So, you have a writer in your life and you’d like to acknowledge their creative passion in your gift-giving? This is a hugely exciting opportunity for a personalised and thoughtful gift - from notebooks to delight an author to time and space for their writing and even support in moving their author career to the next level.
I’ll start with a gift that might be a splurge, perhaps for a special birthday, and show all the little writers’ gift-giving ideas that cascade from that.
A writing retreat
Make the author in your life ecstatic with time and space to write. You could book an organised writing retreat (Scotland’s creative writing centre Moniack Mhor runs a wide range of writing retreats, set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands), pledge to sponsor the writing retreat of your author’s choice, or put together a DIY writing retreat by blocking off time for the writer in your life to escape usual duties. You could book a special place for this or create a cute writers’ nook at home. Some of the gifts below such as a book on the craft of writing or a tech gift to make your writer’s life easier could help to set the scene. And some delicious refreshments to your author’s preference, of course. (You might even theme these to what your author is writing, if you are familiar with it. Imagine surprising your writer of historical fiction with a feast from the past or a memoir writer with a treat from their childhood. Awakening the senses is an excellent component of any writing retreat.)
But it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Time is the number one block to completing a writing project, so showing support by gifting this is sure to be a winner.
A tech gift to make your writer’s life easier
Something good happened to my writing when I invested in a second monitor for my desktop computer. I now often work with a rough outline on one side and my work-in-progress on the other. My productivity has increased and I wonder why I didn’t do this years ago. Perhaps there is a tech-based gift that will similarly improve your writer’s life. Here are a few suggestions.
A noise-cancelling headset. This could be a great way to block out distractions and focus on writing. A writer can wear it when working in a noisy environment, or when they just need some peace and quiet.
A standing desk. This can help to improve your posture and reduce fatigue, which can make it easier to write for long periods of time. I've found that I'm more productive when I'm standing up, so this is a great option for me.
A Kindle Paperwhite. This e-reader is perfect for reading and writing on the go. It has a long battery life and a comfortable display. I love being able to take my Kindle with me wherever I go, so I can always have a book to read or write in.
A book about writing
Books about the craft of writing can make a popular gift for writers. My writing handbook ‘52 Dates for Writers’ is based on the prompts and exercises I set my writing mentees and invites the reader to escape their desk to write. Why not suggest the recipient takes a day out to complete one of the writing retreats?
Other popular writing books include Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’, the ever helpful ‘Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook’ industry directory (complete with articles on writing plus the contact details of publishers and agents accepting manuscript submissions) or ‘Hart’s Dictionary for Writers and Editors’.
Or why not consider a subscription to a writing magazine such as MsLexia, bringing a little writing joy to your writer throughout the subscription period?
Not sure what to plump for? A book voucher is a perenially popular gift for writerly types.
Professional editorial or literary consultancy services
Perhaps you’ve noticed that your writer would really like to work with an editor or writing mentor. It’s worth making contact with industry professionals to see what giftable packages they might be able to offer. For ‘big zero’ birthdays, I’ve previously put together one-off publishing consultations, writing mentorships, editing packages and gift vouchers for any of my professional services supporting people in developing their manuscripts and writing careers. These have been accompanied with a signed copy of ‘52 Dates for Writers’, for something to give on the day.
Writing Organisation Membership
Perhaps your writer would like to join a writing organisation but can’t usually justify the cost or has been too busy to set this up. Organisations such as The Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors offer a host of benefits to their members and can inspire new paths in a writing career.
A writing workshop
Check out the writing workshops in your local area as a first port of call. This has the added bonus of putting your writer in contact with other local authors. Online workshops are also available.
Visit to a book festival
A ticket for an event at a local book festival or a short break at a book festival such as The Edinburgh International Book Festival can be a memorable gift. Scotland’s book town Wigtown can also make a charming visit at any time of the year. Or for a children’s writer what about a visit to the home of an author such as Moat Brae, home of Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie?
Writers also love…
Notebooks, pens, quirky post-it notes to help organise their ideas. A voucher for a local coffee shop with a notepad and an invitation to take a writing date can also impress.
The Literary Gift Company is full of book-themed gifts, or consider supporting one of the national libraries by browsing their online shops.
I hope this helps you to treat the writer in your life. For all of the above gifts, it’s important to know your writer - do they need you to let them volunteer information about their writing progress, or would they value your continued interest in their writing?
If I missed anything or you’d like to tell me how these worked out, please drop a comment below.
Interested in a gift voucher for my editing, literary consultancy or book-production services or a signed copy of ‘52 Dates for Writers’? Click the link and drop me an email.