Delight any writer or author with one of these 30 writerly gifts

Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else this holiday season, you'll love this hand-picked selection of writerly gifts.

There’s nothing better on a very cold November weekend than watching a sappy, snowy Hallmark Christmas movie in front of a wood fire while searching online for the most writerly gifts ever for authors and writers.It’s a time-consuming process, one that takes me through more than one movie, but it’s also fun. And, to twist the title of the Blake Shelton/Gwen Stefani song, it makes it feel like Christmas!

Thanks to my searches plus wonderful suggestions from newsletter subscribers and members of the Build Book Buzz Book Marketing Group, I’ve been able to build a carefully curated, bespoke* holiday gift guide with a wide range of products and price points.

Start shopping (or better yet, share this link with someone who’s shopping for you)!

Writerly gifts that are sure to please

Click on each product name to get more information. Full disclosure: Some of the selections include affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission on sales but the cost to you is the same. Also, prices are subject to change.

Your favorite writerly gifts are listed in a totally random order.

1. Booktrovert long sleeve unisex tee

$30.99

I’ve purchased t-shirts from Piper & Ivy, a family-owned, eco-friendly, Florida company and will promise you that they are super soft (just how I like them!). I selected this shirt because it describes me and because it’s gender-neutral, so it’s a good choice for a woman or a man.

2. Take Me to Your Readers short sleeve unisex tee

$23.99

This is another super-soft Piper & Ivy t-shirt offered in a nice selection of softly neutral colors.

3. Vintage Typewriter Pencil Holder

$18.99

This could be my favorite because it’s just clever. If you – or the writer you’re shopping for – learned how to type on a typewriter, they need this in their writing space.

4. Dead Fred Pen Holder

$12

I was amused when I received this handsome young man as a thank you gift for speaking to a regional writer’s group. It’s an excellent stocking stuffer for your favorite writer (especially one who writes whodunits).

5. My Writing Planner

$9.99

Several authors told me they’d like to receive a writing planner, so I spent time scrolling through and studying the options. This is my favorite because it includes worksheets, templates, and calendars.

6. John Steinbeck Scented Soy Wax Candle

$22.09

I’ve selected the John Steinbeck candle option, but there are other literary figure options, including Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, when you move through the “color” options.

7. “Chapter One” and “The End” earrings

$12.66

These stainless steel, hypo-allergenic earrings will delight writers and readers alike.

8. Bamboo Lap Desk with Mouse Pad Tray

$59.95

I have two lap desks with cushions that I use in my office and elsewhere almost daily, often while editing on paper, but would like one that accommodates a mouse. I’m asking Santa for this; perhaps you’ll want to, also.

9. Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

$13.49

Do you, like me, need a hot beverage in reach when you write? I have a similar model next to me on my desk right now. I’ve had it for years and years and years. If it breaks, I’ll replace it immediately – it’s that indispensable. You need one, too.

10. LiTEArary VarieTEA Sampler

$8.99 for 20 teabags

I drink these teas and they’re as good as any I’ve had (and more clever). This collection includes Agatha ChrisTEA, Shake Spearemint, and Mark Twainquility.

11. Reader Book Review Form

$29

Every author needs a copy of this form that helps readers write those all-important reader reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other retail and review sites. There’s one for fiction and another for nonfiction.

12. Rolling Adjustable Height Laptop Cart

$86.70

You’ve heard that sitting all day while you write or work isn’t good for you, right? Before you spend a lot of money on a fancy stand-up desk, test the concept with this less expensive alternative.

13. Joyful Moose Library Due Date Blank Notecard Set

$17.99

These are the cutest notecards ever, aren’t they? I wish I had thought of this. Add them to someone’s stocking.

14. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

$15.81

A writer’s classic. Ask anyone who’s read it. That’s why it’s still a top-seller amost three decades after it was released.

15. ProWritingAid

Price depends on plan and starting at free; 50% off through November 28

ProWritingAid, one of the most popular writing aids for authors, is offering 50% off premium lifetime or yearly plans for Black Friday. When I surveyed authors last year for their favorite writing apps and tools, one told me, “Without it, I find it very difficult to locate all the little things, like split infinitives, comma splices, and variations in spelling between the UK and the U.S.”

16. Libro Audiobook Credit Bundles

Starting at $30 for two books, 10% off through November 28

I listen to an average of one audiobook a week, so I was thrilled when the folks at Libro offered me a three-book bundle to try it out. I’m hooked. It has the books I want and an app that’s easy to use, but the best part? Libro splits profits with bookstores, so you can help your favorite indie retailer stay in business. (And if you act quickly, you can save 10% during the Black Friday sale.)

17. Subscription to Online Course Platform Teachable

Price varies depending on plan and starting at free

I’m a huge fan of Teachable, a super easy-to-use online course platform that I use for all of my courses and e-books. If teaching an online course is in your future, you owe it to yourself to create an account there.

18. Aqua Notes Waterproof Note Pad

$13

Don’t let your best ideas go down the drain! If your brilliance strikes when you’re in the shower, write them down with Aqua Notes! The notepad attaches to the wall or door with suction cups and the paper is waterproof.

19. Time

$0

A Build Book Buzz Facebook group members said, “I think the best gift anyone can give a writer is time. Offer to bring them a meal, babysit their kids for a couple of hours, run errands.” And it won’t cost you a thing.

20. Scribd gift subscription

6 months $59.99, 12 months $119.00

Scribd subscribers can read and listen to the best audiobooks, e-books, magazines, and more.

21. Future Best Selling Author Notebook

$6.99

This is just a pad of lined paper with a cover, but I salute the optimism of that cover. It’s the right message to see when you sit down to write.

22. 365 Daily Book Marketing Tips

$1

Let me give your author a book marketing tip every day for a year via email — for just $1 for the entire year! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

23. I Turn Coffee Into Books Mug

$14.95

Every author needs a cheeky mug. Make this one yours.

24. Character Keeper: A character development workbook for writers and creatives

$9.99

Keep track of all of your story’s characters in one place – names, descriptions, images – everything you need for as many as 50 characters. Genius, isn’t it?

25. Custom Miniature Book Earrings

$22.50

Turn your book – or your friend’s – into conversation-starting earrings! Simply provide the artist with a link to your book cover. (Act quickly — I’ve noticed that some of these have sold out.)

 

26. Mini Book Necklace

$15.77

After you order custom book earrings (above), purchase a matching pendant necklace to go with it. Or, select a classic cover from one of six options that include Little Women and The Wizard of Oz.

27. Bookish Socks

$9.95

“So many books. So little time.” Sound like your motto? These socks are adorable, but there are lots of other options, too. Scroll through them under “color.”

28. Indie bookstore gift certificate

Starting at $10

Support local independent bookstores by buying store gift cards for all the writers and readers on your list. I’ve linked to Bookshop.org, the hub for independent book shops online. Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores, and you can select the store to buy from if you’d like.

29. Grammarly premium

$12/month (Watch for special Black Friday pricing)

This version of the popular Grammarly tool goes beyond grammar to help your favorite writer ensure that everything they write is clear, engaging, and professional.

30. Between the Pages canvas tote bag

$16.95

Tote your books and other items in a sturdy bag with a message every book lover will appreciate.

Bonus gift ideas

Here are two bonus gift ideas to include from our gift scouts, too!

Snowmen made from books

$67.20 for set of three (also available individually)

Aren’t they the cutest? And what a fun way to show how much you love books.

iPhone Photo Academy

$99 (sale price)

Of all the online courses I’ve taken, this one is probably my favorite. If you like taking photos with your iPhone, you’ll love the video tutorials, before-and-after examples, and assignments.

*This year’s most over-used word. 

What writerly gifts would you like to receive this holiday season? And what’s your favorite on this list?