yet, because it proves that you know that the signings are coming.
Make a collage of their bookish sm posts. I mean any time they’ve taken pictures of their books, or at a signing or event.
Get them a poster of their book cover. If they don’t have a book out yet, then put some thought into what their cover should look like. Then, have that made.
For readers
Things that cost nothing but time and love
Some homemade bookmarks are always appreciated. These don’t have to be crappy paper things. There are a bunch of different ways to make some nice origami bookmarks. Or, if you’ve got some string and beads, you can make a fancy one.
Set up a reading nook if you live together. This can be as easy as moving a comfy chair and a table in a corner with good lighting and maybe a plant.
Start a walking book club date. Most readers don’t get enough exercise. But if bribed with a promise of talking about their favorite book, they will probably consent to go for a walk.
Have a book date. Personally, I’d say this should take place at a coffee shop. Go somewhere quiet, and bring a book. Sit together and read for a while.
Help make their home more hygge friendly. Have you heard about hygge? It’s this wonderful theory that life should be comfortable. Help them set up some candles, fill the house with blankets. Have a fire and help them make a warm dinner at home.
Things that cost money dollars
Go on a trip with them to a second-hand bookstore. Second-hand stores are so much better than new bookstores. Not that I don’t love new bookstores, I just like second-hand bookstores better.
A copy of your favorite book, either now or as a child. This is maybe the most intimate gift I can imagine getting. A person’s favorite book tells you a lot about them. By sharing your favorite book with your favorite reader will mean so much.
Get them a new bookshelf. Trust me, they need one.
Build a warm drink basket. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, these are all good ideas. This is also a good clutter-free gift.
Make a collage from their favorite book pictures from the past year on social media. I know many readers love posting pictures of their favorite books, them with books, them in bookstores. Track down a bunch of those pictures, and make them into a collage.
So now I want to hear from you. What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten or received? Let us know in the comments below.
Twelve little Christmas stories, ranging from heartfelt to horrifying. Meet a young woman
on the streets on Christmas Eve, a woman handing out Christmas cookies, and a little boy getting an unexpected visit from Santa.
Get it on Amazon or Smashwords
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