Writers are an odd sort, and definitely tough to shop for. That’s why today I’m sharing the best gifts for writers.

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Original photo by John Schnobrich 

 A little-known fact for you is that writers are actually people who are totally addicted to creature comforts. And why shouldn’t they be? It’s tough to peel up emotional scabs and dig around inside those wounds for the sake of art. But that’s what writers must do.

So, if you have a writer that you’re shopping for this season, I urge you to pick from these best gifts for writers. Though, to be fair, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to their favorite book store. If writers love one thing, it’s buying more books than they’ll ever read.

Best Gifts for Writers

Keyboard and Monitor

I love typing on my laptop, but when I’m at home, I like to hook my laptop up to a big monitor so I can see the screen better, or look at multiple things at once. And this set up basically requires me to use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. While you can definitely buy one designed for your particular computer brand, I love this Anker model. It works well, is rechargeable, and the battery lasts forever. Also, the key action is perfect. And you can’t go wrong with a nice, big monitor.

Scrivener

I know a lot of writers who say they want to try Scrivener, but they don’t want to pay for it if they don’t know whether or not they’ll like it. And while I can’t guarantee that a writer will like Scrivener if you buy it for them, at least you’re giving them a new word processor option.

Damn Fine Story by Chuck Wendig

Chuck is the sort of fellow who gives great writing advice, and I never regret time spent toodling around on his blog, or reading any of his fiction or books on writing. The reason Damn Fine Story makes a great gift is because the cover is so dang neat and practically perfect for Christmas. Like, it’s red with a deer on it. YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO WRAP IT.

Bleeding Pen Enamel Pin

SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION HERE. I sell these bleeding pen enamel pins in my Etsy shop, and they are the perfect gift for writers who like to bleed it out on the page. I have other pins too, so if you want to peruse my shop and buy like 98 stocking stuffers for your loved ones, feel free to do so.

Fountain Pen

I love fountain pens. I think the way their nibs drags on the paper is perfect, and I love how easy and flowing your script is when you write with one. Bonus: They’re amazing when it comes to free writing. So if you know a writer looking to get their journal game on point, this is how you do it. The Lamy Safari is a good way to get into fountain pens. And I have a fancy pants Waterman that’s my everyday carry. But for the real deep journal times, you need an antique fountain pen, which is how I do morning pages.

Freewrite Traveler

Okay. Real talk. This is the freakin’ sexiest thing, and I want one. But I don’t feel like I should get one, especially since I’m going to have to drop a lot of dollars to upgrade the hard drive and memory on my computer, which is a tool I use for everything and not just writing. But if you want a sweet little thing to write on that is both portable and perfect for focusing on writing, get yourself this little Freewrite Traveler.

Coffee Mug

Writers are a caffeinated bunch. So, rest assured that we enjoy mugs of our favorite fandoms, or mugs that shout our chosen profession, or mugs that remind us of our favorite institutions. Or, and let’s be really real — mugs that hold the amount of caffeine we need for the muse to clock in for the day.

Tea Blend or Sampler

Tea is great. While coffee is my first love, tea is my favorite afternoon caffeine. Adagio sells great tea blends based on fictional characters. But you can’t go wrong with a more traditional selection. I received this sampler from a very sweet friend when I moved, and it remains one of the best gifts I ever received.

A Writing Retreat

Remember when I went to St. Francis of the Woods? It was amazing, and I think all writers would enjoy a similar experience. So, if you’re able, give your writer some scratch so they can get away. And if you don’t have a lot of money, then offer up your services as a kid or pet sitter so your writer can have some time away and focus in on their writing.

What’s Your Favorite Writerly Gift?

What do you get for the writer on your list? How many mugs is too many mugs for a writer to ask for? How sexy is that Freewrite Traveler?