Alyssa Mackay | Writer

Today makes it officially one month until Christmas Day.

If your loved one is a writer or avid reader and you haven’t started shopping for gifts yet, or if you’re a writer who’s wondering what to put on your wish list, look no further – here are some novel ideas!

1 – Novel Journal

A notebook and a novel in one, this nifty gift is a journal where you can write between the lines of your favourite book. That’s right, the lines you write on are actually the text of a famous novel! Choose between classics such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Dracula and Little Women.

Available from Bookface book stores or search for Novel Journal on Book Depository

2 – Pilot – A Diary for Writers

A must-have for any writer, the Pilot 2017 Diary for Writers is full of words of wisdom, handy reference pages, competition dates, writing inspiration and more. It’s all a writer needs to keep them organised for the coming year.

Available online: Pilot Press

3 – Gift voucher

With a wealth of courses to choose from, a voucher for the Australian Writers’ Centre will ensure you stay in the good books with your loved one well into the New Year. Ranging from $85 to $395, there are courses to suit every writer, including online courses for those who can’t attend in person.

Buy a gift voucher now: Australian Writers’ Centre

4 – Literary Tea

The Literary Tea Co are doing a special ‘Trio of Teas’ this Christmas. You can choose three of your favourite blends (for example: F. Scott Fitzgerald – Organic Early Grey, Blue Mallow, Cornflowers and Hibiscus; Charlotte Bronte – Organic Peppermint, Apple and Lemon Peel; Edgar Allan Poe – Organic Oolong, Skullcap and Mango) and have it gift-wrapped and posted for only $25! Perfect for lovers of classic novels and those who prefer tea over coffee.

Available on Etsy

5 – Bathtub Caddy

Give the writer in your life the gift of relaxation with a bathtub caddy. After a long day’s writing, they can relax in the bath, read their favourite book (without getting it wet) and there is even room for an all-important wine glass!

Available online from Hard to Find

6 – Book on One Page Print

Perfect to fill that blank wall space in a writer’s studio, these beautiful prints feature the words of an entire book as a picture. Choose from Peter Pan, The Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter and many more. A stunning conversation piece.

Available online from Hard to Find

7 – Grammar Grumble Mugs

Featuring clever phrases such as ‘The caffeine effect an affect us all’ and ‘Less milk and fewer sugar lumps’ these quirky mugs will be adored by grammar aficionados.

Get the full set of six online from The Literary Gift Company (which also has loads of other fantastic gifts available).

8 – Wonderbook – The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction by Jeff VanderMeer

An aspiring author can never have too many books about writing and Wonderbook is the very first fully illustrated creative writing guide. It combines useful writing tips with beautiful diagrams and pictures and features contributions from George R.R. Martin, Neil Gaiman, Ursula K. Le Guin and many more.

Available online from Folio Books

9 – Domain Name

If the budding writer in your family hasn’t started building their author platform yet, give them the gift of encouragement by registering their domain name for them. If they’ve got holidays over the Christmas break, it could be the perfect opportunity for them to start developing their website. And with the added impetus of a brand new domain name, they’ll have no excuses!

Check out Net Registry, GoDaddy or Crazy Domains

10 – Livescribe 3 Smartpen

If you’re feeling particularly generous, the Livescribe 3 Smartpen will knock the socks off any writer who finds it wrapped up under the Christmas tree. The Livescribe does lots of snazzy things including digitising your handwritten notes and recording audio and it pairs with your tablet or smartphone for easy syncing.

Check it out at Officeworks