# Gifts for Writers? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 23, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095 "2017-12-23T00:29:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/1 "2017-12-23T00:29:25Z")
I’ve got a gift exchange coming up for my writers group. Budget is no more than $20. Now I’ve seen a lot of kitschy writer shit, corny quote plaques and "Don’t mess with the writer!’’ t-shirts and that sort of thing, but I want to get something for my friend that is actually useful or interesting. Something unique, or genuinely inspiring, or that serves a concrete function. Can’t be a book, cuz we’re already also doing a book exchange. If you have any recommendation that costs more than $20, please post it anyway, because if it’s cool enough, I’ll probably buy it for myself. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/2 "2017-12-23T00:32:49Z")
Ferrari. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/3 "2017-12-23T00:33:27Z")
Fountain pen? Obviously they can run much more than $20, but I had cheap ones as a teenager/college student and they were still plenty cool. I know most folks write on a computer nowadays, but I gotta think that anyone who writes would appreciate a nice pen more than a kitschy t-shirt or plaque. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/4 "2017-12-23T00:45:39Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Ferrari. Yes, yes. Good. Every writer needs somewhere to live. I gotta admit I’m kind of in love with [this.](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SI34O2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=AI7ANHR1OQYKG&psc=1) As the romance writer it would probably be a memorable gift coming from me. And most of our gatherings consist of dick jokes at pretty much every opportunity. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/5 "2017-12-23T00:59:41Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > Yes, yes. Good. Every writer needs somewhere to live. Hey you said over $20 if it was cool enough for you to get for yourself. It IS pretty cool 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/6 "2017-12-23T01:04:41Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I want to get something for my friend that is actually useful or interesting. Something unique, or genuinely inspiring, or that serves a concrete function. [Hemorrhoid pillow.](https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=pillow+for+hemorrhoids&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=229039361646&hvpos=1t4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4796279525251120481&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022817&hvtargid=kwd-296380700306&ref=pd_sl_6wkf3lt104_b_p37) ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/7 "2017-12-23T01:07:58Z")
Coffee. [Very _strong_ coffee](https://www.amazon.com/Death-Wish-Coffee-Strongest-Certified/dp/B006CQ1ZHI). ---
**Author:** ![Arizona\_Mike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7cd45c/32.png) [@Arizona\_Mike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arizona_Mike)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/8 "2017-12-23T02:00:12Z")
A table mirror. You can look at yourself in it while you’re writing to see if you’re doing anything wrong. Or, Moleskin notebooks and journals. Barnes & Noble carries a large line of them. Good for writing down ideas. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/9 "2017-12-23T04:35:12Z")
The mug is awesome. If money is no object (maybe some kind of group pool?), this is your baby. Gotta stop that writer’s butt. Well, I do. Just in case, hypothetically, there happened to be fear of writer’s butt. [This.](https://www.amazon.com/TrekDesk-Treadmill-Desk-Standing-Workstation/dp/B002IYRBI0/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1514002442&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=walking+desk+treadmill&psc=1) Warm, fuzzy, cuddly goodness for those long, dark, lonely nights. [SNUGGIE](https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Pavilia-Functional-Lightweight-Charcoal/dp/B0745MFSYC/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1514002787&sr=1-4&keywords=snuggie&th=1). [Back massager,](https://www.amazon.com/Zyllion-ZMA13BK-Shiatsu-Massager-Shoulders/dp/B00BOYA2M2/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1514003089&sr=8-2&keywords=back+massager) with heat. Wants this. (It’s more than $20.) Writer’s Toolkit. I used to put together a fun set of unique items that I used while working through drafts or source materials. [Example of type of thing included.](https://www.levenger.com/Sanibel-Page-Flags-(set-of-3)-14692.aspx) Page flags, fun pens, pencils, note cards or note pads, highlighters (erasable), erasers, quirky paper clips, whatever else seems helpful. I put it all in a pencil case, or a zipper case, and carry it with me. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/10 "2017-12-23T04:46:28Z")
I so want a desk treadmill. I have a stand-up desk, that’d be just the thing. And the back massager… Yesss. I like how you think. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/11 "2017-12-23T04:54:01Z")
I forgot to add headphones. For when you want to rock the house down, but you can’t. ---
**Author:** ![Moris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moris/32/2846_2.png) [@Moris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moris)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/12 "2017-12-23T07:38:31Z")
I know OP said “no books”, but I would go for it: a textbook, “how to write” stuff. A good one. No smart writer would get offended. Book focusing on short stories, or a novel, depending what a writer is planning to do next. Other than that: a cheap Dictaphone/portable recorder. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/13 "2017-12-23T07:41:51Z")
Craft books aren’t a bad idea, but we do read and discuss and swap them a lot. We’re already doing a book exchange, something off our own bookshelf to pass along. Dictaphone is a _great_ idea. I wish I had one. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/14 "2017-12-23T13:26:45Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > And most of our gatherings consist of dick jokes at pretty much every opportunity. Man, wish I had a writers’ group like yours. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/15 "2017-12-23T15:36:09Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > Man, wish I had a writers’ group like yours. It’s invaluable to me. So during our last group, we were critting a work of detective fiction… Our resident craft master is pontificating on the protag and says, “You know, we just don’t have a hardened dick here.” I tried to hold it back, I really did, but I made eye contact with one of the other members and I just lost it. The protag was henceforth referred to as “flaccid.” ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/16 "2017-12-23T16:29:13Z")
I have one of these typewriter keys bracelets I received as a gift and at least one other author told me she has one as well. These are outside your price limits but this is not the only place that sells them. > **[JoySparksDesigns - Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoySparksDesigns)** > > Shop Antique Typewriter Key Jewelry and Gifts by JoySparksDesigns located in Allendale, Michigan. Smooth shipping! Has a history of shipping on time with tracking. Speedy replies! Has a history of replying to messages quickly. Rave reviews! Average... ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/17 "2017-12-23T16:35:41Z")
> [@Ellen\_Cherry](#): > > I have one of these typewriter keys bracelets I received as a gift and at least one other author told me she has one as well. These are outside your price limits but this is not the only place that sells them. > > [https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoySparksDesigns](https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoySparksDesigns) Those are really cool! ---
**Author:** ![Plumpudding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Plumpudding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plumpudding)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2017, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/18 "2017-12-23T22:37:32Z")
Cool notebooks with nice paper? ---
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/19 "2017-12-24T00:29:15Z")
A USB drive. Nobody backs up their work often enough. You might be able to find a novelty drive that relates to books or writing. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2017, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095/20 "2017-12-24T00:44:49Z")
> [@ioioio](#): > > A USB drive. Nobody backs up their work often enough. You might be able to find a novelty drive that relates to books or writing. Excellent suggestion. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gifts-for-writers/805095.md?page=2)