Winter is here, and that means the season of gift-giving is upon us. For writers, or friends of writers, finding the right gift is never easy. You want to say, I value your artistic spirit without resorting to tired, overdone clichés. 

Rather than yet another journal or mug, why not offer something that connects to the very heart of Canadian literature? Whether it’s a thought-provoking anthology or an experience that celebrates the written word, these gifts will resonate deeply with any literary lover on your list.

Did we miss something? Contact us and we’ll be happy to promote other great local gifts on our social media. 

1. Subscriptions to Their Favourite Literary Magazine

Nothing says I value your passion for literature like a subscription to a beloved literary magazine. And this year, we’ve made it even easier for you to gift something special with our 2-for-1 subscription offer. Purchase a print or digital subscription to EVENT Magazine and receive a second one absolutely free! It’s the perfect way to share Canadian writing with a friend or loved one.

Use coupon code 2FOR1 at checkout to take advantage of this limited-time holiday offer. Subscribe here.

Source: House of Anansi

2. House of Anansi Holiday Book Club Bundle

House of Anansi Press is offering beautifully curated book bundles this holiday season. Whether your gift recipient is drawn to contemporary fiction, poetry, or nonfiction, these thoughtfully selected sets are sure to satisfy their literary appetite. 

Each bundle includes 3-5 House of Anansi and Groundwood books hand-selected for a range of audiences. Some of the bundles available include:

• The Book Club Bundle
• The Beautiful Books Bundle
• The Edge-of-Your-Seat Bundle
• The In-the-News Bundle

Browse the full selection of holiday book bundles here.

Source: Hingston & Olsen

3.  Short Story Advent Calendar (2024 Edition)

Give the gift of daily literary surprises with the Short Story Advent Calendar by Hingston & Olsen, a delightful way to count down to the holidays. The 2024 edition features work from around the globe by writers such as:

• Jennifer Croft (The Extinction of Irena Rey) 
• Carmen Maria Machado (In the Dream House) 
• Ed Park (Same Bed Different Dreams)
• Casey Plett (On Community)
• Robin Sloan (Moonbound)
• and 20 more!

Feeling fancy? This year, they also put together a limited edition version, which features hand-dyed slipcases by textile artist Cate Kuzik. There’s also a children’s edition, featuring authors such as Terry Pratchett, Beatrix Potter, and Jacqueline Woodson.

Source: Vancouver Writers Fest

4. Vancouver Writers Fest Membership

Support your local literary community and gift a membership to the Vancouver Writers Fest. This annual celebration of writers from around the world brings together authors for talks, workshops, and intimate conversations. With your membership, you’ll get early access to tickets, exclusive festival updates, and a hard copy of the Summer Reading List to help you curate your literary journey.

Purchase a VWF membership here.

5. Gifts From Your Local Indie Bookstore

If you’re looking for more ways to support Canadian authors and independent booksellers, consider visiting your local indie bookstore. With their carefully curated collections and knowledgeable staff, these stores are the heart of literary communities across the country.

Here are just a few local Vancouver bookstores you can shop at this holiday season:

• Iron Dog Books
• Massy Books
• Pulpfiction Books
• The Paper Hound Bookshop
• Western Sky Books
• Wildfires Bookshop

Find more bookstores in BC with ReadLocal’s BC book store finder. And don’t forget about gift cards!

Source: The Globe & Mail

6. Canadian Books, Books, Books, Galore!

It’s no secret that 2024 has been a remarkable year for Canadian literature. Our writers continue to captivate readers with innovative storytelling, vivid characters, and profound narratives.

If you’re searching for the perfect book, The Globe and Mail’s annual Top 100 Books list is an excellent place to start. It offers a curated selection of the year’s most compelling reads, featuring everything from debut novels to established literary voices. Whether you’re looking to gift a thought-provoking work of fiction, a captivating memoir, or a new collection of poetry, this list has something for every literary taste.

7. 50 Years of EVENT Magazine: Collected Notes on Writing

In 2021, EVENT celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special edition, Collected Notes on Writing, which compiled more than 70 essays from iconic Canadian authors. This anthology brings together powerful voices like Jane Urquhart, Joshua Whitehead, David Bergen, Ivan Coyote, and Zoe Whittall, all reflecting on the art and craft of writing. Perfect for anyone looking to delve into Canadian literary heritage, this book will inspire both new and seasoned writers.

Available in both physical and digital formats. Order your copy here.

Source: The League of Canadian Poets

8. Donations to Your Local Literary Non-Profit

This holiday season, consider making a meaningful gift by supporting the organizations that champion Canadian writers. Literary non-profits play a vital role in sustaining the literary community and fostering new voices.

Here are just a few organizations that could use your support:

• The League of Canadian Poets
• PEN Canada
• The Writer’s Union of Canada

Source: Penguin Random House

9. The Journey Prize 35th Anniversary Anthology

Celebrate three and a half decades of exceptional Canadian short fiction with this landmark edition of the Journey Prize Anthology. Curated by acclaimed authors Souvankham Thammavongsa and Alexander MacLeod, this collection features 31 standout stories selected from the history of one of Canada’s most prestigious annual fiction prizes.

Find purchase options here.

Source: Biblioasis

10. Best Canadian Bundles 2024

For the reader who loves the breadth of Canadian literature, the Best Canadian 2024 Bundle is an ideal gift. This collection brings together the year’s finest poetry, stories, and essays in one comprehensive set, curated by distinguished editors Bardia Sinaee, Anita Lahey, Marcello Di Cintio, and Lisa Moore.

Featuring work by literary icons such as Michael Ondaatje, Fiona Tinwei Lam, and Sadiqa de Meijer, these anthologies celebrate the diversity and excellence of Canadian voices.

Source: That Shakespearean Rag 

11. A Membership to That Shakespearean Rag

For the literary enthusiast who craves insightful commentary, sharp book reviews, and in-depth author interviews, a membership to Steven W. Beattie’s That Shakespearean Rag is an exceptional gift.

Helmed by the former Quill & Quire Review Editor, this Canadian literary website offers an engaging blend of reviews, news, and analysis, shining a spotlight on both emerging and established voices in CanLit and beyond.

Membership supports independent literary journalism and provides access to Beattie’s thoughtful take on the literary landscape—perfect for anyone passionate about books and Canadian literature.

Visit That Shakespearean Rag to subscribe today.

Source: Surrey International Writers’ Conference

12. Literary Swag from the Surrey International Writers’ Conference

For the writer or reader who loves to wear their literary passion, the Surrey International Writers’ Conference shop offers an array of fun, bookish merchandise. From clever stickers and themed backpacks to T-shirts that celebrate the writer’s life, there’s something for every wordsmith or book lover.

Browse their collection and support a celebrated writers’ conference while finding the perfect gift for the literary enthusiasts in your life. 

Ring in the Season with Canadian Literature

In addition to these thoughtful gift ideas, consider supporting the literary community with a subscription to a local literary magazine. Annual renewals and new subscriptions are gifts that keep on giving, ensuring the continued vitality of Canadian literature. If your loved one is already a subscriber, why not extend their membership for the coming year? For those new to the literary world, a subscription makes the perfect stocking stuffer and a lasting way to nurture their love for Canadian writing.

Subscriptions for EVENT Magazine can be found here, available in both print and digital formats with flexible one, two, or five-year plans.

Wishing you a literary-filled holiday season from all of us at EVENT Magazine!