Struggling with what to get for the writer in your life this holiday season? Here are some creative gift ideas to help inspire, motivate, and comfort. And remember to shop early this year to get ahead of the expected holiday shipping delays!
- Notebooks and journals
This may seem like a given, but trust me: writers really do love getting notebooks. And no, there’s no such thing as having too many. Whether it has a sleek leather cover or a quirky design, you can’t go wrong. Pair it with a quality pen, and the writer in your life is sure to be grateful.
- Book merch from Out of Print
Most writers are also avid readers. So, this holiday season, give the writer in your life a gift inspired by their favorite books! Out of Print has everything from t-shirts to socks to gift bags and mugs—all printed with designs inspired by books. Whether it’s Edgar Allan Poe, Harry Potter, Jane Austen, or even Star Wars, there’s sure to be something every book lover will appreciate.
- Candles or scented wax melts
Scents can be soothing and calming and even help us remember things. And who doesn’t want their workspace to smell amazing? Bonus points for candles and wax melts that smell like books!
- Heating pad for back pain
For a writer, sitting in a chair for hours on end is expected, and that can mean back pain. The writer in your life will appreciate this gift bringing them some relief.
With a gift card from Bookshop, book lovers can have the convenience of shopping online while also supporting local independent bookstores and giving back to the community.
- Lap desk
For writers who have tiny apartments or who just want the freedom to switch up their workspace once in a while, you can’t go wrong with a lap desk.
MasterClass has learning opportunities in many different categories, and that includes writing. With this membership, writers can hone their skills by learning from the likes of David Sedaris, Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and many other popular authors and screenwriters.
- Book- or typewriter-shaped necklace from Etsy
Etsy is a treasure trove for writers and book lovers. There are a myriad of unique, handmade gifts right at your fingertips with just a search. A necklace is a simple, thoughtful gift your writer can wear every day.
- Coffee, tea, and chocolate
Make sure the writer in your life remembers to treat themselves by getting them a beverage and snack they would enjoy—whether it’s coffee, tea, wine, chocolate, or salty pretzels.
Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not sitting in front of your computer. With this gift, the writer in your life will even be able to jot down ideas while in the shower.
- Blankets and cozy socks
These are warm, fluffy gifts to make your writer feel wrapped in comfort even while they’re struggling with their work-in-progress.
- Books about writing
Books like Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, On Writing by Stephen King, or Troubleshooting Your Novel by Steven James can be welcome guides for writers in honing their craft.
- Subscription box from Scribbler
It seems like there’s a subscription box for everything these days, and Scribbler has a great one for writers! Their website describes it as “a writing conference in a box,” and each one includes teaching tools from bestselling authors, live chats with literary agents & editors, curated writing gifts, and a new release novel. It’s delivered right to your writer’s doorstep, and the subscription even includes an invitation to join Scribbler’s exclusive community: “because writing is tough, but it’s easier with a fam.”
Writing and Listening — an Interview with Brooke Randel
As a young girl Brooke Randel knew little about the Holocaust—just that it was a catastrophe in which millions were murdered, and that her grandma Golda Indig barely escaped that fate. But her Bubbie never spoke about what happened, and the two spent most of their time together making pleasant memories: baking crescent roll cookies, playing gin rummy, and watching Baywatch. Until an unexpected phone call when Golda said, out of the blue: “You should write about my life. What happened in the war.” What results is a fascinating memoir—about one woman’s harrowing survival, and another’s struggle to excavate theRead more…
How lovely! These are wonderful ideas, Jill. Thanks so much for suggesting them. Jeanie