Writing is a notoriously solitary and challenging task, which is why many great writers are known for being curmudgeonly, crazy, or both. If you’re looking to get the writer in your life just the right, thoughtful gift you might find it a challenging task. Part of that has to do with the aforementioned artistic sensibilities, but the more significant issue is very few material goods are required to write.
Many writers approach writing with the cheapest pens and most basic notebooks. Or, more likely, they have a MacBook Pro covered in stickers. David Sedaris writes in composition books. Barack Obama likes yellow legal pads.
The best approach to finding gifts for writers is to search for things that can make their task a little easier or more pleasant, whether that’s something to help them tune out the world or a subtle reminder that they ought to take a break and stretch their legs. Plus, every good writer also has a deep love for reading and books, which means you can always steal gift ideas from our lists of the best books to give as gifts and the best gifts for book lovers.
Of course, writers are people, too. If you don’t find what you’re looking for in our list below, be sure to check out our general guides to the best gifts for men and women. For now, keep scrolling to find the best gifts for writers.
1. Field Notes: Original Kraft 3-Pack
FOR THE WRITER ON THE GO
Simple yet stylish, this 3-pack of notebooks from Field Notes is an excellent option for any writer who likes to jot things down by hand. The notebooks are not so expensive that they’ll feel the need to be precious with them, but they look a little nicer than the average Mead notebook. Plus, these are made in the US.
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2. Big Blanket Co Original Stretch Blanket
A giant cozy blanket is perfect for wrapping yourself up and crunching on deadlines or settling in to relax with a glass of wine. Big Blanket’s Original Stretch is their bestseller and has thousands of ratings and reviews on Amazon. It’s 100 square feet of plush heaven (Big Blankets are 10 feet by 10 feet — that’s seriously huge!) and available in over 20 charming colors.
3. Built Quilt Journal
Writers are all about, well, writing. Whether it’s their next novel or just keeping a journal, this is true. These faux leather journals feature vintage Weathervane or Rose Geranium quilt block patterns in gold foil, and inside are 160 lined pages just waiting for their brilliant words.
4. 642 Things to Write About
Writers may love to write, but we have no idea what to write all too often! This journal is all about inspiration and having fun, using silly but informational experiments, all meant to get the inspiration flowing.
5. Paddywax Library Collection Jane Austen Candle
Get some inspiration from the greats from Paddywax’s Library Collection of candles, which puts together favorite quotes with beautiful fragrances dedicated to literary giants.
6. AquaNotes
Writers can never control exactly when and where they may be when that inspiration hits, and this set of waterproof writing pads can be kept in the shower for when those sudden shower thoughts happen. This way, they can write down that idea before it fades.
7. Twelve South BookBook for MacBook
We all love our portable laptop computers, but there’s nothing like an old-school vintage book. So, why not do both? This is a MacBook laptop case that looks just like a vintage book.
8. 3 A.M. Epiphany
That writer’s block is a killer. This book has over 200 exercises to spark creativity and reverse writers’ block. Have fun with things, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
The 3 A.M. Epiphany: Uncommon Writing Exercises that Transform Your Fiction
$17.99
9. Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
Whether a late night on deadline or a long day at your desk, this mug will keep you awake and infused with hot coffee while you work.
10. Mooas Cube Timer
FOR THE WRITER WITH TIME MANAGEMENT ISSUES
Procrastinating is a natural part of the creative process. But sometimes, it can get out of hand. That’s why it can be helpful to procrastinate smartly. Allowing yourself regular breaks will help you be more productive when you need to. This cube timer has 5, 10, 20, or 30-minute settings. Flip it to your desired time, and it’ll start silently counting until the alarm goes off.
11. YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler
FOR THE TEA-LOVING WRITER
Every writer appreciates having a hot beverage by their side, whether that’s tea, coffee or a hot toddy. The problem is that it might not be hot by the time they remember to drink it anymore. This tumbler from YETI is double wall-insulated to help keep their favorite beverage hot without feeling too much like a travel thermos. It comes in a wide range of colors, too.
12. TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp
FOR THE NIGHT OWL NOVELIST
Many writers get their best work done in the evening, which means they need a good lamp for their desk. Backed by over 20,000 5-star ratings, this affordable lamp suits a wide variety of preferences. It has five lighting modes and seven brightness settings, and the touch controls make it easy to find your desired setting. Its small frame also won’t take up much space on a desk.
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13. Kobo Clara HD
FOR THE TECH-LOVING WRITER
The Kobo Clara is one of the best-kept secrets in the world of e-readers, mainly because the Amazon Kindle so heavily dominates the market. What’s great about the Kobo is that it’s designed to be super easy to borrow from your local library. Why? It’s made by Rakuten, the same company behind Overdrive, one of the most popular e-book services for library systems. The Clara has a paper-like display, and it shows the cover of the book you’re reading when it’s in standby mode. Its 6-inch size is easy to take on the go.
14. Out of Print Library Card Mug
FOR THE WRITER WHO LOVES LIBRARIES
This mug from Out of Print resembles a borrower’s library card, making it a cute and practical gift for any writer. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe and holds 12 ounces. Out of Print also makes stylish T-shirts featuring classic book covers, and part of the proceeds go to supporting literacy programs.
15. ShalinIndia 3 in One Wooden 3D Puzzle Set
FOR THE WRITER WHO NEEDS A HEALTHY DISTRACTION
This gift is an excellent option for any writer who likes to fidget while brainstorming. It’s a set of three 3D puzzles that offer a minor distraction that’s way healthier than checking Twitter. And when they’re not using it, it makes a stylish addition to their desk.
16. Giovanni’s Room – James Baldwin
FOR THE WRITER WHO LOVES THE CLASSICS
James Baldwin is so revered for his critically important writings on race that his prose itself sometimes gets overlooked. This novel, part thriller, part romance, is beautifully written and an excellent gift for any writer who missed this vital classic.
17. X-Acto Pencil Sharpener
No writer likes to be slowed down by a dull pencil. This pencil sharpener will make sure all their pencils are always sharp and ready. All they need now is for their head to be in the same condition!
18. Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Inspired Retro Mechanical Wired & Wireless Keyboard with Tablet Stand
Writers often care a lot about tradition and the classics. That’s what makes an old-school typewriter such a fantastic gift idea. They get to write their great work of art in how the icons wrote their classics.
19. Brass Monkey Perpetually Late Undated Planner
Being a writer is all about keeping on top of interviews, deadlines, and your schedule. A good planner can be a lifesaver!
20. Dinner with Mr. Darcy: Recipes Inspired by the Novels of Jane Austen
Chances are they’ll be all over the opportunity to cook meals inspired by one of literature’s most extraordinary authors.