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♩♪♫♬ Oh the weather outside is frightful… ♩♪♫♬

…and so is my voice so you really don’t wanna hear me sing!

But what you do want is snazzy stuff for your favorite writer friends, maybe even for yourself. So I’ve combed the Internet for some unique and writerly gadgets, gizmos and gifties you’ll be proud to give or own this holiday season. Grab a cuppa cocoa, shop and share!

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1. USB Warming Things (Mug warmer, foot warmer and writing gloves)

If you’re attached to your computer all day, why not take it literally by plugging in and warming up? Keep your coffee hot, your tootsies warm and your fingers flying across the keyboard.

Hot Cookie USB Cup Warmer available from GadgetsandGear.com.

Sea-son to Snuggle Narwhal Foot Warmers available from ModCloth.com.

USB Heated Writing Gloves available from KlearGear.com.

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2. Maria Cristina Bellucci Jewelry

Do you want to make a statement? How about “I love to write (and live) in color”?

Maria Cristina Bellucci hand-carves colored pencils into the most unique and fun jewelry pieces you’ve ever seen.

Colored pencil jewelry available from mcbjewellery.bigcartel.com.

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3. Litographs Shirt

The best book you’ve ever worn. Litographs t-shirts are comprised from the text of your favorite classics. Yes, those are green words!

The Secret Garden tee available from Litographs.com.

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4. My Bookstore: Writers Celebrate Their Favorite Places to Browse, Read, and Shop

Before you take out a second mortgage, let me clarify: I’m not suggesting you buy a bookstore, but rather a book. Eighty-four authors tell tales of their favorite independent bookstores–with witty, heartfelt and inspiring words.

My Bookstore, available at your favorite indie.

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5. Lumio Folding Booklamp

When bibliophiles open a book, they get turned on. Well, open this book and it turns itself on.

Lumio [almost] available from HelloLumio.com.

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6. “Writer” Bookends

What better place to display your growing collection of authored titles?

“Writer” bookends available from Etsy seller KnobCreekMetalArts. (Thanks for the suggestion, although I cannot recall who sent it to me. Reveal yourself, please!)

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7. Speech Bubble Bookends

Yes, another pair of bookends. But they’re worth it. You can make them say whatever you please!

Speech bubble bookends available from Gadetsandgear.com.

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8. Library Due Date Card Tie

This is for the guys, if you want to be “checked out”.

Silk-screened library due date card tie available from Etsy seller Cyberoptix.

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9. BookBook for MacBook

A sophisticated, leather-bound book cover for your more modern “book”.

BookBook available from twelvesouth.com. (Thanks for the suggestion, Mary Zisk.)

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10. Boogie Board Sync

No, we’re not catching waves. We’re catching ideas! Ever lose those scraps of paper onto which you’ve scribbled what MUST be a NY TIMES BESTSELLER idea? Well, fret no more. Capture your thoughts on the Boogie Board and then sync it up to your smartphone or computer.

Boogie Board Sync available from myboogieboard.com.

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11. FlipNote by Wellspring

For those who prefer the tried-and-true pad and paper, there’s FlipNotes. Stick it in your purse or pocket and never be without a place to store your thoughts.

FlipNote available from WellSpring.com.

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12. Old Books Scented Candle

Give the gift that keeps on smelling (like a used bookstore)!

Old Books scented candle available from Etsy seller Frostbeard Studio.

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Well, this is so much fun I could go on for ages. But alas, I must pause to get back to PiBoIdMo activities.

However, you can keep shopping via my Pinterest board, Things Writers Like. Hundreds more goodies there!

Enjoy and Happy Holidays, writers!

I made a visit to see my sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephews over the Thanksgiving weekend, and while I was there, it didn’t take long for the kids to tell me all about what they’ve put on their Christmas lists this year. The eight... Read the rest of this post

Nearly half of children aged 6-12 (44%) want an iPad in their stocking this holiday season, according to Nielsen. In fact, Apple devices comprise the top three items on their wish lists, with the iPod Touch and iPhone ranking highly. Among teens,... Read the rest of this post

At the risk of belaboring a subject, here is yet another reason why books make the best gifts. A recent article in Ode magazine states that,  “science is starting to prove what readers and writers have long known: Words can help us repair and revitalize our bodies as well as our minds.” As a result, bibliotherapy—the act of reading specific texts in response to particular situations or conditions—is becoming an increasingly popular treatment method among psychologists, physicians, librarians and teachers.

According to “Reading, Writing and Revelation: How the written word helps refresh body, mind and soul” by Ursula Sautter, reading and writing can alleviate any number of symptoms ranging from physical pain to emotional suffering, including depression, phobias and other anxiety disorders.  In one study cited, even “obese adolescent girls who read an age-appropriate novel about a teenager who discovers ‘improved health and self-efficacy’ lost weight more easily than those who didn’t read that novel.”

Among the reasons cited for the power of the written word is the fact that “when we immerse ourselves in a text, the words stimulate the production of mental images… This is in sharp contrast to visual media, in which the imagery is already provided, so requires less creative assembly by the viewer.”  Al Gore describes this phenomenon in his wonderful book The Assault on Reason: “The vividness experienced in the reading of words is automatically modulated by the constant activation of the reasoning centers of the brain. . . . By contrast, the visceral vividness portrayed on television has the capacity to trigger instinctual responses similar to those triggered by reality itself—and without being modulated by logic, reason and reflective thought.”

Researchers have even concluded that reading contributes to our “cognitive reserve,” or the brain’s ability to protect itself and adapt to physical damage.  What’s more, since bibliotherapy is both effective and relatively inexpensive, some health systems are setting up “reading pharmacies.” In the U.K., for instance, the National Health Service endorses a “books on prescription” program, which allows doctors to prescribe self-help manuals to those seeking medical attention for mood disorders.

As one might suspect, writing is an equally powerful prescription for health.  In a sidebar article to the one on reading, entitled “Words That Heal,” David Servan Schreiber describes a clinical study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association which showed that writing can have a large impact on physical symptoms. Apparently, “patients who spent just 20 minutes a day for three days in a row writing about their problems felt better, took fewer drugs to relieve their symptoms and saw their doctors less often than those who relied on medication alone.”  In addition, recent brain research confirms that deliberately turning stressful images or memories into words can alter the way the experience is actually encoded in the brain.

So stock up on those gift books and journals this holiday season… You’ll be giving a more thoughtful and valuable gift than anyone on your list may realize!

Need holiday gift ideas?

Washington Post fiction editor Ron Charles‘ Totally Hip Book Reviewer video series introduced three literary products this week: the bookly (a literary parody of the Snuggie), Spine perfume (the scent of the Library of Congress), and the Doogk (an eReader for dogs). The video is embedded above.

In Charles’ words, the Doogk is “the handy, beef-flavored, eReader for man’s best friend. And the tough raw hide construction provides extra teething pleasure no ordinary book can match.” Julie Klam, the author of You Had Me at Woof, makes a cameo with her dog, Fiorello, to endorse the Doogk.

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Books really do make the best gifts, for everyone on your list (and especially kids). Here are just a few reasons why:

* Books are evergreen – they keep on giving, well beyond the day they are received. They give with each read, and if they are subsequently shared or passed down, they keep on giving. They are like presents that can be opened over and over again.

* Books send a message to the recipient beyond that of the book itself. They tell the reader, “I care about you. I think of you as this sort of person, and therefore I think you would enjoy this book.”

* Books educate, inform and inspire. They broaden consciousness and perspective. They also cultivate curiosity, nurture the imagination, and promote a sense of wonder.

* Books provide outstanding long-term value for a relatively low cost.

* Giving young people books as gifts subliminally underscores the connection between reading and the joy of receiving, thus strengthening the association between books and pleasure.

* There are countless types, genres, styles, subjects and authors to choose from, maximizing your opportunity to find something uniquely suited to each recipient.

* If you are overwhelmed by options, or not sure where to begin to find the right book for a loved one, there are myriad resources to help. Your local bookseller is trained to help match the right book to the right person. You can also explore Amazon.com’s “listmania” lists and “Customers who bought this book also explored…” feature. You can pick up a copy of the New York Times Book Review, Publishers Weekly, American Libraries magazine or any number of other publications dedicated to reviewing books. There are even websites geared to helping people find books they love – one to explore is www.goodreads.com.

Plus, I’ll be posting next on great books to buy (or give) about reading and writing.

So give the best gift of all this year. Give books!

Announcing a number of art shows going on this weekend, Dec. 3-5.  This is a great time to support your independent artists, crafters and musicians. Get your loved ones something unique and one-of-a-kind this season. It’s so much more fun than hitting the malls. Instead enjoy a weekend of creativity and inspiration.

Friday: $99 Only Show Stoneworks Studios & Gallery   *  300 N. Ventura Ave.  Ventura, CA

First Friday at Stoneworks! 5% of all artwork sold helps local food banks and charities! Help local artists, help the community, and score some sweet art gifts for your loved ones!

I have 6 pieces in this show

Poster design by Evan Ames

Saturday:

Inside Is Delightful Art Show Space 2710  *   2710 W. Avenue 34 Los Angeles,  CA

An evening of pure awesomeness!!! Come see some great art by some of LA’s most talented and exciting artists. Enjoy live music and be around fun and creative people. We will have snacks and refreshments available.

Also we will have a merchandise table full of unique handmade goodies that artists will be selling at the show. You won’t want to miss out on this.

I’m organizing this show and so excited by so many talented contributions.

Poster design by Evan Ames

Sunday:

The Chroma Studios’s Secret Shopping Spree The Chroma Studio  *  8229 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 101

Find that extra special hand-made holiday gift in an unlikely place…a hair salon! Come join us on Sunday!

Artists include:
Julie Ego – “My Ego Jewelry”
Genevieve – “Scarves”
Jaimee Itagaki – “Scorpio Moon – Photographs/Jewelry”
Diana Levin – “Whimsical Fantasy Paintings/Jewelry”
Susan Yokoyama – “Mini Psychic Readings”
Zodax and Rosy Rings – “Candles”
Sandra Chang-Adair – “Banzai Chicks T-shirts/Jewelry/Magnets”

Complimentary gift wrapping, Barista/hot beverages & more!

Time is ticking down and the holidays will soon be here. Still in need of a last minute gift?

Make a donation in honor of someone special and help place new books into the hands of kids in need. First Book offers lovely e-cards or printable cards to let your recipient know about your gift!

Don’t miss the chance to the chance to make your gift go twice as far! Your contribution will be matched book-for-book by Random House Children’s Books until December 31.

Help share the joy of the holiday season by inspiring a child with a new book today!

What’s the perfect gift for the mother of your brother-in-law? What object could you press into service that would tell her both “Happy Holidays” and “I’m glad that we’re now related through marriage?” A trendy lime green toaster? Are bath salts too personal?

If you’ve ever faced a conundrum like this one, please rest assured that First Book has a solution to this holiday dilemma: make a gift in his or her honor to help bring new books to children in need. What present could be more perfect for anyone you care about than enriching communities across the country by providing access to education to low-income children?

So congratulations! You’re only minutes away from crossing those last few gifts off of your shopping list. To make a donation in honor of someone special, just visit www.firstbook.org/donate and click on “Donate in honor of someone special.” Send an e-card or print one out to let them know that you helped make literacy possible for one more child.