5 Creative Literary Gifts (made by people I know): 2017 Holiday Edition

It’s that time of year – everything is all “last minute gifts” in your face and you may be starting to feel a teeny tiny bit caught up in all the anxiety. Never fear – I know you know that things you buy aren’t what is most important in life. You’ll stop to breathe and enjoy your family and friends, I know you will. Being stressed around the holidays isn’t fun for you or the people around you. So this gift list is the Anti-Last Minute Literary Gift List. All the gifts will likely be there after Christmas, too, when you really might want and need to cozy up with a good book or put down a few thoughts in a journal.

Here’s a short but sweet list of literary gifts, all created by some of the incredibly talented friends and acquaintances I’ve met here in the Pittsburgh area.   

 

Write in a journal

I met my friend Alexis here in Pittsburgh when we were both new moms doing storytimes and playdates with our baby girls. She is now on the other side of the state and our girls are so grown up. She designed the art for these cool journals. Make lists, plan things, write a story. The possibilities are endless.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DashesOfHappiness?section_id=20344364

 

Mark your place with an artsy bookmark

My friend Dawn made one of these metal, glass-beaded bookmarks for me and I always think of her when I use it. Bookmarks are good for making sure you don’t dog-ear pages in your books – the pages don’t like it. They told me so.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/565663482/glass-beaded-bookmarks?ref=shop_home_feat_1

 

Light the room with a book-themed paper cut nightlight – Mary Poppins theme

I met Kathryn at a writer’s workshop and absolutely loved her work. She says the paper cutting takes a lot of time but, wow! – it’s worth it for this beautiful end product that shows a mystery design when the light is turned on.

https://www.gocarrgo.com/collections/night-lights/products/poppins-mystery-nightlight

 

Beep, beep! Pre-order this sweet book which is a play on the song, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Writer Kate Dopirak is the kindest person you’d ever meet. She has worked long and hard to earn her success and she is always super helpful and willing to share her knowledge and experience with other writers. I can’t wait for this adorable book to come out – yes, I’ve already pre-ordered it.

http://www.katedopirak.com/twinkle-twinkle-little-car-available-for-pre-order/

 

Burn a book-themed candle while you read

I don’t personally know the maker of these literary candles but I had to include them because they’re made here in Pittsburgh by a local mom and the scents are inspired by various books. This ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ candle is just one of the examples you’ll find – there’s also The Color Purple, The Great Gatsby, etc…I ordered one of these as a Christmas gift for a friend. Now I’m thinking I should’ve probably ordered one for myself, too.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/NorthAveCandles

 

Thanks for reading and happy gift giving!