The ULTIMATE List of Gift Ideas for Grammar Geeks and Word Nerds

We’ve been working on this ultimate list of gift ideas for grammar geeks for weeks.

(And I don’t throw around a word like ULTIMATE unless I mean it!)

To create this list, I got together with my tribe of awesome word nerds on Facebook to come up with a collection of gift ideas for the grammar nerds in our lives (‘cause we’re not alone, right?).

Think fun, silly, educational, and treasured items curated by me, my team, and my Facebook group. So whether you’re shopping for a loved one or just looking for a few things to add to your own wish list, this gift guide has you covered.

Take a peek at our list of 40+ gift ideas for grammar geeks.

The Best Books for Grammar Bibliophiles

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar is a book that reads like a proofreading bloopers reel. Full of real-life pictures from restaurants, stores, parking lots, and road signs gone awry. This book is sure to get some good chuckles.

Those who love both language and history will not be able to put down Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English. Written by best-selling author John McWhorter, this book discusses the evolution of the English language in a way that’s informative and provocative.

If you like the McWhorter book, you’ll probably also like any of David Crystal’s books. I‘d recommend Making a Point: The Persnickety Story of English Punctuation (about the history of punctuation) and The Story of English in 100 Words (interesting snippets from the history of English) for starters.

Looking for a gag gift or something to bring to a white elephant party? Here’s a book that’s funny and will interest almost anyone. The Official Dictionary of Sarcasm was written by James Napoli, the executive vice president of the National Sarcasm Society. Who knew they even had one of those??

Basically, anything by William Safire is fantastic. For those unfamiliar with his work, How Not to Write and The Right Word in the Right Place at the Right Time are great places to start.

If you’re shopping for a history buff or a political science major, Lend Me Your Ears and Safire’s Political Dictionary are treasures.

This gem got all kinds of buzz when it first came out. It’s half grammar how-to and half historical tomb on language, and it’s 100% witty. What am I talking about? Just the #1 New York Times bestseller Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation.

My next recommendation will be appreciated by both proofreaders and writers. Woe Is I by Patricia T. O’Conner is full of down-to-earth answers to even the trickiest grammar conundrums and is a great addition to any bookshelf.

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Board Games for Every Type of Word Nerd

Mattel Mad Gab is this hilarious party game where each team has to decipher the winning phrase by listening to their player repeat a list of unrelated words. It’s not what your teammate says, it’s what you hear that counts. Mad Gab also has a MAD GAB Card Game of Verbal Puzzle Phrases that pairs pictures with their trademark phrases.

Balderdash is a game for those with great poker faces. The object is to make up phony definitions of real words to try to fool your friends.

If you like the idea but aren’t sure you could pull it off, check out Wise and Otherwise. I can tell you from personal experience that this is an excellent game to play with your friends.

Another fun word game is Taboo. This one is all about what you don’t say. When it’s your turn, you’re handed a card with one word that you have to get your team to guess — but you do so without saying any of the extra words listed below. Taboo Buzzd is a handheld version for word fun on the go.

Spelling buffs will love Bananagrams, the go-anywhere, for-anyone game of anagrams. Use the letter tiles to build new words off of the other player’s, creating your own unique crossword grid. There’s no board to mess with — the tiles are simply stored in a cute, banana-shaped, zippered pouch.

Want to splurge on a gift for someone really special? This Scrabble Deluxe Edition with Rotating Wooden Game Board has a built-in rotating board and a gorgeous mahogany finish.

T-Shirts and other Grammar SWAG

Every grammar geek needs an “I’m Silently Correcting Your Grammar” T-shirt, but this cheeky phrase can also be found on a tote bag, a mug, and even a sticker. So cute!!!

My absolute favorite silly T is this “Punctuation Saves Lives” one, available in two different colors.

But I also love this Hoo Whom Owl Shirt. And this “Whom” shirt. It’s also available in an adorable tote bag.

CafePress has an incredible list of grammar swag too.

Word Nerd Novelties

Proofreaders will love sipping coffee or tea from one of these mugs: I Before E, or this There Their They’re, and Bad Grammar Makes Me [Sic].

For those who like eclectic decor, what better than this hand-cut, Grammar Police Wooden Sign? It’s the perfect shelf art for any grammar geek’s office.

Why not hang this Punctuation & Grammar poster next to it?

The Fisher Space Pen is a fun gift for that person who still likes to work with pen to paper. It writes at any angle (even in zero gravity!) and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Kindle owners will love this beautiful Book-lover’s case.

Society6 also has an impressive collection of grammar art prints that you can check out.

Grammar Gifts for Kids and Teens

Shopping for a grammar geek-in-training? The Best of Mad Libs is a classic favorite for kids ages eight and up. For even littler kiddos, Mad Libs Juniors are for ages five to eight.

Also, these Schoolhouse Rock DVDs are a great gift for kids and parents alike. They bring back so many memories!

I also love this Super Sleuth Vocabulary Game where kids practice new words by pretending to be detectives and solving nearly 200 different mysteries.

Teens and budding writers will appreciate these two books: Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing and Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students, by the popular podcaster of the same name.

A Gift for Those Who Hate Their Current 9-to-5

Shopping for a grammar geek who might be considering putting their talents into an at-home career?

Check out our General Proofreading workshop to see if proofreading is right for you, or you can sign up for a FREE 7-day course to see what our courses are all about. 

BONUS: Want to get FREE, two-day shipping on most items on Amazon? Sign up for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, and enjoy endless streaming of thousands of great TV shows, movies, and songs, as well. It’s like a little gift just for you.

Your Turn!

And there you have it. More than 40 gift ideas for anyone who loves the English language – especially correcting it. I hope it saves you time and money and helps you pick out that perfect gift!

Do you LOVE any of the items on my list? Did I miss any of your favorites? Are you bringing something special home just for you after seeing it here? Let me know in the comments!