Valentine’s Day is upon us, and you know what that means! It’s time to spend money you don’t have on things no one wants, all in the name of love.

Color me jaded, but Valentine’s Day is such a consumer-driven holiday. Unlike other celebratory dates, this one brings with it a heaviness. If you’re coupled, you’re expected to buy the perfect gift that will show just how much (or how little — don’t overdo it if it’s too soon) you love your significant other. And if you’re single? Sit back and watch everyone around you get gifts for merely having the ability to attract another human being.

It’s kind of an icky holiday and yet, most of us participate.

With that, here are a few Valentine’s Day gifts ideas for the Writer in your life. Writers need love, too, after all! And don’t fret — if your Favorite Writer isn’t a fan of the big V-Day, there are some anti-Valentine’s gifts thrown in, too. (Click on photo for link to the item.)

Happy shopping!

. . .

Clothing

Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet remains one of the most incredible (albeit tragic) love stories of all time. This shirt, available from Out of Print in both men’s and women’s styles, is a beautiful tribute to the star-crossed lovers.

“Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.”

or…

If your Favorite Writer isn’t exactly feelin’ the love, don’t despair. This shirt, also by Out of Print, might be more up her alley. I mean, how better to flip off Valentine’s Day than with a famous quote from a dystopian novel about a patriarchal totalitarian state?

Remember:

“Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

Books

Writers must read, and when it comes to books, it doesn’t get more romantic than Jane Austen. This set provides a complete collection of Austen’s novels — Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, and Lady Susan—offering your Favorite Writer a master class in how to pen a romantic classic.

“You pierce my soul.”

or…

Maybe your Favorite Writer doesn’t want to read about, blech, love. This collection of stories by author and artist Edward Gorey is sure to entertain, especially given how many of the characters meet untimely deaths.

“A is for AMY who fell down the stairs, B is for BASIL assaulted by bears…”

Journals

When Writers aren’t reading, they’re (hopefully) writing. This journal provides loads of fluttery-heart inspiration for your Favorite Writer to get creative, possibly even romantic, with her words.

or…

If your Favorite Writer would rather write an Ode to Heartbreak, give her this beauty, which will let the world know just what she thinks of the foul, wretched holiday.

Coffee…or Tea?

Writers are fueled by caffeine, and this giant mug will provide ample room for your Favorite Writer’s coffee or tea, while offering up some of the Bard’s most most romantic phrases.

“I do love nothing in the world so well as you.”

or…

Maybe your Favorite Writer wants to drink her tea in peace, without being reminded about all that love crap. This mug offers up some great Shakespearean insults that she can toss around next time someone dares mention Valentine’s Day.

“Thou art a boil, a plague sore.”

Adult Coloring Books

Coloring has been shown to reduce stress, enhance positivity, and achieve mindfulness. Help your Favorite Writer relax and celebrate the Feast of St. Valentine, with this, an Adult Coloring Book of Love.

or…

Perhaps your Favorite Writer would rather scrawl on pages in anger. If so, this little gem might provide some welcome relief.

. . .

So, there you have it. A few ideas for your Valentine’s-loving (or hating!) Favorite Writer.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day — whatever the holiday means to you.