Author gifts
Whether you are a bookseller, agent, or just know people who like to write, at some point you will be expected to buy a gift for an author. I remember my first days at Hicklebee’s having events and freaking out about what to buy for author gifts. I think a lot of people share this anxiety and the author probably ends up with a lot of the same. I wanted to be unique. So, I turn to Etsy. Handmade swag from artsy folks and a lot of times the item will be one of a kind. I’m going to showcase what I would buy for today’s YA authors if the need arose.
Holly Black:
For Holly I would buy these fingerless black gloves for $15. Holly writes the Curseworkers series and in her world magical people must wear gloves to hamper spreading magic and curses. Holly, however, is not magical (that I know of) and these could make a rockin’ addition to her wardrobe.
Cassandra Clare:
Cassandra writes three popular series featuring Shadow Hunters who draw runes on their bodies. I would buy this wooden box with rounded runes for her to set upon her bookshelves near her own titles. So for $20 you have a really cute relevant gift.
Sarah Rees Brennan:
For Sarah whose UNSPOKEN is coming out soon and quite frankly one of the best books to come out in the history of history I would buy this gothic gate charm from creepy fingered lady for $9. Sarah could then keep it or give it away with one of her sparkly books.
Maureen Johnson:
For Maureen I would buy this reproduction of Jack the Ripper’s letters for $10. On budget and relevant to her latest series, the first book is titled The Name of the Star.
John Green:
For John I would buy five of these constellation greeting cards at $4.75! He could use them for personal notes when he sends his book The Fault in our Stars out.
So what do you guys think… am I a horrible gift buyer? Do you use Etsy?
By: Leeswammes (Judith) (@leeswammes)
Great ideas, I think. The authors you really have to buy for will certainly get great gifts if you’re always this creative in choosing!
By: M.R. Merrick (@mrmerrick)
You are most definitely not a horrible gift buyer. In fact, I’d say you put a lot of thought into them and the authors would probably be thrilled. I’ve never used Etsy, put I think I may be inclined to check it out now.
By: Bec
Love these almost as much as i love Etsy. bought my bub a bracelet with ‘i solemnly swear I am up to no good’ etched on it before she even became the trouble maker she is now.
*thinks*
did i somehow make her into a self-fulfilling prophesy?
By: Jasmine Rose (@ARoomWithBooks)
These are so cool! I haven’t read any of Clare’s books yet, but I’m digging the rune box. Those constellation cards are rather adorable as well.
And I must agree, that lady has a really creepy hand!
By: Jasmine Rose (@ARoomWithBooks)
These are so cool! I haven’t read any of Clare’s books yet, but I’m digging the rune box. Those constellation cards are rather adorable as well.
And I must agree, that lady has a really creepy hand!
By: April Books & Wine
Those are such cool gifts. Also I want to take nail clippers to that one hand. Alas.
I think my favorite on here are the cards, those are so lovely!
By: Rebecca (@imlostinbooks)
These are really fun gifts! They are thoughtful and relevant and I would totally look to you if I ever needed to buy an author a present. :)