36 Clever and Unique Gifts for Writers in 2020
What do you get the writer in your life for the holidays? As some of the most creative people out there, writers are also notoriously difficult to shop for. If you’ve only been getting them mugs, step up your game!
There are plenty of creative, witty gifts for writers that will warm their hearts, improve their craft, and spark joy — you just have to know where to look. Namely, below.
Some quick links if you’re in a rush:
- Gifts for Writers with a Sense of Humor
- Gifts for Writers in Pain
- Gifts for the Practical Writer
- Gifts for Writers Who Want Everyone to Know They’re Writers
- Gifts for Serious Writers
- Gifts for Writers That Show You Care
- Gifts for Productive Writers
- Fun Gifts for Writers’ Inner Children (Writing Games!)
- Gifts for Writers-to-Be
- Gifts for Inspired Writers
- Gifts for Writers with Friends on a Budget
Gifts for Writers with a Sense of Humor
- Writer’s block journal — $14.95
This cleverly designed journal is one of my favorite gifts for writers. It’s sure to inspire some groans but some reluctant admiration.
2. Literary shot glasses (21+) — $16.95
After a hard day of writing, maybe your writer wants to live it up in the good company of some renowned literary figures. Just stay safe!
Gifts for Writers in Pain
3. Blue light blocking glasses — $21.98
Kicking off the list with a few practical options, we have products to mitigate eyestrain. Know a writer who’s always rubbing their eyes after hours at their laptop? You can heal their lives.
4. Standing desk — $299.99
In the same vein, writers often ache from sitting down for extended periods of time. Being able switch between sitting and standing throughout the day is essential to a writer’s comfort and health.
5. Neck and back massager — $39.99
There’s nothing like turning to a nice neck and back massager after sitting at a desk for extended hours. Best part is, your writer will associate you with relief and relaxation.
Gifts for the Practical Writer
6. Hard drive (320GB, more than enough for writing)— $29.29
One of the chief causes of a writer’s anguish is neglecting to back up their work. You can never be too cautious, so make sure that writing is protected in as many places as possible.
7. Clip-on book light — $11.56
My friend bought me a clip-on reading light, and I could not be more enthused about it! I didn’t realize how much I needed one until I used it to read Catcher in the Rye in bed. It really helped me get into the habit of reading instead of using my phone before bed — really calms the anxious mind.
8. Scrivener — $49
The popular novel organization software, Scrivener helps writers keep up with their world-building and organize their projects.
9. Grammarly subscription — $29.95/mo, $139.95/yr
Dealing with a writer who requests practicality above all else? Check if they use or are interested in Grammarly, and you could sponsor a subscription.
Gifts for Writers Who Want Everyone to Know They’re Writers
10. Banned books face mask — $10.99
Who says you can’t stay safe and make a statement? This face mask is sure to prompt some conversation, and, lately, we certainly can use as much affirmation as we can get.
11. “Do Not Disturb Writer at Work” Doorhang — $7.99
Writers need their alone time. What better way to make space for their writing?
12. Rustic writer’s desk — $499.99
If your writer prefers a more retro look, check out this writing desk. It’ll set a writing mood in no time.
13. Bird lamp — $69.95
Fitting the same aesthetic as the writing desk above, here’s a clever gift you won’t see on other writers’ gift guides — a bird lamp. Squinting in the dark? Nevermore.
Gifts for Serious Writers
14. Duotrope submission tracker — $50 (1-yr membership or $5/mo)
Submitting work can be a grueling process for writers and artists. Ease their pain with useful statistics on places to submit, a calendar for deadlines, and a personal submission tracker.
15. Freewrite 2nd Gen — $549
The older cousin of the Traveler, the Freewrite 2nd Gen is a smart, distraction-free writing device that syncs to the cloud. Freewrite customers have said that the device more than doubled their word counts.
16. Magnetic notebook — $39.99
Drafting a novel? This notebook has a magnetic spine, allowing you to remove and reorder pages as you wish.
Gifts for writers that show you care
17. Personalized blanket — $159
Personalized gifts are always the most touching. Have an excerpt from your writer’s work, or do they have a favorite quote? Immortalize it through this gift, which will keep their hearts and bodies warm.
18. Sun lamp (light therapy lamp)— $34.99
Don’t let seasonal depression get your writer down. The light from sun lamps positively impact chemicals that control the sleep/wake cycle, reducing anxiety and improving mood.
19. Literary care packages — $55 (varies)
Does your writer like surprises? There are plenty of care packages for writers out there, ranging from tea boxes to personalized book boxes. Magic City Books offers a literary care package based on your favorite book and 3 adjectives. Other independent bookstores offer this service — check with your local bookstore! It’s a great way to support them.
Gifts for Productive Writers
20. Freewrite Traveler — $429
This curious-looking device is the Freewrite Traveler, a portable, distraction-free writing tool. After raising over $1.5M in presales, the Traveler launched a couple weeks ago and is currently at $170 off retail.
21. Habit tracker journal — $24.90
One of the best ways to write consistently is to make writing a habit. Try writing at different times of day and different settings, and you’ll find the most optimal setting for you. And while you’re at it, get the rest of your life on track, too!
22. Noise-cancelling headphones — $269 ($88 option)
Sometimes you can’t escape from the din, but you can shut everything else out. From basic noise-cancelling headphones to the status symbols that are Airpods, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Fun gifts for writers’ inner children (writing games!)
23. Magnetic poetry — $19.95
Even raiding the fridge for a midnight snack can be an opportunity for inspiration. It’s fun to rearrange the magnets and compose new messages for yourself or a partner.
24. Invisible ink set— $15.69
Take a trip down memory lane with this invisible ink set. Your writer’s inner child will delight at the opportunity to scribble down their secrets.
25. Scrabble — $39.99
Writers love word games! We have to practice wordsmithing somehow.
26. Murder mystery subscription box — $30/mo ($180/season)
Hunt a Killer allows you to star in your own thriller novel as you piece together clues from a fictional serial killer.
27. Bookbinding kit — $27.19
This kit is perfect for the writer who loves to tinker around. The practice of bookbinding might exercise creativity in unexpected ways!
Gifts for Writers-to-Be
28. Writing classes — free-variable (MasterClass is $180/yr)
A good writer is always learning. There are so many online classes for writers, whether you’re looking for a writer’s workshop, a masterclass, or seeking to learn a specific technique.
29. On Writing by Stephen King— $14.69
While Stephen King’s book on writing is a staple of every writing gift guide, we had to include this essential. King discusses the “experiences, habits, and convictions” that have shaped him as a writer.
30. 5,000 Writing Prompts — $14.89
Even the writing spirit needs an emergency pick-me-up sometimes. This book offers endless writing prompts to rejuvenate a hardworking writer.
Gifts for Inspired Writers
31. LED light tip pen — $15.99
But many writers often find inspiration right after they’ve gotten into bed. No need to get up to turn on the lights or even reach over for the lamp — this LED light tip pen can illuminate just what you’re writing.
32. Digital voice recorder — $36.99
Just like the LED light tip pen, if you find yourself coming up with an entire novel in between sleep cycles, you can also create some voice notes for yourself in the morning. Don’t use your phone — you might get distracted and it’ll disrupt your sleep.
33. Shower whiteboard — $24.51
Never lose another brilliant moment of inspiration! Your writer can jot down their plot points and shower thoughts without a care in the world.
Gifts for Writers with Friends on a Budget
34. Read their manuscript — Free-variable
Sometimes, writer’s just want another pair of eyes on their work. This idea is a great free option, but if you’re worried about feedback affecting your relationship in any way, you can purchase professional editorial services.
35. Take them on a trip for inspiration — Free-variable
Get your writer outside. Whether it’s to an art gallery, museum, or just hiking outdoors, you can provide that creative stimulation to pull your writer out of a slump.
36. Bring their characters to life — Free-variable
If you’re confident in your art skills (no need to be professional level, as it’s often the thought that counts here,) you can try to visualize your writer’s characters. Often this can provide a new perspective as to how their characters are coming across to a reader. If you’d rather a professional take a shot, there are plenty of incredible artists on Upwork or Etsy offering art commissions.
I may receive a payment in connection with purchases of some products or services featured in this article.
Let me know if you used any of these ideas! Hope this helped.
