Calligraphy set, reminiscent of the author's childhood gift that sparked her writing journey – an ultimate gift for a writer.
When I was a child, Christmas brought me a gift that unexpectedly shaped my life: a calligraphy dip pen set. It wasn’t just pens; it was an array of nibs and little pots of ink in rich colors like indigo, crimson, and gold. That set was, for me, The Ultimate Gift. I was captivated by how the ink climbed up the nib and flowed onto paper, transforming blank pages into something beautiful. Practicing every day, I even found myself demonstrating calligraphy on children’s TV at twelve! Even now, thirty-five years later, the sensation of ink on paper brings me joy. A truly thoughtful gift can be transformative, sparking joy, fostering confidence, acknowledging dreams, and perhaps even leading to unexpected paths, like a book deal or a TV appearance.
For years, I’ve wanted to compile a Christmas Gift Guide specifically for writers and book lovers. Time always seemed to slip away, but this year, I’ve finally gathered a comprehensive list of gift ideas to support the writers in your life. Or perhaps, you’ll discover the perfect treat for yourself. Consider this list your official hint-dropping guide (or permission to self-indulge!).
This guide includes a spectrum of gifts – practical, thoughtful, and encouraging – catering to all budgets, from free to extravagant. Each suggestion is something I believe could be considered a legitimate business expense, just in case you’re looking for justification! 😉 These are items I personally cherish, things on my own wishlist (hint, hint!), or recommendations from my writing community.
Importantly, none of the following links are affiliate links. However, where relevant, I have included my own books, subscriptions, and courses because I genuinely believe they make wonderful gifts. For transparency, my own offerings are marked in bold below.
Please feel free to share your own gift suggestions in the comments and spread this list! I’m curious to know – what on this list appeals to you the most?
Happy browsing!
Beth Xx
Thoughtful & Free: Priceless Gifts for Writers
- The Gift of Time: A handwritten voucher offering childcare, dog walking, or laundry service. Freeing up time is often the ultimate gift for a busy writer.
- Personalized Book Mock-up: Design a mock book cover on free software like Canva, print it, and wrap it around an old book. A tangible representation of their writing dreams can be incredibly motivating.
- Jar of Inspiration: An empty jar filled with hand-written writing prompts. (Register for my Fearless Writer’s Toolkit and download a wealth of prompts for free). A constant source of creative sparks is invaluable.
- Atmospheric Playlist: Curate a personalized playlist of music designed to inspire their writing sessions. Music can be a powerful tool for setting the mood and enhancing creativity.
- The Gift of Retreat: A spot in my nine-day Winter Writing Sanctuary starting December 28th. It’s free, and you can even create a gift voucher here to make it feel extra special. Dedicated writing time in a supportive environment is truly the ultimate gift for any writer.
Budget-Friendly Finds: Gifts Under $
Mid-Range Marvels: Gifts Around $$
Luxurious & Inspiring: Gifts at $$$
What have I missed? Share your own ultimate gift ideas for writers in the comments below, and please share this guide with anyone who might find it helpful!