Tag Archives: Holiday shopping

5 Gift Ideas for Writers You can Still Get in Time for Christmas

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There are only a few more shopping days until Christmas! If you still need a gift for the literary lover in your life, here are five things a writer would love to receive.

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    1. A subscription to Writer’s Digest or Poets and Writers Magazine
      I love keeping up with writer’s magazines and these are two of my favorites, but I sometimes let the subscription lapse. Make sure the writer in your life is getting monthly inspiration in their mailbox with a gift subscription.
    2. A bathrobe and slippers
      Writers have the luxury of being able to work in their pajamas. Keep your writer cozy with a new “work uniform” so if he chooses to work without pants, he’ll have something nice to cover himself up.Image
    3. A mug stuffed with coffee or tea
      It is a well-known fact that writers fuel up on caffeine. Find a fun mug and fill it with your writer’s drink of choice to keep her going.
    4. Yoga Classes
      Sitting at a laptop for long periods of time isn’t healthy and can cause all sorts of back issues. Yoga can help relieve your writer friend’s aching back, help her to stretch and clear her mind with a gift certificate for some yoga classes
    5. A blank journal and a pen
      I don’t know a writer who doesn’t love a brand new notebook or a nice pen. A blank journal gives a writer a fresh start and a world of possibilities.

Writers, what’s on your wish list this year?

Getting Ready for the Gift Giving Season

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It’s December, and although it feels more like Spring outside, Christmas is just a few weeks away. I love this time of year – the first snow, the lights, and of course the food. But it can be difficult not to get disenchanted by the commercialism, and the overwhelming task of gift shopping.

I’ve always wanted to be a good gift giver, you know, that person who always gives thoughtful or meaningful gifts. I always seem to be that last minute shopper, unable to come up with unique ideas and purchasing gift cards at the last minute (don’t get me wrong, gift cards make great gifts – especially for teens and tweens who can be so hard to shop for!)

I’ve realized that the secret to being a good gift-giver isn’t about buying expensive gifts. Good gifts don’t have to break the budget (or require batteries/contracts/monthly payments) to be appreciated.

Get Creative. I don’t consider myself a crafty person. I’m usually the one oogling over DIY gifts and crafts on Pinterest that look like great ideas, yet I never seem to get around to them. But there are simple ways you can give handmade gifts for the holidays. Think themed gift baskets with items like coffee, chocolate, wine, cooking items…the options are endless.

Give Ornaments. I think Christmas tree ornaments make great gifts. They can be meaningful and be used year after year. Photo ornaments make memorable gifts. Clear, glass ornaments from your local craft store can be used in a variety of ways to create a unique and thoughtful gift.

Give an Activity. Things you can do together make great gifts. Give the gift of a pedicure with your mom, or sister. Take a cooking class with your spouse. Get tickets for a show at the local theater for a fun night out with a friend.

Give a Helping Hand. Offer a service you can do yourself. Babysit so your friends who are first-time parents can enjoy a night out. Do yard work (or shovel snow!) for an elderly relative or neighbor.

Shop Small. Look to locally owned business for help with your holiday shopping list. Check out craft stores, antique shops or woodworking shops. Or give the gift of a service from a local small business: a visit to a local salon for a hair cut, manicure, or massage, or dinner for two at a non-chain restaurant.

What unique gift-giving ideas do you have? Visit my Holiday and Gift Ideas boards on Pinterest for more suggestions! Good luck everyone!