How to get ideas for Secret Santa and Christmas wish lists in record time
It is the time of year when birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas begin to roll into one.
And it is also the time of year when we swap our writers’ hats for elves’ hats.
It has been one crazy year with Coronavirus quarantine and we all deserve a bit of cheer and gift giving in our lives.
Therefore I’ve come up with a few present ideas for yourself or the writers in your life.
These gifts would be perfect for those sitting down to write an autobiography, memoir, biography or other life-story project.
And are helpful no matter how far along a writing journey: planning, writing, editing or publishing.
So spread a little joy with these gift giving ideas to suit all price points …
Coffee mugs
Every writer needs a strong brew of something to get through a tough writing or editing session!
Make the process even more enjoyable with a new mug.
Certainly gift giving is fun and affordable with options like these…
Firstly, try this personalised mug with a typewritter available from MintChocolateDesigns on Etsy, $20.
Or for something bolder buy this ‘I’m Feeling All Write’ coffee cup from LookHuman, US$11.99.
And for a pop of colour try this ‘Write Write Write Write’ mug from Padmore Culture, US$14.99.
Related article – Buy a gift 2019: Christmas wish list + secret Santa list for writers
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Life-story books
Boost the writing process with quality inspiration from other life-story writers.
So dive into a new book this holiday season to see how others have approached their storytelling.
Certainly an idea for gift giving is When All is Said & Done (ebook $16.99).
This book is about the Australian Football League legend Neale Daniher and being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Indeed it was the Australian Book Industry Awards Biography Book of the Year 2020.
Daniher sat down to pen a letter to the grandchildren he’ll never get to know.
And then he kept on writing …
“A wise man said, ‘Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.’ I understand the wisdom of this – right now, I don’t have much ‘forwards’ left.”
Furthermore, other ABIA winners to consider are: New Writer of the Year winner Your Own Kind of Girl by Clare Bowditch ($29.99) and Audiobook of the Year No Friend But The Mountains by Behrouz Boochani ($40).
Related article – Best books of 2019: Must-read books about life stories to enjoy this summer
Related article – Book review: No Friend But the Mountains by Behrouz Boochani
Framed wall art
Make a writing space extra inviting and motivational with an inspirational quote or three.
For example try this one by poet Sylvia Plath: “Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences.”
Buy it framed on Etsy by BookishlyUK for $43.80.
Or try this mind-taming mantra: “Doubt kills more dreams, than failure ever will.”
Buy it on stretched canvas by Print and Proper for $60.
Related article – Inspirational quotes: 10 positive quotes you should try to boost your writing!
Card game
The holiday season is all about spending time with family and friends.
Of course, COVID has put the brakes on this slightly.
But if you are looking for a game you can play together (or possibly adapt for a video call) try The Hygge Game.
Hygge is Scandinavian (Danish really) for enjoying the good things in life.
Most importantly The Hygge Game brings people together, getting friends and family to share stories and discuss the big and small things of life.
For example, the game has more than 300 entertaining, interesting and thoughtful questions designed to spark cozy conversation and create the right atmosphere for an ultimate hygge evening.
The Hygge Game is available on Amazon for $30.45.
Related article – Life story challenge: Thanksgiving games and Christmas games to play with family
Gift giving a laptop
If you are feeling especially generous this year give the gift of Apple.
For example, the new MacBook Air, Mac mini and 13-inch MacBook Pro have be released.
Certainly they are super fast with an Apple M1 chip and improved battery life.
Hopefully this will translate into faster writing of an autobiography!
So find out more at the Apple website where prices start from $1099.
Gift giving Forever Young Autobiographies
Forever Young Autobiographies is offering some super products and services that would make extra-special gift giving ideas for yourself or a loved one!
Certainly start out small with a Life-story Feature Article Guide ($14.99) or the Your Family Stories System ($49.99), which shows how to easily capture your loved ones’ memories for future generations.
Alternatively, try the Setting Writing Goals Guide course to start and keep a project on track ($24.99).
And find one-on-one help and support via a coaching call (from $50) or bespoke one-stop publishing services (from $100).
Also, remember to sign up to my email list to hear first about end-of-year offers.
Indeed I’m here to help you write more life stories and preserve memories for future generations.
So give a gift that truly is priceless!
Related article – Your Family Stories system: Family stories + family history + much more!
Related article – Ask Nicola Q&A: What you should know about Forever Young Autobiographies publishing services
Final say: Gift giving
The final stretch of a big year is here and there is much to be thankful for.
So celebrate with your loved ones by giving gifts that will spark and foster life stories.
Gift giving could include: mugs, books, framed wall art, card games, laptops and Forever Young Autobiographies guides and services.
Furthermore, a big thank you to you my readers.
Indeed I’m so grateful for your continued support, encouragement and feedback to help build and grow Forever Young Autobiographies.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.
Happy writing and happy gifting!
Free gift!
Planning to write a life story? Get your book outline done ASAP with the free Structure Success video training. Sign up here or fill in the form below.
Your say
What gift do you want for Christmas? Or have you got a good gift giving idea to share? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.
