The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Journalists
Christmas is almost upon us, so I thought I would write something festive.
If you have been too busy with deadlines to go shopping, here’s a list of
last-minute gift ideas for the journalists in your life (or a wish-list you can “accidentally” forward to that auntie who always gets you socks.)
If you don’t celebrate Christmas, I hope this is still a useful resource for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
#1 Support
Show your friends their work makes a difference by donating to an organization related to their beat. If they write about women’s rights, donate to Planned Parenthood, or if they care about migration, to IOM . And if they happen to be a rare wildlife photographer, donate to the Ugly Animal Preservation Society (yes, it’s a thing.)
#2 Safety
These are dangerous times to be a woman in journalism. So if you have a beloved sister reporting from dangerous environments, consider SPOT.
This portable GPS tracks their location and has a panic button for rescue anywhere in the world. It also allows them to send pre-written emails/SMS from the field even when there’s no phone reception.
Cheaper alternatives include a Net Aid Kit (to secure their digital activity), a doorstop alarm for sound sleep or the classic guide by Rosie Garthwaite, How to avoid being killed in a war zone — which includes life saving tips on everything from friendly fire to menstrual cups.
#3 Inspiration
Journalists tend to like… journalism. So why not get them a few months subscription to their favorite pay-walled outlet? You can also opt for paper magazines like the slow journalism treasure Delayed Gratification, the timeless National Geographic or the hipster Scalawag — a fascinating review of culture and politics is America’s South.
You can also support fellow female journalists by buying their amazing books. Some recent gems include A Moonless, Starless Sky by Alexis Okeowo, Pipe Dreams: The Squandering of Iraq’s Oil Wealth by Erin Banco and Dancing with the Devil in the City of God: Rio de Janeiro on the Brink by Juliana Barbassa.
#4 Stationary
If you know a stationary geek (like myself) you could get them Moleskine + Evernote. The offer combines the world’s most pretentious notebook (Hemingway used it, right?) with 3 months of premium access to the very useful note-taking app and some cool futuristic features. You could also opt for personalizing their favorite one with an uplifting quote.
#5 Freedom
I was Skyping a particularly overwhelmed friend the other day and I said
“I love you but what if our gift to each other this Christmas is not having to exchange gifts?” Her answer was a relieved “Yes please!”
Brain-space is a great present.
Happiest holidays,
L
PS: Questions? Queries? More gift ideas? I’m all ears.
dear.laura@womeinjournalism.org
Hosted by the Coalition for Women in Journalism
Curated by Kiran Nazish
