Family members keep asking me what I want for Christmas. I can usually find about a bazillion things I want but refuse to buy myself when I’m out shopping. But there’s something about being asked for gift ideas for myself that makes all of my wants escape me.
I guess maybe I’m difficult to buy for. I don’t feel like I am because I’m grateful for pretty much anything I don’t have to purchase myself. But, since people keep asking for ideas, I assume I’m the “difficult to buy for” one on at least some people’s list.
What I realized when thinking about what people like me (journalists, nerds) want for Christmas is that our desires are pretty basic. I posed the question “What do journalists want for Christmas?” to my student editors as well. Their list mirrored mine.
1. Pens
I know it sounds silly, but journalists love pens. My husband has figured this out and always puts pens and highlighters in my stocking. I love Sharpie markers. My students favor these felt tip pens.
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.
2. Paper
Journalists are all about paper. We love journals, decorative papers, fun notepads, and sticky notes. Yes, this is a problem. You actually can have too much paper. No, we don’t care.
My students specifically mentioned new reporter notebooks as a Christmas “must have.” They don’t necessarily have to be these reporter notebooks, though. Any cute notebook that opens from the top is great.
Also, recycled paper is just better. Something to do with pen flow or something. Just trust me on this one.
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.
Related to books, one of my students mentioned that she would like getting a new planner for Christmas. Most of my students still carry paper planners, so this could be a good gift. The only issue is that people tend to be pretty picky about the planner they use. I recommend checking to see the type of planner they have currently and purchasing an updated version.
4. Coffee/coffee mugs
Reading and writing seem only to occur with a mug of coffee or tea in hand. One of my students specifically mentioned a new coffee mug as a good Christmas gift, because “there’s never enough coffee.” Remember, when it comes to coffee mugs, the bigger the better. Think Friends-style cappuccino mugs.
I find Starbucks cards a great treat too. Let’s face it, I’m going to go for expensive coffee. It’s nice when I don’t have to buy it myself.
5. Subscriptions
In sticking with the reading theme, one student mentioned that she would enjoy subscriptions to her favorite publications. She mentioned The New Yorker. My tastes are perhaps not as refined, but I certainly would be happy with subscriptions to my favorite magazines, O and Real Simple.
6. Openness
The last thing on my student journalists’ Christmas lists is something that can’t be bought in stores. They desire more openness from sources, specifically those in administrative offices. They named names. I won’t. But their point certainly is well taken. I’d love this for Christmas for them.
These ideas may seem a bit cliché, but I suppose there is a reason for that. They’re practical things that we’re going to buy anyway, so we’d love it if someone else purchased them for us. If you can’t bring yourself to buy any of the things on this list, feel free to buy me a sweater or shoes. No, seriously, sweaters are beautiful and a girl can never have too many pairs of shoes. Even journalists need shoes.
I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!
wvancamp says
I love your christmas list. It is a good for writers in general. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
profkrg says
PDBeth bonuses in journalism are about as likely as they are in academia.
profkrg says
MarieAlbiges One of my students bought me a fabulous mug and coffee gc for Christmas!
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KimUlmanis says
Love this list! Yes, definitely paper, pens and coffee for this girl! Must drink all the coffee!
And if it wasn’t so darn expensive, I’d go for a Macbook Pro for Christmas. Hey, a girl can dream! I’ll be buying myself that in another month or so when money is better.
RBakerNY says
leaderswest profkrg 7. Raises. 8. More co-workers.
Elaijuh says
CynthiaHenry I’m not saying free office supplies are my primary motivation for being a journalist, but I’m not denying it, either.
profkrg says
@Elaijuh CynthiaHenry Let’s just call that a “perk.”
profkrg says
@RBakerNY leaderswest I’m pretty sure everyone wants those things for Christmas.
profkrg says
KimUlmanis I love my MacBook Pro. It’s not a purchase you’ll regret.
profkrg says
wvancamp Thank you so much! Thanks for reading and commenting.
LaurenAdams says
I loved that basically everything on this list is basically an office material! Of course pens and paper would be at the top of this list. After all, it is really what journalists seem to use the most. If you don’t have those items, then you may have a struggle with your job. And, getting them for free can be great for your budget. http://www.newtownofficesupply.com