Why These Unique Gifts Matter…
Why should you buy gifts for writers? Well, most writers practice their craft in shady holes, secluded for hours – not unlike Bilbo Baggins. It can be very isolating. Another pattern I’ve noticed is most writers can only afford to write as a part-time, often unpaid gig. Some of us make it big or have the support necessary to write as a full time job. Most don’t. So, writing is often seen as a hobby.
In reality, it’s something we bleed our souls into. That being said, when someone buys a gift specifically to recognize someone as a writer, it means something. It means they believe in your writing career. That they understand how important writing is to you. Finally, and most importantly, they are saying they support your writing journey and want you to succeed. That, my friends, is priceless.
So, get that writer in your life a super awesome gift this year. They probably deserve it. Or better yet, use this list to choose your own reward for winning NaNoWriMo, or for completing some other amazing writing project. Whatever your reason, I hope this list helps you find the perfect gift.
Gifts for Writers – 25 Unique Ideas
1. A Fancy Quill Set:
Will they ever use it? Possibly. But this is a point of pride for any true writer. One must have a fancy quill, it’s required. If someone gives a writer a quill, it means they see them as someone who will make history. Plus, it looks super classy on a bookshelf next to some vintage books.
2. This Amazing Plot Development & Outlining Workbook:
I write about and promote this workbook a lot. That’s because I really love it. Read my full review here.
3. Save the Cat! – It’s all the rage these days:
This is the latest is the writing advice trends… At least it was last time I checked. This book is part of a series of books with similar titles. Google “Save the Cat,” to learn more. But I’ve read this one and the original:
They’re amazing books. Be careful with this one. Make sure you really know the writer you’re giving it to. Some writers might be offended that you’re giving them a book on writing. Most will appreciate the thought and be super excited about this gift. But, you have to know your audience.
4. Stephen King’s On Writing:
I own this book. Every writer should read it. Not that I’m not biased because I’m definitely a major King fan… But really, he’s got some words of wisdom in this book that every writer should see for themselves. Great for writers and King fans everywhere!
5. A Badge of Honor, Like this Shirt:
I adore this shirt. If your writer is a sarcastic goofball like me, they’ll love it too. There’s all kinds of writerly wearables available on the market today. Check out the NaNoWriMo store for some super cool ideas. Not sure what NaNoWriMo is? Find out here.
6. A Satchel – Writer’s Always Wear Satchels, Right?
It’s a satchel! A special place to store all their writing tools. This one is a bit pricey. But the durability of a good satchel doesn’t come cheap. If you’re not looking to spend quite that much, consider this option (it’s also vegan friendly):
Even cooler idea, buy several writers gifts and fill a satchel with them. It’s like double chocolate cake.. Every writer loves a nice sturdy, functional satchel with lots of pockets. The pockets are critical. It must have good pockets.
7. One of These Beautiful Notebooks:
I love notebooks. A lot of writers love notebooks. Before you go spending your hard-earned money on a pricey notebook, make sure your special writer actually uses notebooks. Chances are they do. But make sure you do some research before you buy them one. Just in case.
You’ll also want to get them one that means something. It might be beautiful to you, but will they think so? Find out what they love, then buy them a notebook to match.
8. A Book They Want:
I can’t tell you what your writer wants to read. You’re on your own with this one.
Grab that detective hat and get to work. You’ll have to be subtle so you don’t give your idea away. Maybe bring up a book you’ve read recently. Bait the hook and see what you catch. Many writers also have Goodreads accounts. Often, they’ll have their wish list or to-be-read list available for anyone to check out.
Another cool idea is find out an older book they really like. Something by Charles Dickens or a similarly well-aged author. There’s some companies that create antique-looking books for a nominal fee. It’s a brilliant gift your writer will adore for years to come. It might even make the bookshelf next to their fancy quill set…
9. A Bullet Journal Starter Pack:
Learn more about bullet journals here. But basically, it’s a custom planner your writer can make their own. The idea is to start with a blank notebook and use what’s known as the bullet journal method to organize and plan your life. If you’re totally unfamiliar with bullet journaling, you might want to go with this nifty pre-made kit:
This kit comes fully loaded with everything you’d need to create a beautiful bullet journal.
Or you could be super crafty, and create your own. All you need is a notebook like this one:
Some pens:
And maybe a few stickers:
Voila! Custom-built bullet journal starter pack for your favorite writer. If they’re a fan of notebooks, they’ll love this.
10. A Writerly Planner:
Chaos. The core of every writer’s soul. Help them find some peace among that chaos with a planner designed specifically for writers:
Help them get organized, plan their projects, and crush their writing goals!
11. A Sweet Book of Writing Prompts for 365 Days:
Note – This specific writing prompt book is FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
Every writer should write at least one thing every day. Many of the best selling authors have said this, including Ray Bradbury.
Burn After Writing is another great writing workbook. It’s not specifically meant for 365 days of prompts. It’s still well worth it, for your writer and anyone who uses social media. Get this book for awesome inspiration and introspection:
12. This Novel Writing Workbook (One of my favs – *hint*):
The book:
The workbook:
K.M. Weiland is amazing. She’s created tons of workbooks for writers. She’s an author, too. So she totally gets it. Check her out over here. Learn more about her workbooks, sign up for her mailing list, and check out her books.
13. One of These Mugs:
A lot of writers are into sipping tea or coffee while writing (or sometimes something stronger). Give them that perfect pick-me-up gift, a writerly mug to help inspire them as they soothe their writing soul.
Bonus points if you know their favorite tea or coffee to include with the mug. Here’s some of mine for inspiration:
14. Donate to #NaNoWriMo:
Click here to learn more about donating to NaNoWriMo. Every purchase from their shop is also a donation. Or, if you don’t think your writer will appreciate this, donate to some other fabulous cause and put it in your writer’s name. (Note, this is not an affiliate link. I just really believe in NaNoWriMo and the work that they do.)
15. Buy Their Book:
As a writer, having someone close to me read my work is a bit terrifying. But it’s also the best way to show your writer how much you believe in them. Even if you don’t quite love their book, please review it. You can do so anonymously. If you do love it, share the book with your friends and family.
16. Gift Them Audible or Kindle Unlimited:
They probably already have at least one of these. So, put on your detective hat, and find out. If they don’t have subscriptions yet, you can give them one. Even if they do, you can still gift them the subscriptions. They can link it to their account to use when their subscription ends.
You could also give them an e-gift card so they can buy all the books they want. Plus, then you are setting the budget. Available from $1.00 – $2,000.00 (wow!), these gift cards are a perfect way to say, “I love you. I appreciate you. Enjoy yourself, my writer friend…”
17. A Gorgeous Set of Fineliners:
Is your writer also an artist? Do they drool over their writer’s notebook? Find out! If they do, they might love a set of fancy pens like this:
18. A Set of Super Soft Pajamas
Writers love to be comfortable. Everyone does. Just be careful if you don’t know the person’s size. Guess wrong and it could be very embarrassing.
19. Tickets to the Movies
Who doesn’t love the movies? It may be difficult or intimidating during the pandemic. But going to the movies right now, if you can, is amazing. It’s quiet, the theater is usually empty. Perfect for a date night, a night out alone, or bonding time with friends.
20. A Gift Card for Barnes & Noble
Barnes and Noble, the bookstore café to end all bookstore cafés… Maybe yours is open, maybe not. Either way, it’s highly recommended you go there. It’s always a beautiful experience, especially for a book lover. But, even if you can’t physically go to a store right now, that bookish gift will mean a lot to your writer. Show them you get their passion with a special gift card.
21. A Subscription to Writer’s Digest
Every writer wants this subscription. We’re usually too cheap or conservative with our funds to buy it for ourselves. So, be their best friend and buy it for them. They’ll love you for it. Trust me.
22. Make them Something
If you’ve got some crafting talent, or if you’re brave enough to try something from Pinterest, you might consider making your writer something special.
My aunt did this one year for Christmas. She made me an entire tree’s worth of ornaments based on the Harry Potter series. To this day, it’s one of my all time favorite Christmas gifts. Think about it. You could make something based on their favorite book, or create something that shows you appreciate their writer’s soul.
This board has tons of amazing ideas:
23. Write them a Letter
What better way to show your writer you care about them? By writing to them, you emphasize their love for the craft. Buy some fancy paper. Purchase or create a gorgeous envelope. Spend some time thinking of what to write. Then get to work. You could use some quotes from their favorite author, draw them a picture, or simply write a heart-felt message that speaks to their writing hopes and wishes to provide encouragement and support.
24. A Night Out (Or In)
This is a great gift for anyone. There’s so many ways to make one night special. Do they have a favorite movie that’s based on a book? Do they have the book? Make it a double whammy and get them both. Pop some popcorn and snuggle up on the couch. Or, if you can, take them out to eat. Then bring them back home to watch that special movie together.
There’s so many ways to create a special night that are super cheap. Find out their favorite meal. Plan a writerly craft together. Ask them to help you write a short story. The possibilities are endless…
25. A Self Care Kit
One of the things I stress most on this website is self care for writers. We so often forget to take care of ourselves. This is true for most people. But it’s especially true for writers. Writers tend to be highly empathic creatures, focusing their attention on making the world better for others. Often at the expense of their own happiness and sense of calm. Be kind to your writer and make them a self care kit.
Some ideas for a kit include: light therapy lamps, essential oil diffusers, massagers, heating pads, face masks, a luxury bath set, a yoga mat, some nice tea sets, a cool tea pot, etc…
Here’s some product links I recommend checking out:
There you have it. Twenty five awesome ideas for gifts for writers. You love them. You appreciate their struggle. Now, show them how much you care by getting them that perfect writer’s gift. Let me know what you ended up going with in the comments! Or if you have other ideas you think I should include, let me know!
Note: This page may contain affiliate links for which, if an item is purchased, I will receive a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you. I only ever post links for products that I have used, found helpful, and loved. Thank you for supporting my writing journey so I can continue to help you on yours!
