According to the latest Tesco magazine, October 24th is the date that most of us start our Christmas present-buying frenzy. 
So, to get us (slightly) ahead of the crowd I’ve come up with a few budget suggestions for readers and writers. Buy them now and you’ll have November free for a successful attempt at NaNoWriMo.
For the book lover who adores keeping records or who (like me) easily forgets what he’s read and what he thought of it : A Moleskine Book Journal
It features “alphabetically organised sections to personalise, 6 blank sections to be filled in as desired, blank pages, a complimentary bookmark and 202 adhesive labels to further personalise the notebook. It also features acid-free paper and a double expandable inner pocket.”
For the longhand writer who’s bored of blue and black ink, or who likes to write different characters in different colours : A Set of Rainbow Ball Pens
There are ten assorted colours and the pens have “ergonomic triangular barrels for effortless, fatigue-free writing and a particularly smooth writing performance.”
For anyone who needs inspiring or motivating : An Inspirational Life Quotes Colouring Book
“This book is full of positive quotes and designs that will help you to relax and ease any anxiety that you may have. Forget any stress in your life and have some fun.”
And if you fancy treating yourself now, have a look at Chris Baty’s book, No Plot, No Problem. Chris is the founder of National Novel Writing Month and shares his secret for knocking out a novel in no time. This could be useful if you’re tackling NaNo for the first time and feeling nervous.
Happy shopping and a successful NaNo!
Sally Jenkins 
#1 by Nicola on October 22, 2015 - 12:21 pm
Well, that’s me sorted. Now what do I buy for other people? 🙂 A great idea, Sally.
#2 by Sally Jenkins on October 22, 2015 - 1:39 pm
Gift vouchers? Keep things quick & simple, I say!
#3 by susanjanejones on October 22, 2015 - 5:52 pm
We get personal hampers for parents, and money for family. We try and go more minimal each year. This year my Redington collection may be everyone’s stocking filler as well, Sally.
#4 by Sally Jenkins on October 23, 2015 - 7:29 pm
I hope you’ll be signing those Redington stocking fillers, Susan. They might be valuable first editions one day!
#5 by Wendy Clarke on October 25, 2015 - 7:42 am
Am I allowed to buy my own Christmas present?
#6 by Sally Jenkins on October 25, 2015 - 6:52 pm
Absolutely, Wendy. I know a lot of women buy their own presents & just give them to their partner to wrap up – at least we get what we want then!
#7 by Susan A Eames on October 25, 2015 - 7:21 pm
I don’t want to think about Christmas yet! But those rainbow pens sound nice…
#8 by Sally Jenkins on October 26, 2015 - 4:58 pm
Treat yourself, Susan!
#9 by juliathorley on October 26, 2015 - 4:59 pm
Some nice ideas here, but it’s WAY too soon to be using the C word.
#10 by Sally Jenkins on October 26, 2015 - 5:18 pm
I hate a last minute panic, Julia, so try to get organised in advance. It doesn’t always work though …
#11 by Stuart Pereira on October 27, 2015 - 8:20 pm
Boring I know but I finished my Christmas shopping last week. I juast like to get it out of the way so I can get on with my next book.
#12 by Sally Jenkins on October 28, 2015 - 6:07 pm
I’m impressed, Stuart! Do you want to come and do mine?!
#13 by Linda Daunter on October 28, 2015 - 5:24 pm
I’m not even thinking about Christmas yet (but if anyone’s wondering what to get me I’m always delighted with notebooks and pens – and chocolate!)
I’m not doing NaNoWriMo this year, but I have read Chris Baty’s book and can recommend it.
#14 by Sally Jenkins on October 28, 2015 - 6:09 pm
Notebook, pens, chocolate – throw in some red wine and a book token as well, Linda, to make my perfect Christmas!
Hope you have a relaxing November without the NaNo stress.
#15 by Linda Daunter on October 28, 2015 - 7:15 pm
The reason I’m not doing NaNo is that I’ve got too many other writing projects to finish! Even more stressful!