The holidays are fast approaching and you’re looking for a gift for that aspiring writer in your family or social circle. There are plenty of sites pimping the latest electronics or espresso machines or fancy gadgets for writers. I’m a bit more frugal and I believe that it is truly the thought that counts. I thought we could talk about free or low cost gifts today. These are in no particular order.
1. Inspirational Writing Quote Of The Day/Week/Month – Cost: Free
This is exactly what it sounds like. Once a day or week or month, you send the aspiring writer a writing quote (simply Google writing quotes and you’ll find a zillion). If you have an email provider or social media that allows you to schedule emails or direct/private messages, you can set this up once and forget about it. One of my writing buddies sends eCards with encouraging messages from a free online provider.
One of the biggest issues aspiring writers have is feeling alone. This easy and free gift shows them you support them.
2. Notebook With Encouraging Messages Or Inspirational Writing Quotes – Cost: $1
One of my sisters did this for me. She bought an inexpensive notebook from the Dollar Store and wrote encouraging messages like ‘You can do it!’ , ‘I believe in you!’, ‘You can write one more page!’ and ‘I’m proud of you!’ at the top of some of the pages. You could decorate it with inspirational writing quotes instead. Hey, if your writer likes erotic romance, you could glue photos of hot naked men and call it her inspiration notebook! Have some fun with it!
3. Flower Pens – Cost: $4 for 12
Speaking of sisters, one of my sisters always makes me flower pens. She buys a pack of inexpensive Bic pens, some green florist tape and some fabric flowers from The Dollar Store. She then extracts one of the flowers, and tapes its stem to the pen, covering the entire barrel. I have a vase on my writing desk with this bouquet of flowers. I never have to look for a pen and whenever I use one, I think of my sister.
Pens are great gifts for writers. Many of us hoard them.
4. Fine Tip Markers – $3
I love my fine tip markers. They help me with writer’s block. Studies show that colors stimulate different parts of the brain. I’ll switch colors until the words start to flow. Different colored fine tip markers are also great for editing, for making notes, for organizing types of writing issues (maybe plot issues are red, emotion issues are green). Some of my writing buddies use them at book signings.
5. Email From Her Favorite Writer – Free If Unframed
Many writers (myself included) would happily write a few words of encouragement to an inspiring writer. Consider emailing your loved one’s favorite writer (preferably a writer who is still alive – grins). Writers normally have contact forms or email addresses on their websites. Share with this writer what you wish to do, asking her for a tip or a word of inspiration. If the writer agrees (and many writers have crazy deadlines so this might not be doable for them), forward this email to your loved one. Better yet, print the email on card stock and frame it.
6. Dive Underwater Writing Slate – Cost: $10
Inspiration strikes in the craziest of places. One of the most common places is in the shower. Underwater writing slates or whiteboards (http://www.amazon.com/Compass-Scuba-Underwater-Writing-Slate/dp/B000L3T0AW/ ), originally designed for divers, are perfect for a writer’s shower stall (they’re also great for exchanging sexy, funny messages with the hubby – grins).
7. Colored Paperclips or Binder Clips – Cost: $1
I LOVE colored paperclips or binder clips! They make me happy. I deal with a lot of paper. I always print out a copy of my manuscripts to do a final read-through (because seeing the words on paper fools my brain into thinking it is a brand new manuscript). I have research notes and clippings. I receive contracts, have to track expenses. One of my sisters (yes, I have quite a few sisters) buys these for me from The Dollar Store as a holiday present every year.
8. The Gift Of Time – Cost: Your Time
There is one thing ALL writers need—whether we’re just starting out or we’ve had our 100th story published—and that is time. Does your aspiring writer have kids? Why not offer to babysit them for an evening a month, allowing her time to write? If she doesn’t have kids, offer to clean her place or complete some other task. If you enjoy doing this task, that’s even better!
9. Fingerless Or Knitters Gloves – Cost: $5
If your aspiring writer lives in a cold climate, consider buying her fingerless or knitters gloves. My dear hubby gave me a pair of fingerless gloves years ago and I LOVE them (since then, I’ve seen them for $1 in The Dollar Store). They keep my hands warm while I’m typing. They’re now one of my essentials.
10. Writing Craft Books From The Library – Cost: Free
My dear wonderful hubby does this for me all the time. He’ll borrow a stack of writing craft books from the library. I’ll skim through these books during the holidays, gleaming some tips. One or two might become reference books. My hubby will buy these books for me during the next special occasion.
If you don’t live close to your aspiring writer, you could email or print some tips from online sources. Maybe your aspiring writer is struggling with evaluating ideas. Comb the internet for advice from different writers on how to do this and compile the information for her.
The big book I’m writing for 2015 is based in an exotic country. My dear hubby borrowed travel books for this country from the library. He sends me photos of the setting, tips on little things I might not know that will add flavor to my story, AND, best of all, he has arranged interviews with his friends who have lived in this setting.
Writers, what are some low or no cost gifts you’d love to receive? Gift givers, what are your suggestions?
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Thanks to my partner I’m finally in a position to work and have plenty of time to write also! I use a pair of these fingerless gloves almost everytime I’m at my computer, however mine aren’t nearly warm enough! (I’m just in SE Ohio!) The only thing I think is missing from this list are purse sized notebooks for jotting down sudden inspirations. I try to always keep one with me. Also I’ve found sticky notes and corkboards around my desk to be MUST haves. This IS the year I write that book that gets me off the ground!