Monday, December 20, 2010

Unusual Gifts for Writers

A book is a gift you can open again and again. – Garrison Keillor

Though I always have good intentions, I end up needing to make a couple of last minute purchases every year. As an author, I think I’m easy to please. I like paper, pens and books, books, books. Finding the right gift for some people, however, isn't so easy.

In my effort to come up with ideas, I stumbled across some unique gifts for the writers. Or perhaps you may want to buy something for yourself in order to rekindle your creative spirit.

Here’s a sampling:

At ShakespearesDen.com, you can find a Jane Austen action figure, complete with book (Pride & Prejudice, of course) and a writing desk with removable quill pen. William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde action figures are also available.

If action figures aren’t your thing, they also offer literary figure plush toys and puppets. Though it seems rather irreverent to me, there ‘s even a Shakespeare rubber duck.

They offer more practical gifts, too. Such as coasters, wine charms, gargoyle bookworm bookends, and a silk tie covered in signatures of famous writers. Or there’s Who Dunn-it sticky notes that are shaped like a shoe print, thumbprint, and magnifying glass.

Theliterarygiftcompany.com offers a writer’s toolbox that contains a plot twist spinner and creative cards to help with writer’s block.

At fishseddy.com there are cute ceramic trays that look like lined writing tablets.

When inspiration strikes at 3 a.m., there’s a great throw-blanket with pictures and names of many well-known authors to keep your inspiration going and your body warm. You'll find this at The Professional Collection.

Do you have last minute shopping to do? What is your favorite writing gift that you bought for yourself or that someone has given you?
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas holiday.

18 comments:

Old Kitty said...

I want a Shakespeare action figure. That is so on my list - thank you so much for these fun links. Here I am thinking I've finished my christmas shopping ....!!

Take care and have a great christmas too! x

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm all done shopping!
My favorite writing gift was my external hard drive - so I can back up all of my work and not lose it!

Joanne said...

I like the idea of that plot twist spinner, seems like a fun idea to get through a rough patch of writing :)

My favorite writing gifts are journals. They give me a way to keep writing when I'm not at the computer. I keep an Itinerary Journal, plus smaller journals for each writing project I've got going, jotting down notes and ideas in them.

Carol Kilgore said...

I love the trays and the plot twist spinner. I could really use both of those, but especially the plot twist spinner. Hint for Santa - LOL.

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

Old Kitty, I think literary action figures are such a fun idea and would look sitting on a desk.

Diane, sometimes the most practical of gifts are the best ones.

Joanne, I like journals, too. However, I’ve received some that I think are too pretty to write in!)

Carol, though he isn’t shown as a follower, I’m certain that Santa reads my blog:)

Darcia Helle said...

Jane, I love this post! I have to get my older son a Shakespeare action figure. He has loved Shakespeare since he was about 12. And a Sherlock Holmes figure for my younger son. Both of their birthdays are coming up and these will make perfect gifts. Thanks for sharing this!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Proud to say I finished my shopping weeks ago. Most of it online as well.
And I'll take a set of those gargoyle bookends.

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

Darcia,I think it’s fantastic that there are kids out there that would enjoy a literary action figure. That news makes my day!

Alex, I love those book ends, too.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jane .. wonderful thoughts .. my set of 1926 Encyclopedias inherited from my uncle - are so useful! Sticky notes are so useful & I love the shoe one ..

Happy Christmas and enjoy the festive time with your family .. Hilary

Hart Johnson said...

Outa money so the shopping is done *sigh* It's actually nice in a way... It's even all wrapped. I snorted at the plush Shakespeare, but those gargoyle book ends are fabulous!

Daisy Hickman said...

Gifts for writers ... always a pleasure looking for the hidden gem out there. I tend to seek out a cool journal or an inspirational one, because writers never have enough journals. Books are good (if you have an idea that is off the beaten path) and calendars are always a good idea (artistic, reflective, or inspirational). Have a joyful season, Jane!

Chris Phillips said...

If I were the shakespeare duck I'd vote not to be. Gargoyles were cool though.

Arlee Bird said...

Due to everyone's finances this year we're not doing presents, but spending money for travel to have presence.
I'm always picking up books about writing--now someday I need to read some of them.

Arlee

Patricia Stoltey said...

Writing gifts for me are pretty easy...I need ink cartridges for my printer and lots of paper. Even though I do a lot of revisions and editing directly on my computer, I work with at least three printed copies over time.

Merry Christmas, Jane. I hope you are well and that life is good.

Jan Morrison said...

I love those action figures. Who new writers were action heroes? Well, we did I guess.
What I'd like is time, undisturbed, guilt free time. Got any?
have a great holiday...

T. Powell Coltrin said...

My daughter is a psychologist. I cracked up when I saw in her office, two Action Figures that she had been given, Freud and Jung. It was so funny.

I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas Day and a wonderful New Year ahead.

Teresa

Enid Wilson said...

Hehe, Shakespeare duck! LOL. Happy Holiday, Jane.

Fire and Cross

Unusual Gifts said...

I have writer friend this gifts for writers are just perfect.

Jane's Ride - Novelist Jane Kennedy Sutton's journey through the ups and downs of the writing, publishing and marketing world