Best Gifts for the Writers on Your List (or Yourself)

“Many writers have already discovered this gem, but because I’m still shocked by the people I encounter who haven’t, I’ve got to include it here.

Lamott’s book was written primarily for creative writers, but the takeaways are easily useful for copywriters, too. Some of her most insightful advice involves attacking projects one small piece at a time, writing “sh*tty first drafts,” and using short assignments to get yourself going.” – Nicki

“The best copywriters are the ones that can get down to work no matter the circumstances and churn out sparkling copy even when they’re not feeling “creative.”

This book explores how to change bad habits and create good ones and, as a writer, you can use it to eliminate project procrastination and the often-invoked but completely controllable “writer’s block.” And then, of course, you can put in place habits to build your business and improve your life. Not bad, eh?” – Nicki

“Allow me to toot Nicki’s horn for her: she wrote a book! If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of Copywriting Strategies to complement your CCA learning.

This book is aimed at business owners looking to DIY their copy, so it’s not as in-depth as the CCA course (nothing is as in-depth as CCA!). But the high-level tips and tactics are great reminders and can help solidify concepts by consuming information in another format.” – Kate

“According to Runner’s World magazine, when you drink out of a straw you are more likely to take down more ounces than you would if you were just sipping. Plus, a pretty cup makes it even more fun! And these tumblers keep you drink cold FOR-EV-ER. Stay hydrated!”—Tracy Yothsackda, Business Assistant

“You’re landing more clients and making more money and sloooowly starting to come around to the idea that it makes a whole lot more financial sense for you to hire someone to clean your house than for you to do it yourself. Buuuut, you’re just not ready to pull the trigger yet. Take a half step on the way to outsourcing your home cleaning needs and bring in a robot. I’m not saying I’ve done it, but apparently adding a set of googly eyes makes this little guy a pleasant work-at-home companion.”—Kate Sitarz, Marketing Manager

“There are so many upsides to using an essential oil diffuser: reduce stressed, increased focus, and, as a result of those two alone, improved productivity. If you don’t believe me, believe Yufang Lin, MD, from the Cleveland Clinic, who says, ‘As you breathe in, the oil’s aroma immediately stimulates your central nervous system, triggering an emotional response. It can reduce anxiety and stress response quickly.'”—Nicki

“I love this planner more than a typical calendar-based planner because you pick the date so you don’t need to make a new to-do list every day. Sometimes I use it for a couple days and add/cross off throughout the week.

“One side is broken up into categories to prioritize your to-do list and the other side is a bullet journal to use for whatever notes you need. I am a big list maker and love to prioritize my tasks. But I wanted one notebook where I could write all of my tasks and stay organized and this was perfect!”—Meaghan Lynch, Designer

“I love goals and I love planners and I love crossing stuff off of lists. I also love great design and these planners from Page Eleven Paper Goods combine aaaaaall of that. Just *try* not to fill your cart with all of their notepads and planners.”—Nicki

“I just finished filling the last page in one of my Moleskine notebooks and I swore that was it, but there’s something about pen and paper. It’s especially helpful when jotting important notes during client calls. I love the hardcover version of these (it holds up a bit better when traveling) and that they come in so many colors. I’m thinking the lemon yellow color may be next.”— Kate

“I love this desktop power strip. I find that I can never have too many available outlets. This easily mounts to your desk, but it’s not permanent so you can move it as you reorganize your desk. The USB outlets are an added bonus.”—Nick Olds, Marketing Assistant

“I like to have a designated spot for my phone at my desk so when it’s there, it’s not only charging, but it can be ‘off-limits’ to focus on work.”—Julie

“I spent a lot of this year making my work set up more ergonomic. (I mean a LOT of time and research!) One of my favorite purchases has been my roller mouse. It’s made a huge difference, reducing any wrist pain!”—Kaitlyn

“I invested in a real swanky coffee machine for my home office (hello, tax write-off). It was definitely pricey, but I did the math: at $3.50 per cup of coffee at the local coffeeshop, this machine will pay for itself in less than half a year.

I’m more a set-it-and-forget-it type, so I love that this one makes a pot of coffee before I even get into the office for the day.”—Kate

“Look your best while on your Zoom calls and virtual interviews with the help of a ring light!”—Tracy

“If you have a lot of energy, fidget cubes can be good to help focus when you are at a desk. This one in particular has both silent and audible sides. So, if you’re in a meeting, you don’t have to worry about interrupting.”—Julie

“In my effort to use less sticky notes this year, I bought this and really love it! The board is easy to write on and clean, too.”—Kaitlyn

“In the same vein as the Roomba, succulents make for pleasant work-from-home companions who cheer up the space a little bit—and also don’t ask for much from you. Forget to water them one week? No problem. Forget for two weeks? No big deal! Forget for a few months? Okay, now you’re probably pushing it but, trust us, these little guys are very forgiving on the upkeep front.”—Nicki

“Don’t get me wrong: Scrabble will always have my heart as the #1 game for word lovers (to the point I’m considering upgrading to this version with a wooden, rotating board). But, for most of my friends, Scrabble feels about as terrible as writing a five-page English paper. So, that’s where Balderdash comes in. Essentially, you’re writing definitions for a real world and trying to trick other players into picking yours. It’s a fun way to flex your creativity!”—Kate

“This is a game that word-loving people and non-loving word people can both get behind. You get a ridiculous prompt and then have to answer it—but only with a limited selection of word magnets. It’s a great way to stretch your word-wrangling prowess—and let go of that perfectionism.”—Nicki