A Literary Gift Guide, Without Books
Attention, adult children and partners of people who have given birth: Mother’s Day approaches.
No matter what your household culture, the mother in your life could probably use a treat. If the mother in your life also just so happens to be a writer (and/or a dedicated reader), and you can’t afford to give her a solo writing retreat, an independent publicity package, a new brain, or a place on the New York Times bestseller list (what dagger?), then we here at Literary Hub have some ideas for you.
(The only thing she (probably) doesn’t need is books, so for those, you’ll have to look elsewhere.)
Also comes in pickle, cleaver, weed baggie, ghost, and bacon.Use your judgement—but everybody likes butter.
Reading in bed without back pain is worth any price.
This one’s a lot cheaper, though.
Who gets more headaches, mothers or writers? This is a trick question.
In parenting, as in writing, sometimes it’s helpful to remember…
All work and no sleep makes Jacqueline a dull writer. And an impatient parent. This might help. Also good for wrinkles, not that she has any.
For moms with dad energy, and also for moms with kids who appreciate the best of the best of whimsical vehicle-based storytelling.
While we’re on the topic, a hat moms who are definitely going to AWP next year. (Though be warned: if we see you in our hat we will come talk to you.)
Ear plugs that can take the edge off (but still let you hear if someone’s knocking on the door of your office).
Another good way to take the edge off. Add a promise of childcare to make this gift really sing!
Portable and chic. For moms who sometimes resort to hiding in the closet to finish their chapters.
For keeping her hair out of her face AND hiding things from her children (it has a secret pocket!).
If scrunchies don’t appeal, clips are another option.
Quintessential Millennial Brooklyn jeweler Catbird recently announced a collab with indie popper Japanese Breakfast, aka bestselling memoirist Michelle Zauner. Probably at least one of these things will appeal to your personal beloved writer/mom. We like the crown rings.
She might only have 7 minutes twice a week to shower, but you can help her make it a good one.
Everything—even editing—is better with carbs.
…or any video game that strikes her fancy, as long as it comes with the promise of a few protected hours each week to play it. This one is particularly recommended for the satisfying (and meta) story, the unusual gameplay, and the fact that it’s fun to play no matter when you pick it up, or how much time you have. Busy parents need a solid slog-to-swing ratio, and this one has it.
Your brain works better when you’re hydrated, but almost no one really is. (Maybe that’s what’s wrong with the timeline?) This would be chic in any home office, and reduce trips to the fridge.
A good place to read. Can also accommodate a small climbing person.
Flexibility is always an asset. Can be combined with above chair!
Only applicable if the mother/writer in your life is of—ahem—a certain age, but if she is, she’ll get it.
So small no one will even know she has it. All those horrid Valentine’s Day cards from school just… disappeared!
You might think your beloved mother/writer just needs to relax, but what she really needs is a little extra cash. Well, get you a gift that can do both!
Use of this home sauna also requires that you lie down for an hour. This will be appreciated.
Are bag charms over? Are kitsch literary-adjacent accessories over? Who knows, but this charm charms for being actually readable (supposedly). For moms who like to leave their phones in their bags on the train, and also for moms who like to talk to people. Pair with a nice magnifying glass.
Several Lit Hub writer/moms have this vertical bookcase, which houses a surprising number of books with a minimal footprint. Also, it’s cool to look at. Don’t let anyone climb it.
No doubt your intended has a lot to do, today and every day. Might as well keep it elegantly organized.
All writers and all mothers have one thing in common: something hurts. This can help (also, it’s portable!).
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This post contains affiliate links (not to Amazon!). These recommendations are based solely on the opinions of Lit Hub staffers, but if you make a purchase after clicking through to one of these items, Lit Hub may receive compensation.
Source:
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