Compiled by Amy Haagsma; proofread by Maggie Clark
It’s that time of year again, so with the help of the Editors BC executive, West Coast Editor presents our 2016 gift guide! Here you’ll find a few things that the editors in your life might enjoy. (Psst…it’s okay if that’s you.)
Embrace your inner fashionista
If you’re a freelancer, you likely appreciate the fact that you don’t actually need to leave your house that often. But for the times that you do venture out (e.g., for a much-needed coffee run), these literary accessories will keep you both cozy and stylish.
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Book scarves by Storiarts (shown here: Alice in Wonderland, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Anne of Green Gables) | Red Fade eyeglasses by Derek Cardigan, part of the Grammar collection | Literary tights by Tights Shop (shown here: “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou) | Library card socks from Book Riot, part of the Library collection |
Wear a little bling
Sometimes the best things in life are sparkly, and they can even earn you a few compliments. Get your nerd on with editing-themed jewelry and hair accessories, superb additions to any editor’s wardrobe.
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“Write drunk; edit sober” earrings by Michelle Mach | Grammar necklace by Rosie’s Pendants | Books barrette by Pins with Personality | Stack of books earrings by Coryographies |
Deck the halls
Nothing says holidays like eggnog and a love for punctuation. While others are putting stars and angels on their trees, chart your own course with ampersands and exclamation marks. Because editing-themed decorations are always the right choice.
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Punctuation ornaments by Archie McPhee | Book ornaments by Novel Adornment (shown here: Pride and Prejudice) | Editor ornament by Scrabble Tile Ornament | Typewriter ornament by Michelle Mach |
Add some (more) books to your home
These home decorating ideas are a convenient way to let others know you’re into books—besides, you know, that massive bookshelf or three.
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Punctuation posters by Sixteen Monkeys (shown here: Comma: The pauser) | Book sculptures by Malena Valcárcel (shown here: The tree of knowledge) | Book jewelry box by My Butterfly Sister | Book lovers’ candles by Frostbeard Studio (shown here: Bookstore) |
Snuggle up with your favourite books
For yourself or for your guests, these book- and punctuation-themed blankets and pillows will keep you warm and cozy on a snowy (or rainy) winter’s night.
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Classic book cover cushion from The Literary Gift Company | Ampersand duvet cover and pillows by Narais Studio | Book pillow covers by Storiarts (shown here: Peter Pan) | Custom book blanket by Sweet Sequels |
Pour yourself a cuppa
Whether you’re reading or editing, nothing goes better with a good book than the perfect cup of tea. Pro tip: a funny editing mug never hurts, either.
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Editors’ Blend tea by Murchie’s Fine Tea & Coffee | The literary collection tea sampler by First Edition Tea Co. | Grammar Grumble mugs from The Literary Gift Company | Two-tone mug from Zazzle |
Take note
There are few things in life as beautiful as the perfect stationery. The only problem will be actually using it, rather than keeping it for yourself.
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Teacher stationery by Michelle Mach | Sticky note set by Kate Spade, available from Indigo | “Wrote a note” sticky notes from The Literary Gift Company | Personal library kit from The Literary Gift Company |
Stock up on editing essentials
Like a Scout, the editor’s motto is “Be prepared,” so be sure that your desk is well-stocked with these everyday essentials for editing and proofreading.
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Palomino Blackwing pencils, available from Pencils.com | Pilot FriXion erasable pens, available from Staples | Post-it flag highlighters, available from Staples | Poppin binder clips, assorted colours, available from Staples |
Invest in new reference books
In case you have extra room on your bookshelf (or even if you don’t), these 2016 editing releases would be valuable additions to your collection.
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Garner’s Modern English Usage, fourth edition, by Bryan A. Garner, from Oxford University Press | Omnibus: Editorial Business Planning & Marketing Plus by Louise Harnby | The Subversive Copy Editor, second edition, by Carol Fisher Saller, from the University of Chicago Press | But Can I Start a Sentence with “But”? from the University of Chicago Press |
Save your place
When you’ve said “one more chapter” one too many times, a great bookmark can make it easier to close your book for the night. Plus, it beats falling asleep and dropping your book on your face (not that we’re speaking from personal experience).
Enjoy some fun and games
Like most editors, you probably own at least one version of Scrabble. This holiday season, consider diversifying your collection, and get your game on with wily wordplay and literary-themed playing cards.
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Ex Libris from Oxford Games Ltd. | Library Lovers playing cards from The Literary Gift Company | Anagram from Oxford Games Ltd. | Quiddler from Set Enterprises Inc. |
Spoil your little ones with wordy gifts
It’s never too early to start priming the future editors in your life. Instill a love for all things wordy in your editors-in-training with these literary-themed books, clothes, and toys.
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Baby’s book guides by Sweet Sequels (shown here: Harry Potter) | Baby bodysuits from Book Riot (shown here: Curious George) | Baby blankets and hats by Storiarts (shown here: Black Beauty) | Literary rubber duck from The Literary Gift Company |
Amy Haagsma is a communications professional and a graduate of SFU’s Editing Certificate program.
Maggie Clark is a post-secondary student whose goal in life is to work as a professional editor. On her way to achieving that goal, she has recently graduated from Royal Roads University’s Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication program. Her next step is to learn and graduate from the Editing Certificate program at SFU.
Image by Shutterstock
Wow, Amy, what a thoughtfully chosen collection, beautifully presented. Thanks! Margaret
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Glad you enjoyed it, Margaret! I had fun writing it. 🙂
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