Must-Have Gifts for Writers: Luxury and Budget-Friendly Options
As a professional writer for over seven years and an amateur writer since I wrote my school play in fifth grade, I may hold the record for most writing-related gifts ever received. I completely understand how shopping for the writer in your life can be frustrating and confusing. We are weird, emotional, reclusive people. So I wanted to help ya’ll out and make a writer’s gift list that the writer in your life will ACTUALLY want.
And look, this post may or may not be a subtle note to my friends and family: very few writers want a framed "WORD NERD" canvas with a sketchy picture of a typewriter or a mug that says, "Don’t piss off the writer or I’ll name a character after you and kill them."
What do writers really want? Things that are useful, practical, and that help us get to work or level up our craft. So, I’ve compiled this writer-approved list of gifts for the admittedly hard-to-shop-for writer, screenwriter, author, creative writer, or student in your life. Each gift comes with a luxury and a budget-friendly option—have fun!
And to my friends and family, if you’re reading this, I still don’t have a Freewrite Smart Typewriter...
1. THE GIFT OF SILENCE
Writing requires focus, and there’s nothing worse than being interrupted by background noise when you're deep in the zone. Noise-canceling headphones are a writer’s secret weapon for staying focused and productive.
Splurge Option: Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling
These premium headphones provide incredible sound quality and noise cancellation, making them the perfect high-end gift for writers who need to block out the world.
Save Option: TOZO HT2 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
I use these every day, and they’re still a fantastic gift at a more affordable price. They’re even on sale now, so it’s a great time to grab a pair for the writer in your life! Oh, and the colors are super cute (Love the red!)
2. THE GIFT OF ON-THE-GO CREATIVE INSPIRATION
Reading fuels writing, and what better way to give a writer inspiration than through an endless library of audiobooks? With an Audible gift card, they can pick from thousands of books to listen to anytime, anywhere.
Splurge Option: Audible.com Gift Card
Gift a subscription for one month, three months, or even a year! This is an amazing way for writers to expand their literary horizons. After all, as they say, "Reading is like breathing in, and writing is like breathing out."
Save Option: Free Trial from Audiobooks.com
If you’re on a budget, a free trial of Audiobooks.com is a great option. It allows the writer in your life to dive into audiobooks without spending a dime upfront.
I’m an audio learner and having audiobooks has changed my life! I go for nightly “Book Walks” that I use for inspiration. They are a must-have for mental health and creative inspiration. Trust me: this is a truly awesome gift.
3. THE GIFT OF FREE WRITING IN THE MODERN WORLD
A smart notebook is the perfect blend of traditional note-taking and modern technology. It allows writers to handwrite notes or ideas and easily digitize them for editing or storing later.
Splurge Option: Moleskine Smart Writing Set Smart Notebook & New Smart Pen
This set is ideal for writers who like to work offline and on the go, without relying on the internet. I love mine—it’s been a total game-changer!
Save Option: Rocketbook Multi-Subject Reusable Smart Notebook
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, this reusable smart notebook is an excellent choice. Writers can jot down ideas, wipe the pages clean, and reuse the notebook multiple times, making it both eco-friendly and practical. AND… they come in fun colors as well!
4. THE GIFT OF WRITING IN BED (OR WHEREVER)
Sometimes a writer just needs a change of scenery to spark creativity, and a lap desk makes it easy to work from anywhere — even from bed! Whether outlining a new project, reading, or even watching TV (because research is important!), a lap desk can make those lazy writing sessions more productive.
Splurge Option: Soft Lap Desk Pillow for Adults
This is my go-to when I need to outline while relaxing in bed. It’s not the most productive, but when procrastination strikes, it’s a lifesaver. Plus, it works for reading and watching TV.
Save Option: Nestl Lap Desk for Laptop
A budget-friendly pick, this desk provides a stable surface for writing, reading, or typing on a laptop, making it easy to work from anywhere.
5. THE GIFT OF SEEING CLEARLY
Eye strain is real, especially for writers who spend hours staring at a screen. Blue light blocking glasses can make a world of difference in reducing headaches and eye straing and even improving sleep quality — we writers need a lot of sleep, people!
Splurge Option: Orange Blue Light Blocking Glasses
These glasses may look bold, but they work wonders for blocking blue light. If I remember my color wheel from 4th grade, the orange tint makes sense! They’re stylish and help me power through long writing sessions.
Save Option: Blue Light Blocking Glasses
If you’re on a budget, these sleek and effective glasses are a great alternative. I keep a pair by my bed for late-night reading or writing when my eyes need extra protection.
6. THE GIFT OF DISTRACTION-FREE TYPING
Every writer dreams of having a distraction-free writing tool, and the Freewrite Smart Typewriter is the holy grail. It’s a sleek, modern device that feels like a typewriter but with the convenience of digital storage—ideal for writers who want to get in the flow without the distractions of the internet or apps.
Splurge Option: Freewrite Smart Typewriter
This typewriter is on every writer’s wishlist—including mine cough, cough. With its E Ink display and cloud syncing, it’s the perfect tool for long-form writing without distractions.
Save Option: Freewrite Alpha
If the Smart Typewriter is out of reach, the Freewrite Alpha is a more budget-friendly alternative. It offers the same distraction-free environment in a smaller, more portable package.
7. THE GIFT OF STRUCTURE
Don’t just get a writer any old book —- get them Save The Cat! Screenwriting Software! This definitive guide is a game-changer for screenwriters, packed with practical tips on crafting compelling stories.
You can also check out some great books that will make fantastic gifts for any writer at my post Top 5 Must-Have Screenwriting Books post for the best books every writer should own.
And there you have it! This list of writer-approved gifts is sure to delight the creative mind in your life. Whether you're looking to splurge or save, these gifts are practical, thoughtful, and will truly be appreciated by the writer, screenwriter, or author in your life.
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