Best Gifts for Writers

If someone you care about loves to write, you might be wondering what kinds of presents to give them. 

Finding the perfect gift for a writer can be a delightful challenge. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, or just because, the right gift is sure to put a smile on their face. 

So, what are some of the best gifts you can give to a writer?

Here are 50 gift ideas for writers to help inspire your search.

50 Best Gifts to Give to a Writer

In this list, we’ll be looking at several different categories of gifts you can consider:

• Writing tools and accessories

• Writing software and apps

• Inspiration and motivation

• Comfort and ergonomics

• Writing retreats and courses

• Personalized gifts

• Fun and quirky gifts 

• Practical gadgets

• Books and literature

• Wellness and relaxation 

Feel free to start with the category that sounds the most exciting to you.

Writing Tools and Accessories

First up, let’s talk about writing tools and accessories. Whether it’s a pen, a notebook, or an electronic device, having the right tools on hand can make a writer’s life a lot easier. 

1. Luxury Fountain Pen

Using a fountain pen instead of a pencil or ballpoint pen can make writing feel more special and meaningful. A high-quality fountain pen can be used for decades. 

2. Leather-bound Notebook

A writer can never have too many notebooks. A leather-bound notebook is elegant and timeless, perfect for jotting down ideas on the go.

3. Typewriter

Typewriters offer vintage charm combined with practical use, especially for people who love a tactile writing experience.

4. Portable Word Processor

If your writer friend often complains about getting distracted during writing sessions, consider giving them a portable word processor. These make distraction-free writing a lot easier.

5. Personalized Stationery

Personalized stationery adds a touch of professionalism and personality to your friend’s correspondence. Plus, you might be receiving a very beautiful thank-you note in return!

6. Mechanical Keyboard

A good mechanical keyboard can improve typing comfort and speed. Keyboards can even be customized in different colors and styles, so you can pick your friend’s favorite. 

7. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones help writers stay focused in noisy environments. You could also make your friend a personalized playlist to make this gift even more special. 

Writing Software and Apps

Using the best writing software can make writing and editing much easier. There are some free apps out there, but the best apps usually require a subscription—which makes them a great gift option for the writers in your life.  

8. ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is a digital toolkit that helps you craft your story and bring it to life. You can fix grammatical errors, improve sentence clarity, create more engaging prose, analyze your narrative, and even generate ideas.

9. Hemingway Editor

Hemingway is an app that helps improve writing style and readability. It’s available as an app for both Mac and Windows with a one-time purchase. 

10. Scrivener

Scrivener helps writers keep their work organized. It’s a powerful writing software designed for long-form content creation, such as novel projects and full-length nonfiction manuscripts.

11. Grammarly 

Grammarly is an advanced grammar checker and AI writing assistant which can help your friend polish their writing.

12. Evernote 

Evernote is a note-taking app that’s useful for organizing notes, research, and ideas. This is useful software for helping your friends stay organized. 

Inspiration and Motivation

The process of creative writing is a marathon, not a sprint, which means staying motivated is a crucial challenge. Many writers might appreciate an inspirational gift that reminds them to keep going. 

13. Inspirational Tote Bag

There are lots of options for tote bags with inspirational writing quotes. Plus, a good tote bag can also be useful for carrying books, notebooks, and writing tools. 

14. Motivational Posters

Consider getting your friend a poster with motivational quotes from their favorite authors. You can choose a serious one or a funny one, depending on your friend’s personality. 

15. Literary Mugs

If your friend enjoys hot beverages, a literary mug is a great option. Mugs can come with inspirational quotes or bookish designs that your friend can appreciate while enjoying their coffee or tea.

16. Writer’s Block Journal

A writer’s block journal is full of prompts and exercises to help overcome writer’s block. These can be a fun way to help your friend get reinspired.

17. Literary Candles

Literary candles have scents inspired by classic books and famous authors. This is a fun way to add some olfactory charm to your friend’s book space. 

Comfort and Ergonomics

Have you ever tried writing a book while sitting on an uncomfortable chair? We don’t recommend it. 

A thoughtful gift designed to improve comfort and ergonomics can hugely improve a writer’s quality of life. 

18. Ergonomic Chair

An ergonomic chair is essential for long writing sessions. If your friend’s ever complained about back pain or neck aches, consider getting them an ergonomic chair to enable healthier writing sessions.

19. Lumbar Support Cushion

A lumbar support cushion adds extra comfort to any chair. It’s much cheaper than buying an ergonomic chair, if you’re looking for a more affordable way to accomplish the same goal.

20. Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses

Writers often spend all day staring at a computer screen. Blue-light-blocking glasses reduce eye strain from screen time.

21. Desk Footrest

A desk footrest is an underrated device that helps maintain proper posture. You can pick a cute one that matches your friend’s existing decor. 

22. Neck-and-Back Massager

A neck-and-back massager gives your writer friend a fun way to relax the next time they’re taking a break from their manuscript. 

Writing Retreats and Courses

Many writers appreciate the opportunity to learn more about writing craft. The right book, course, or writing retreat can help your friend take their work to the next level. 

23. Books on Writing

Books like On Writing by Stephen King or Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott offer wisdom and encouragement, as well as useful craft advice.

24. Local Writing Classes

Look for in-person workshops that can help your friend hone their craft. This can also be a great way for them to make new writing friends or meet a broader community. 

25. Writing Retreat

Writing retreats are getaways focused solely on writing, often in picturesque locations. Retreats can be expensive, but if you can afford one, your friend is sure to appreciate it. 

26. MasterClass Subscription

A MasterClass subscription gives your friend access to writing courses from famous authors, such as Neil Gaiman and Margaret Atwood.

27. Online Writing Workshop

If your friend doesn’t live in an area with in-person classes, an online writing workshop can be a fantastic alternative. This would still let them join a community of writers for feedback and support, with guidance from an experienced instructor.

Personalized Gifts

If you’re familiar with a specific project your friend has written, or the story they’re currently working on, you can give them a personalized gift that’s unique to their work. They’ll definitely be touched by the gesture. 

28. Literary Map

If your friend writes fantasy novels, or another genre that features intensive world-building, you can consider giving them a literary map that features locations from their story. 

29. Commissioned Portrait or Fan Art

Another option is to commission a portrait or some other artistic rendering of their story’s characters. One of my friends once made me a painting of the characters in my novel manuscript, and I still cherish that painting to this day.

30. Customized Bookmarks

Finally, consider giving your friend a set of customized bookmarks with quotes from their writing. If they’re a published author, they can also use these bookmarks to market their work. 

Quirky Literary Gifts

If your writing friend loves nerding out over books, a quirky literary gift might be the way to go. Here are a few suggestions to look into.

31. Novel Teas

If your friend is a tea drinker, you can get them a set of tea bags with literary quotes and themes. 

32. Story Cubes

Story cubes are dice with images to inspire creative storytelling. You and your writer friend can use them together to come up with new story ideas. 

33. Book-Shaped Lamp

A book-shaped lamp can be a unique and stylish addition to your friend’s reading nook. Some of these lamps even come in multiple colors, like true white, warm yellow, and atmospheric purple. 

34. Literary Board Games

Games like "Scrabble" or "Bananagrams" can appeal to a writer’s love of words. This also gives you and your friend a fun new way to spend time together. 

35. Literary Socks

A good pair of literary socks is always a cute gift. There are many designs featuring different quotes and images from beloved books, so you can pick out your friend’s favorite.

Practical Gadgets

If your friend is more practical-minded, giving them a useful gift might be your best bet. These gifts might seem more boring than some of our previous suggestions, but to many people, functionality can be just as important as style. 

36. Portable Charger

A portable charger ensures your friend’s devices never run out of battery while writing—which can be a lifesaver if they like writing outside of their usual workspace.

37. Document Scanner

A document scanner can digitize notes and manuscripts easily, helping your friend convert their work from handwritten formats to more accessible ones.

38. Smart Notebook

A smart notebook, like a reMarkable, lets your friend write by hand and then upload the notes to a digital format. It’s an easy way to transition between formats. 

39. External Hard Drive

External hard drives provide extra storage for your friend’s manuscripts and research.

40. Voice Recorder

A voice recorder is handy for capturing ideas on the go. Some options even include built-in voice-to-text capabilities. 

Books and Literature

Most writers are also avid readers, so gifts related to books and literature are definitely an option to consider. 

41. Custom Book Embosser

A custom book embosser allows your friend to personalize their library with their own emblem. If they often lend books to other people, this is a useful way for them to keep track of which books are theirs. 

42. Personalized Bookplates

Personalized bookplates can offer beautiful labels for their book collection.

43. Book Subscription Box

Book subscription boxes, like OwlCrate and Book of the Month, offer regular deliveries of new and exciting reads to fuel your friend’s imagination.

44. Special Edition Books

If you have the budget for it, consider giving your friend a collectible edition of their favorite novel. They’ll treasure it for a lifetime. 

45. Audiobook Subscription

If your friend is an audiobook lover, services like Audible are great for listening to books on the go.

46. Literary Magazine Subscription

A subscription to a literary magazine can help your friend stay updated on industry trends. 

Wellness and Relaxation

There’s more to a writer’s life than just writing. Other activities that take care of their bodies and minds can help them "refill the creative well," so to speak.

So, here are some gift suggestions that don’t relate directly to writing but are still likely to feel meaningful to a lot of writers. 

47. Desk Plants

Whether it’s a small succulent or a colorful flower, desk plants add a touch of nature to your friend’s writing space.

48. Aromatherapy Diffuser

A diffuser can create a calming atmosphere with essential oils, helping your friend create the perfect writing environment.

49. Yoga or Fitness Classes

Fitness classes can help your friend relax and stay fit, balancing the sedentary writing life with a more active routine.

50. Art Classes

Finally, art classes can be a great option too. Being creative in a different way can help writers unlock new sources of inspiration. 

Conclusion on Gifts to Give Writers

Finding the perfect gift for a writer doesn’t have to be daunting. From practical tools and luxurious accessories to inspirational reads and quirky finds, there’s something here to delight every wordsmith.

If you want to see how ProWritingAid works before investing in a subscription, check out the free version.

Keep in mind that writers aren’t a monolith. Different people appreciate different things, so you should always tailor your gift to the specific recipient. 

Good luck, and happy writing!