Holiday Gifts for Writers 2022

Are you wondering what to give the writer in your life this holiday season? If so, you’re in luck, because I’m updating my annual list of Holiday Gifts for Writers! Whether you’re looking for indulgences, inspirational gifts, or workspace upgrades, there’s bound to be something on this list that will brighten your writer’s day.

Home Office/Workspace Upgrades and Tools

• Mug warmer or Yeti-style cup to keep their favorite beverage steaming while the words are flowing.
• Spotify subscription, Bluetooth speakers, or new earbuds/headphones so they can listen to their book’s playlist.
• Do they give presentations? A portable laptop stand or a wireless presentation remote/clicker might make their presentation go a little smoother.
• Scrivener is a powerful software application for authors. It combines a word processor with an organization system for research notes, photos, links, outlines, etc.
• Sunlight desk lamp to combat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
• New laptop case.
• Comfy cushion for their desk chair, like this one from Purple.
• How about a whole new desk chair?
• A second monitor to provide extra real estate for having multiple documents, research websites, and email open simultaneously.
• Has your writer spoken wistfully of a standing desk? Maybe now’s the time.
• Pens. Whether it’s a box of utilitarian Uniball Signos, a handcrafted pen from an arts festival, or an elegant high-end pen, writers always love a good writing implement.
• Blank journals. Look for ones with fun or beautiful covers, for inspiration.
• Highlighters, sticky notes, a pack of colored index cards, a corkboard with colorful pushpins—all can be helpful for revisions or for plotting their next masterpiece.

Indulgences

• All that hunching over keyboards and notebooks just cries out for a massage, doesn’t it?
• How about a manicure for those keyboard-pounding nails?
• Really good coffee or tea will keep their motivation strong.
• Chocolates will keep their soul fed. For really decadent chocolates, try Legacy Chocolates, Christopher Elbow, or L.A. Burdick.
• Wine with writer-themed names is always a fun choice, like Writer’s Block Malbec, Storypoint Cabernet Sauvignon, Storyteller Chardonnay, or Quixote Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Writer-themed spirits make good gifts, too. Try Writer’s Tears Whiskey, or maybe give them a bottle of the legendary absinthe, long associated with the inspiration (and sometimes ruination, but let’s not go there) of many historic writers. For the literary history of absinthe, read “How the Green Fairy Became Literature’s Drink.”
• Time. Few writers ever have enough time to devote to their art. Can you offer your writer some uninterrupted writing time by bringing over prepared meals or offering housecleaning, dog walking, or childcare?
• A writer’s retreat is a more extravagant gift of time, whether it’s just a local hotel room to themselves for a weekend, or a group writing retreat offered through writing organizations that feature writing time, group discussions, and sometimes speakers.

Inspirational

• Literary- or book-themed t-shirts, sweatshirts, or jewelry (earrings, pendants, bracelets, charms, keychains) can be found on Amazon, Etsy, Cafe Press, etc.
• Magnetic poetry kits give those creative juices a nudge while perking up a lonely fridge.
• Book bags and totes from the gift shops of your writer’s favorite museums, national or state parks, or indie bookstores are always fun.
• Tickets to an upcoming play, concert, art show, or comedy club might be just the thing to rejuvenate your writer after a long day of writing.
• Road trip! Find out where your writer’s work-in-progress is set, then take them on a weekend trip there so they can soak up the atmosphere and do a little on-location research.

Educational

• Books on writing craft. Sneak a peek at your writer’s bookshelves. If they don’t have Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, Story Genius by Lisa Cron, The Anatomy of Story by John Truby, Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass, or The Fire in Fiction (also by Donald Maass), one of those might be a good choice.
• Publisher’s Weekly. A subscription to Publisher’s Weekly—even just for a month or two—will help your writer get a feel for what’s happening in the industry, which agents have sold books to publishers recently, etc.
• Annual membership to a writing organization. There are local/state/regional ones (like Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers), national/international groups (like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), and genre-specific ones (like Mystery Writers of America and Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America). If you can think of a genre, there’s an organization for it! Annual memberships are usually very reasonable and often includes local in-person and online chapter meetings, discounts on conferences and workshops, access to critique groups and free presentations, etc. These groups are a great way to build a network of writing friends, too.
• Registration to a writing conference. Bonus points if you arrange baby- or pet-sitting while they attend.

Books (of course!)

• Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist, by Time Federle. This clever little book puts a literary spin on classic cocktail recipes, like “A Midsummer Night’s Beam” and “The Last of the Mojitos.” Each page has a recipe and a witty summary of the book it’s named for. There are several similar book-themed cocktail books, so choose your poison!
• Book Club subscription box. Feed your writer’s appetite with a monthly delivery of carefully selected books. Oprah’s “26 of the Best Book Subscription Boxes” may give you some ideas.
• And last but certainly not least, a gift card to a local independent bookstore is always a great gift. Always.

[Photo by freestocks on Unsplash]