When it comes to gifts for writers, bigger is not really ever better. Gifts for writers fall into a few basic categories: functional, quirky, inspirational, and resource. Writers want to use products that serve a specific function (and often don’t want to stray from a product that meets their needs), but they like things with a little flair (that’s when quirky comes in.) There are lots of great resources out there, and if you know your writer well, you might be able to choose a few good resources to help them refine their WIP (that’s writer-speak for “work-in-progress”). Writers also look for inspiration, and simple gifts to decorate their writing space or stick to their writing tools can be great sources of motivation. If you’re stuck, check out these ideas for the writer in your life.
Functional Gifts for Writers: Notebooks
Many writers, even if they use some snazzy software for their drafts, live and die by their notebooks and journals. If you ever lose your writer, a good strategy to find them is to follow the trail of notebooks they leave in their wake. Good notebooks are portable, can withstand a coffee (or tea!) spill, and are easy to write in. (Yes, that might seem a little obvious, but not all notebooks stay open well or have quality paper for writing.) Each writer has their own preferences: spiral bound or stitched, lined or not, size, paper quality, orientation, etc., but with a little bit of investigation, you can probably quickly discover your writer’s “must haves” in a notebook.
1. SINOBAND Journals for Writers
These notebooks come in handy 4-packs in an assortment of colors. This could be a great idea if your writer organizes their thoughts for a specific WIP into different journals. They have a sturdy leather cover and high-quality lined paper. They are size A5, which is about the size of an iPad, so they travel well.
2. Panobook Notebook, by Studioneat
You favorite writer-friend probably doesn’t have this notebook, but they might just wish they did! This is the notebook to rule all notebooks. This unique notebook was designed specifically for writers and has a lot of features that other designers overlook. First, it is specifically designed to lay in front of your iPad or laptop (landscape) or, next to your laptop (portrait). Second, each page is a dotted grid, which helps writers to organize, and allows for doodling , sketching, or storyboarding. Last, it had a durable cover and is spiral-bound for easy of use. The Panobook checks all the boxes!
3. Moleskin Classic Notebook
The Moleskin is the go-to notebook for many writers. With a durable cover, a convenient strap for closing, and lots of options for paper (lined, blank, grid), you can’t do wrong with this notebook. The size makes it nice and portable, and the strap can even help keep loose notes safely tucked inside. The books come in a variety of colors to meet your writer’s individual style.
Functional Gifts for Writers: Bags
1. VASCHY Messenger Bag
One of the most important functions of a bag for writers is that is can safely stow everything your writer needs. This bag is made of waterproof canvas and leather, and is large enough to fit an iPad. With an adjustable strap, this is a comfortable bag to wear. The bag has two compartments and a zipper top under the flap, and comes if a few colors.
2. KROSER Laptop Bag
If your writer friend uses a laptop and has a few things to carry, this might be a good choice. This roomy (and somewhat large) backpack fits a 17.3″ laptop. It is made of water-repellent, environmentally friendly fabric. This bag a a few handy design features, including a luggage strap, USB port, ergonomic straps, and multiple interior pockets.
3. Sonu Backpack, by Aruna
This is a great bag with a great social mission. Aruna bags are crafted by Aruna Artisans, and all profits directly impact women who are survivors of human trafficking. This bag is made of waterproof nylon and is machine-washable. It has a large pocket that can fit a 15″ laptop, and two deep side pockets. The top closes with a magnetic clasp.
Quirky Gifts for Writers
1. YouNique Designs Unicorn Mug
Every writer wants to imagine that they have that elusive “je ne sais quoi”. The writer in your life need not imagine anymore. This unicorn mug is sure to let the world know to pre-orders their WIP. The mug comes in a few colors and is dishwasher and microwave safe.
2. Vintage Typewriter Keyboard
You have to admit, this is a pretty cool keyboard. If your writer is into retro, this just may be the perfect gift. Don’t let the retro fool you though—this keyboard is fully equipped with bluetooth and is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, and Linux. It’s made with robust materials and features an audible sound when typing and multi-key functionality.
3. Writers Block T-Shirt
This awesome t-shirt comes in several sizes and colors to meet your writer’s specs. Quirky and fun, we’re pretty sure your writer is going to love sporting this at the nearest coffee shop.
Inspirational Gifts for Writers
1. The Storymatic Classic
The Storymatic Classic is a pretty cool creative writing game that helps to break writers block. This is a great way to pull out new and original ideas, to get the creative juices flowing, or to hone writing skills. Chances are, the writer in your life is always up for something that inspires creativity. The rules are pretty simple: combine character cards with complication cards, and put the pen to paper! The results are anything but simple, and you’ll be surprised what you might come up with.
2. This Is What an Author Looks Like Mug
Did your writer just meet that lifetime goal? What better way to celebrate than announcing it to the whole coffee shop? This mug comes in a few different sayings and colors, all to honor your writer’s accomplishments. This 15-ounce mug is both dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
3. She Believed She Could Bracelet
This charm bracelet says it all: She believed she could…so she did. What better way to inspire your writer than by letting her know you think she’s pretty awesome. If she’s close to finishing her WIP, this might be a great congratulatory gift.
Resource Gifts for Writers
1. The Emotional Thesaurus
Writers widely recognize this thesaurus as a go-to resource for writers. This book is cleverly laid-out to help writers find the perfect words and phrases to show an emotion. This book has thousands of 5-star ratings and is considered the gold standard for writing resources.
2. Outlining Your Novel
This classic book will help your writer answer the age-old question: Are you a Plotter or Are you a Pantser? (Confused? Read a few chapters and you’ll be all caught up!) This book helps your writer to identify how they conceptualize their projects and gives them tips to bring out their outlining strengths while learning to appreciate other methods. A must-read for any writer.
3. Stein On Writing
Once your writer has reached the editing phase, this book is an essential guide to walking a writer (no matter how experienced) through that arduous process. The examples in this book are helpful for all stages of editing and writing, showing writers how to recognize shortcomings and suggesting techniques for improving their writing.
Looking for more ideas for the writer in your life? Check out these articles: