I don’t know about you, but I love lists. I love making them, checking them off, and especially reading them.
I always enjoy seeing what tools other writers use to make their process and life easier, so today I’m sharing mine. These are a few of the low-cost items (most under $20, all under $35) I reached for regularly this year. Add a few more things to your own wishlist, finish shopping for your loved ones, or just treat yourself to something on this list!
- Portable Keyboard – This goes everywhere with me. It’s light and durable and easily connects to my phone. I can (literally) throw it on my back seat or in a bag when I head out the door. Yes, I was a sucker for the colorful backlighting option. It doesn’t have a trackpad like a laptop, so there’s less temptation for impulse clicking once it’s connected to the phone. I will add that it’s small, so it takes a little getting used to, but I find it easy to switch back and forth to it now. It’s also not great for editing, but I keep a synced doc for current first drafts and type away whenever I have even just 10-15 minutes for a quick, focused sprint on the go. The one I ordered with the foldable cover that props up a phone or tablet isn’t available, but there are a ton of similar ones.)
- Ergonomic Mouse – This tool saved my wrist in 2022. I like the one I have, but I wore out the wheel, and it’s acting wonky lately. So I need a replacement and will probably get the same one, but if you have one you love and want to share, please let me know, so I can check it out!
- Block Timers – Timers are a high-Focus writer’s best friend! These don’t have my favorite sound, but there’s something SO satisfying about the tactile nature of these blocks. I love flipping them. I don’t know why. But when something is satisfying, I use it more. Take the dopamine and roll with it!
- Eyeglasses Holder – We love these so much! A fuzzy hug for our glasses, and no fumbling with a case. I mostly only use my glasses when at the computer, so I keep one on my desk and always know where to find them. My spouse keeps one by the bed, so now a foster cat can’t slide them off the table at night.
- Neck & Shoulder Heating Pad – Yes, I need to watch my posture, but some days are just rough. If you overdo the stressing and hunching, pop this in the microwave for a couple of minutes to relax those muscles. It’s like a warm, weighted blanket for your shoulders and neck.
- Happy Planner Paper Punch – I use a discbound planner system because I need to move pages around often and need a planner that folds flat. Since I’ve never found a complete planner I like, plus my needs change all the time, I hobble together a Frankenplanner of different pages from different places (including making my own). I make good use of this puncher every month!
What’s something on your favorite things list this year?
*** This post contains affiliate links, but as always, I only recommend items I personally use, enjoy, or have created myself. Using the link costs you nothing, but I do get a few precious pennies if you purchase something after clicking. Thanks for keeping the lights on! <3