Halloween is long over and the windup to American Thanksgiving and Christmas is in full swing. I hear that some people have already finished their Christmas shopping. Good show, people! I have bought exactly one gift.
But I am sniffing around for ideas. And if it’s November, it’s time for my annual tradition: sharing a list of holiday gift ideas for the readers, writers and word nerds in your life.
These are all Canadian sources, but I hope my friends in the U.S. can take inspiration and search out your own local sources. As always, none of these are affiliate links; I just think they are fun. All can easily be replaced by a gift certificate for a restaurant or store to encourage shopping local.
FOR THE HOME OFFICE
1. “You are Magic” journal
Ooh, a “captivating magic design” and “a touch of enchantment” for your daily gratitude journal? How can you resist? Ruled pages and a page marker. $9.99 from Staples. Or, here’s another, with a cover filled with encouragement like Dream big, Live simply, Stand strong, Smile lots. Lined pages, plus a loop to hold your pen. $16.99 from !ndigo.
2. “I’m fine” stoneware mug
Ha. The cheerful trash can on fire is the image I think of when people say “It’s fine, everything is fine.” $12 from !ndigo.
3. Custom ceramic book mug
Personalize with your name and favourite book titles. From Etsy shop TangCreativeBoutique. $15.50.
4. “Smells like a writer hard at work” candle
Coconut soy wax blend candle in an amber glass jar from Etsy shop TheFallenWick. Scents include vanilla, citrus and roasted coffee. Mini size is 3.5 oz, $16.49; regular 7 oz. size is $25.49. Other shops let you create your own label; how about “Smells like a paid invoice”? If you’re handy, this could also be a DIY.
5. Book plate stickers
These might be helpful if you lend your books. “From the library of” and “Ex Libris” designs; $8.99 from !ndigo.
6. Book ornament
Cute. A glass ornament containing a pile of mini books. $14 from !ndigo. Also check out the adorable felt bookworm ornament.
WEARABLES
7. “Love” book stack sweatshirt
Pink cotton blend sweatshirt with “LOVE” printed over the heart. A stack of books topped with a teacup forms the O in LOVE. $45 from !ndigo.
8. “Read more books” sweatshirt
Navy unisex cotton/polyester crewneck sweatshirt. $45 from !ndigo.
9. Dainty book earrings
Stainless steel in silver or gold colour. $19 from Etsy vendor LeadingLeopard. Maybe not as cute as last year’s find, “silvertone” zinc alloy books, $15 from Etsy vendor ColdLakeCathy.
10. “Sorry I’m booked” t-shirt:
Adorable embroidered raccoon or bookworm reading a book on a cotton t-shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie. From $29.80 from Etsy vendor CustomMoose.
ON THE ROAD
11. “Book Lover” canvas tote bag
Sure, you have a million grocery and tote bags. But do you have an organic cotton canvas tote bag printed with “Book lover” or “Talk books to me”? I didn’t think so. $14.99 to $16 from !ndigo.
12. Universal phone and GPS car mount
For better charging or storing your phone while you drive. I like that this has options to use on your car’s dash, vent or cup holder. $32.99 at Canadian Tire.
Do you have any other amusing, quirky or just plain appropriate gift ideas? Please share in the comments.
Related reading:
Check my posts from 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 for more inspiration (and surprisingly, some items might still be available).