Christmas is fast approaching! And like every year, the mad-dash for presents and stocking fillers starts afresh. Some of the trickiest people to shop for are creative types like Writers, quiet appreciators like Readers and hard-working College / Grad School Students.

The main presents should not really be a problem. But if you’re still stuck, check out my lists of 10 Gift Ideas for Writers, Book-Lovers and Students.

But what about stocking fillers or boot fillers (in case you celebrate St. Nikolaus on December 6, like we do in Germany)? Here is a list of 10 ideas Santa Claus (or Father Christmas, the Christkind or St. Nicholas) can use to stuff those Christmas stockings with, other than tangerines and walnuts.

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Library Socks

Put a new spin on that classic Christmas presents: socks! Let’s face it, you can never have enough socks. Readers and Writers will love Library Card Socks! They’re small, comfy, fit into every stocking and look like a library card. What more do you want?

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USB Wristband

Students and Writers can never have too many USB sticks these days. But USB sticks also have a tendency to get lost when you actually need them. No more! Nifty little USB Wristbands range from plastic and glow-in-the-dark to leather bracelets, and from 4 GB to a massive 64 GB capacity! And in case you’re looking for bulk USB Wristbands to give away to a team or class or at other events, you can even have them branded with your logo!

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Hand Warmers

Keeping your fingers from freezing is essential, especially when you work with your hands a lot as readers, writers and students tend to do. Mini Hottie Hand Warmers fit into every pocket and can be reused. They’ll keep your hands warm for hours, no matter whether you sit at your desk or whether you’re out and about in the cold.

 

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Arm & Wrist Warmers

Keeping your arms and wrists warm is just as essential as keeping your fingers warm. Knitted Arm & Wrist Warmers have a thumb hole so you have full use of your fingers. They can be worn on their own or above a sweater for extra warmth. Pattern and length of the sleeve is down to individual style, and if you’re into knitting and crocheting, then these would make a lovely homemade gift!

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USB WiFi Dongle

Many mobile network operators offer pay monthly or pay as you go WiFi dongles the size of a USB stick. That means you can access the internet from absolutely everywhere with your laptop or tablet PC. You’d love to work on your story or paper in your favourite café but they don’t have WiFi? Not a problem anymore!

(Personal anecdote: we didn’t have the internet in our house when I was at uni, I survived 3 years of my Bachelor degree with a PAYG WiFi Dongle.)

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Pens

As sad as this may sound, but students and writers can always use more pens (even if they don’t admit it out loud). Whether you go for a cheap pack of ballpoint pens, or a really nice one is up to you.

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Chocolate coated coffee beans

Forget about hazelnuts and walnuts. Break with tradition and fill the stocking with chocolate covered coffee beans! Chocolate and coffee in one, what could be better? They’ll keep the writer, reader or student in your life awake and alert.

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Fountain Pen Earrings or Pendants

There are all sorts of writing and reading related pieces of jewellery available out there for both men and women. For example: fountain pen nib earrings,  fountain pen nib cufflinks, nib and book charm necklaces and various other literature-inspired jewellery.

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Gift Certificates 

The one thing you can never go wrong with are gift certificates and vouchers. Whether it’s for Amazon, iTunes, a coffee shop, the cinema or somewhere else, they will always come in handy!

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Tote Bag

All those lecture notes, library books and writing notebooks have to be transported home somehow. A tote bag with a fun literature-related message, a favourite quote or book cover comes in really handy!

 

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