Christmas gifts are one of my favorite traditions—and so is this yearly round-up of gifts for writers at Christmas. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to balance the joy of giving with the desire to give mindfully and sustainably. Although I used to love browsing the Internet for fun and silly writer-themed gifts that I could share with you all in these posts, at a certain point, I eventually felt that approach was out of integrity with how I try to live my own life and choose my own Christmas gifts for my loved ones.
Over the last few years, I’ve shared some sustainable-themed Christmas gifts for writers posts, including the following:
This year, while searching for gifts for my nieces and nephews, I ran on to the clever “5 Gift Rule.” Since I (quite obviously) adore rule-based systems that simplify planning processes, this got me quite excited. I decided to adapt it for this year’s Christmas gifts for writers post.
The 5 Gift Rule for Writers at Christmas
The 5 Gift Rule suggests a limit of five varied gifts per person, based on the following little ditty:
1. Something they want.
2. Something they need.
3. Something to wear.
4. Something to read.
5. Something to do.
Today I’m conjuring my imaginary writer friend (who looks like a Picasso conglomeration of me and all of you) and choosing the five(-ish) gifts I’d love to give all of you this Christmas! Perhaps you will find just the right gift for your best writing bud or a little something to add to your Santa list (since I know you’ve been nice this year, yeah?).
Gift #1: Something Writers Want
Everyone wants something a little different. And sometimes one writer’s want is another’s need—and vice versa. But since the essence of this gift idea is a splurge, I’m picking something that’s just so beautiful it makes you want to purr. After all, most writers are all about the aesthetic. For sheer luxury and pampering, my gift suggestion is a writing box or tote from Galen Leather Co. They gifted me a Writer’s Medicine Bag a few years ago for an unboxing video, and I still feel incredibly writerly whenever I pull it out. In searching their store today, this incredibly beautiful Portable Writing Box jumped out at me.
Gift #2: Something Writers Need
In truth, a writer’s needs are pretty small. A notebook, a pen, and some time to ourselves is all we really need. But if you’re on the path to independent publication, you’ll need a top-notch cover too. Depending on my needs, I use and recommend two different book-cover companies.
Damonza has created most of my covers, including all my non-fiction covers.
In the last few years, I commissioned Ebook Launch to redesign a couple of my novel covers, and I have been thrilled with the results.
And if you know a writer who isn’t quite ready to publish their book, I can guarantee nothing would make a more delightful and thoughtful gift than a custom-commissioned cover.
Gift #3: Something Writers Can Wear
A good cotton T-shirt goes with anything, offers a good conversation starter (maybe even an opportunity to tell others about your book), and might even turn into your lucky writing shirt. Here were a few of my faves:
“That’s What I Do. I Write and I Know Things” T-shirt (affiliate link)
“In My Author Era” T-shirt (affiliate link)
“Do the Write Thing” T-shirt (affiliate link)
“I Am a Writer. I Dream While Awake” T-shirt (affiliate link)
Gift #4: Something Writers Can Read
Honestly, this gift could just be the whole list, ya know? There are just so many great books for writers—not just writing how-to or marketing how-to, but all the stories too. A few years ago, I shared my definitive list of books to buy writers for Christmas. This year, I’m sharing my most recent favorite, which I absolutely devoured and enjoyed from beginning to end, not just for its story wisdom for its life wisdom.
The Anatomy of Genres by John Truby (affiliate link)
As I wrote that last line, it made me think of another long-term favorite that I didn’t include in that (apparently not-so) definitive list. This oldie-but-goodie gets equal props for speaking to a larger purpose than simply that of writing an amazing story (which it does as well). (It inspired this post from a few years back: A Challenge to Write Life-Changing Fiction).
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass (affiliate link)
And then, of course, there’s always a few books which readers of this blog might already be familiar with—all of which are on sale for one more day (December 2nd) during my sitewide 25% off Black Friday sale.
Gift #5: Something Writers Can Do
Naturally, the most important thing writers do is write. So why not give the gift of a fun contest entry? Amanda Scotland, co-host of the Not Quite Write Podcast suggested their flash-fiction contest for my Christmas gifts for writers post, and I thought it fit perfectly this year. The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction looks like a creative and inspiring opportunity to challenge your storytelling skills—and break a few writing rules. With its unique format, this competition invites writers to craft up to 500 words in just 60 hours, using two prompts and one “anti-prompt” for an exciting twist. You can also gain (or gift) access to an exclusive lounge with members-only content and a vibrant community. Winners enjoy cash prizes, podcast features, and even anthology publications. Gift cards are available to cover entry fees and critique upgrades.
May you have as much fun giving as receiving this Christmas, and may Santa fill your stocking with just what you want and need (and wear and read and do). Merry Christmas!
P.S. Today is the last day of my Black Friday sale: 25% off every product in my store, including my books, workbooks, courses, software, and writing meditations.
Wordplayers, tell me your opinions! Have you ever used the 5 Gift Rule for writers before? Tell me in the comments!
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