Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to think about finding the perfect gift for the writers in your life. Whether they’re professional wordsmiths or enjoy writing as a hobby, there are plenty of thoughtful and practical gifts that can inspire their creativity and make their writing journey even more enjoyable. The great thing about the internet that it has lent creators everywhere the ability to offer completely unique gifts to fit the writer you love. Here is a curated list of top 10 Christmas gifts for writers:

1. A Stylish Notebook or Journal

A beautifully crafted notebook or journal is always a great gift for writers. They can jot down their thoughts, ideas, and observations anytime inspiration strikes. The stylish notebook or journal has the added benefit of being a nice touch on their nightstand. I liked the variety of options on this website, just to help you get a few ideas.

2. Ergonomic Keyboard

To ensure a comfortable writing experience, an ergonomic keyboard can be a game-changer. It helps reduce strain on the wrists and fingers, allowing writers to focus on their words. Finding the right keyboard can take a few tries, and with how much writers use their keyboard they can tell the difference. For example, at work one time my coworker thought it would be funny to switch out the keyboard from my desk with one that wasn’t working as well. It took me a few sentences to figure out that my keyboard was off. The click, responsiveness, and size was slightly different. It’s funny how the smallest changes can make a huge difference. Check out this website for some examples of keyboards your writer might like.

3. Noise-Canceling Headphones

For writers who need peace and quiet to concentrate, noise-canceling headphones are a perfect gift. They help create a serene writing environment, blocking out distractions and immersing writers in their own world. I personally listen to Lo-fi Chill-step playlists to help with my tinnitus as I focus on my writing. The noise cancelling headphones can be a great way to help your writer find their cone of silence to focus in on their goals. I liked this website’s recommendation because it offered both over and in-ear options.

4. Inspiring Books on Writing

From classic writing manuals to contemporary guides on storytelling, there are numerous books that can inspire and educate writers. Consider gifting a book that resonates with their writing style or that explores a topic they’re passionate about. Here are a few of my favorite books I keep close by when writing:

1. Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
2. Story Genuis by Lisa Cron
3. Helping Writers Become Authors series by K.M. Weiland
4. On Writing and Worldbuilding by Timothy Hickson

5. Coffee or Tea Subscription

Many writers find a warm cup of coffee or tea to be the perfect writing companion. A subscription to a coffee or tea service can bring a touch of comfort and luxury to their writing routine. If you want to drink my favorite coffee, check out Black Rifle Coffee Company here. If you’re more of a tea drinker, check out the recommendations from this website.

6. Literary Quote Poster

Words have power. One of my favorite new quotes is found in Xenocide by Orson Scott Card is “If words can be weapons, I must provide them with an arsenal.” Just to give you an idea. Every writer has some author they love and a quote they will most likely love to have in sight as they fight for the words on their page. Decorate their writing space with a literary quote poster that speaks to their creativity and love for words. Ask them for their favorite book or quote that can serve as a daily dose of inspiration during their writing sessions. There isn’t really a good website to show a range of options, but searching on Amazon.com or Google is a great way to find the right fit for your writer.

7. Writing Software or Tools

Investing in a premium writing software or tools can greatly enhance a writer’s productivity and organization. Consider gifting them a subscription to a popular writing software or a tool that suits their needs. Sometimes these writing tools/software offer lifetime subscriptions. If you’re not sure on what big gift to get them, that’s one that can last their entire career. Here are some common ones focused on fiction writers.

1. Scrivener– This is a Writing Software that helps writers plan, organize, and write their novels. Scrivener is a writing program designed for long-form writing projects like novels and screenplays. It provides tools to organize research, outline stories, and edit drafts. It offers tools tailored for the needs of book and script writers to boost productivity and creativity throughout the writing process. There is a little bit of a learning curve, but it’s a highly beneficial and powerful tool.
2. Plottr– Plottr offers writers a digital environment to map out the overarching plot as well as individual scenes of their stories. It’s intended to facilitate organized planning and structuring for creative writing projects.
3. AutoCrit– AutoCrit is an AI-powered writing assistant designed to help writers improve their drafts. It analyzes aspects like pacing, dialogue, vocabulary, grammar, and style. After processing a draft, it generates a report highlighting areas that may need work along with feedback and editing suggestions.
4. ProWritingAid– ProWritingAid is an AI-powered writing analysis tool designed to help writers improve their work by identifying writing issues and areas for improvement. I like this one over grammarly because it focuses on the book writer. Grammarly is a great tool for editing business communications and schoolwork. But ProWritingAid has been the best editor I’ve used so far that lets you adjust recommended edits based off of genres. There’s a diverse arsenal of tools that helps writers edit and get their book ready for that next step in their process.

8. Personalized Stationery

Personalized stationery adds a touch of elegance to a writer’s correspondence. Customized notebooks, notepads, or letterheads can make them feel more connected to their craft. Especially if your writer has already started building a brand for themselves, they could find it inspiring to receive a gift with their brand on it. There are many options for this, check out Etsy, VistaPrint, Shutterfly, or Paper Source to get your writer’s personalized stationary.

9. Writing Workshops, Courses, or Conferences

For writers looking to hone their skills or explore new techniques, a writing workshop or course can be a transformative experience. It allows them to learn from experts and connect with other writers. Writing Conferences are another fantastic learning opportunity for writers. These conferences are usually multi-day events with fellow writers, agents, and publishers they can network with. The cost can range depending on the when and where of the conference. But all it takes is a quick google search to find what conferences will be coming around within the next year. I’m already looking forward to LTUE in Utah!

10. Comfortable Writing Apparel or Gear

Comfort is key during long writing sessions. Consider gifting them cozy writing apparel such as a soft robe, comfy slippers, or a warm blanket to make their writing time more enjoyable. Or one thing that I’ve learned that I enjoy a lot of are footrests for while they write. I would recommend a cushioned one if they are writing at home, I don’t know of many writers who wear shoes while they write, but there are also hard plastic one’s if they prefer.

Conclustion:

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember, the best gift for a writer is something that shows your thoughtfulness and acknowledges their passion for writing. I hope everyone has a great holiday season!

Note: The specific products mentioned in this post are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as endorsements or recommendations.

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