Weekend Writing: 2019 Gift Guide for Writers & Readers

The 2019 holiday season is already here, and it doesn't seem possible that it's that time of the year again. It's time to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. During the next few weeks, you will probably be busy buying gifts for your loved ones.

For the past two years, I have provided gift guides for writers and readers. Hopefully, you have found them helpful as you searched for gifts for the creative writers and avid readers in your life. This year, I am combining both into one post. I encourage you to consider the following gifts. If your friends/family members are anything like me, they will love these fun gifts.

Gifts for Writers 

1. Typewriter Keyboard 

Typewriters have become popular again. Writers love them because there is a nostalgic element to them. For decades, our favorite writers used typewriters to write their famous novels, stories, and poems. Personally, I love receiving gifts that have anything to do with typewriters.

Enjoy the tactile touch of a typewriter with this Qwerkywriter S Typewriter with wireless options and an integrated tablet stand. You can use it with your computer, tablet, or phone to have an authentic, high-quality writing experience. If you love typewriters, then you can "use" a typewriter on your modern laptop.

The Qwerkywriter S Typewriter (photo/Amazon.com)

2. Laptop Desk 

Working from home has never been easier or more comfortable with this laptop desk. It's an adjustable computer tray for you to use when you're sitting in bed, on the sofa, etc. You can work on your next masterpiece when you're most comfortable. 

Laptop desk (photo/Amazon.com)

3. The Writer's Toolbox Creative Games & Exercises 

Designed by a creative writing teacher, The Writer's Toolbox Creative Games & Exercises kit includes a 64-page booklet filled with exercises and instructions that focus on the best approach to writing. The kit features 60 exercises, plenty of writing prompts, and other creative games. This kit is the perfect tool for the aspiring writer.

The Writer's Toolbox (photo/Amazon.com)

4. Editing Pencils 

Most writers struggle when it comes to editing their work. It's difficult to edit on a computer or laptop. However, printing off a copy allows writers to physically mark corrections and notice things to change. The Prismacolor Verithin Double-Ended Colored Pencils are great because you can use the red lead end of the pencil to mark editing suggestions and errors, and you can use the blue lead end to indicate new ideas or additions.

The pencils include high-quality pigments for rich color saturation. They're ideal for outlining, detailing, lettering, and cleaning up the edges of your writing. Writers need these editing pencils.

Prismacolor Verithin editing pencils (photo/Amazon.com)

5. Notebooks/Journals 

Let's end with the basic: notebooks/journals. I have read many blog posts encouraging people to step up their gift-buying game by not buying notebooks for writers. We already have so many notebooks. Do we need another one?

Yes, the answer is always yes. Writers can never own too many notebooks. There is something special in knowing that a person in your life recognizes and appreciates your profession as a writer. This person knows you love to write, so he/she personally chose a new notebook to add to your collection. How can you be upset about that? Instead, it's such a sweet gift.

Leather-bound notebooks are really popular right now. There are also so many creative, beautiful journals to choose from--more than you can count! Notebook designers have increased the quality of their products in recent years. If you buy a writer a new journal, they will greatly appreciate the gift.

(photo/Pinterest)

Gifts for Readers 

1. Bookmarks 

Just like writers love receiving notebooks and journals, bookworms love receiving a new bookmark as a gift. They're a simple gift, but they mean so much. There is something special in knowing that a person in your life recognizes and appreciates your love for books. This person knows you love to read, so he/she personally chose a new bookmark to add to your collection. It's such a sweet gift. If you buy a bookworm a brand new bookmark, they will greatly appreciate the kind gesture.

(photo/DHgate.com)

2. Litographs T-shirts 

Bookworms love any gift that features their favorite books. The reason they love the books isn't just the cover--it's also the words. Litographs allows bookworms to wear the text of their most beloved stories on a t-shirt. The company also makes posters, blankets, and other fun printed merchandise.

Litographs t-shirt for "Moby Dick" (photo/Litographs.com)

3. MOMO Wooden Folding Book Light 

Lamps are essential for your nightstand. However, why not buy a literary-themed lamp? The MOMO Wooden Folding Book Light is a rechargeable book lamp that provides shaded light when you're reading late at night. In addition, when the book isn't opened up and glowing, it closes shut (like a book). 

MOMO Wooden Folding Book Light (photo/Amazon.com)

4. Literary Socks 

Gone are the days when socks were the lame gift you received for the holidays. Socks can actually be creative and fun, especially if they're literary-themed. You could easily fill a whole dresser with cool socks featuring your favorite literary characters and authors, including Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, and a pair of socks featuring the names of banned books.

Banned books literary socks (photo/Uncommon Goods).

5. "In The Library" Book Pages Shower Gel 

One of the best scents in the world (for bookworms) is the smell of old books. There are several candles that smell like old books (including Old Castle Candles' antique books candles). However, I recommend The Soap Librarian's "In the Library" Book Pages Shower Gel that smells like book pages inside a library. The scent smells like pages in an old classic book. It has a sweet hint of floral along with paper and vanilla. If you love the smell of old books (and who doesn't?), then you'll love this shower gel.

"In the Library" Book Pages Shower Gel (photo/Etsy.com)

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Personally, if someone were to give me these gifts, I would love them. I wouldn't feature a product on my blog that I wouldn't enjoy. So, the writer and bookworm in your life will love these gifts, too.

Have fun shopping for the perfect literary-themed gifts for your favorite writer and reader. Keep in mind that your friend or family member will love the gift you choose because it's from you. You thought of them and you care about their passions.

That's the best gift of all.

-KJL-