There is something magical about being asked what you want for Christmas. It’s like everything you’ve ever needed or wanted flies immediately out of your brain and you’re left shrugging your shoulders and muttering “I don’t know.”
The response frustrates people, especially my mother who tends to comment “And just where do I buy that?”
While I’m grateful for pretty much anything I don’t have to purchase myself, it seems some people would like more specific ideas. Here’s a list of things journo nerds like myself want for Christmas this year.
1. Pens
Journalists love pens. We can never have too many, so pens usually are a safe bet, gift-wise. The problem is that we each probably already have a favorite pen. My current favorites are Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pens. They come in assorted colors and various sized packages. The 36 assorted color pack would make any nerd giddy.
On a related note, journalists love office supplies in general. Don’t be afraid to buy a gift card to Staples or Target. These are great places to shop for fun supplies.
If your little journo nerd is a student, buy him or her a stapler. Professors will thank you.
2. Paper
Journalists are all about paper. We love journals, decorative papers, fun notepads, and sticky notes. Yes, it’s a problem. You actually can have too much paper. No, we don’t care.
I prefer spiral-bound, hardcover journals, so I can rip the pages out when I’m done. I love this C.R. Gibson “Stuff in My Head” journal. Others in this same collection also are snarky fun.
3. Books
Writing and reading go hand-in-hand. Journalists often can be found reading when we aren’t writing. We feel privileged when you purchase a book for us that you enjoyed. But we also love shopping for our own books, so bookstore gift cards are fabulous.
Not sure what book to buy? Check out my bookstore, which consists of every book I’ve given a perfect rating. You’ll find something there for everyone, and you can place an Amazon order straight from the site.
4. Wi-Fi SD card
I got so nerd happy when a student recently told me about these new Wi-Fi-enabled SD cards. You put the card in your digital camera and sync between the camera and a phone, no matter where you are. This means no more waiting for computer access to post photos from your “good camera” to social media. I want one!
I did a bit of research, and the Eyefi Mobi Pro seems to come most highly recommended.
If your nerd doesn’t have a great camera, it’s time to remedy that. My favorite is the Canon EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR. Buying a bundle like the one linked here is a great way to get your budding photographer all of the starter gear.
5. Mophie case
Today’s journalists are blessed to have a powerful reporting tool basically always in their hands, but that iPhone is worthless if the battery is dead. I cannot own a phone without a Mophie juice pack. Just be sure you buy the correct one for your nerd’s phone.
6. Coffee/coffee mugs
Reading and writing seem only to occur with a mug of coffee or tea in hand. There’s never enough coffee or cute mugs to drink it from.
Check out this adorable Got newspaper? coffee mug. Actually, I may just need to go ahead and get this one for myself.
Starbucks cards are a great treat too. Let’s face it, we’re going to drink the coffee. It’s nice when someone else buys it.
7. Newsprint gear
I have a newsprint scarf that I get so many compliments on from my journo nerd friends. We nerds like things with newsprint on them, even when it probably shouldn’t be there.
For example, check out this Newspaper Wrap case for iPhone. I promise you it would make any news nerds heart go pitter patter.
These Newspaper baskets also are a perfect storage space for word nerds.
And don’t even get me started on these newsprint laptop bags and laptop skin stickers. Can you say adorkable?
There’s something on this year’s list for every nerd. These are things that journalists want and likely will buy anyway, so we would love it if someone else purchased them for us. If you don’t find the perfect gift on this list, just buy shoes. No, seriously, even journalists need fabulous shoes.
Merry Christmas!
SwipeMarket says
MeghanMBiro profkrg they want this … http://bit.ly/1JqmBu8
profkrg says
brokeblokeblogs Thank you!