29 awesome gifts for authors
Wondering what to buy the author in your life (or yourself) this holiday season?
I asked author friends in the Build Book Buzz Facebook Group for their thoughts on gifts for authors; they recommended everything from a review of the author’s book to alcohol to printing services for bookmarks and postcards to a gym membership for a healthy escape from the keyboard.
Several suggested specific products, as well. I’ve incorporated some of them here along with those I uncovered through research. It’s worth noting, too, that a few of these came from a retailer I discovered when its Instagram account followed the Build Book Buzz account on that social network. Until then, I had never heard of the company. Social media can make a difference!
Here are a few fun and special ideas that are sure to generate a heartfelt “Thank you!” from any author you know.
Click on each product name to get more information.
Under $20
1. Let’s Eat Grandma, Commas Saves Lives T-shirt
This one’s for the grammarian in your life.
$19.95
2. Internet Grammar is Ruining Everything Mug
I happen to agree with this.
$16.00
3. Old Books Fragrance Soy Candle
The scent of an old book can rekindle many memories.
$14.98
Choose Alice in Wonderland, Sherlock Holmes, or Treasure Island and enjoy sweet dreams.
$17.99-24.99
5. Library Card Socks
Remember library cards stuck in the front of books? They’re gone, but not forgotten, when you wear these socks.
$10.00
For each pair purchased, a book is donated to a community in need.
$10.00
I love this case! Make sure you get the right size for the phone.
$9.99
Don’t you love a good play on words?
$17.95
9. Real Writers Refrigerator Magnet
What a fun stocking stuffer!
$4.99
10. Stories Yet to be Written Journal
Some authors might need more than one.
$9.99
There’s no mystery here.
$9.95
12. Write Here, Write Now Mousepad
For those who need the reminder.
$9.99
13. Your Fingers Tap Dance Print
This lovely framed poem print makes the process seem almost magical.
$18
For the writer with a sense of humor.
$15
15. “Ask Me About My Book” T-shirts
These conversation-starters were designed by my author friend Flora Brown.
$19.95
16. Do Not Annoy the Writer Mug
Want to be a character in a book? Annoy the writer.
$12.95
17. Romance Novelists Do It Between the Sheets Tote Bag
Of course they do.
$13.95
18. Library and Books Pendant Necklace
This is so pretty!
$16.00
19. Ask Me About My Books Keychain
It’s the perfect stocking stuffer.
$10
More than $20
Act quickly if you like this book folded into the shape of a teacup because there’s only one of them.
$25.00
21. T-shirts Created From the Text of Your Favorite Books
Choose from books in 13 categories.
$34.00
22. I Read Past My Bedtime Framed Print
I do this. Do you?
$31.00
This classy iPhone case doubles as a wallet that can hold credit cards, a driver’s license, and cash.
$59.99
24. Professional Bookworm Hoodie
Pair this with pajama bottoms and you’ve got a writing uniform.
$42.00
25. Just One More Chapter Laptop Sleeve
Perfect for those marathon coffee shop sessions.
$36.00 
26. Wake Me When I’m Published Pajamas
For women only; check out the pattern options for the bottoms, too.
$34.95
27. Build Book Buzz Training Programs
Whether the author in your life needs to learn how to rock it on Amazon, snag cover endorsements, or learn book marketing from start to finish, there’s a thorough and helpful training program for it in our online store.
Prices range from $9 to $79
Scrivener software puts everything you need for structuring, writing, and editing long documents at your fingertips.
$40-45
Oh, the books your friend can buy with a gift card!
Prices vary 
You won’t go wrong with any of these.
What gift would you recommend (other than your own book, of course)? Add to the list in a comment.
Tip of the Month
Writing a headline for your book’s sales page on your website — or any other type of headline? Give the “Headline Generator” tool a try.
You might have to play around with it to get the results you need. And, even if you don’t get just the right headline, what the software churns out might be a good starting point, giving you something to tweak until it’s just right.
I’ve used this, and the experience has reminded me of the book cover design process: I can’t do it myself, but I know what I like when I see it.
Like what you’re reading? Get it delivered to your inbox every week by subscribing to the free Build Book Buzz newsletter. You’ll also get my free “Top 5 Free Book Promotion Resources” cheat sheet immediately!
Great list! So many of them made me laugh and I know several people who would love to have a few of these!
Aren’t they fun, Takara? I’m so glad you like them!
Sandy
Love this list Sandra. You uncovered some clever ones. Thanks for featuring my shirt as one of them.
I’m going to HAVE to get a few pairs of those library socks, for myself and gifts.
You’ve inspired me to finish and publish my list of gift ideas for writers/authors as well.
Flora, those library card socks are on my list, too! I love your t-shirts — I hope they sell well!
Sandy
I like the library socks as well and many others. Thanks for this. I’m sharing on social media.
I LOVE those library socks, Kayleen! Thanks for sharing the link.
Sandy
I love all your selections, especially the library pendant and Flora’s “Ask Me About My Book” T-shirts (I’d already ordered two for myself)! Here’s a practical tool to give work-focused do-it-yourself authors: the 48-page reference I recently published (the one with the title that’ll either excite you or put you to sleep, depending on its relevance), “80 Common Layout Errors to Flag When Proofreading PDF Layouts,” available on Amazon. I recommend ordering the softcover version, chopping off 1/4″ of the bound edge, and getting it wire-coil bound at your local copy center so the pages will lie flat for easy reference.
I thought the pendant was pretty, too, Lynette.
Sandy
Perfect. I especially love the mug about killing someone in a book. I pull some of my characters from my daughters friends, their looks, or characteristics. One of them, I used her hair style in my book, so I tell her the heroine is her -but, I killed her. She loves to joke around about how I killed her in a book.
http://www.fiddledeedeebooks.wordpress.com
Donna, don’t you think your daughter’s friend should buy you that mug?
; )
Sandy
check out Storiarts.com they have scarves, gloves, pillow cases and other items covered in print from famous literary works.
Thank for the tip, Joni!
Sandy
Great list! Sharing your article widely!
Glad you like it, Joan! And thanks for sharing. I hope lots of writers get the gift they want from it.
Sandy