Secret Santa?

It has become a workplace tradition - an anonymous exchange of gifts - some inspired, many naff, some just weird. I still haven't fathomed the whys and wherefores of the giant stuffed mouse - but he is cute.

The mystery secret santa - wearing my reading glasses. 

 Authors, being a solitary bunch, don't really get to play in this game. but I thought I would offer a list of suggestions of small and not so small gifts, just in case. 

•  Pens - always welcome. A certain famous romance author has a brilliant collection of designer fountain pens but if you can't run to a Montblanc a serviceable ball point would be fine. (There's an Agatha Christie set, with quotes, that I have my eye on.) 
•  Note books. Show me an author and I will be prepared to bet that they have a thing for notebooks - bright colours, fancy covers, embroidery, pictures - and please, don't get me stared on glitter, Writers tend to get very possessive and hoard them, like dragons. You have been warned. 
•  Chocolate - in any form - blocks, boxes, biscuits, even to drink ... 
•  And talking of drink - alcohol is probably in the mix. Not for me, but acceptable to many.
• Scented candles - possibly not for someone with allergies - a gift for someone whose taste you know? (That might also apply to anything edible too, by the way.)
• Books and/or bookish things - bookmarks, tote bags. jewelry ...
•  Gifty things - flowers, hampers, fruit baskets - if you want to be inventive cheese, tea, socks ... Yes we are getting a bit off the secret santa concept now and into the bigger stuff.

There is always one totally acceptable gift, of course, that doesn't cost a thing, except a little time - an appreciative and perceptive review for a book you have enjoyed. Even a few words, if time is tight. 'A good read - I recommend it.'