The Perfect Gift for the Creative Writer
‘Tis the season to get ultra broke.
Don’t you love it?!
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
Okay, enough of that. Every year, I have the same problem: trying to find gifts for my writing friends. Reader friends–books, of course. But, writers? What do you get? Pencils?
I like pencils…
I know, I do, too. Back-to-School season is a full-on holiday season that rivals Christmas for me! But, aside from that, what do you get–honestly?
Well, I can’t guarantee that your writing buddy will like these gifts, but I have a few recommendations below. 
You’ll find links to other sites in this article that aren’t sponsoring me, nor I, them. I just found that their articles were helpful with my own article. I suggest you read their terms and conditions, and mine also.
A Legit Notebook Gift
When I say legit, I mean like leatherbound, or an elaborate design. Something fancy that makes a writer feel like they’re Edgar Allan Poe or something!
A Fancy, Smancy Pen or Pencil(s) Gift
I’ve found pens that look like the old-fashioned quill pens that honestly made me feel like I was official because my writing just looked better overall. It made me want to write more.
Cafe Gift Card
Coffee and tea is a must for writers. I’ve never met another creative writer who didn’t live on some kind of caffeine. Not only do you give them the gift of writing energy, but we also have an excuse to get out of the corners of our homes and sit somewhere else that may inspire us in another way.
Writing (Hand)Book Gift
No matter how long we’ve been writing, we should always strive to be better writers. Some of this will come from writing experience and revision and reading others’ writings. But, it never hurts to have a guide to help us challenge ourselves and read up on how to do so.
Stephen King’s On Writing is pretty popular; The Describer’s Dictionary and The Positive Trait Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Attributes seem pretty cool, too.
Writing Conference Registration as a Gift
It’s like a nerd going to Comicon. Going to a writer’s conference surrounds us with other writers who share the same experiences and goals. Many conferences also have agents available for those of us who are ready to possibly publish.
Writing Contest Entry Fees as a Gift
Most writers want to be published–even if in a small magazine. However, I can tell you first hand, some of those things can be expensive ($25) to enter. Well, for that much, we better get published, right?! Naw. We can still be denied. Unless ultra-confident, many talk themselves out of entering contests–despite having some great material. Delete that stress for your writer by paying the fee.
Publishing Costs as a Gift
Maybe you got it like that and can help toward the costs of self-publication. Your writer loved one has been working so hard on this book and dreams of publishing it. Imagine how much they would love you if you pay for the formatting, or ISBN, or cover design for them to get started. You’ll help them accomplish one of their dreams, I’m sure.
These articles can help you figure out what they would need to get started: “Breaking Down the Cost of Self-Publishing” and “How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book? 4 Authors Share Their Numbers“.
Writing Software as a Gift
For those (blasphemous) authors who need help with their organization and aren’t too keen on a writing journal, digital software may be their spot. However, the better software cost money. Hopefully, it’s not a monthly cost, though!
A couple of popular ones are Evernote Premium and Scrivener.
Writer’s Retreat as a Gift
A writer’s retreat is like a conference, but for creative inspiration instead of informative motivation. It’s more relaxing. And, admittedly, more expensive. However, I’m sure it’s much more worth it.
Find out more about that with this The Write Life article.
I would say you got some options here, depending on how much you love your writer–or yourself. Ha! Love thyself when you can. Aside from these suggestions, you can find more specific recommendations on these Write Shop and Write Life articles.
And, if your buddy happens to be a reader or ELA teacher, I have some gift recommendations for that, too!
So, as a writer, what would you want as a gift? Got any ideas for the perfect writing gift?
Let us know below in the comments and on social media. I, also, come bearing the gift of knowledge and inspiration when you sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter. The gift that keeps on giving; so, sign up!
Leather bound is definitely a cool gift. I like you teach and share as I learn. I give information that will advance them as writers.
What I desperately need is a Multiple idea / project organizer. Can’t find one anywhere.
Any takers?? ..lol
There are project apps for that. You can use regular ones, too, like Trello.
I collect nice pens even though a majority of my writing is done on my laptop; I still love really nice pens. “Legit note pads” as you stated leather-bound, or awesome design makes it special. Engraved writing materials of any sort including a pen holder works great! Frame with the cover of the book inside always a thoughtful touch.