Fun, Unique, and Useful Gift Ideas for Writers

Happy December! The gift-giving season is here.

Maybe you’re looking for a special gift for a friend or family member who is a writer. Or maybe you’re looking for a gift for yourself. After all, it’s been a crazy year, and you deserve something special too.

In today’s post, I’ve put together a list of lots of different gift ideas that would be perfect for writers. I haven’t used all of them myself, but after reading the reviews, I am considering adding several to my own Christmas list. 😉

I’d love to hear in the comments if you have any other gift ideas to add — maybe a writing gadget you love and can’t live without.

(Please note that this post includes affiliate links which means I’ll earn a small commission if you buy through the link with no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog!)

1. Books About Writing

I always love expanding my library of writing craft books. I keep coming back to these books again and again when I want to sharpen my skills or get a dose of inspiration. 

And I love giving my fellow writing friends books about writing because I know it’s a gift that won’t sit on their shelf gathering dust.

For ideas of writing craft titles, check out my list of twelve books that will make you a better writer. That’s just a starting point as there are many more fantastic books that could be added to that list.

2. Beautiful Books For Their Personal Library

Many writers have a favorite author, a list of favorite authors, or just one book in particular that has inspired them. Collector’s editions of those books make a thoughtful gift and a beautiful addition to their personal library. 

There are so many eye-catching editions to choose from like Canterbury Classics’ leather-bound editions or Penguin’s clothbound classics. Or you can just look up their favorite book and see if you can find it in a special, hardcover edition.

3. Books On-The-Go

A subscription to Kindle Unlimited is a wonderful gift for the writer who loves reading on an iPad or Kindle. Or perhaps they prefer listening to audiobooks and would enjoy a subscription to Audible.

If you want to splurge, you could buy them their own Kindle Paperwhite.

4. Writing Software

Make a writer’s life a little easier with software that will help them speed up the writing process. For example, Srivener is a popular app for writing book manuscripts. ProWritingAid is an excellent grammar checker and style editor if you’re self-editing your work (get 20% off through my affiliate link!).

5. Author Platform

An online platform is essential for writers today but website fees can be pricey. Gift the writer in your life with their own domain name or a website hosting plan.

For WordPress self-hosted websites, I love WPX Hosting (if you’re setting up multiple websites) or SiteGround (if you’re first starting out).

If they already have a WordPress self-hosted website, you could gift them with a beautiful theme. I love Elegant Theme’s Drag-and-Drop Divi Builder.

6. Online Courses

December is a fantastic time to give a writer an online course that they can dive into in the new year. I love starting the year with an online course that will give me a burst of inspiration and feeling of productivity.

MasterClass is one of the most popular online course platforms that gives you the opportunity to take classes from expert writers like Neil Gaiman and Judy Blume. They are currently running their holiday deal where you can get two subscriptions for the price of one (so you and a friend could take the classes together).

There are many other online courses you can find for writers. For example, check out my mini-course on how to write powerful homepages and about pages or my comprehensive course on how to grow your email list.

Does the writer in your life have an online course they’ve been eyeing? Find out and see if you can surprise them with it for the holidays.

7. Literary Themed Gifts

Don’t forget the quirky gifts! Writers often love a literary-themed mug or tote bag. Here are several ideas: 

• Novel Teas: teabags individually tagged with literary quotes
• Writing Themed Mugs or Literary Themed Mugs
• A notebook, like a moleskin (always popular with writers) or this beautiful one that comes gift wrapped, and a stylish pen (I love Cross pens)
• Literary-themed candles
• “Words Matter” Totebag
• Aquanotes (capture your ideas in the shower or the rain)

8. Useful Gadgets

Gadgets are another way to help a writer boost their productivity and make their life easier.

When I went to college, I commuted by train so I decided to get an iPad. It was a fantastic choice as I didn’t have to lug my heavy computer around with me. I bought a bluetooth keyboard so I could type just as comfortably as on my laptop — perfect for when the train was crowded.

Maybe your writer friend has an iPad too or a laptop that you could help upgrade with a special case.

Here are several ideas of gadgets that writers will love:

• iPad keyboard case (mine isn’t made anymore, but this one looks like a similar option — there are many different ones listed on Amazon)
• Adjustable laptop stand (this will turn any desk into a standing desk — also a great option if you don’t want to stand and just want to raise up your laptop so you’re not craning your neck)
• Noise canceling headphones 
• Rocketbook Fusion Smart Reusable Notebook (a paper notebook that connects to your computer or other device)

I hope this list gives you many ideas for your holiday shopping. Merry Christmas, friends! Have a wonderful December.