When I was a child, my parents gifted me a calligraphy dip pen set for Christmas. It came with various nibs and tiny pots of ink in beautiful colors like indigo, crimson, and gold. I absolutely treasured that gift. I was fascinated by how the ink would travel up the nib and flow onto the page so elegantly. I practiced calligraphy every single day. In a surprising turn of events, this led to me doing a demonstration on children’s TV when I was just twelve! Even now, thirty-five years later, I still adore the feeling of ink on paper. It truly shows how a well-chosen gift can lead us to unexpected paths – paths of joy, feeling loved, gaining confidence, realizing dreams, or even, yes, a TV appearance!
For years, I’ve considered creating a comprehensive Christmas Gift List specifically for writers and book lovers. Time always seemed to slip away. However, this year, I’ve finally compiled an extensive collection of gift ideas to support the writers in your life. Or perhaps, you might find something perfect for yourself on this list. Hopefully, this guide will give you some excellent hints to drop (or simply treat yourself!).
I’ve included a variety of gifts – practical, thoughtful, and encouraging – covering all budgets, from free to more extravagant options. I’ve even made sure to only include items that could be considered legitimate business expenses, just in case you’re thinking of treating yourself! 😉 These suggestions are based on items I personally own and love, things on my own wishlist (hint, hint!), and recommendations from my writing community.
None of the links provided are affiliate links (although I have included some of my own books, subscriptions, and courses where relevant because I genuinely believe they make wonderful gifts – for transparency, my own offerings are bolded below).
Please feel free to add your own gift suggestions in the comments and share this list widely. I’d love to know what on this list appeals to you the most!
Happy browsing,
Beth Xx
Price Level: FREE
- A handwritten voucher for childcare, dog walking, or laundry service. Gifting time is invaluable for a writer, freeing them up to focus on their craft.
- A DIY book mock-up. Use free software like Canva to design a cover for their dream book, print it, and wrap it around an old book. A tangible representation of their writing aspirations can be incredibly motivating.
- A jar of writing prompts. Fill an empty jar with inspiring writing prompts to spark creativity and banish writer’s block. (If you register for my Fearless Writer’s Toolkit, you can download a wealth of prompts for free).
- A curated atmospheric playlist. Create a personalized playlist of music designed to inspire focus and creativity during writing sessions.
- A spot on my nine-day Winter Writing Sanctuary starting December 28th (it’s free, and you can get a gift voucher here). Give the gift of dedicated writing time and community support during the holiday season.
Price Level: $
- Notebooks and pens. Classic and always appreciated, a beautiful notebook and smooth-writing pens are essential tools for any writer. Consider brands like Moleskine, Leuchtturm1917, or Paper Mate Flair pens.
- Inspirational mugs. A mug with a writing-themed quote or a funny writer joke can brighten up their writing desk and coffee breaks.
- Books on writing craft. Help them hone their skills with books like “On Writing” by Stephen King, “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott, or “The Elements of Style” by Strunk and White.
- Subscription to a literary magazine. Introduce them to new voices and inspire them with quality writing through subscriptions to magazines like The Paris Review, Granta, or Poets & Writers Magazine.
- Blue light blocking glasses. Protect their eyes from screen fatigue during long writing sessions with stylish and functional blue light blocking glasses.
Price Level: $$
- A comfortable writing lap desk. Allow them to write anywhere comfortably with a lap desk designed for laptops or notebooks.
- A quality desk lamp. Good lighting is crucial for writing. A stylish and adjustable desk lamp can improve focus and reduce eye strain.
- Noise-canceling headphones. Help them block out distractions and immerse themselves in their writing world with noise-canceling headphones – perfect for busy households or coffee shop writing sessions. Brands like Bose or Sony are excellent choices.
- Ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Invest in their writing comfort and prevent repetitive strain injuries with ergonomic peripherals.
- Writing software subscription. Consider subscriptions to helpful writing tools like Grammarly Premium for editing and proofreading or Scrivener for novel writing organization.
Price Level: $$$
- A writing retreat. Gift them a weekend writing retreat to escape distractions and fully immerse themselves in their writing project.
- A high-quality printer. For writers who prefer hard copies for editing, a reliable printer is a valuable tool.
- A comfortable and ergonomic office chair. Invest in their long-term writing health with an ergonomic office chair that provides proper back support for hours of writing.
- A new laptop or tablet. If their current device is outdated, a new laptop or tablet specifically chosen for writing can be a significant and appreciated gift. Consider lightweight and portable options.
- One-on-one coaching sessions with me. Give the gift of personalized guidance and support to help them overcome writing blocks and achieve their writing goals. Enquire here for availability.
What did I miss? Be sure to let me know your suggestions in the comments below, and please do share this Christmas gift list with anyone who might find it helpful!
