If you’re anything like me, a fancy box of chocs will last five minutes once unwrapped, but this bundle of joy is the gift that keeps on giving. An entire year’s worth of information and inspiration can be found within the beautifully illustrated pages of our 2024 Diary & Planner. From affirmations to accountability, this diary works hard to support writers in reaching their goals. And when they do, they’re going to need our latest edition of the Indie Press Guide to find the perfect publisher! Make 2024 the year you show the writer in your life you believe in them. And not just that, give them the tools to do it…
2. Curtis Brown Creative Gift Vouchers
Speaking of tools to do it, they don’t come much bigger and better than Curtis Brown Creative. As ‘one of the UK’s most successful writing academies,’ you can rely on CBC to offer stand-out courses for aspiring writers. Whether they’re just starting out, eager to learn new techniques and master their specific genre or keen to get advice from a beloved bestselling author such as Marian Keyes, Kate Mosse, or David Nicholls, there’s something for every writer! And with gift vouchers ranging from £35-£220, it really couldn’t be easier to put a smile on your loved one’s face this Christmas.
Gold, frankincense, myrrh, are all luxuries fit for a king, but reading has to be the greatest luxury of all, so why not give the gift of reading this Christmas? By donating to Shannon Trust, you’re not just helping someone in prison, or in the community, learn to read, you’re changing their life forever. And not just theirs, but by breaking the cycle of low literacy, you’re changing their children’s lives, and beyond. Do something incredible this year, check out www.shannontrust.org.uk and see how you can not only donate, but get involved in this life affirming, life-enriching programme.
If you’re all out of novel ideas, what about a Folklore book sleeve instead? Hand crafted and utterly adorable, these padded sleeves are not only gorgeous to look at, they’re brilliant for protecting books from wear and tear. Go on, gift one of these beauties this festive season and make dog-eared books a thing of Christmas past.
Like Mslexia, Persephone Books started life way back in 1999 with a mission to put women writers at the front and centre of what they do. Since then, they’ve reprinted 149 intelligent, thought-provoking, and exquisitely written books, mostly by women writers. As well as novels they publish short stories, diaries, memoirs, poetry, gardening books and cookery books. Each title has an elegant grey jacket and a patterned endpaper, along with a matching bookmark — thank you, Persephone, for the perfect stocking filler!
Of course, everyone at Mslexia is passionate about women’s writing but a close second is our shared love of coffee. In fact, I remember it featured quite heavily in my job interview! And it’s not just us – it seems that this particular brew is part of many a writer’s ritual, so why not treat someone you love to a bespoke coffee subscription from Rounton Coffee Roasters? Not only is their coffee seriously good, these guys are seriously ethical, with a focus on sustainability, transparency and community. I’ll drink to that!
'A woman must have socks of her own' – Virginia Wool
It’s Chattyfeet Socks’ belief that one cannot think well, love well or sleep well if one doesn’t have a comfortable pair of socks. So, if the pair on the end of your bookworm’s feet are looking a little threadbare, then what are you waiting for? Head over to Chattyfeet Socks’ website and discover all the literary greats, quite literally at your feet! Jane Austoe, William Shakes-Feet, Edgar Allan Toe to name but a few…
If you know someone who loves surprises, then a handpicked book subscription from the knowledgeable and lovely team at Drakes – The Bookshop could be just the thing. With children’s, adult fiction and nonfiction bundles ranging in price from £33-£154 for a three-month, six-month or twelve-month subscription, there is something to suit all readers and budgets. Not only that, every book they send out is wrapped in brown paper and tied up with string. What’s not to love?
These beautiful stargazing cabins in the Sussex countryside have been built for writers. Inspired by lost voices in women’s history, they are each unique creative spaces filled with art and books: the perfect setting to rest, write and be inspired. Starcroft Farm Cabins offer self-led writing break retreats year-round but if you want to give the writer in your life the best possible start to 2024, you could book their place on the New Year writing retreat (15-19 Jan 2024), which includes four night’s accommodation, a one-to-one workshop with a writing coach, a chair massage and a Writer’s Welcome Bag.
10. Mslexia Magazine Subscription
The coffee’s gone down a storm, their feet are toasty warm, they’ve completed the habit tracker and brain gym exercises in their swanky new Mslexia Diary, but something’s missing. Something’s not quite right. Check out their coffee table, and if it doesn’t have the latest issue of Mslexia on top of it, you need to put that right! Buy a subscription to our quarterly magazine and the writer in your life will never be without expert advice and inspiration, debate and opinion, extraordinary poetry and prose, and a unique directory of opportunities. Mslexia magazine is simply a must for women writers.
Happy shopping everyone, and if you’ve been inspired this Christmas, don’t forget to let us know on our socials!
Jo x
