Yeah, I may receive a “cease and desist” letter from the Peanuts people any minute for using that image as my header, so let me get right to my first “write” gift…the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.
What kidlit writer doesn’t love Schultz’s merry misfit, his pilot puppy, and a girl named after candy?
You get the sensation, right?
Oh geez, those York folks may be after me now, too.
Charlie Brown Christmas Tree With Blanket Tree Skirt
Available from Vermont Country Store. (And you may be reminded of Christmases past when I say “some items sold separately” and “some assembly required”.)
Now, time for booties.
No, not baby booties. Book booties…
Available from Groove Bags.
I’m not the most organized writer, but this looks like it can help. It features an area for notes plus numbered pockets for keeping mind memos and snippets—maybe to represent each chapter?
Industrial-Inspired 12-pocket Wall Memo Board
Available from Overstock.
You’ve probably heard the writing advice “B.I.C.”: BUTT IN CHAIR. But your butt may hurt after sitting a while. This funky stool by ErgoErgo “encourages you to make small movements that help circulation, breathing, and keeping your mind more alert. And unlike a stability ball, ErgoErgo looks cool and won’t roll away.”
Adult Active Sitting Stool
Available from The Grommet.
A good game during the holidays brings family together…so you can show off your word superiority and crush them all in a pile of defeat!
Anagram, The Ingenious Game of Juggling Words
Available from The Literary Gift Company.
I know, we writers have high shelf esteem.
Available from LookHuman.
Perhaps the writer you know is seeking a little R&R (wRiting and Relaxation). What better place to get away than the Highlights Foundation? Your own private cabin, three scrumptious meals a day, hikes through the countryside, a poetry garden…it is a marvelous retreat. When Highlights isn’t hosting a workshop, anyone can visit and create their own private UNworkshop. Genius idea for genius ideas to flourish.
Highlights Unworkshop
Available from Highlights Foundation.
Now, lemme ask some writer friends what they recommend.
How’s about Katey Howes, author of the upcoming BE A MAKER?
“For the writer with published books to promote, these tabletop chalkboard signs are a godsend. They pack up easily for travel to book festivals, conferences, and anywhere else you find authors and illustrators tucked behind tables of books and swag. Add a pack of brightly colored chalk markers and even the most introverted writers can get shoppers’ attention and communicate prices and details—without having to make eye contact or speak above a whisper. Not published yet? Use these chalkboards to post a motivational message on your desk or a Do Not Disturb: Writer At Work sign for your children to completely ignore.”
Mini Chalkboards
Available from Factory Direct Craft.
“Also essential for the writer on the go—this folding dolly can haul boxes of books to school visits, fairs and festivals. The removable bag is great for storing the posters, promo items, snacks and cardigan sweaters essential for author events.”
The Trolley Dolly
Available from dbest products.
‘Scuzi, Tara here again…Katey’s suggestions reminded me about these sturdy and portable book display stands. Bookstand.net displays are invaluable at book festivals and events. Your book gets displayed face-out and tilted slightly upward for passers-by to notice, plus there’s space on the front of the wood base to put a little sign. You can stack a few books on the stand so if one person picks up a book to read, there’s still another book on display. The dowels are removable so everything can be packed away flat and neat. These wood stands are far better than flimsy plastic photo holders (that keep falling over). My local indie uses them throughout their store, too. They come in various sizes and configurations for books big and small.
The Bookstand
Available from TheBookstand.net.
Next up, Laurie Wallmark, who will release HEDY LAMARR’S DOUBLE LIFE in February
A woman of few words (well, she is a picture book author), Laurie simply told me her husband received a several-month iPenBox subscription and loved it.
Good enough for me.
From the website: iPenBox is a curated subscription box for the pen, paper and ink enthusiast, delivering a monthly box of products to your door. Each month this mystery box will be filled with new, innovative, and sometimes unusual items from the pen, paper and ink world. We hand pick 4-10 items around a fun monthly theme! This way you’ll be able to discover and sample new items that you might not have heard of or tried before.
iPenBox Monthly Subscription Box
Available from iPen Store.
If you have any vegetarian writing friends, please shield their eyes. (Look away, Josh Funk, LOOK AWAY!) Paul Czajak, author of MONSTER NEEDS A CHRISTMAS TREE, is a real weisenheimer. And a hungry one, too. He sent me this gift suggestion with a short testimonial: “Because cooking with duck fat makes everything taste better. And yes, I mean everything.”
OK, so maybe your writer friend is looking a little under-nourished. Paul’s got your solution.
Antibiotic-Free Duck Fat
Available from Good Vittles LLC.
Then Jarrett Lerner, author of ENGINERDS, chimed in and said he would like ANYTHING from Montague Workshop. From duck fat to the whole kit and caboodle. Only here, folks.
“Brad and Kristi Montague are the brilliant individuals behind Kid President, and since then, they haven’t stopped creating more brilliant things. Whether it’s T-shirts, prints, cards, pins, stickers, or stationery, everything they make is warm, joyful, and inspirational. Their stuff is like the material equivalent of a good hug and an encouraging pat on the back. It makes me happy, and I just love it so much.”
I love it too, Jarrett. So I picked out this little goody…
Don’t Hide Your Magic Enamel Pin
Available from Montague Workshop.
We all need to be reminded of that, don’t ya think?
What would be a great gift for a writer? (OK, I mean, what do YOU want for the holidays?) Please share your selection below in the comments!
And HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
