2020 Gifts for Writers

For this year’s Gifts for Writers list, I’ve curated a wealth of unique gifts that are affordable, usable, make a statement, or are just plain fun.

Black Women Writer’s Mug

This mug features close to 20 faces of black women writers. If you’re a literature lover, you will recognize every image and have probably read most of their books. Perfect for hot beverages, it comes in a durable classic shape and it will definitely survive in the dishwasher or microwave. Available in one color and 2 sizes with a high quality print that will make you appreciate these great authors. Comes in two sizes of 11 oz. and 15 oz. starting at $20.

Visit The Trini Gee for more of this design and other items that inspire greatness.

Poetry Canvases

These stunning poetry canvases commemorate Black History, poetry, love, excellence, and are beautiful anchors and statement pieces to any room. The poem on this canvas is titled, “The Journey” lets the reader see through the eyes of this poet as he as he shines a light into the darkness and exposes the truth about oppression, depression, anxiety, friendship, and love. The canvas comes in three sizes ranging from 11″ X 14″ to 18″ X 24″ starting at $69.99 (including frame). Other poetry is available without frames. Many options of poetry canvases are available as well as clothing, masks, and cloth totes.

Dreams of a Capricorn LLC – Khan La Touche Black Author, Poet, Entrepreneur

Walls can display one’s personality! These canvas with high quality print will always look as tight and flat as the day they were made. Every frame is built with a solid face to support the canvas and prevent deforming.

• 100% cotton fabric
• Recycled plastic frame
• High image quality and detail
• For indoor use

Etsy has an extensive selection of gifts commemorating black writers – mugs, clothing, books, journals, writing tools, and gorgeous hand made art work.

Bookends

I featured these Writer bookends in 2019 and am doing so again because they are just so darn cool! This set of bookends is handmade and designed by Knob Creek Metal Arts.

Made from solid steel, these bookends are heavy enough to hold up your reading collection. Sold in a set of two pieces, finished in hammered black.

Dimensions are approximately 6 1/2″ t x 6 1/2″ w x 4″ d.

Knob Creek also makes custom items bookends. Your favorite author’s name perhaps? As the company notes, we love making custom items! Sells for $50.39.

Writing Exercises

From the San Francisco Writers’ Grotto, 642 Things to Write, is a collection of writing prompts to help banish writers block and get your creative juices flowing. I own this journal and another, 712 More Things to Write About. Even if you’re not battling writers block, both journals may set you onto an entirely new idea for your next story. The Grotto sells a number of other journals as well to inspire your writing. The journals range in price from $9.95 to $16.95 (plus shipping).

• From crafting your own obituary and penning an ode to an onion, to telling a dying houseplant why it should live and making a case for your favorite fruit, writers of all levels will stretch their imaginations and put pen to paper.
• From ridiculous to philosophical, the writing prompts in both journals are sure to stimulate the mind and encourage creativity.

Coasters

Text and Tile Works offers these vintage ivory typewriter key coasters made of cork and wood. This listing is for a set of four made to order coasters, featuring ivory colored antique typewriter keys. Writers are sure to appreciate this unique and useful gift. Bring a bit of nostalgia into your home or give as a wedding, anniversary, housewarming or hostess gift. They will protect table surfaces while bringing a smile to the face of those using them. The price of $24.00 is for a set of four coasters.

Each coaster is made to order, so customization is possible. The coasters measure 3.75″ in diameter. They have a protective cork bottom, and the hardboard surface is smooth and easy to clean.

 

Journals

This writing journal features the names of several well-known black women writers. They include poets, playwrights, and even novelists. Created as a gift to inspire those who desire future publication success–or those who love to read and write in general.

Serious about getting those words down on paper? This 5×7 hardcover book features 128 pages for your writing. It also offers a durable wraparound print with case-wrap binding. There are two options for the journal – pages can be either lined or unlined. The cost is $25.00 plus shipping. The Tini Gee site offers many items relating to black creativity, empowering black women, writers, artists, black history and more.

 

Jewelry

These custom-made book cover earrings from the PinkBlue studio in the United Kingdom are simply too fun to pass up. The price of $23.03 is extremely reasonable and the site says shipping is free. These gift ideas aren’t supposed to be for me, but I ordered Salvation Station earrings and love them. Nothing like having your own book made into earrings! Dimensions are as follows:

• Handmade item
• Drop length: 2.5 Centimeters; Width: 1.8 Centimeters Earrings’ are approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall and 0.7 inch (1.8 cm) width and depth is proportional to this dimensions.
• Can be personalized: Yes
• Made to Order
• Sterling Silver Hooks

Book Cover necklaces are available for $16.25. These are Fun pieces for both readers and authors.

• Necklace length: 18 Inches; Pendant height: 1 Inches; Pendant width: 0.7 Inches
• Can be personalized: Yes
• Made to Order

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This fun Writer/Writer’s Cramp definitions pendant are created in dictionary vintage style and set in your choice of setting. In this example, the word ‘Write’ is highlighted.

The pendant is approximately 1″ in diameter on a 24″ chain. You can choose to have your word set in metal plated antique silver, antique bronze, or antique black. Your word is then sealed in place with a glass dome that magnifies and shows off your unique word. Pendants are $29.00 (plus shipping).

All necklaces include a chain and come ready to gift in a drawstring organza gift bag. Looking for different word options? Head to the Dictionary Necklaces section to see all available options! Don’t see the one you’re looking for? Contact Purposeful Pages for custom requests.

Writer’s Journal

One piece of advice authors hear frequently is to record the details of their story ideas as they comes to you. Then add important details as you plan for it. This is a comprehensive journal and planning took which has a section for your writing plans for your books and a section for other general writing ideas.

This A5 journal consists of quality front and back covers with a colored first page to record personal details. It consists of 51 pages in the first section (printed single sided so there’s room for brainstorming and planning the story), printed on the finest quality 100gsm paper to record detailed information about each story including title, pen name, date you start and finish, length of story, why you’re writing it, ideas, character information and a full page for plot and notes. There are two pages for each story so space for 25 stories in the journal. There is a contents page at the front so you can locate stories quickly if you have a few on the go.

The Writers Journal is Comprised of:

• Front Cover – 350gsm card (double sided color)
• First Page – 150gsm gloss (single sided color)
• 51 Sheets – 100gsm paper (51 printed single sided)
• Divider – 210gsm color
• 14 Sheets 100gsm paper (14 printed single sided)
• Back Cover – 285gsm metallique board
• Quality Wire Binding

Handmade from Australia the journal retails for $15.05 (plus shipping). Jadore Books offers a variety of different journals for kids and adults.

Books/Clothing

The St. Paul, Minnesota based Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute’s new store on Etsy features great gifts for writers, readers, and leaders. As a literacy and leadership organization, PPGJLI offers beautifully illustrated and educational books for children, including the award winning Justice Makes A Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esq. The PPGJLI store has an array of other merchandise: mugs and cups, toys, books, clothing for children and adults, plus greeting cards.

As with many gifts on this list, the Write For Justice three-quarter raglan sleeve shirt is another item I’ve ordered for myself. It comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes. The cost is $23.00 (plus shipping).

Facemasks

No 2020 Gift List would be complete without facemasks for writers and book lovers!

They are colorful, useful, and wonderful! Designed by Susan James of Susan James Casual, masks sell for $13.99 (plus shipping) and fit both women and men.

Same people that manufacture Susan James Socks (for readers and writers).
Since we may be wearing some face apparel for a while, here are the details:

Face Mask for Booklovers & Writers
(Designed by Susan James)

-Fabric is 180GSM which is a light weight cotton
and has an antimicrobial layer, breathable.

-Masks feel soft on the face and are
machine washable on gentle cycle.

-Wording on Masks: Books-Writer-Author

Note: There are many more options for author/writing related face coverings, particularly on Etsy.

Happy gift giving this holiday season!