If you know a writer and are trying to find a great gift, initially this might seem like a really difficult person to shop for. However, there are a core set of very practical problems they can use your help with and will be eternally thankful for. You might even wind up in their next novel—and live!
Basically gifting a writer involves giving them something to help them with their main tasks:
- Focusing
- Relaxing (which is a different way to focus)
- Storing their thoughts (notebooks)
- Actually writing (pens, notebooks, laptop)
- Creating a space for them to successfully write in (desk, chair)
- Getting Inspired (watching movies, reading other books, looking at paintings etc)
So without further ado, I’ve gathered together these gifts for writers based upon the above criteria. Some of these will be obvious but others I think will be a surprise for you and the lucky novelist who receives them!
A New Keyboard
While there is certainly a lot of writing still being done with pen and paper, every writer or budding author must also clock some serious time behind the computer. And trust me, having a cool keyboard makes that so much more pleasant. You might also consider the wooden craftsman keyboard by Azio.
Durable, Cozy Slippers from UGG
Writer’s spend a lot of time inside (and probably a lot of that time in pajamas). These are slippers you wouldn’t think twice before sliding into and heading out the door. Whether you need to walk a couple blocks to get your morning coffee or hop in your car and drive to get breakfast (or a late night snack) or just want to spend the day inside, the UGG Ascot will suit perfectly. These slippers from Halflinger are a nice alternative.
A New Monitor
Like I mentioned previously, there is just no getting around writing and being near a computer. Spending all this time in front of the computer can take serious tole on any writer’s eyesight (trust me I speak from experience here) but getting a large and quality 4k or UHD monitor like this one from Philips or Samsung with optionality to adjust the brightness will be a very welcomed gift. Plus, it will also come in a big box, and everyone loves to see a big box with their name on it Christmas morning.
Messenger Bag
One thing any writer is always secretly looking for is a new bag. Why? Writers need something to store all those writing essentials like pens, notebooks, their laptop, etc in when they are on the move. If you are stumped and looking for a gift that is going to be a huge surprise, this is something any writer will absolutely love.
Writing Chair
Some people write in bed, some people enjoy writing in public, some people enjoy writing in nature, and of course many enjoy creating their next chapter or poem at a desk. At some point there is just no way to avoid writing at a desk and because of that its best to get a comfortable chair that won’t leave your favorite author with killer backpain! This one from Steelcase is pricey but worth it because of how often its going to be used.
Writing Desk
Regardless of how adventurous your favorite writer might be and no matter where they write, they will always wind up writing at a desk for at least a little while, especially during those times when they have to get all those edits done. Believe it or not, the desk they currently have might need to be a little bigger or is actually being used as a bookshelf (speaking from experience here). This one has three drawers in it as well so any author can store their notes and working drafts and it even has a wireless charging station to keep essential electronics at full battery life.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Writers need help and getting into the zone. One of the best ways to do that is through music or likely nature sounds, but either way you need a set of headphones to totally drown out the current environment so you can get off into the dreamscapes of the imagination. These will be one of the most welcomed gifts a writer could ever get.
A Reading Chair
If writing is the productive side of, well writing, then reading is the essential part of relaxing to find what to write about next. As many writers will attest, reading is one of our favorite activities. Help your favorite author or budding novelist have a great reading session with this leather chair, or check out some of the best reading chairs for other options.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Music is a huge inspiration for me and I imagine it plays a major role in the writing process for many other authors and wordsmiths as well. This portable Bluetooth speaker by Bose enables a writer to totally rock out no matter where they are, whether that is the great outdoors or their own personal nook in the house or apartment. Your fellow writer will love this gift.
Desk Lamp
I’m a night owl and get my creative spark mostly after the sun sets. This will help any author keep writing late into the night.
Luxury Pen
This is something that can help make their next book signing even more memorable or be just a pleasure to write with (and that counts for a lot!). Dark and irresistible, the Visconti Dark Age fountain pen is made of Basaltic Lava. Sporting a dark nib (making it somehow even more powerful and alluring) made of 23k palladium the Visconti Dark Age ensures not only a breath taking piece of art to behold, but a breath taking piece of art to hold and compose with.
Coffee Machine
Writers need that extra jolt, whether it is early in the morning to get started on their next novel or late at night when inspiration strikes. This one from Keurig will do the trick and prepares a wide variety of coffees quickly so your favorite author can get to writing quickly!
A Notebook
As every author knows, it’s crucial to record your thoughts no matter where you find yourself. I almost never have enough notebooks to jot things down in. So whether its a Leuchtturm, Moleskeine, or elite Montblanc every writer needs another and will certainly be thankful to unwrap this gift at any time of the year. Check out the 11 best notebooks for some additional options.
A Comfy Hoody
Writers love comfy clothing. If you are going to be at a desk all day, you might as well be comfortable. A nice hoody to relax in is one of the best cozy gifts you can give anyone.
