If you need a gift or two for the writer(s) in your life (or things to add to your own wish list), here are 10 writer-focused gift ideas (at a variety of price points). Many of these are things I’ve been gifted, so I can vouch for how lovely they are to receive.
#1. Non-writers might find this first suggestion a little weird, but most writers I know would swoon at the thoughtfulness of finding sharpies, notecards, or post-its in their stocking. (Great tools for breaking story!)
#2. Know a Seinfeld fan? I bet this astronaut pen will make them smile. There are other styles to choose from, including this pretty brass one, but I’m kinda fond of the one with the space shuttle etched on. Also good for in-bed crossword puzzlers.
#3. And what writer doesn’t need a fresh notebook? The perfect way to start a new project.
#4. I really enjoy my daily coffee, but I try not to drink too much. And I’ve found that having a constantly-hot cup makes all the difference. This little mug-warmer helps me refill my cup less, enjoy it more, and stay focused a bit longer too.
#5. How about a coffee subscription? It’s certainly appreciated in my house. Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. supports dog rescue, too, which makes me happy.
#6. I use treats as incentive to keep my butt in the chair longer, but I have heard other people use them instead to reward themselves when they complete some work. Either way, hot chocolate is my treat of choice these days and this cute cocoa set makes a nice gift.
#7. (Adult language warning!) This is still my favorite coffee mug, but now I use it for my afternoon hot chocolate (which doesn’t stick around long enough to need a warmer).
#8. If a cocktail is more your speed, Writers’ Tears whiskey is a solid option that’s also a funny conversation starter.
~ Okay, these last few suggestions are bigger ticket items, but I wanted to include them because they are things I personally can’t work without. ~
#9. I’ve never been able to write in coffee shops, but I find I do need to get out of the house if I want to get any real work done. So a membership to a co-working space might be something your writer really appreciates. And what a nice way to show you support their writing ambitions.
#10. Writers are usually big readers, so a Kindle or iPad could be an amazing thing to receive. I do almost all of my reading on my iPad (both scripts and books), and I use an Apple Pencil to mark up and make notes on screenplays.
And one last, unofficial entry to the list…
- A one-hour story session (with me!) might be just the thing your writer needs to get moving on their screenplay project. Why not send them a gift certificate? Whether they have a screenplay idea and could use guidance figuring out how to develop it, or they’re stuck in the outlining phase and need some help untangling their story, or they’ve written a draft but don’t know how to approach their rewrite… I can help.
That’s it — my last-minute writer’s gift / wish list. Hopefully coming to you just in time to surprise your favorite writer (or drop a few hints on your own behalf).