The Best Gifts For Authors & Aspiring Writers
Thoughtful gift ideas for writers, from creative tools to stylish essentials. Find practical and unique gifts for aspiring and professional writers.
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links, at no additional cost to you.
Writers are strange creatures. Sometimes they look at their work and think to themselves. “This is genius. I’m the best writer in the world.” Other times they feel like they aren’t good enough to put words together to make a decent sentence. No sane person chooses this career path voluntarily and sticks with it. And those who are not crazy are likely just talentless hacks who write boring stuff.
It’s not easy trying to understand what goes on in a writer’s mind. It’s like trying to make an ice castle in the Sahara–pointless and a waste of time. On the other hand, finding a gift for a writer is simple. They’re insecure people. It’s a professional hazard. You have to pick a gift that makes them feel better about themselves and boosts their ego and they’ll love you for it.
Following is a list of the best gifts for aspiring and professional writers. Pick one that suits your recipient’s style.
Suggested
The Best Gifts For Screenwriters
A thoughtful gift guide for screenwriters. Practical tools, creative essentials, and unique finds to inspir...
I Make Stuff Up T-shirt
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It’s light, self-aware, and easy to connect with. The phrase reflects the craft in a way that feels honest without taking itself too seriously. It’s the kind of design writers tend to appreciate.
Ideal For
Aspiring and professional writers who take pride in what they do. Works well for friends, partners, or casual acquaintances.
Making stuff up for a living was something writers do. Although nowadays some journalists and media have been doing it for clicks and ad views. The difference is when the former does it we know to call it fiction and the later give us fiction disguised as the truth. A writer is supposed to create a world out of their imagination based on their observations about reality.
This well designed t-shirt made for writers will amuse any writer who takes pride in their profession. It’ll make a fine gift for any aspiring and professional writer as long as you pick the correct size.
Vintage Style Backpack
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It combines style with function. The vintage look adds personality, while the utility ensures it gets used regularly. It feels considered, not generic.
Ideal For
Writers who prefer classic aesthetics and carry their work with them. A good choice for students, travelers, or anyone who uses a laptop daily.
Many aspiring writers grow up reading the classics, which tend to be from a time a few decades before them. They often become fond of and prefer items that have a vintage look. They see the modern designs as soulless and lacking of beauty.
This vintage design laptop backpack is something a writer with old fashioned tastes will be glad to own. It’s practical, looks classy and will make a great gift that’ll impress your recipient.
DIY Whiskey Infusion Kit
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It’s interactive and a bit different. Instead of a passive gift, it gives them something to experiment with. It also pairs well with quiet evenings or breaks between writing sessions.
Ideal For
Writers who enjoy whiskey and like trying new things. Best suited for friends or partners who appreciate hands-on experiences.
If your recipient is a whiskey guy or gal who isn’t shy of experimenting with their own recipes, consider giving them this DIY whisky infusion kit as a gift. This way they’ll have something productive to do when the muse is on vacation and they’re waiting for inspiration to strike and get a drink or two out of it.
The kit comes with two glass prep bottles, six whiskey ice cubes and a set of premium ingredients. It’s a classy gift that’ll make you come off as a gift-giver with good taste.
Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It takes a different approach. Instead of telling writers what to do, it shows them how to observe good writing closely. That shift makes it more useful than most guides.
Ideal For
Aspiring and professional writers who are open to improving their craft. Best for thoughtful readers who like studying how writing works.
I don’t recommend giving writing guides to aspiring or professional writers. If they need one they can buy it for themselves. Also, most of these guides have conflicting and vague advice that is more harmful than useful. There are a few exceptions though. A few books that are really good and must haves for any writer who’s willing to improve their craft. And if they don’t own a copy you can be the one who gets them one. I’ve included them in the list.
Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose is not a writing guide. It’s a reading guide. It shows you how to read better, more efficiently, paying attention to the writing styles and details that a writer ought to be paying attention to. Your recipient will find this book helpful and consider it a thoughtful gift.
Vinyl Record Player
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It blends nostalgia with convenience. The vinyl experience feels more intentional, while modern features keep it easy to use. It’s both an experience and a functional device.
Ideal For
Writers who enjoy music and have a taste for vintage-style items. A great choice for friends, partners, or anyone with an old-school preference.
If your recipient is an old fashioned type, as writers often tend to be, they likely prefer analog over all things digital. But the thing about analog gadgets is that they lack the convenience of the mass consumed digital devices. Which is why a device that combines the old school with the new is a perfect fit.
This Victrola vinyl player mixes the retro look with modern functionality. It can play vinyl discs and also connect to bluetooth devices, making it the perfect music player for any old-school guy or girl who loves music. If your recipient doesn’t own one already you could surprise them with this portable vinyl player.
Suggested
The Best Gifts For Jazz Lovers
A list of the best jazz themed gifts for enthusiasts of the genre. You'll find the coolest gift ideas for y...
Pyramid Book Rest
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It’s practical without being boring. It supports long reading sessions while keeping things simple and uncluttered. A small upgrade that makes a real difference.
Ideal For
Writers who read often, students, professionals, or anyone who spends time with books regularly. Works well for friends, partners, or colleagues.
The perfect gift is the one that combines practicality, aesthetics and relates to its recipient’s interests. Reading a lot is a professional requirement for writers. This classy pyramid book rest will help them do it with comfort.
If your recipient is a writer who loves to read, they’ll appreciate getting this useful tool that’ll make their reading sessions more pleasant.
Book Themed Night Light
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It encourages interaction. Instead of just relaxing, it gives people a reason to play, compete, and spend time together.
Ideal For
Aany writer who enjoy reading, especially at night. A good choice for friends, partners, or anyone who likes book-inspired items.
One thing you can be certain of about any real writer who’s not a hack is that they love reading and books. After all, it starts with enjoying reading the works of other great writers before one has the desire to create something of their own. If your recipient is a writer they’re likely fond of all things that look like a book.
This book themed night light is a cool gift idea for any professional or aspiring writer who loves reading. It’s useful, looks great and will please any night owl who needs a little lighting for their bedtime reading sessions.
Typewriter Print Hoodie
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It feels intentional. The “weapon of choice” line paired with a typewriter graphic is clear without trying too hard. It reflects the craft in a subtle way.
Ideal For
Writers who prefer clean, non-cliché designs. Works well for friends, partners, or anyone with a more understated style.
Those cheesy “I’m a writer,” or “I will put you in my novel” t-shirts are lame. Writers hate clichés so if you gift them one like that they’ll roll their eyes and depending on how honest they are will either give you a fake smile or make a snarky comment about your choice. You don’t want either to happen.
The better choice would be to give them something that is clever and original. This “weapon of choice” tank top fits that. It looks cool, well designed and will impress any writer with good taste.
Writing Dice
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It removes pressure. Instead of waiting for ideas, it gives a starting point. That shift can help break writer’s block and make the process feel lighter.
Ideal For
Writers who enjoy creative exercises, prompts, or experimenting with new ideas. Works well for both aspiring and experienced writers.
Writing dice make a perfect gift for the writer in your life, sparking creativity and banishing writer’s block. Each roll offers a unique combination of prompts, inspiring fresh ideas for stories, characters, and settings. Compact and fun, these dice turn writing into an engaging game, making them a thoughtful, innovative gift that encourages endless imaginative exploration.
Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses
Why it Makes a Great Gift
Writers who enjoy whiskey and have a preference for classic, old-school styles. A strong choice for friends or partners.
Ideal For
Writers who appreciate old-school aesthetics but rely on modern tools. A great choice for friends, partners, or anyone who enjoys the writing process itself.
Recipients tend to prefer aesthetically pleasing gifts over ones that are more functional. It’s better to have a bit of both qualities to make your gift more likely to succeed.
This classy set of old fashioned whiskey glasses is a perfect gift for any old school writer who loves his whiskey. They’ll be pleased with the vintage look.
Typewriter Keyboard
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It brings back that feel without the downsides. The tactile keys and vintage look make writing more engaging, while still working with modern devices.
Ideal For
Writers who appreciate old-school aesthetics but rely on modern tools. A great choice for friends, partners, or anyone who enjoys the writing process itself.
Typewriters are pretty much extinct for all practical purposes, but for a writer they represent the golden age of writing when writers typed away at a typewriter with passion and craze till they had a manuscript out. Famous writers like Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Jack Kerouac all used them. There is something romantic about these low tech machines that continues to attract writers to them even today.
It’s not really practical though to use a typewriter in the age of laptops and wifi printers, so it’s better to stick to the modern devices. This typewriter style keyboard will get your recipient the same feel and aesthetics as the real thing. This keyboard will make an impressive gift for any writer who’s a romantic at heart.
Writing Definition Sweatshirt
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It captures something real about the craft. The phrase resonates with writers who take their work seriously, without needing explanation. It feels personal, not generic.
Ideal For
Dedicated writers who connect with the emotional side of writing. Best suited for close friends or partners who understand their commitment to the craft.
The act of writing involves a lot more work than just coming up with fictional events. You have to delve deep into your own psyche to make sense of things, to understand how the world works. And that can be a painful process. You have to be willing to be honest about the things you don’t want to be honest about.
When a writer gives it his all, he’s bleeding on that paper in hopes to be authentic enough for his reader to feel his pain. Real writers will be able to relate to this message. This t-shirt will make a fine gift for any dedicated writer.
First Lines of Literature Mug
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It’s more than a mug. The lines add a layer of meaning, turning a simple object into something a writer can return to for small moments of inspiration.
Ideal For
Writers and readers who enjoy classic literature. A good choice for friends, coworkers, or anyone who appreciates books.
Usually, I don’t recommend mugs as gifts, no one likes them, and they probably have too many to use, but in this case of specific kinds of creatures, namely writers, anything that evokes memories of a book they love, makes a fine gift.
One of the perks of this is if they get bored working or find themselves creatively blocked, they can take a break and read some of the lines for inspiration. Who knows? A line from Moby Dick may shoot some brain waves that generate an idea for the great American novel.
Personal Library Kit
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It solves a real problem for book owners. The system is simple but effective, helping keep track of who borrowed what without relying on memory.
Ideal For
Writers and readers who own a growing collection of books. A great fit for organized, detail-oriented personalities.
Everyone who has ever owned books knows that most people don’t return stuff they borrowed until you make repeated requests. It’s a frustrating experience. This personal library kit solves that problem by borrowing the methods that have worked for official libraries for centuries. With this your recipient will be able to track and assign deadlines to the borrowers.
If your recipient is a somewhat nerdy writer who owns lots of books, they’ll appreciate this kit as a gift.
Digital Voice Recorder
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It helps capture ideas instantly. A single button press is enough to save a thought before it’s gone, without the distractions of a phone.
Ideal For
Writers who think on the go or tend to get ideas at random times. Works well for both aspiring and professional writers.
Ideas. Mischievous bloody things. They appear and disappear as they wish. They don’t care where you are when they arrive, or what you’re doing. The best ideas will come at the most inconvenient times. While you’re in the bathroom, or in the bed ready to fall asleep. If you’re too lazy to get up and get a pen and paper, adiós, they’re gone forever. You’ll think you will remember the good ones. No, you’ll just remember you had a good idea.
A voice recorder comes handy in this situation. Any idea you get, you just have to press a button and say it out loud. Especially useful for writers since a forgotten idea can cost them a Pulitzer.
Writer Emergency Pack
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It helps break through creative blocks. Instead of waiting for inspiration, it gives prompts and tools to get words on the page.
Ideal For
Writers who struggle with starting or occasionally hit creative slumps. Suitable for both beginners and experienced writers.
A truly effective tool to get the imagination going, to get the writer out of a block. Some writers have a hard time putting down the first words on paper. Once they get the basics right, they work like a writing factory, but till then they are miserable.
This writer’s emergency pack makes it easier to open your mind to new possibilities. Just to give you a little push. It even has some tips they might find useful. A very useful tool to have in a writer’s toolbox. Even if just for emergencies. Makes a very likable and thoughtful gift.
Hemingway Style Pencil Cup
Why it Makes a Great Gift
It connects to writing tradition. The design and the idea behind it make it feel more meaningful than a standard desk item.
Ideal For
Writers who enjoy classic habits, old-school methods, or literary references. A good choice for friends, partners, or thoughtful gifting.
You may be wondering why they’d call a typewriter shaped pen holder a “Hemingway pencil cup.” It may seem like there is no real reasoning behind the name, but there is some logic behind it. Earnest Hemingway believed in writing his first draft with a pencil rather than just typing it out on a typewriter. He felt that the extra step of converting the written word into a typed manuscript allowed him to add to it, edit it.
I wonder if he would have been the great writer he was if he wrote on his macbook at a Starbucks. I doubt it. If you choose this to be the gift for your recipient, make sure you tell them this fact. Maybe they’ll adopt it and find it useful.
Dattaraj Pai
I’m the founder of Science of Gifts, a website dedicated to helping people find meaningful and thoughtful gifts. With years of experience researching the psychology of gift-giving, I explore how gifts communicate emotions, strengthen relationships, and create lasting memories.
Beyond writing about gifts, I have a background in storytelling and filmmaking, which fuels my passion for exploring the cultural impact of meaningful gestures.
