There are no notebooks here, or highlighters, but here are some ideas for the idea-rich, focus-poor writer that you love. Things that might delight, calm, energise or comfort. Isn't that what we all need? I'm going to assume that you're in need of a little no-more-2024, survive-2025 pressie too, aren't we all.

Loop earplugs

For less sensory overload, or better sleep, or to just cut down the background sound so you're not trying to listen to seven conversations at once. Available direct from Loop. I use the Quiet ones all the time, and also carry Engage with me, although they definitely don't cut the tube screeching enough for me.

Noise cancelling headphones

These look wee - in this picture - but they are mighty! On sale on the Sony site at the moment, they are really helpful for both listening to music and cutting out background sounds. Deactivate the 'speak to chat' feature which not only has a nonsensical name, it cuts the music out if someone speaks near you, which misses the point entirely.

Candles from Oré Mi

The company's name means "my friend" in Yoruba and this grapefruit and sugar candle candle is just gorgeous.

Electric Diffuser

If you don't trust yourself with having a naked flame in your writing space that you just might leave unattended... this is what you need. Electric diffuser with a timer, which won't overheat or boil all the water away; just add few drops of the essential oil of your choice.

Audiobooks

You probably already know about Audible and books on Spotify, but Listening Books is a UK based charity that offers yearly subscriptions to a wide library of titles. "Listening Books is for people of all ages who find that their illness, disability, learning or mental health condition impacts on their ability to read print, hold a book or turn its pages." Offering book joy and supporting a charity at the same time = double the happiness.

A tiny trampoline - no, really

One of my ADHD writer clients absolutely swears by her rebounder, and she often breaks up long sessions with a quick bounce. It's a great way to get a dopamine boost and then dive back in. Lots of different home fitness options here, including resistance bands, wobble boards and under desk treadmills or walking pads.

Rory's Story Cubes

Great for getting unstuck! Also available as a phone app. I like the Actions pack, to get you moving forwards again.

The Urban Writer's Retreat 2025 Writer's Diary and Planner

This will be my third consecutive year of using this planner. Yes, you read that right. It's so helpful to have a record of what/where/how I've written over the past year and the goal setting is also incredibly useful.

N.B. a residential retreat with the lovely Charlie down in Devon would be an amazing gift! The peace, not to mention someone else doing all the cooking and washing up, is one of the best gifts I've ever given myself.

Manderley Press books

Manderley Press is a fabulous small press that publishes beautiful editions of lost classics, for both adults and children. And they even come wrapped, one less thing to think about... Because every writer is also a reader.

Coaching and accountability

For clarity, momentum, accountability, , you can book here with me and we'll get you, or your loved one, on track with Book Doubling for 2025!