12 Gift Ideas for Writers (That AREN’T Books!)
It’s a well-known fact that writers love receiving books, but sometimes it’s nice to do something a little bit different. Whether you want to help inspire creativity, make their writing routine a little easier or just bring a smile to their face, we’ve got you covered. In no particular order, here are our top 12 non-book gift ideas perfect for writers.
1. An Hourglass
Ask a writer what their biggest challenge is and you’re almost guaranteed to hear something like, ‘getting enough time’. If you can do something to genuinely free up time for them (hello, babysitting!) amazing, but if you’re after a physical gift, a beautiful hourglass for their desk could be the next best thing. We’d recommend opting for a 30-minute one – it’s enough time that you can get a decent amount done, but not so much that it feels overwhelming. Want to make it extra special? Why not get one that’s personalised with their name or nom de plume?
2. A Lap Desk
Many writers (Marian Keyes included) prefer to write in bed or on the sofa. Whether it’s about reducing the pressure to allow creativity to flow, or simply a case of limited space, a lap desk is the perfect companion. The 19″ Arlo Skye Lap Desk is ergonomically designed to be comfortable on the legs, has different options to accommodate both laptops and tablets and has a handy storage compartment too! Want something a bit cheaper? The SEFFO Lap Tray doesn’t have so much storage, but it does boast cushioned hand supports and a built-in carry handle.
3. ‘For Writers Only’ Tea Collection
The right hot beverage can work wonders for fuelling creativity. The ‘For Writers Only’ tea collection from Cliché Teas includes 12 sachets of loose tea specifically for writers, with satisfyingly literary names such as ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ and ‘Kill Your Darlings’. Tea not their thing? This extra strong coffee is sure to give them a boost if they’re struggling to find the energy to write!
4. A Novelty Mug
What goes better with a steaming cup of tea (or coffee, if you’re that way inclined) than a mug that truly speaks to the heart of a writer? A novelty mug that combines wit, motivation and a touch of literary charm can make each writing session feel that little bit more personal and inspiring. We love this one, which features several of our favourite quotes about writing. Alternatively, this tongue-in-cheek option is bound to raise a laugh!
5. A Book Light
What do you get a writer who has everything? A beautiful LED light in the shape of a book! It’s rechargeable, looks stunning when it’s on, can be used in different positions and can even be stored like a regular book when it’s off. Fun, practical and innovative – what’s not to love?!
6. A Nice Chair
For writers who don’t prefer to write from their bed or a sofa, a good chair is an absolute must. No one can write their best work with back pain or if they feel unsupported. If you’re buying for a gift, you’ll want something that combines good ergonomics with a bit of luxury. Novel Factory Founder Katja Kaine swears by the Cherry Tree Executive Recline Extra Padded Chair, but if that’s not your style, we’d also recommend checking out the Pell Swivel Tilting Leather Upholstered Office Chair and the more modern HBADA Butterfly Office Chair-J3.
- Cherry Tree Executive Recline Extra Padded Chair
- Pell Swivel Tilting Leather Upholstered Office Chair
- HBADA Butterfly Office Chair-J3
7. Writing Prompt Cards
Even the best writers hit a wall sometimes. Enter writing prompt cards! These card sets can be fantastic for getting the creative juices flowing, helping to inspire new ideas or simply providing a gentle nudge to get writing again. For novel-writers, we love the Storymatic Classic Collection, which includes an incredibly comprehensive and flexible set of prompts to support your writing endeavours.
8. An Anti-Glare Screen
Looking at screens for hours on end can be hard. Help look after the writers in your life (and their precious eyeballs!) with an anti-glare screen for their chosen writing device. It might not sounds like the most exciting gift, but trust us, they’ll thank you for it. For screens 15″ or bigger, this blue light blocking panel from VINTEZ is ideal.
9. A Personalised Book Embosser
Know a writer with a personal book collection so expansive it could rival your local library? A personalised book embosser could be the gift they never knew they needed. Allowing them to emboss their name or initials onto the books they own (via a sticker or directly onto the pages!) it’s a fun and unique way to celebrate their passion for books and writing.
10. A Writing Retreat
It’s not the cheapest option, but if you have the funds, a writing retreat could be the perfect gift for someone special. Being able to get away from the push and pull of modern day life and have time and space to dedicate to their writing can make such a huge difference, whether they just write for fun or want to make progress towards a lifetime goal. The structure of writing retreats vary, but they’ll often come with guidance and lectures on different aspects of the craft, as well as dedicated writing time – and there’s no need to worry about cooking and cleaning! An appropriate writing retreat will depend on your location and budget, but here are a couple of lists to get you started:
11. A ‘Do Not Disturb’ Sign
Not just for hotel room doors, a ‘Do not disturb’ sign can be a game-changer for a writer trying to focus in a busy household. Writing requires uninterrupted time, whether they’re brainstorming ideas, deep in the first draft or trying to navigate the query trenches. A ‘Do not disturb’ sign helps give them space to think, write and create without distractions. We love this fun double-sided wooden sign. (Pro tip: get the family on board with the plan first to avoid problems down the line!)
12. A Book Subscription
Okay, technically this one’s bending the ‘no books’ rule, but a subscription is a little bit different. To be a good writer, you need to be reading, and what could be better than having brand new books delivered right to your door each month? There are all sorts of options available now, from new releases in a specific genre to ‘discovery’ subscriptions, designed to help you find new things you love. We love The Willoughby Book Club, which provides recipients with handpicked books specifically chosen for them, regardless of which option you purchase, and offers international shipping.
