Baubles (Trinkets for Writers)

If you’ve seen Kung Fu Panda you know that the key to the "secret ingredient" is just to believe there’s a secret ingredient.  So if you’re going to have your morning cup of java or tea, why not transform it into "screenwriting fuel" with this cup from Zazzle.com.  Let it be a constant reminder of your screenwriting goals in 2010. 

Buy Here: $13.95

So there you are nestled behind your desk, wearing your favorite roomy t-shirt and sweats, all the while pecking away at your keyboard. Your back feels great in that new ergonomic chair, the extended monitor is candy-for-your-eyes and your keyboard and mouse setup feel like an extension of your body. But what about your feet? FEET? WHO NEEDS FEET? TELL MY HOLEY SOCKS TO PRAY FOR ‘EM, I’M BUSY SPINNING GOLD WITH MY FINGERTIPS!

Seriously, I tried on a pair of these Memory Foam Slippers from The Sharper Image and my body sunk about 3/4 an inch down into a billowy cloud of bliss. These would make a great techy - but not so techy - gift for anyone.  But give these to a home-writer and they may just love you for it.

Cost: $29.99

Someone sent me the link to this product at www.zazzle.com and I laughed out loud.  The best thing about the shirt is it’s customizable.  Think about it… if you happened to be standing behind someone in line with their blog printed across their back, wouldn’t you be curious to know what they write about?  Bloggers are so often faceless folk, so spotting one in the wild is so paparazzish. And though the holidays are all but over, I can’t think of a more creative gift to give a blogger…just because.  Comes in all sizes and many color combos.  Price: $22.75 Click Here.

Remember the pencil sharpener attached to the edge of the chalkboard in your 2nd grade classroom? Probably not, but X-Acto, the company most likely responsible for that product is seventy-five years old and still going strong. For those of you who like to kick it old-school, you can still get a brand new vintage-looking pencil sharpener. 

Check out the X-Acto 1001 Ranger 55 heavy-duty pencil sharpener.   All-metal construction with steele dual cutters will ensure your pencils are sharp and ready to scribble your brain droppings all over the place.  Mounting screws are for wall or desk mount.  Purchase at a reseller for about $29.99: Click Here

X-Acto also manufactures a vacuum mount sharpener complete with chrome and a sturdy build. Available at numerous resellers ranging from $23 - $29: Click Here 

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Fisher Space Pen - Packed with technology, the Space Pen is, without exception, the best pen on the market for travel.  The website offers a large selection at very reasonable prices.  When purchasing, keep in mind most writers will utilize the clip accessory for attaching the pen to journals. Starting as low as $9 - Fisher Space Pen Co.

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I came across these typewriter key coasters while placing an order with one of my favorite online catalogs - Sundance.  Each coaster is stamped with a courier font letter of your choice and encased in glass at $8 a pop (two or more $7 each).  Order your favorite letter, piece together initials, or get creative and spell out something like LOVE or DREAM or QWERTY. These coasters would make the perfect gift and fit the decor of any writer.

It’s pretty typical that people who love to write often love to read; and people who love to read can serve up some scrabble "woopass".   The Scrabble Premier Collector’s Edition from Restoration Hardware is so gorgeous your writer friend will likely dig out her old Scrabble set for routine play and reserve this collector’s edition for the well-heeled crowd. This is one of those thoughtful gifts that will never be forgotten.

Price:  $169

May is just around the corner and graduations are nearing.  Need the perfect gift for that English Lit grad leasing a new apartment or that quick-witted screenwriter finishing up film school? The Atelier polished task lamp is a memorable gift that sends the perfect message: Your future is bright. 

For those middle of the night "bursts of brilliance", gift them a journal or notebook to keep beside the task lamp.  I love the Jenny Bick refillable SMILE journal.  Just click on your task light and jot down your thoughts. 

Lamp Price: $229      Journal Price: $29 

Remember the in-school class trip to the library where you sat criss-cross and patiently listened while the librarian explained how to locate books using the Dewey Decimal System?  The Personal Library Kit is one of those great gift ideas for the writer friend with the plethora of great books constantly out on loan.  It’s old school fun and a thoughtful surprise for only $16.99 at Restoration Hardware.

1. $ Gift Certificates - Not exactly techy, but easy.

2. $$ Portable Backup Storage - Encourage writers to backup their masterpieces with portable storage.

4. $$ Ergonomic Keyboard - Try it, they may like it and improve their health at the same time. (Keep the receipt just in case)

5. $$+ Digital Voice Recorder - Often times writers dream the stories they are writing and or their imaginations become alive just before they lie down to sleep.  Having a voice recorder handy helps ensure they capture the thought-on-the-spot.

6. $$+ Update Writing Software - Find out if your writer gift recipient is using the latest version of their writing software or if they’ve been wanting to try something new.

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Atop my list of unique and thoughtful gifts is a pen given to me by a good friend and a fellow screenwriter and producer. I remember opening the gift and being overjoyed as I recognized immediately that it combined two of my passions – antique typewriters and quality pens.

Tokens & Coins uses authentic vintage Remington, Smith Corona, Underwood and Royal typewriter keys to create the QWERTY.  At some point each of these typewriters has adorned my typewriter collection, making this pen even more precious to me.  The QWERTY comes with your choice of 26 letters in a sterling silver fluted barrel or a black rubberized barrel.

My pen has the letter R and the rubber barrel.  The ballpoint inks smoothly and the pen material and design offers a sturdy grip and a balanced weight.  It’s perfect for long journal writing, meetings, or day-to-day office tasks around LitCentral.  I’ve polished the sterling silver clip, cap and end a few times keeping it as spiffy as the day I received this wonderful gift. The QWERTY will remain in my collection for a long time to come.  Thank you Heather!

QWERTY Pen

This beautiful sterling silver ring incorporates writing and love – taking jewelry to a new level.  Imagine leaving secret love notes for your sweetheart to carry with them throughout the day.  Just slide your note (written on mylar paper that can be cut but not torn) inside the ring and your thoughts will be close to your loved one all day.

At $300 it is a bit more expensive than the traditional “note on a napkin” that you may leave in your sweetheart’s lunchbox.  But, unforgettably cute and unique none-the-less.

The Love Inside No.5 - Made to order in your size by artist Colleen Baran at Etsy.

Need to market yourself as a screenwriter? Use your body. Hey now, get your head out of the gutter, what I mean by that is wearing “writers gear” – hats, t-shirts, and hoodies.  You never know who may be sitting next to you at Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, or on an airplane.  It could just be Mrs. Big Shot.  Perhaps your “Writer” hat is the conversation piece that leads Mrs. Big Shot to ask, “What do you write?”  We have found many a writer who have had success with this inexpensive marketing technique. 

There are several companies that sell writers gear for both screenwriters and novel writers.  Café Press carries thousands of items for screenwriters, writers and filmmakers alike with hats starting at $15.99 and t-shirts starting at $19.99. 

Samples from Café Press