60 Gifts for Writers That Your Creative Friends Will Love

Finding gifts for writers sounds easy — a good fountain pen or a nice leather-bound notebook surely can’t go wrong. But while they’ll appreciate your classic writerly gifts, it doesn’t hurt to surprise them a little with something more fun yet still is a celebration of their craft. To help you out on this exciting endeavor, we’ve put together a list of 60 gifts at multiple price points for you to browse and find the perfect presents for your writer friends, or even for yourself!

Budget-friendly options ($5-$15)

1. Leuchtturm Pen Loop ($5)

Know a writer who always carries a notebook? Perhaps you can help them upgrade it a little with this handy attachable pen(cil) loop.

2. Lady Macbeth's guest soap ($5)

Out, damned spot! An affordable (yet rather amusing) trinket, this pretty-yet-practical soap bar will take care of all your filth-eradicating needs — morally and otherwise.

3. The Emotion Thesaurus and others ($6 per ebook)

There are only so many times people can read, “Larry was sad,” without getting sick of Larry and whatever he’s sad about. Luckily, The Emotion Thesaurus can help: it contains pages and pages of detailed body signals, facial expressions, and mental responses to use in description — all for $6 (if you buy it on Kindle). Might as well pick up its sequels while you’re at it!

4. AquaNotes ($10)

If you loved Singin' In the Rain, get ready for its even-better sequel: Writin' In The Rain! The AquaNotes waterproof pad allows you to capture those elusive #showerthoughts right away. Just don’t blame us when you (or your friend) end up tripling the water bill.

5. Literary devices posters ($10) 

For 10 bucks, you get six funky posters, each explaining one literary device. It’s marketed as a classroom decoration, but it can be a source of writerly inspiration too! Plus, the lively colors and geometric designs make for eye-popping decor in general.

6. Treat Yo Shelves keyring ($11)

Treat yourself and treat your shelves! Another great choice for those on a budget, this adorable keychain is a lovely reminder for your friend and a great gift for those who appreciate understated accessories.

7. Zebra Sarasa color pens ($11)

Every self-respecting writer needs a decent pen, and these Zebra Sarasa ones are the crème de la crème (pen de la pen?). Smooth and crisp in their strokes, they also come in a pack of 10 colors and make for a fun treat for authors who enjoy outlining their novel on paper.  

8. Out of Print’s Book Socks ($12)

As Albus Dumbledore said, “One can never have enough socks.” We’re right there with him! You can find plenty of bookish socks at Out of Print — for writer friends who need a motivational boost, this pair quoting Margaret Atwood is perfect. 

9. Stephen King Funko Pops ($12)

Talking about motivation, sometimes it helps to have a literary idol stand by your desk to remind you that it’s possible and worth it to power through your manuscript. We won’t say that this big-eyed, bobblehead-like figurine of Stephen King carries the same air as the man himself, but it’s certainly a fine substitute!

10. Stress balls ($12)

When the mental anguish of writing gets to be too much — or when one’s tired fingers could use a break — there’s nothing like a stress ball to take the edge off. This colorful four-pack is just $12, so your writer friend can keep them in multiple locations for creative stress-mergencies.

11. The 3 A.M. Epiphany ($14)

If 1 a.m. is for writer’s block and 2 a.m. is for pure panic, 3 a.m. is when this book comes to the rescue. With 200 carefully crafted exercises, this is a saving grace for writers everywhere. (If you want to make it a double whammy, pair it with its sequel, The 4 A.M. Breakthrough.)

12. Cat stationery ($14)

We all know writers are cats at heart: reclusive, temperamental, and big fans of naps. Hence why every writer in the book will enjoy this charming stationery (it can even be customized with their name at the top). Don’t forget to tell them “Meowy Christmas!” or “Have a paw-some day!”

13. “Writer's Block” ($14)

Whether they use it as a paperweight or for some much-needed levity on tough writing days, this wooden Writer’s Block is a fun, silly gift for any writer in your life. Check out similarly punny presents in the same store, including an official “Artistic License” for your dramatic friends and the more colorfully designed Block for whimsical types.

14. Tequila Mockingbird ($15)

You know what they say: write drunk, edit sober. The drinks in this book include “The Pitcher of Dorian Grey Goose,” “Romeo and Julep,” “A Rum of One’s Own,” and “The Last of the Mojitos.” A guaranteed party success that will get everyone gone with the gin in no time.

15. Literary enamel pins ($7-$15)

For a lovely minimalist present, you can’t go wrong with one of these enamel pins! Whether you’re looking for a simple pin shaped like a stack of books or one decorated with a specific title, you’re sure to find what you want in this vast collection.

16. Books about writing ($10-$15)

The only thing better than moaning about writing is reading other authors moan about it instead. Here are a few of our favorite essay collections about the writing craft: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, The Writing Life by Annie Dillard, and On Writing by Stephen King.

17. Adult coloring books ($10-$15)

All writers need to take a break from words, words, words every so often, and coloring books are literally designed for this. We’d suggest this Edgar Allan Poe coloring book for classic horror fans, or this Shakespearean coloring book for Bard-lovers.

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Elevated casual gifts ($15-$30)

18. NovelTea Tins ($16)

Nothing beats a warm beverage to keep writers cozy in the cold season — and NovelTea’s range offers just that, along with some literary puns and bookmarks. From Pippi Oolongstocking to Sense and Senchability, you can feast your eyes on the intricate tins or buy the tea blend only for $12.95.

19. Typewriter coasters ($16)

Given all the drinking that we’re suggesting you and your writer friends do, it’s only fair that we recommend a nice set of coasters to go with everything — and these might just be the right “type”! 

20. Shakespearean insults mug ($17)

And while we’re on topic of beverages, this “insults mug” is perfect for Shakespeare nerds and anyone craving a steaming hot cup of joe (or some of that NovelTea) with a side of slander.

21. Open book platter ($17)

Know any writers moonlighting as chefs, or artful party hosts? This “open book” platter is perfect for serving snacks at book club or hors d'oeuvres at a literary dinner party. (Plus if you like the platter, there’s a whole set of dishes where that came from!)

22. Scapple ($18)

Brought to you by the Scrivener team, Scapple is a great little program that helps you make more intuitive, useful connections between ideas. Acting as a virtual sheet of paper, it’s an ideal gift for plotters who like to sketch out everything before they start writing.

23. Author shot glasses ($19)

Once again we’ll invoke the classic saying of #14. These literary shot glasses, featuring the likenesses of Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Dorothy Parker, and more, can certainly help with the first part! (For the second, you might consider the coffee subscription at #41.)

24. A Literary Holiday Cookbook ($20) 

All this talk about literary dinner parties definitely calls for an actual dinner! With this cookbook, you and writer friends can choose between 17 four-course meals for various festive occasions or themed dinners to make.

25. Writer’s Market 100th Edition ($20 for ebook)

Publishing is a grand undertaking, and this massive guide is a testament to that: at over 900 pages, it contains over 7,500 entries for book publishers, magazines, contests, and agents. It could be the missing link in your friend’s publishing resource repertoire, which means that you’d be giving them the best thing of all: the gift of getting published.

26. Rifle Paper planner ($14-$26)

Sometimes the best way to motivate yourself is to write a nice-looking to-do list — and for that, of course, you’ll need a beautiful planner. These ones from Rifle Paper strike just the right balance between aesthetic and affordable, and are sure to have writers scribbling down all their ambitions for the new year.

27. Literary tote bags ($15-$25)

The Literary Gift Company has all-around fantastic fare for book nerds, but their literary tote bags might take the cake — after all, they allow the owner to take their favorite story with them wherever they go. Not to mention how useful these bags are for everything from grocery shopping to bookstore hauls!

28. Literary puzzles ($18-$25)

Another excellent way to break from writing (while keeping the creative side of your brain engaged) is to piece together puzzles. As such, these puzzles with scenes from Alice in Wonderland and The Wind in the Willows should be the perfect gifts for writers. 

29. “100 Essential Novels” scratch-off chart ($25)

This chart features 100 of the most famous English-language novels, from Don Quixote to Tree of Smoke. Not only is it a fun wall decoration, it’s also as addictive as real lottery scratchers — only this way, you'll be gaining knowledge, not losing cash.

30. Cards Against Humanity ($25)

This one might seem like a wildcard (no pun intended) in our list of otherwise very literary gifts. But when you think about it, what is CAH other than a game of spinning stories? Gift this to your most mischievous writer friends — if nothing else, it’s a great way to blow off some steam!

31. Paddywax Library Candles ($26) 

Nothing sets the mood of a room better than a scent, and Paddywax has just the candles to inspire writers. Their Library collection pays homage to literary giants while setting the tone for your writing sessions — a popular one is the Edgar Allan Poe candle, which gives off a mysterious air. 

32. Freedom ($29/year)

Writers are a notoriously procrastinatory bunch. If you have a writer friend who’s open to productivity assistance and wouldn’t take it the wrong way, consider getting them a subscription to Freedom: the premier site- and app-blocking software to help people get sh*t done.

33. Dramatic bookends ($25-$29)

What happens when bookshelves get jealous of the books for stealing the spotlight? Why do books get all the glory, anyway? Add ✨drama✨ to any shelf with these bookends that are sure to stop guests in their tracks.

34. Photography books ($20-$30)

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the best gift you can give a writer is a photo book, holding hundreds of thousands of words — and inspiration for when the well runs dry!

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Solid mid-range options ($30-$50)

35. Mini zen garden ($30)

Writers don’t tend to be the most “zen” people in the world; they’re often either stressed about writing, or not having enough time to write. Luckily, this zen garden is just the thing to bring them a bit of inner peace — for their sake as well as yours.

36. "Dead writers" perfumes ($30)

Those who want to carry the scent of inspiration with them wherever they go will love this collection of fragrance. Immortal Perfumes associates Hemingway, for instance, with bay leaf, tobacco, and fennel; and Plath with cedarwood, black tea, and vanilla. We recommend buying the sample pack and letting your writer friend discover their favorite scent themselves! 

37. Storymatic ($30)

This box has six trillion (yes, you read that right) story ideas on cards that you can mix and match. Where else would you be able to find a prompt about a hypochondriac at a class reunion talking about broken promises while looking at unflattering portraits of themselves in their yearbooks? Perfect for long road trips, or an inspiring game night for creatives.

38. Back cushion pillow ($30)

What’s worse than writing-induced carpal tunnel? Writing-induced back aches that wreck your whole body. Help a writer avoid this fate with a memory foam back cushion — perfect for the many hours spent hashing out that manuscript!

39. S’well water bottle ($35)

Between all the coffee and anxious sweating over revisions, writers often find themselves dehydrated. That’s where a nice water bottle comes in. These metal ones from S’well have great insulation, ideal for keeping your water cold (or your tea warm, if you prefer).

40. Dixit ($36)

Wordsmiths, here’s the game to practice your writing craft with! In Dixit, each player gets a set of illustrations, from which they have to choose one to describe when it comes their turn to be the “storyteller”. Other players then put down a card from their own deck that best matches this description, and then they have to guess which image the “storyteller” actually played. You can watch a demonstration of the gane here and see for yourself: once you start, it’s hard to stop. 

41. Blue Bottle Coffee subscription ($36 per month)

If your friend’s problem isn’t dehydration but staying awake, we’d recommend a coffee subscription so they don’t have to worry about restocking! Blue Bottle offers a nice range of roast options, though keep in mind that the price may be higher if you choose a very high-quality one. 

42. Reader wall clock ($46)

This cleverly designed clock is great for teachers, librarians, or anyone who loves physical media. Extracted from a vinyl record, this timepiece may not be to everyone's taste... but it sure will elicit a reaction!

43. Luxury bath caddy ($47)

Reading and relaxing in a bath sounds like just what writers need to untangle from their own thoughts sometimes — but nobody wants their book to get soaked. Enter this luxury bamboo caddy, which features not just a precisely positioned stand for your book, but also slots for your wine glass and phone so that you never have to cut your at-home spa day short.

44. Gingko’s Smart Book Light ($47) 

Leather-bound on the outside, glowing magic on the inside, this “book” is as enjoyable as any tome out there. Gingko’s creative and chargeable lamp will make a cozy addition to any author’s desk space, keeping them going through writing nights. 

45. Scrivener ($49)

Welcome to Scrivener. Designed specifically for researching, outlining, and writing novels, this is the app that many authors swear by. Seriously, the price tag is worth it just to be able to say “so long!” forever to MS Word.

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“Splurge” items ($50-$100)

46. Banker’s lamp ($60)

For those searching for a traditional library feel, perhaps while writing a dark academia novel, this lamp might just be the perfect present. We have suggested a fair share of lamps here (they are crucial to the eyes, after all), but this one stands out for the way it blends a timeless look with timely features like USB portals to charge mobile devices. 

47. Smythson notebooks ($59-$85)

Is writing easier when you’re using a fancy notebook? Our philosophy is that it certainly can’t hurt! If you or a friend want to add a touch of opulence to your writing routine, these Smythson notebooks are some of the best-quality out there.

48. Fjällräven backpack ($70-$90)

If your writer friend doesn’t feel good about what they’re writing, you can at least help them feel good about what they’re toting! A cute, compact Fjällräven backpack can easily carry a laptop or a couple of books, and make any downtrodden writer feel reasonably fashionable while sitting in their café of choice.

49. Literary magazine subscription ($60-$100/year)

Reading and submitting to literary magazines is a great way for ambitious writers to gain street cred. But such magazines can be pretty expensive sometimes, which is why a subscription to one makes a great gift! We’d suggest The New Yorker or The Atlantic, though do look around and see what sort of publication(s) might interest your friend.

50. Vintage book laptop cover ($100)

If the wordsmith in your life is a Mac user, consider treating them to this stylish, retro laptop case from BookBook. They’ll feel like an old-school literary luminary, but with modern tech right at their fingertips!

51. Amazon gift card (up to $100)

When in doubt about what your favorite writer might like to receive, don’t take the chance — give them an Amazon gift card so they can get themselves exactly what they want. Or if you’d rather support a small business, call up your local indie bookstore and see if they do gift cards.

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Deluxe gifts ($100+)

52. Kindle ($90-$150)

All writers are readers, so what better gift to give than something that makes reading so darn easy? Remember to keep an eye on Amazon — sometimes Kindles go on sale for under $80.

53. Kindle Unlimited subscription ($120 per year)

Two words: unlimited reading. Kindle Unlimited gives its members the freedom to explore over 1 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and tons of magazines. You don’t need a Kindle to use it but it would be nice to pair the two gifts, if you’re ready to splurge. 

54. Spotify Premium ($120 per year)

It’s tough to stay in the “writing flow” when your playlist keeps getting interrupted by ads. That's why writers need Spotify Premium! With over 50 million songs in its practically limitless library, Spotify can give your writer pal the sweet sound of ad-less music this holiday season. (Or sign up for the Duo package for $156/year, so that you can get in on the action, too.)

55. Retro typewriter keyboard ($129)

For the writer who longs for the aesthetic bliss and satisfying sounds of the old-fashioned typewriter, but would prefer to retain smooth keystrokes and access to digital files, here’s your solution: this retro typewriter-keyboard that connects to your device! 

56. Beats Solo3 Headphones ($200)

These professional-quality headphones aren’t just great for tuning out screaming toddlers on planes! Writers can also use them to block out the world as they’re trying to create their own. (If you shop during sales season, you might be able to snatch these up at $99.99!) 

57. Food subscription boxes ($200+)

Writers forget to eat all the time — but you can fix that by bringing the food to them through a food subscription box. Our recommendation is Try The World: this service delivers dishes from all over the globe, so your friend doesn’t even need to leave the house to sample cuisine from another country. Of all our gifts for writers, this is by far the most scrumptious.

58. Editing services for their book ($300+)

A strong editor is a writer’s best friend. So if you know a writer who’s done (or nearly done) with their manuscript, why not get them credits for an editing service? You can research such services yourself online, or find some of the best professionals right here on Reedsy.

If you'd like to contribute toward your loved one's next professional edit or book cover design, contact support@reedsy.com to see how we can help you.

59. Writing classes ($0-$400)

A writing class or workshop is truly the gift that keeps on giving, as the knowledge and experience gained from it can be priceless. Check out the writing classes listed here to see which is the ideal fit for your writer friend.

60. Jarvis bamboo standing desk ($484)

And if you really want to treat an awesome writer in your life, go all-out with this luxury bamboo standing desk from Jarvis. With smoothly adjustable legs and ample room for laptop, notes, and countless cups of tea, this desk is absolutely worth its price tag — both in terms of utility and health benefits. It may even have your friend dedicating their next book to you out of gratitude.

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These items have been chosen independently by the team at Reedsy, but if you buy something through our post, we may get a small share of the sale. We hope you found what you were looking for! If you're still on the hunt for the perfect literary gift, check out this list of the 60 best gifts for book lovers.