It’s that time of year again, and if you’re like me you’re a last-minute shopper. Either that, or someone in your immediate gift-giving circle is desperately pleading with you for gift ideas. Do them a favor—print out this list and others from past holiday seasons on the FWA blog. Put your concerned gift-givers out of their misery.
A short list of some favorites
At the top of my list is a gift subscription to Duotrope. This software indexes over 7,580 publishers and agents of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art. And as a librarian I can tell you it is cross-indexed smartly. It’s so easy to do specific searches. In addition, it has a built-in submissions manager that keeps track of everything for you, including how much you’ve spent on submissions. Handy when it’s time to do your taxes!Best of all, there’s a black Friday sale going on until Dec. 22. Normal cost is $50 a year. But the sale price to give it as a gift is only $42.50 for a year. (There are various other sales options/shorter terms to choose from.) It’s all at: https://duotrope.com/gift (Note: you can even “gift” it to yourself for that price!)
Best of all, there’s a black Friday sale going on until December 22. Normal cost is $50 a year. But the sale price to give it as a gift is only $42.50 for a year. (There are various other sales options/shorter terms to choose from.) It’s all at: https://duotrope.com/gift (Note: you can even “gift” it to yourself for that price!)
Other gift suggestions
Back cushion pillow : Having spent many years with a couple of small pillows at my back I can say this looks to be my salvation. Available through amazon, so a quick last-minute buy.
Adjustable laptop stand: Years ago, my husband built a lovely wooden one for me. It is invaluable. But this one looks to be good, compact, and adjustable. It puts a laptop in a more ergonomic position. Your writer friend will get down on knees and thank you. (Just help him/her/them up afterward.)
Bookends/shelves: I have the superwoman shelves. Love them. Look at these two examples: man pushing books and superwoman invisible shelf. There are several smart designs to choose from.
Shakespearean insults: An inexpensive compendium is here. However, his quips can be found on all kinds of fun things. A good gift if you’ve got a classicist on your list. Try mugs. Or pins. Or posters. Other objects include bookmarks, aprons, hats, T-shirts, and even chewing gum! Or, why not a Shakespearean insult generator book available at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum?
Literary jigsaw puzzles: Stop by Uncommon Goods to find some challenging and fun literary jigsaws. There’s Agatha Christe, Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes, etc. Here’s one with a banned books theme. You’ll also find many more writerly gifts there.
A zoom session gift: If the person you are buying for is like many writers—a bit tight for cash—why not gift him/her/them a zoom session to one of their favorite online events? Here’s an online gift to any session given by Ekphrastic Review during 2025. Research your writer’s favorite journal or organization to find the ability to gift a session.
Finishing touches: Finally, one can never go wrong with a good bottle of wine. Maybe pair it with a set of soft pajamas, and the offer to babysit so your writer can relax and write. In fact, here’s a link to an article by Bon Appétit titled 5 Great Writing Wines, aka Wines to Drink on Deadline. Works for me!
Have fun this season and don’t forget your writer friend(s).
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