15 gifts writers will scream for: the essential 2015 Write Kids’ Books gift guide.

You’re here because you’re a writer or know a writer, or both.  Either you’re looking for the perfect gift that will draw gasps of delight or screams of satisfaction (is that even a thing?), or you’re hoping to pamper yourself in the middle of this season of selflessness.

Either way, here are 15 great ways to give yourself permission to go for it.

1) Paperback room fragrance / cologne by Demeter

If you haven’t tried Demeter perfumes, colognes and fragrances, you should.  They’re mindblowingly “real” scents in varieties you’ve never imagined:  Tomato, say, or Dirt, or Thunderstorm.  They all smell great.  Years and years ago, I got a bottle of their gin and tonic scent, and I loved it almost to death.  I still have the bottle, which I refuse to use up.  I sniff it from time to time when I need a pick-me-up.  But what could be a better pick-me-up for a writer in need of inspiration?  Available as a home atmosphere spray – to get you in the writing mood! – or as a cologne.  (The bottles look similar; make sure you choose the one you want.)

2)  Flying wish paper

Write your heart out, then set it on fire.  Send your dreams upwards.  Hopefully you’ll wish for inspiration, and be rewarded with tons of great ideas and incredible words (that you won’t want to burn).

3) SimplyRain –

Better than background music when you’re trying to write. 

The sounds of a soothing rainfall, with or without thunder and lightning.  I use the free PC version when I write and/or edit to block out the disturbing sounds of the real world.  But for $1 at the AppStore, you can make another writer very happy.  Let the “rain” wash away their stress.

4)  Rory’s Story Cubes –

Roll them and roll them to generate tens of millions of story ideas.  Keep these for yourself to help your own writing, or share them with kids 8 and up to spread the joy of creativity with your family.

5) Erasable Memo Pad & Pen

I get all your best ideas while your computer is booting, or while my phone and tablet are just out of reach.  If that’s your problem, too, just reach for this “old-fashioned” silicone solution instead.  Jot down what you need to remember until you have a way to record it permanently – then erase it when you’re done.  Sweet stocking stuffer.

6) Writing Mag Subscription (or SCBWI membership)

Call me old-fashioned.  I love reading actual magazines, on actual paper.  Sure, I go through them in just a couple of hours, but they’re a high point in the month.  The more, the happier.  Some suggestions:  Writer’s Digest, The Writer, Poets & Writers.  (Hint:  many have Kindle editions as well.)  Alternatively, if the children’s writer in your life isn’t a SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers International) member yet, consider giving the gift of one year’s membership.

7) Olde Fashioned Book Pillows

Oh, so cozy and a sweet place to rest your head when you’re not writing.  Lots of kids’ book choices, and these also come in holiday editions.

9) Click N Dig Key Finder

Sure, it’s a stereotype, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true.  When I’m engrossed in a great idea (I’d love that to be always), it’s hard to remember other things… like where my keys are, or my phone, or my sunglasses, or wallet.  If only I had some way of rounding them all up.  This gadget lets you track 6 things at once.

11) Custom quote wall decal

Feel like quoting yourself?  Written something absolutely brilliant?  Or perhaps you’ve found an inspiring quote by someone else that you want to keep up in front of you while you work.  A variety of custom decals, through Etsy and other sites, say it all without saying a word.

12)  Toilet paper holder / Book rest

I’m going to assume that if you’re a writer, you’re a reader, too.  Are you sick of having your books fall in the sink – or worse?  Umm… maybe that’s just me.  But in case you’re looking for a handy spot to put a book down, right where you need it, this gadget’s your answer.

13) Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation

Don’t bother with the overly belaboured illustrated edition.  The classic will do just fine.  If you already have it, try another one by Lynne Truss, even if it’s not as hilariously grammatical in its approach.

14) Gold pencil bangle bracelet

I haven’t included a lot of girlie accessories on this list, because I don’t usually love jewellery and stuff.  But if you had something like this, it would help you avoid painful conversations about what you do.  “What do you do?” (point to the bracelet) (interaction with actual live humans over; time to get back to writing)  Easy!

15) “Writing” duvet cover

Cuddle up under this artist-designed blankie in warm winter white and beige.  The teddy bear shares a sweet message, along with a flower that adds just a dot of colour.  You can read the full message and buy this as a print, mug or tote bag here.

Okay… I just caved, and bought the paperback room fragrance.  Really.  Which of these gifts tempts you the most?  Which do you think would make a great gift for a writer friend?  Let me know in the Comments.

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