If you’ve got a writer on your gift list this holiday season, I’ve got good news for you: we’re really easy to shop for! As a group, writers love their accessories – anything literary or cozy or that screams “I’m a writer!” But that doesn’t mean you should buy the first thing that pops up in your Google search. I recommend doing a little research to determine what sort of writer you’re dealing with and what they need. Do they write by hand or exclusively on a laptop? Do they already own every craft book ever written? Once you’ve done a bit of investigation and subtle prodding, come back and check out this list of suggestions. These are some of the writerly things I love or want this holiday season:
Writing Tools
- Notebooks: I had to start with the obvious. This is on every list of gifts for writers, and for good reason. We love notebooks! But dig a little deeper and pay attention to how your writer uses their notebooks. Do they prefer something small they can stash in their pocket? Something lovely to photograph for Instagram but never actually write in (like the beauties from Rifle Paper Co.)? When I write longhand, I always fold my notebook in half, so I want ones with soft, flexible binding (like the classic soft covers from Moleskine). Knowing those types of details will take your gift from thoughtful to perfect.
- Pens: As a kid, I loved tagging along with my mom to the art supply store, where I’d entertain myself in the pen aisle, scribbling to my heart’s content. I highly recommend this sort of research if you’re going to give your favorite writer a pen. As with notebooks, the perfect pen is subjective. My husband bought me a fancy fountain pen a few years ago, but every time I use it I wind up covered in ink (#lefthandedproblems). I prefer the popular Sharpie S-Gel for everyday use, but I still haven’t found a pen I love for signing books. Remember, if you’re buying signing pens, to select one that’s archival quality.
- Mechanical Keyboard: I’ve never used one of these, but so many writers rave about them that I’m dying to try. With a mechanical keyboard, each key has its own switch, which apparently makes them more durable than your standard keyboard. But what really gets me is that they produce a satisfying click when you type and are just gorgeous to look at, with backlighting and customizable key colors. Just feast your eyes on the one below.
- Planners: Writers have a lot to keep track of – deadlines, word count goals, book events, etc. Give them someplace lovely to do it with a planner for the upcoming year. Bonus points if it includes areas for goal setting and measuring productivity. This year, I’ve got my eye on the Legend Planner, which allows you to track annual, monthly, and weekly goals and assess your progress at the end of each month.
- Stationary: There’s just something writerly about sending a handwritten note, isn’t there? As an author, I regularly use snail mail to send books, swag, and other marketing materials, and I always top it off with a personalized note. Beautiful stationary, like the options available from Minted, can take a routine mailing to the next level. Or, better yet, design and print your own customized stationary through a service like Vistaprint and showcase your giftee’s book or their author logo.
Writing Space
- Dream Office: I have it on good authority that it’s easier to be inspired in a gorgeous writing space. If you don’t have the budget for a full office renovation, look for small touches that could make a big difference – like adding shelves, replacing a shabby chair, adding wall art, or even painting the walls.
- Candles: Not only do candles smell good, but the flickering light creates the perfect ambiance for dreaming up a masterpiece. The Rustic Cottage Co, a small business here in Atlanta, offers small-batch candles in mouth-watering scents like Snickerdoodle and Warm Cinnamon Bun, while Frostbeard Studio offers soy candles with literary nods to Old Books, Divination Classroom, and Sherlock’s Study. I have no idea what those things smell like, but I’m intrigued…
- Bulletin Board: It’s not the most exciting gift, but a bulletin board can be extremely helpful in allowing a writer to see their plot mapped out visually. And it doesn’t have to be boring – these bulletin boards with distressed, scalloped frames are both functional and stylish.
- Ergonomic Gifts: Again, not the sexiest gift, but your writer’s lower back will thank you. From footrests to lumbar support to wrist pads, there are loads of ergonomic options to keep your writer healthy while they plug away at the computer. And failing all of that, a massage always hits the spot after a long day of writing.
The Coziness Factor
- Clothes: I don’t know what it is about writers and winter wear, but we love it. Give us your knits, your wool, your oversized sweaters and slouchy socks – the cozier the better. Anything reminiscent of a secluded mountain cabin in late autumn is sure to win us over. (Come to think of it, we’ll also take the secluded mountain cabin. See below.) When I’m holed up in the office, I’m usually bundled up in these socks and my cable knit cardigan.
- Hot Beverages: Caffeine fuels most writers, and again, we love anything warm and comforting. Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, mugs, mug warmers… hot beverages and all their accessories make great gifts for writers. I love Novel Teas as much for the tea as for the literary quotes on each bag, and I make daily use of my Hydroflask insulated mug. For something a little fancier (ok, a lot fancier), my husband likes the Ember mug, which maintains the perfect beverage temperature for hours using a handy phone app.
- Throw Blankets: A cuddly throw is the perfect way to stay warm and add a touch of color and texture to the room. I tend to go for cheap ones because my dog thinks every soft surface belongs to him. Target has a great selection of cute, inexpensive blankets available in all sorts of inviting textures and styles.
“I’m a Writer” Gifts
- Book-Themed Anything: Many writers are cautious about announcing their literary aspirations at first, but once we do, we want to shout it to the world. To that end, we love gifts that proudly proclaim that we are writers. These can take the form of mugs, clothes, jewelry, tote bags, etc. Out of Print has tons of bookish options. My husband got me this scarf featuring a passage from Pride and Prejudice and this book-shaped locket, and I get an extra boost of inspiration when I wear them while writing. (The message inside the locket is “You write the story of our lives”… yes, my husband wins gift giving forever.)
- WIP-Themed Anything: When writers are working on a story, it’s pretty much all we think about, so a gift based on our work-in-progress (WIP) is sure to be a hit. For example, when I was writing Kingdom of Secrets, I bought myself a hot-air balloon dress from Modcloth and a hot-air balloon necklace from Owl Tree Jewelry. A WIP-based gift will show your writer that you’re paying attention (and if you’re not a writer yourself, you’ll get bonus points for knowing what “WIP” means).
- Character Art: Want to take your WIP-themed gift to the next level? Consider commissioning an illustration of its characters. Not only will this one-of-a-kind gift blow your writer away with its thoughtfulness, it can also support a local artist. Websites like Fiver contain listings of illustrators who take commissions, and you can also search for artists – and view their work – on Instagram. Or, if your writer already has a published book, get them a poster-sized print of the cover for the office wall.
Craft & Community
- Memberships: If the writer in your list hasn’t made the leap and joined a professional writing organization, an annual membership can be the gift that keeps on giving. Each writing category/genre has its own organization, so you’ll need to do a bit of research. Children’s book authors, for example, would join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. These groups offer tons of resources to members, but most importantly provide access to a community of like-minded creators.
- Courses: Writers never stop refining our craft, so writing classes are always a welcome gift. I’ve enjoyed the writing courses available on MasterClass, especially the one offered by Neil Gaiman, which I could watch over and over.
- Conferences: Writing conferences offer the best of all worlds – substantive classes and presentations, a chance to mingle with publishing professionals, opportunities for manuscript critiques, and a space to connect with other writers. Conferences range from huge gatherings to small local events. There are also a number of virtual conferences you can attend from home without breaking the bank, like one of my kidlit favorites, WriteOnCon.
- Critiques: Some agents and editors offer paid critiques or 1-on-1 coaching for aspiring authors, in which they’ll provide personalized feedback on sample pages. So You Want to Write? has year-round opportunities, but some internet sleuthing will likely turn up auctions or giveaways that feature critiques from industry pros.
The Ultimate, Can’t-Be-Topped Writer Gifts
- Time: This is the second-best gift you can give the author in your life, if you’re in a position to do so (I’m looking at you, spouses). A promise of uninterrupted writing time is worth more than a lifetime supply of socks and notebooks, trust me. Make sure you plan ahead so that the earmarked time is free of distractions – steal their phone if you have to!
- Retreats: If you want to take the gift of time up several notches, pair it with a writing retreat in a serene location (remember that mountain cabin I mentioned?). Sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need to get the creative juices flowing. This can be as simple as a hotel room down the street or as elaborate as a 5-star getaway, complete with sumptuous meals and the opportunity to share your work with others. For kidlit authors, Highlights Foundation has an array of retreats available.
- Reviews: This is a surefire way to a writer’s heart. You can dispense with all of the above if you spend just a few moments reviewing an author’s books online!
Amazing list! Thanks for the inspiration.