31 Gifts For Writers to Help Them Pen Their Next Masterpiece

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There are almost as many kinds of writers as there are things to write about. But all writers—from budding journalists, to covert fan fiction authors, to best-selling novelists—have at least one thing in common: at some point, they’ve got to sit down and actually write. All the world-building and brainstorming in the universe won’t help you publish a story if you can’t get words down on the page. While the process of writing involves many steps—researching, daydreaming, outlining, pitching, editing, and more—the part where you grab a pen or a laptop and get cracking is often the hardest.

As a result, the best gifts for writers are often more practical than you might expect. Too many gift guides for writers focus on aesthetics and cultivating a writerly vibe. The aspiring poets, lyricists and scriptwriters in your life don’t need more mugs with sassy sayings about storytelling on them. They need writing tools that make the actual process of drafting and editing go more smoothly.

These great gifts aren’t as hard to find as you might think. I’ve scoured the Internet to find some of the best gadgets, tools and treats to help your favorite writer tackle their next project. If you’re shopping for the writer in your life, I’m sure that at least one of these 30 gift ideas will earn you a spot on the acknowledgements page.

More Gift Ideas: Gifts For Photographers ● Inspirational Gift Ideas ● Gifts for Music Lovers

The Best Gifts For Writers

• A Digital Paper Tablet For Distraction-Free Writing: reMarkable 2 Tablet

• A Modern Typewriter: Freewrite Traveler

• Gentle Writing Advice: ‘Gentle Writing Advice: How to Be a Writer Without Destroying Yourself’

• A Pen-Carrying Companion: Brass Crab Pen Holder

• Inspiration In a Box: Writing Dice

• The Pep Talk Every Writer Needs: ‘Never Say You Can’t Survive’

What to Consider While Shopping for a Writer

Find Out What Kind of Writer You’re Shopping For

This might sound obvious, but every writer on your shopping list is going to be different. While some things—like a new laptop—will appeal to everyone, it’s often important to pay attention to consider your giftee’s individual writing genres or philosophies.

If you’re shopping for someone who is trying to break into a very specific type of writing, like writing for TV or composing poetry, look for guidebooks that pertain to those aspirations. If you’re buying a gift for someone who likes writing their drafts by hand, a well-designed notebook makes perfect sense. But a professional writer who spends their time clacking away on a keyboard might have more use for a new office chair.

That being said, if all you have to go on is that your gift recipient likes to write in some form or another, a unique pen or a novelty gift like a book-themed candle might be the best way to go.

Give Them What They Need

Writing is an art, a craft, and a challenging profession. Just like any creative and technical endeavor, it’s easiest to do well when you have the right kit for the job. Unless you’re shopping for a writer who’s both a seasoned wordsmith and has cash to burn, chances are good that they’ve got an existing wish list of writing tools you can pick from.

For example: Don’t assume your giftee is dying for a portable writing device—they might have much more use for something that improves their home-office setup.

Help Them Write More Often

There are lots of different settings a writer can write in. Find out how writing fits into your recipient’s everyday life—and how they’d like to change that routine. The greatest gift a writer can receive is more time to write. That could mean optimizing a home office to make it more cozy and conducive to early-morning writing sprints.

It could also mean picking out a pair of noise-canceling headphones to make it easier to write while commuting or caring for small children. If the writer you’re shopping for has been dealing with writer’s block, then an inspiring book on the craft of writing could make all the difference.

How We Selected These Gifts For Writers

I picked these gifts based on my expertise as a professional writer—and chats with many friends and colleagues who are also in the storytelling business. Many of these recommendations are products I’ve bought for myself after doing lots of research: I read in-depth reviews, checked Amazon ratings, asked other writers, and surfed Reddit threads for advice. I also polled a few other writers on the tools that have really helped them succeed.

2 Tablet

These days, most writers do their drafting and revision on the computer. But bringing your laptop with you on a writing excursion can often mean bringing the whole world with you, too—and all of its distractions. On the other hand, writing with pen and paper means having to type everything up later. Having a device solely for writing can give you the best of both worlds.

My personal pick for a writing tablet is the reMarkable 2, an e-ink tablet that syncs your handwritten notes up to the cloud. While you can buy a keyboard attachment to type on it, its especially useful for writing by hand. Its digital paper design feels as organic as writing on a blank page, and it can seamlessly convert your handwriting to digital text when the time comes to edit on your computer.

Freewrite Traveler

Not everyone who wants a distraction-free writing device actually wants to write by hand. If typing is more your giftee’s speed, the Freewrite Traveler is hard to beat.

Designed to optimize uninterrupted bursts of writing, it takes away all of the distractions of the laptop, leaving you with a simple word processor. Its blue light-free e-ink display takes up half the space of your average laptop, but unfolds to reveal a keyboard for speedy typing. In other words, all you can do is type text on it.

With a battery that can go for 4 weeks between charges, it’s a perfect addition to any aspiring writer’s everyday carry. The device’s internal flash storage can hold up to 1,000,000 words—all of which will sync to the cloud automatically.

‘Gentle Writing Advice: How to Be a Writer Without Destroying Yourself’

Transform your favorite writer’s approach to their craft with "Gentle Writing Advice" by Chuck Wendig. Unlike stodgier writing guides, this book throws out restrictive rules and embraces the beautifully messy—and sometimes bizarre—reality of being a writer.

Wendig's witty and candid insights dismantle conventional advice, replacing it with a personalized journey of self-discovery. Through humor and relatable anecdotes, Wendig guides writers in understanding their quirks, overcoming challenges, and finding their own unique path to writing productivity.

Packed with self-care tips and behind-the-scenes stories, it doesn't just help writers put words on the page—it encourages a healthy mindset, ensuring the creative process doesn't take a toll on their well-being.

Brass Crab Pen Holder

Infuse an air of whimsy into your favorite writer's workspace with this delightfully silly crustacean-shaped pen holder. This charming accessory not only corrals pens and pencils but also adds character to any workspace, be it a desk, shelf, or tabletop.

Its gleaming brass finish and gracefully curved claws make for a seriously enchanting desk companion, instantly elevating any writing space with both elegance and whimsy.

If you’re looking for a desk accessory that looks a little less crabby, this Etsy seller also offers pen holders shaped like other critters. We urge you to consider the lobster.

Writing Dice

The greatest gift a writer can receive is an end to their writer’s block. There’s no guaranteed cure for writer’s block without making some kind of Faustian bargain, but this set of inspirational writing dice give you decent odds.

These 1-inch, color-coded wooden dice offer various prompts for themes, locations, time settings, conflicts, points of view, and character dimensions. For example, you might toss a few of the dice around and end up with the prompts “outsider,” “alternate history,” and “greedy.” With that, you might spin up a short story about a no-good stranger rolling into a steampunk town.

It’s an inventive way to shake things up when you’re stuck in a writing rut. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned wordsmith, this thoughtful framework can help out with any kind of creative endeavor—from stories and novels to screenplays and comics. Roll the dice, watch the prompts unfold, and let your imagination do the rest.

‘Never Say You Can't Survive’

There are a lot of excellent books out there to help writers do what they do. One of my favorites is Never Say You Can’t Survive: How to Get Through Hard Times by Making up Stories by Charlie Jane Anders.

This Hugo-Award-Winning guide encourages readers to keep telling their stories even if the world is on fire. In fact, it argues that terrible times are the best times to write. Anders offers plenty of practical and sage advice on the craft of writing itself, but the book stands apart from other guides by framing writing as a radical, life-saving act of creation. It’s an absolute must for any aspiring writer’s bookshelf.

Pro Stylus 2

Pens are so 20th century. If the writer in your life already has a tablet, consider gifting them a high-quality stylus that will encourage them to try writing by hand. The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is a great choice for writing on an Apple tablet or phone.

It’s designed for smooth, effortless, error-free writing and offers up to 8 hours of continuous use per charge. The stylus will even attach magnetically to the iPad Pro, leaving it handy for quick use on the go.

XK03 Foldable Ergonomic Keyboard

This pocket-size split keyboard is the perfect gift for writers who want to carry a keyboard with them wherever they go. The ultra-slim, PU leather-covered design folds down to just half an inch thick and less than 8 inches across, so you can fit it just about anywhere.

Once flipped open, the Bluetooth keyboard features full-size scissor switch keys in an ergonomic configuration to encourage better typing form, even on a makeshift on-the-go desk. It can pair and hot swap among up to three devices at once, so your writer can easily switch between typing on a laptop, tablet and phone.

It’s a great choice for writers who don’t like to carry a laptop all the time, but may feel compelled to stop and jot something down at any moment.

V2-Commercial Standing Desk

At this point, it’s kind of noteworthy to find someone with a desk that isn’t adjustable. And that’s for good reason: being able to go from sitting to standing is good for your physical health, but it’s also good for staying focused and on-task. If the writer you’re shopping for doesn’t have a standing desk, it’s time to help them upgrade.

This desk from Uplift gets points for sturdiness and customizability. It’s not the cheapest option you can find, but its 15-year warranty—which covers its frame components, mechanical parts, electrical parts, and motor—makes the sticker price well worth it.

Qwerkywriter S Typewriter

Most writers at least occasionally fantasize about clacking away on an old school typewriter. If you’re shopping for a truly nostalgic writer who holds aesthetics above all else, by all means go and find them a vintage machine to type out their masterpiece on. But for most of us, the finicky realities of working with a mechanical device just aren’t worth it.

Luckily, we can still unleash our inner Hemingway with a mechanical keyboard in the style of a classic typewriter. This one has both a wired and a wireless connection, so you can use it with any tablet or computer.

Balance Board

If you give a writer a standing desk, they’re going to want a balance board to go with it. A good balance board creates low-impact rocker movement to keep your mind and body engaged while you’re writing upright.

This highly-rated board from Fezibo doubles as an anti-fatigue mat, keeping your feet and calves from getting sore, even as you work your core. It also features handy holes that allow you to attach resistance bands for a quick workout.

Complete Bookbinding Kit

Who needs a publishing deal when you can print and bind your own book? A bookbinding kit is the perfect gift for a writer who’s self-published an e-book and wants a physical copy—or for anyone who loves their writing enough to want to see it sitting on a bookshelf.

This artisan-curated kit contains all the tools, supplies and detailed instructions you need to make an A6 (4"x6") classic hard cover book with 140 pages. Whether your giftee wants to craft a handbound journal to scribble poetry in or print and bind their fan fiction magnum opus—or just wants to hop on the bandwagon of producing ASMR book binding content for TikTok—it’s a unique gift that’s sure to stand out.

Powerstation Pro AC

An external battery might not sound like a particularly exciting gift, but it’s one that any writer will deeply appreciate. Nothing is more frustrating than losing the ability to draft or edit a manuscript on the go because of a drained laptop or tablet battery. With a spare battery you can sit anywhere and write for hours without having to worry about finding a place to charge.

Mophie’s Powerstation Pro AC is a big charger built for keeping laptops going. It has two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, and an AC port, so you can charge just about any device you might choose to write on. With a 27,000 mAh capacity, it can give your writer over an hour of extra laptop life—or recharge their phone four or five times.

Leather Portfolio

Add a touch of sophistication to a writer's arsenal with a leather portfolio. This functional folder holds pens and provides a stylish companion for meetings, interviews and creative sessions. It’s also a much nicer place to store a manuscript than your average plastic binder.

This folio, which can hold a whole heap of A3-size paper, is handcrafted in the UK and available in multiple shades of full-grain vegetable-tanned Italian leather. It can also be embossed in either silver or gold. Look out, Lisa Frank! There’s a new folder in town.

Terrarium Pen

Most writers do the bulk of their work on digital devices, but that doesn’t mean a good pen is a poor gift. If the writer you’re shopping for has a favorite model of pen, then you should make sure to purchase the writing implement they prefer. But if you simply want to give them a lovely tool for occasional note taking, you might as well go for something aesthetically pleasing.

The handcrafted barrel of this pen contains resin mushrooms nestled upon lush green moss. The whimsical contents are securely sealed within the pen's top, and the nib opens and closes seamlessly with a gentle twist. It not only adds a touch of nature-inspired charm to any writing desk, but comes complete with spare ink to ensure a continuous flow of creativity.

Laptop Desk

Sometimes you need to write, but you’d rather just sit on your couch… Or lie in bed. Saiji’s lap desk is especially well-suited to helping you get work done from a relaxed position. Unlike a normal lap desk, which you rest on your legs, this desk sits on the floor to provide greater stability on any surface.

With adjustable heights and angles, it caters to the indecisive writer, who may want to sit, or lounge at any given moment.

Cube Clock And Timer

Many creatives find that working in timed chunks can actually enhance their concentration and increase their productivity. Breaking writing sessions into focused bursts prevents burnout, allowing writers to stay on task for long enough to make progress without draining their creative reserves.

This digital clock features a quick-start timer function: Simply flip the timer switch and set the clock down with the desired timer facing up. Each color features a different set of timers, so pick the option you think will work for your giftee. If you aren’t sure, I’d recommend the white or neon coral models, which feature longer timers.

32-Inch Desk Converter

Is your giftee hopelessly attached to their old school desk? No problem. This riser allows writers to lift and lower their laptops and monitors so they stand and work at any desk.

This standing desk converter from Vivo is basically ready to go out of the box, maximizing desk space while offering plenty of room for a dual-monitor setup. Your writerly loved one will be able to switch positions as they please during long writing sprints, keeping them healthy and limber while also optimizing their focus and productivity—all without forcing them to replace the fussy rolltop desk that makes them feel like Jane Austen.

Headphones 700

Writing is hard enough without construction noise, loud roommates, screeching espresso machines and rambunctious kids interrupting your train of thought. Help the writer in your life create a cocoon of concentration by giving them a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones.

The Bose Headphones 700 sound great, and feel comfortable, but they really stand out because of their active noise-canceling. With 11 customizable levels of noise cancelation, they allow for varying levels of situational awareness, so your giftee can let more noise in on their commute, and less when they’re dialed in for work.

Custom Book Embosser

Nearly all great writers have at least one thing in common: They’re also voracious readers. If your giftee buys a lot of books, they may be interested in elevating their collection by marking their books with this custom embosser.

Whether you choose a self-inking rubber stamp or wood handle stamper, these custom book embossers create a long-lasting proof of ownership. It adds a touch of sophistication to bookshelves, elevating a favorite book into a cherished heirloom.

It also helps keep a personal library from getting scattered to the wind—friends who borrow stamped books will have no excuse for forgetting to return them!

Audiobook Credit Bundle

A Libro.fm credit bundle is the perfect way to feed your audiobook lover’s listening habit while supporting small, independent booksellers. In a world dominated by screens, audiobooks provide a welcomed respite, allowing writers to absorb captivating narratives without straining their eyes—which is especially valuable after a long day of typing away at a manuscript.

Each Libro.fm credit can be exchanged for an audiobook of your giftee’s choosing, transforming commuting, exercising, or even a quiet evening into a rich literary experience. This thoughtful gift not only offers a diverse array of literary adventures but also supports independent bookstores—a cause close to any writer's heart.

Study Buddy Candles

Will a candle packed with witchy crystals and soothing essential oils actually help your friend pen their first bestseller? Well, it won’t hurt. Lighting a candle is a great way to signal to your brain and body that something special is about to happen.

These hand-poured, 100% Eco-Soy Wax candles contain fragrant mint, rosemary, and lemon to ease the mind and encourage concentration.

If the writer on your holiday shopping list knows enough about crystals to appreciate that these candles also contain carnelian, fluorite, amethyst and tourmalinated quartz, all the better. If not? At least the rocks look pretty.

Meditation Chair Plus

The Pipersong Meditation Chair Plus is a unique seat that swept the internet when it first came out a couple years back as the ultimate chair for easily-distracted desk workers. Its distinctive, two-tiered design with a 360-degree swivel footstool unlocks a wide array of positions, encouraging your writer to easily change position whenever they want a change of seat.

With a plus-sized seat cushion and backrest, it’s comfortable for long writing stints, regardless of your writer’s size or shape.

LX3 Cordless Electric Hand Massager

Yes, this hand massager looks like the freaky pain box from Dune. But it’s actually a luxurious and useful present—especially for a writer who spends long hours typing or scribbling every day.

The massager combines air compression, heat and vibration to soothe sore fingers and joints. This delightful hand crusher will become a permanent fixture on your favorite writer’s desk. Hand cramps are the mind killer!

Lumbar Support Pillow

A long day of reading, writing or typing can really do a number on your body. If I had a nickel for everytime a masseuse touched my back and said “yikes, you must be a writer,” I’d be able to afford a lot more massages. A good lumbar support pillow can do wonders by promoting a natural spine curve and encouraging your muscles to relax.

Everlasting Comfort’s pillow comes with a spine expert’s seal of approval. It’s easy to move and adjust, so the writer in your life will be able to find relief no matter what kind of chair they sit in while writing. Plus, its breathable, machine-washable cover ensures it won’t get sweaty or funky after long hours of typing.

‘On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft’

Stephen King’s On Writing has become such an iconic guide for writers that some people now claim it’s overrated. It’s also on Time’s list of the top 100 nonfiction books of all time, so we’re prepared to call it a modern classic.

The craft-centric memoir recounts the experiences that molded King into an iconic author, blending personal anecdotes with practical insights on the craft of writing. Whether or not you agree with the countless readers who say the book helped inspire them to improve their writing, you’re sure to get something out of King’s rich storytelling and engaging prose.

Wonderland Journal

Unless you’re buying a gift for an older school writer, chances are good that your giftee does most of their writing on a keyboard. But that doesn’t mean they won’t also appreciate a good notebook. Instead of focusing on practicalities—after all, they surely have a stack of serviceable notebooks at home already—consider giving them something beautiful and inspiring.

Embellished with opulent gold foil, these journals have earned cult status among enthusiasts and bibliophiles worldwide. They’re available in dot grid, lined, and blank pages to suit any writer’s preferences. This Australian-based maker has an array of colors and designs to infuse your favorite writer’s note-taking with storytelling magic.

Chasqui 13L Sling - Cada Día

Help your favorite writer schlep all the essential tools of their craft while still looking stylish. My absolute favorite brand for travel bags, organizing pouches and backpacks is Cotopaxi. Its designs are ethically made, sustainably sourced, built to last, and delightful to look at.

Named for the messengers of the Incan Empire, the sleek Chasqui messenger bag has a padded interior that’s perfect for keeping a laptop or tablet secure on your commute. The Chasqui also features plenty of zippered pockets to keep pens, notebooks and other writing essentials organized.

All of Cotopaxi’s bags come with a lifetime warranty, plus the brand offers a trade-in and refurbishment program.

Everyday Language Reference Set

No good author wants to be accused of being sesquipedalian—that’s someone who uses big words unnecessarily. But that doesn’t mean they want to use the same words over and over, either. Enter the Merriam-Webster's Deluxe Language Reference Set, a simple, but important tool for writers seeking linguistic finesse.

This boxed ensemble includes a Merriam-Webster Dictionary with over 75,000 definitions, the Merriam-Webster Thesaurus offering 150,000 word choices with usage guidance, and Merriam-Webster’s Vocabulary Builder.

Whether you're crafting a novel, honing essays, or preparing for tests, this small but mighty set ensures that your favorite writer will always find the right words.

Hazelnut Coffee & Brown Sugar Whipped Scrub Soap

You know how people joke about getting their best ideas in the shower? It’s totally a real thing, especially for writers. Encourage the literary genius in your life to dream big while getting clean with these luxurious bath products.

The whipped, creamy scrub is enriched with ground coffee and large granulated brown sugar. That means it perks up your senses while it smooths, soothes and exfoliates.

This scrumptious (though unfortunately inedible) scrub can instantly transform a typical morning shower into an invigorating brainstorm session. And with the addition of almond oil, this sugar scrub ensures that you’ll enjoy soft skin long after you’ve gotten those shower-thoughts down onto the page.

Macbook Air M2

A distraction-free writing device is a useful luxury, but every writer needs a laptop. Professionals, particularly, need a computer that allows them to quickly access research materials across the internet, build the social media feeds they’ll need to nab a good publishing deal, play music to fuel their focus, put together inspiring mood boards, design beautiful book graphics, and, of course, write.

With its all-day battery life, fanless and silent design, and lightweight aluminum body, Apple’s newest Macbook Air is the perfect computer for just about any writer who never leaves home without their laptop.

Q+A From Author Rachel Feltman

Where can I find the best writing classes to give as a gift?

If your writer is interested in honing their skills, there are many different types of writing courses to take in-person or online, depending on your genre of interest.

• Atlas Obscura offers some excellent online classes in genres like historical fiction, horror, fairytales and more.

• Gotham Writers is a great option for classes focused on breaking into the writing business, be it in video games, literary fiction, or TV writing.

• Clarion West is a prestigious fiction program that offers online master classes with writers from a range of genres and styles.

• For memoir writing, The Unexpected Shape Writing Academy is hard to beat.

• If you’re looking for an affordable writing class to get started with, consider browsing Coursera for options that appeal to you.

• If you’re looking to finish a novel and get it published, try researching a “low-residency MFA” or consider an intensive online program like The Novelry.

What can I do to help someone write more?

There is no universal list of tools, books or gadgets that will serve every aspiring writer. The right tools will seem obvious once they figure out where and how they do their best work.

Do they get the most done when they sit in a screen-free environment and take notes by hand? Or do the hours seem to fly by as they type away at their latest manuscript? Do they like to fit in writing time after everyone else has gone to bed, or set a habit of writing for an hour each morning?

Enabling your writer’s most productive routine and habits is the best you can do. If you aren’t sure how to do that, the best thing to do is ask.

I’m not a writer, but I want to start. How do I do that?

Buying one of the writing books included in this guide or signing up for one of the classes listed above is a great place to start. Most writing classes and guides will include advice on how to get started.

The best universal advice I can give is to try to write something every single day. After all, the only way to become a good writer is to get lots of practice with writing! If you find yourself getting stuck, try looking for some creative writing prompts or simply journaling to fill an allotted amount of time, like half an hour or an hour each morning.

This will get you into the habit of sitting down and producing creative work on a regular basis. The next time you have a brilliant writing idea, you’ll already have the muscle memory of spending an hour a day working on it. Don’t worry about whether or not what you’re writing is “good”—just know that whatever you write the following day will probably be a little bit better.

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