It’s that time of the year again. Christmas music is playing in all the stores; the scent of pine hangs in the air; people are starting to rush home with their treasures. (Okay, maybe that’s just me. I’m an early bird Christmas shopper.)
What to get the word nerds, writers, and editors? The obvious answer is a new pen and journal, but let’s be honest: how many times are those gifts given? No writer is likely to dismiss them, but she or he might like to get something different every once in a while.
If you’re shopping for a word nerd this holiday season, check out these twelve ideas:
- Have a Little Pun: An Illustrated Play on Words. This book features exquisite illustrations paired with puns. “Dill with It?” and “Honey, Bee Yourself?” Come on, they’re funny.
- Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock T-Shirt. Litograph creates t-shirts from the texts of classic books. Nancy Drew is one option; the brand carries many, many more books, er, t-shirts.
- Writer’s Block Journal. Help your word nerd get unstuck with the Writer’s Block journal. If he or she is still stuck, well, the thing acts as a great paperweight. It looks like one, too—it’s been designed to look like an actual block of wood. Writer’s block, indeed.
- I Cannot Live without Books Mug. This coffee (or tea) mug features Thomas Jefferson’s words, “I cannot live without books.” The other side of the mug has an illustration of a stack of books. If you want to go the extra mile for your special word nerd, consider pairing the mug with his or her favorite coffee or tea.
- Don’t Call It That. This is the perfect gift for the word nerd or writer who’s in the business of naming things. It’s a practical step-by-step workbook that helps people understand what goes into choosing a name and how to go about doing that. Plus, it’s accompanied by fantastic tongue-in-cheek humor. Hmm. Check that earlier statement. This is the perfect gift for any word nerd or writer.
- Book Lover Necklace. Does your word nerd like vintage jewelry with a tinge of funk (or steampunk, whichever)? This is the necklace for her. It also features a birth month charm for an extra bit of personalization.
- Movie Narrative Charts Poster. Lord of the Rings combined with xkcd? Yes, please. Your word nerd will love, love, love this poster. Promise.
- Moby Dick Sentence Diagram Tote Bag. Your word nerd needs some way to haul around all the books and writing supplies, right? This tote bag is the delightful answer to the problem. Really. It’s Moby Dick and diagramming. Enough said.
- County Fair Field Notes. Take a break from the usual journal with the County Fair Field Notes. They’re ideal for the word nerd with a love of traveling. You can purchase a set of all fifty states or create a customized set of three.
- A Grand Taxonomy of Shakespearean Insults Art Poster. Word nerds have a special fondness for the bard. Tap into it with this fun poster. Don’t be surprised, though, if your beloved word nerd bursts out with, “Thou thing of no bowels, thou!” during a squabble.
- Library Card Socks. Wax nostalgic this Christmas with a pair of library card socks. You’ll receive bonus points for this gift: buying it sends one book to a community in need. Your word nerd is going to love you.
- Postcards from Penguin: One Hundred Book Covers. Does your word nerd like to send or receive handwritten notes? This is the gift to purchase. Give it to your word nerd or “give” it to yourself and write him or her notes throughout the year.
There you have it. Twelve gifts to cherish the word nerd, writer, or editor in your life.
Image: Christian Lambert (Creative Commons)