First off, an existential question: what to buy anyone for the holidays these days? Don’t we all have everything at the click of a button, delivered almost instantly to our doorsteps?
Well, yes — but at the same time, the last one of those smiley-faced packages I received was full of the most boring household items you could imagine. Opening packages used to be fun, exciting, even unexpected… until they began to contain slightly discounted dish soap and bulk cat food.
So this holiday season, let’s put a little more intentional joy into the world. Sometimes the gift that makes you happiest is the nerdy thing chosen by someone who knows you well. On that note, here are some gift ideas for the writers in your life — suggested by a fellow nerd and procrastinating writer!
1. Quality pencils
Yes, many of us compose on our computers and tablets these days. But writing by hand engages different parts of the brain and, as a bonus, doesn’t fuzz out your eyes!
An extra special writing tool is the key here. Enter Blackwing, pencil of the gods. Blackwing pencils, with their long length, cool flat erasers, and extra smooth graphite, were the pencil of choice for award-winning creatives in the 20th century. Their revival after a time of discontinued darkness has been a boon to many of us in the world of words.
These come in a variety of colors and graphite styles (all great, in my experience). The Blackwing sharpener — a marvel of design and craftsmanship — is a must.
2. Fancy pens
Looking for even more impressive writing implements? Buy your friend a fancy pen. Fountain pens literally direct the flow of your thoughts down your arm through liquid onto parchment — in your color of choice!
The nib material is where you can really splash out here. Gold, like this beauty from Pelikan: expensive. Steel, like this still very good model from Lamy: quite affordable.
I’m particularly taken with Kaweco’s pens, especially their Brass Sport, which will naturally take on a patina in your hand. How enchanting is that?
3. Clip light
Are your eyes tired? Because mine are. Perhaps it’s that late-into-the-night, bleary-eyed reading spurred by a really great novel. Or maybe you’re a student or academic who delves into complex texts at an all-too-late hour… but the deadline’s tomorrow, so you’ve gotta get it done.
In any case: for when your head is aching, time no longer has any meaning, and you can barely understand the words, but for some reason you must keep going, you definitely need a clip light.
Glocusent has set the industry standard — and their kid-friendly collection actually has the best range of colors. Their lights are lightweight, clip straight on to your book, and allow you to be fussy when adjusting the brightness and direction of the light.
Sure, you might still have a book hangover the next day, but at least your eyes will have survived.
4. Coffee subscription
Coffee enables writing; everyone knows that. What a gift to receive something that will last beyond December and into the cold hard months that follow! We all brave the winter of our discontent with a steaming mug of happiness; now, you can be the bringer of joy and buy someone a few months of coffee.
Atlas Coffee Club educates and delights with coffees from around the world, and routinely makes it to the top of recommendation lists. But if I were going to ask for one in my own stocking, I’d go with Intelligentsia. Their coffee is amazing and their branding is subtle yet inspiring.
5. Comfy blanket
As we’ve all learned from CottageCore, nothing beats a throw blanket on your lap while you warm your feet by the fire. And finally get to work on that damn novel!
There are so many great blankets to choose from at all price points. I am partial to Seek & Swoon, which makes wonderful throws in hygge-style prints. Hipsters and wood lodge enthusiasts will appreciate a Pendleton, especially the ones designed for various national parks. You can claim you hiked there, even if it was only in your mind.
6. Scented oils
For the synesthete in your life. (That’s me! DM my editor for my mailing address.) Indeed, I find that certain scents connect me with my creative side in ways that simply willing myself to write does not. A nice scent primes the pump, so to speak.
And there are so many wonderfully creative scent companies these days! Take Heretic Parfum, which has really cornered the market on descriptive titles. Dirty Rose, Nosferatu, Flower Porn — I’m getting all worked up just reading their catalog.
I recommend their Discovery Sets, which you can personalize or go with their suggested groupings. I have my heart set on Season of the Witch. Santa, I hope you’re reading this.
7. Stupid book of quotes
Just kidding; those all suck. However, a great way to reset your mind when you’re having a hard time writing is to look at calming images.
I’d recommend basically anything by the publisher teNeues for this purpose, especially their Floramour series. Each book focuses on a single flower, like the tulip, and allows you to learn something or just look at pretty pictures.
One can have a similarly calming experience with Taschen in their Architecture & Design section. Louis Kahn, be still my heart! In any case, these books make great desk accessories for writers glued to their manuscripts, or impressive coffee table books for writers who like to entertain.
8. Existential lady art
Pomodoro technique not working for you? Sofia Bonati has you covered. Her portraits of women all exist in intriguing “in-between” spaces — her subjects may be found knitting the universe into existence, or traversing between reality and fecund gardens of delight.
They all seem to have figured out something profound, and their intense gazes and half-lidded side-eye let you know: you’d better get to work! Hang one of these prints above your writing desk and watch the writing flow.
Bonne chance, good shoppers, and happy holidays!
About the author
Stephanie Bonjack is an academic librarian and musician who lives and works on the Colorado Front Range. She teaches the relentless pursuit of information, and illuminates the path to discovery. She has presented at national and international library conferences, and is especially interested in how libraries evolve to serve the needs of 21st century patrons.
