The Writer's Gift Guide
Elevate your gift-giving with our curated Writer's Gift Guide, perfect for the creatives in your life, from art-inspired totes to literary clocks.
Written By 
The Subtext Editorial Team
Published on 
Apr 10, 2024
0
 min. read

The gift giving season is hurtling towards us whether we like it or not. And if you’re anything like us, explaining your job at holiday gatherings can lead to questions like: 

“A copywriter? So you work in the legal field?” 

“I saw a clever billboard on the 101 – was that you?” 

“Do you just sit around and drink like they do in Mad Men?”

“Branding is the same thing as marketing, right?”

Despite our loved ones not knowing exactly what we do, they still try to find gifts that feel apropos. We’re here to help you avoid the tired and cheeseball gifts that inevitably end up in your care – art prints of vintage typewriters, “Keep Calm and Write On” t-shirts, and inspirational quote notebooks. Although, a fresh Moleskin is always appreciated. 

Whether you're an "I don't need a thing!" kind of person, or you believe it's better to receive than give – odds are, someone’s going to ask you what’s on your wish list. So, we made a compilation of thoughtful things you might actually want or use. And if you have creative friends, this might be just the gift guide you 're looking for.

2023 Writer's Gift Guide

The Reader's Rest

Book/Shop and Glor collab on these one-of-a-kind beauties made for chillin’ with a nice read. 

Ed Ruscha tote

Ed Ruscha, the visual artist famous for wielding words, speaks to all of us with this tote.

“Don’t Burn Out” candle

Burnout sucks, this candle doesn’t – and it benefits L.A.’s Downtown Women’s Center. Nice. 

“Sorry I’m a Creative” hoodie

NGL, we’d love a comma in this copy, but this hoodie is fire so all is forgiven. 

Pear Pod organizer

This little cutie keeps all your pens, sticky notes and midday snacks contained. 

Brown Parcel Press 2024 letterpress calendar

Printed and designed by a mother-daughter duo, this calendar is a beautiful labor of love and celebration of life's little joys. 

Author Clock

What an insanely creative way to tell time, using literary quotes for every minute of the day.

Fine Arts T-shirt

For art lovers, art students, anyone who's made a career out of being creative. This tee's for you. 

A Self-Help Guide for Copywriters

We’re big fans of pretty much anything Dan Nelken creates, especially this book that teaches us how to kick self-doubt’s ass.

The Sip champagne membership

A monthly delivery of bubbly makes anything a celebration – getting a new client, getting paid, getting out of a Zoom marathon. 

The Criterion Channel gift subscription

Get creative inspo from the best streaming service for lovers of films, not movies.

Magnetic Poetry: Moist Edition

Everyone's favorite fridge poetry gets gross with a collection of the most cringe-inducing words. 

The Subtext T-shirt

Say less. 

Lighthouse portable lamp

Your desk's best friend with minimalist vibes, three lighting settings and an auto-off function to boot. 

Karel Martens 2024 tear-off calendar

Designer and printmaker Karel Marten's calendar fills your space with impeccable design, day by day.

Joan Didon: What She Means

A companion to the exhibition at UCLA's Hammer Museum, this book surveys the eternal, essential life and work of Joan Didion. 

Matisse scarf

When the home office gets chilly, bundle up in this gorgeous wool scarf.

Unsubscribe hat

Sometimes it's best to let your hat do the talking.

Happy shopping and gifting! Or adding to cart and abandoning. No judgement here.

Love,

Your friends at The Subtext

The gift giving season is hurtling towards us whether we like it or not. And if you’re anything like us, explaining your job at holiday gatherings can lead to questions like: 

“A copywriter? So you work in the legal field?” 

“I saw a clever billboard on the 101 – was that you?” 

“Do you just sit around and drink like they do in Mad Men?”

“Branding is the same thing as marketing, right?”

Despite our loved ones not knowing exactly what we do, they still try to find gifts that feel apropos. We’re here to help you avoid the tired and cheeseball gifts that inevitably end up in your care – art prints of vintage typewriters, “Keep Calm and Write On” t-shirts, and inspirational quote notebooks. Although, a fresh Moleskin is always appreciated. 

Whether you're an "I don't need a thing!" kind of person, or you believe it's better to receive than give – odds are, someone’s going to ask you what’s on your wish list. So, we made a compilation of thoughtful things you might actually want or use. And if you have creative friends, this might be just the gift guide you 're looking for.

2023 Writer's Gift Guide

The Reader's Rest

Book/Shop and Glor collab on these one-of-a-kind beauties made for chillin’ with a nice read. 

Ed Ruscha tote

Ed Ruscha, the visual artist famous for wielding words, speaks to all of us with this tote.

“Don’t Burn Out” candle

Burnout sucks, this candle doesn’t – and it benefits L.A.’s Downtown Women’s Center. Nice. 

“Sorry I’m a Creative” hoodie

NGL, we’d love a comma in this copy, but this hoodie is fire so all is forgiven. 

Pear Pod organizer

This little cutie keeps all your pens, sticky notes and midday snacks contained. 

Brown Parcel Press 2024 letterpress calendar

Printed and designed by a mother-daughter duo, this calendar is a beautiful labor of love and celebration of life's little joys. 

Author Clock

What an insanely creative way to tell time, using literary quotes for every minute of the day.

Fine Arts T-shirt

For art lovers, art students, anyone who's made a career out of being creative. This tee's for you. 

A Self-Help Guide for Copywriters

We’re big fans of pretty much anything Dan Nelken creates, especially this book that teaches us how to kick self-doubt’s ass.

The Sip champagne membership

A monthly delivery of bubbly makes anything a celebration – getting a new client, getting paid, getting out of a Zoom marathon. 

The Criterion Channel gift subscription

Get creative inspo from the best streaming service for lovers of films, not movies.

Magnetic Poetry: Moist Edition

Everyone's favorite fridge poetry gets gross with a collection of the most cringe-inducing words. 

The Subtext T-shirt

Say less. 

Lighthouse portable lamp

Your desk's best friend with minimalist vibes, three lighting settings and an auto-off function to boot. 

Karel Martens 2024 tear-off calendar

Designer and printmaker Karel Marten's calendar fills your space with impeccable design, day by day.

Joan Didon: What She Means

A companion to the exhibition at UCLA's Hammer Museum, this book surveys the eternal, essential life and work of Joan Didion. 

Matisse scarf

When the home office gets chilly, bundle up in this gorgeous wool scarf.

Unsubscribe hat

Sometimes it's best to let your hat do the talking.

Happy shopping and gifting! Or adding to cart and abandoning. No judgement here.

Love,

Your friends at The Subtext

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Wall of vintage pulp magazine covers.
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