The best gifts for writers and authors are items they can use in their writing life to make it easier on themselves or gifts that talk about their art and their passion.
Even better, the best gift ideas for writers are items they didn't know they needed.
Ready to give them something that will help them be more productive and inspired?
Discover 55+ brilliant gift ideas for writers, including apps, gadgets, art, pens and other fun gift ideas for all budgets your author friends will love.
More...
[Disclaimer: Some links in this post contain affiliate links. This means I get a commission if you purchase the product through my link at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.]
my top favourite gifts for writers And Authors
This guide of gift ideas for authors and other writers is full of items any writer would love to get, but just in case you're in a hurry and want a bit more help to find the perfect gift idea, I thought I'd point out my top 5 choices:
- The Cloud Nine Ergonomic Keyboard - It's a personal preference cos I love ergonomic keyboards, but it's one of those things you don't know you're missing until you've tried one.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones - You wouldn't believe how good these are to block out any noises and distractions while you're writing.
- A Rocketbook - Because it's environmentally friendly and you can transfer your notes to the cloud so you always keep what you write and you save on paper.
- Storymatic - Storymatic helps with writer's block but is also a game you can play with family and friends and it's fun!
- Typewriter Pen Holder - I just love the look of the old typing machines. It would look great on any writer's desk!
Best gifts for writers: apps
Prowriting aid
ProWriting Aid is a grammar checker, style editor and writing mentor all wrapped into one.
It corrects your grammar and your style as you're writing, which is great, but it also helps you improve your writing with in-depth reports.
You use these reports once you've written your text and go through them to improve your writing. There are reports for overused words, pacing, consistency, repetitions and redundancy, alliteration, pacing check, plagiarism...
To be honest, though, this is a must-have for anybody who needs to do any writing.
Scrivener
Scrivener is an app meant for writing books and other long pieces of writing without having to write from beginning to end and without losing your place in the text.
It beats word processors at planning thanks to two of its MANY features:
One is the corkboard, so you can use index cards to organise and plan your writing. And if you rearrange the cards, the text in your manuscript also rearranges itself.
And the second one is the outliner, which gives you a lot more information than a mere outline or table of contents would give you.
And once you've written the book, it will export it to a wide variety of file formats, including Microsoft Word, RTF and PDF and even create Epub and Kindle ebooks.
The only thing is that it does not allow you to work from the cloud, it's an app you download to your computer.
evernote
Evernote is a tool I love to use for note taking and going paperless.
It's great for doing research but also to keep notes, plan and organise your writing and it now includes tasks, so you can use it as a very basic project management tool.
What's good about Evernote is that you can use it online, but you can also keep a copy and access your notes from all your devices if you're on a paid plan.
In a way, using Evernote's Notebooks and Notes is similar to using the corkboard and the outliner tools in Scrivener. But if you want to turn it into a book, you'd have to transfer everything into a manuscript, format it, create the front and back matter, etc.
So for me it's best to use it for shorter pieces of writing, like articles or mini ebooks.
Clickup
ClickUp is my favourite task and project management app because it's so customisable and it integrates with many other tools.
It's easy to get started and you can make it as complicated or as simple as you like, so it suits what you do.
What I like about ClickUp is that you can set up your whole content creation workflow easily as a template so you can reuse it.
And it's a lot easier to keep track of what you need to do with different views (like Kanban boards, to-do lists, calendar view, timeline...).
Airtable
Airtable is like a cross between a spreadsheet and a database.
This means that it's much easier to use than a spreadsheet and you can do all sorts of things without having to learn the formulae or spend ages learning how everything works.
For writers, it's a great place to keep all your resources, create scenes, have all your character descriptions handy, add images and urls and even link to other documents (for writers who do series of books).
Best gifts for writers: pRACTICAL AND USEFUL gifts
When you spend most of your time in front of a screen and typing, it's important to use tools that will make you more productive and will help you stay healthy.
For instance, I'm very picky with keyboards because when I use the right keyboard for me, I can type faster and it doesn't get on my nerves. But there are also many other gadgets for writers that will help.
Here are some of my favourites:
Freewrite Traveller: Portable Distraction Free Writing Tool
You're probably wondering why get one of these when you can use a laptop, a tablet or even a mobile phone to write.
But, the thing is that if you want to write a book, you need to focus, and it's far too easy to get distracted when you're on your laptop or tablet because you can access to all the other apps and the Google, Instagram and Facebook are only a couple of clicks away.
So this is an idea writing gift for people who want to set aside some time and just write.
There will be time later on for editing and re-drafting.
Rymek Classic Typewriter keyboard
I remember my first typewriter. It was a small model and it was green.
And I loved the noise the keys made every time I hit them. I also remember how they'd get tangled if I hit them too quickly, but it seemed to me a much more satisfying way of typing.
So this is a gift for those that feel a little nostalgic.
It's a mechanical keyboard that connects to your PC and other gadgets by USB. So it's portable if you want to take it with you.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Premium Voice REcognition Software
And you don't have to be sitting down at your desk while you do it, you can move around and it keeps you a bit more active.
It's good for writing long pieces, editing, but you can also use it to search the web, take notes, email and even enter frequently used text or graphics into a document with a voice command.
Two things to remember before you buy it for somebody is that the software is for PC only, and that it might struggle with strong accents.
Cloud Nine Ergonomic Split Keyboard
The best keyboard I've ever had was a split keyboard, but since my most favourite ever ergonomic keyboard is no longer available, here's an excellent alternative:
The Cloud Nine Ergonomic keyboard can be used as a split keyboard but you can also put the two parts together.
It's a mechanical keyboard and very tactile.
It's good for work and for gaming as well.
It's pricey, so if you want a cheaper alternative, check out this Perixx Ergonomic Keyboard, it's an excellent option.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Some writers find it difficult to stay focused on their work when there is a lot going on in their environment. But you can solve that problem when you give them a noise cancelling headset that will reduce distractions and increase their focus.
And that means better and more productive writing!
These Bose headphones are quite pricey, for a cheaper alternative, check out these Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones.
Digital voice recorder
Digital voice recorders are a great way for writers to keep track of their thoughts when they're out and about and they also reduce the use of paper.
It's great to use for interviews and dictation but you can also adjust settings for meetings.
This digital voice recorder from Sony has a built in USB connector so you can plug it into your computer and download the files directly.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
We all know that staring at devices for long periods of time is not good, not only can it affect your sleep but it can cause visual fatigue and headaches.
You may not be able to limit your exposure to damaging blue light, you CAN protect yourself from its hazards with Blue Light Blocking Glasses.
Or if wearing these glasses is not an option, there are also blue light blocking screens to fit over a monitor.
Adjustable Laptop Desk
Balancing your laptop on your knees is not good for you because your posture suffers. It's not good for the laptop either because it overheats.
But using a laptop desk like this one (it includes fans and is fully adjustable) can solve both problems.
It's multi-purpose and you can use it on top of a table, when you're on the sofa or even in bed.
I love that it has a pad for you mouse as well.
Kindle Oasis Essentials Bundle
ALL writers love to read. So a Kindle Oasis Essentials Bundle is an ideal gift for an author friend.
It's Paperwhite display makes it a joy to read from and it's even waterproof so you can read in the bath without a waterproof case.
Best Gift ideas for writers who love to write by hand
Every writer I know works directly on their computer.
But that doesn't mean that they do not enjoy writing by hand as well.
So here are some writing gifts for authors:
a fountain pen
Fountain pens are a much more personal choice when it comes to writing utensils.
They offer people the opportunity to express themselves and their personality in a way that no other pen can.
And I always find that using a fountain makes you pay more attention to the way you're writing.
This Fountain Pen by Monnagio uses cartridges but has a refillable converter and can also be used with real ink, which makes it even more special.
A Smart REusable Notebook
Smart Reusable Notebooks are a great gift idea for any writer, not just the environmentally conscious.
The Rocketbook only has 32 dotted pages, but you can wipe them and reuse them as you need. These notebooks use Frixion pens, which are great for writing on any paper as well.
But the best thing about the Rocketbook is that you can transfer your handwritten notes to the cloud, so you're not losing all your notes.
a leather journal
Is it just me or does it also remind you of Indiana Jones' dad's notebook?
This leather journal uses lined paper and is hand-made.
And if you want something a bit more feminine looking, you can check out this refillable journal for women.
Best Gifts for Writers: books on how to write
Here are some books that would make a great gift for aspiring writers, but also some some great books about writing to help more experienced writers:
On Writing
How To Write Non-Fiction
How to Write Non-Fiction is one 12 books about writing, self-publishing and marketing your books.
I've chosen How to Write Non-Fiction for this list because because you don't have to be the next J.K. Rowling to become a successful writer and make money from your writing.
You can write about about the things you love, your hobbies...
So give this book to somebody that wants to write but doesn't know where to start.
5,000 Writing Prompts
Most writers run out of inspiration at one time or another, and it's like your brain stops working and you don't know how you're going to get the next brilliant idea to continue with your writing.
So this book is a must-have for any writer who struggles with inspiration.
There are prompts for starting a story, creating characters, dialogue, prompts by genre, etc.
Best for creative writers, but also a good resource for non-fiction.
The Book You Were Born To Write
For wannabe writers who just don't seem to get the oomph to get started.
As an editor, Kelly Notaras has a lot of experience in the publishing world.
In this book, she tells you the steps you need to take to get your motivation right, how to write and structure your book and publish it.
Full of practical tips and advice.
a course for aspiring writers
Ebook Bestseller Bootcamp
A book might not be enough for aspiring writers who are starting from scratch and need a lot of handholding and motivation.
This is where the Ebook Bestseller Bootcamp comes in.
It's a video course that will guide any wannabe writer through all the steps of planning, writing, marketing and publishing a book.
Including how to sell your book before it's done!
Best Gifts for Writers: art and decor
If you're looking for gifts for aspiring writers, why not chose something they can use to decorate their home? Here are some lovely gift ideas for writers who have everything.
Literary Insults Charts
For fun, and because it looks good in an office.
Literary insults from the classics. Including Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Fyodor Dostoyevsky and many more!
Or you can get one with Shakespearean insults only!
Top 100 Books Scratch Card Poster
There are certain books that everybody should read and there are countless lists of the best 100 books to read in your lifetime.
But you can't keep track of them.
This scratch card poster includes 100 top rated books, including both ancient classics and modern novels as well as children's books.
With lovely illustrations for each book.
bookends
Writers love displaying their books in style. Wouldn't a pair of bookends make a lovely gift for them?
Best Gifts for Writers: Gifts To Help With Writer's Block
Everyone who has ever written anything has experienced it at some point: writer's block.
It's a condition where the writer is not able to produce any writing at all despite their best efforts and it can often lead to frustration.
The good news is that there are items to help with this, so here you have a list of gift ideas to help aspiring and established writers get their creative juices flowing again:
Chesapeake Bay Candles: awaken and invigorate
Because not being able to write is not always about running out of ideas but because your mind is somewhere else and needs to focus.
These lovely candles with Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Spearmint essential oils smell divine and will revive anybody that needs a boost of energy and help them focus on what they're writing.
Nespresso Vertuoplus Coffee Machine with Aeroccino Milk Frother
Writing usually starts as a hobby. You don't just write and publish your first book and make enough money to support yourself just like that.
So lots of aspiring writers use any time they can get to write or end up writing at ungodly hours.
Help them be a bit more productive when you give them this coffee machine.
Or, if this one is out of your budget, this Keurig coffee machine is a great alternative for the office.
CREATIVE BLOCK
This little game comes with 100 cards.
Every time you get stuck, you get one of the cards and follow the instructions and it helps you to look at things from different perspectives.
Though you might get a card that doesn't work for the story you're writing every now and then, it can also help you by distracting you and making you think about something else before you go back to your story.
The Storymatic
The Storymatic is a game you can use on your own for writing when you're running out of ideas.
But it also works as a board game when you're with friends and family. I bet it's fun when you've had a couple of drinks!
It's got 540 unique cards. An easy way to use it is to get two gold cards and combine the information from both to create your character and then get two copper cards and combine them to create a situation or a complication.
Dixit
Dixit is not a tool for creative writing.
It's a game, but it's fun to play if you're good at creating stories.
Each player gets a card and uses it to create a sentences, then everybody puts their cards down and everybody has to guess the card you described.
Not as easy as it sounds!
And perhaps not a game to play as a family, as the kids miss out on information, but it's great to play with friends.
Best Gifts for Writers UNDER $15
Some of the gifts and books I've recommended higher up in the post are also inexpensive, but if you're looking for a few more ideas for stocking fillers or small gifts for writers, here are a few more (these were all under $15 at the time I wrote the post):
Best Funny Gifts for Writers
These funny gifts for writers are also good as a stocking filler or Secret Santa gift:
So did you find the perfect gift?
For more gift ideas check out these other gift guides:
Care to Share?
Help me share this article by pinning it to your favourite board.