Gift Ideas for Editors and Other Literary Folk
Scrambling for gift ideas to wow the literary friends and family on your list this holiday season? We have a few suggestions for you! Disclaimer: Neither the author of this list nor the Northwest Editors Guild is being paid to advertise any of the companies below, and neither has any affiliation with them apart from the fact that several have received a lot of the author’s money over the years. Alas, she receives no discount for this privilege.
Perfume
Imaginary Authors “offers wildly unique fragrances born from the concept of scent as art and art as provocation. Like a good book, these scents are meant to inspire you.” Choose from scents such as “Memoirs of a Trespasser” (vanilla, guaiacwood, and oak barrels) and “Every Storm a Serenade” (vetiver, ambergris, and Baltic Sea mist), or select their “Short Story Collection” option to choose eight sample scents.
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab specializes in “formulating body and household blends with a dark, romantic Gothic tone. Our scents run the aesthetic gamut of magickal, pagan and mythological blends, Renaissance, Medieval and Victorian formulas, and horror / Gothic-themed scents.” Although their catalog of scents runs across a number of genres, they have lines based on several literary themes, such as Sherlock Holmes, The Last Unicorn, and the works and characters of Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, and Neil Gaiman. They even have scents designed in honor of authors Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker.
Writing Implements and Accessories
Retro 51 “is on a mission to bring fashion, fun and value to the world of writing instruments and business accessories. Known for bright, cool colors and unique themes, Retro stands by their mission, ‘Life's too short to carry an ugly pen!’” In addition to collections licensed by (and featuring the art of) The Met, The Smithsonian, and the US Postal Service, they have classic designs like this collection with illustrations from Winnie the Pooh, as well as plain colors, fountain pens, and pencils. Best of all, you can easily buy refills for any of the pens or pencils!
PaperBlanks creates “products that inspire creativity, empower expression and celebrate special moments. An homage to art and culture, our line of journals and creative tools sparks the imagination by offering a connection to artists and cultural movements from all eras and regions.” They offer a wide variety of designs, styles, and sizes for every intention and style. Just looking through the options on their hardcover journals will keep you busy for hours.
Editorial Cartoons
Whether or not they’ve spent the last decade following Iva Cheung’s blog and social media presence, every editor can appreciate her delightfully quirky “esoteric cartoons about editing, publishing, indexing, and freelancing,” collected now in An Editorial Cartoon. As a bonus, “one dollar from each book sold goes toward supporting Indigenous editing and publishing initiatives through the Indigenous Editors Association.” Available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Other Fun Things
Uncommon Goods is “an online marketplace to connect makers and their creations with shoppers looking for truly unique goods,” and they offer such fun book-related accessories as literary scarves (options include Jane Eyre and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland), book locket necklaces (options are Jane Eyre, Little Women, and Pride and Prejudice), fun and interesting bookmarks to save your place as you read, and a literary insults chart.
Although you might associate LEGO(R) more with toys for kids, their line of projects and kits for adults includes this fantastically nostalgic LEGO(R) typewriter that we simply cannot resist suggesting for any editor and maker in your life.
Tea and Treats
Murchie’s Fine Tea and Coffee, based in Canada, “offers traditional products and classic blends while developing new combinations for the next generation of tea drinkers. We are proud to provide custom blends for events and occasions, from local landmarks to national observations and royal milestones.” Their Editors’ Blend Loose Tea is well-known by our members, but you might also consider the Library Blend, Baker Street Blend, or CBC Radio Blend if you’re looking for a change of pace.
Novel Tea Literary Blends from Uncommon Goods are “punny literary blends [that] combine classic books and luscious teas into one tasteful tin.” Options include Sense and Senchability, Cup of Cthulhu, Oliver Lemon Twist, and Pu’er Rabbit.
Walsh Writers’ Tears Whiskey “is a critically acclaimed, award-winning recreation of the fabled 19th century whiskey,” with five variations available. While we do not at all condone editors either making writers cry or embracing the stereotype of doing so… well, we have it on good authority that it’s very nice whiskey, and the literary connection is undeniable.
Affirmation Cards for Editors
Boost your confidence and productivity with the first-ever Affirmation Cards for Editors! Elevate your editing prowess and transform your work routine with daily doses of inspiration. Guild member Nadia Geagea Pupa—podcast host of The Editor’s Half Hour—wrote each beautifully crafted card, designed to ignite your sense of purpose and offer words of encouragement. Whether you're a seasoned editor or just starting out, embrace the power of positive thinking and get ready to edit with confidence. Each box has a magnetic closure, 74 unique affirmations, and a small wooden stand to hold each card, all for $29.99, with free shipping available as a holiday special! For bulk orders, email Rachel@piquepublishing.com.
