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2019 Holiday Gift Guide for Writers

It’s hard to believe the holidays are already upon us and that Christmas is just a few short weeks away! 2019 has definitely flown by for me and I had so much fun sharing my gift guide for writers and readers video last year that I wanted to do something similar again this year for the busy folks out there looking for a personalized gift. Most of these items in this gift guide I even have on my own wish list this year!   

So if you have a writer in your life, I’m hoping this list will inspire some ideas for a gift they will truly enjoy. Happy Holidays! 

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products.


Writer's Digest Subscription - This magazine is brimming with useful tips for writers on craft, plus insider information on how to get published. Whether your loved one is a fan of the traditional magazine or just interested in learning about writing, I think a subscription would make a great gift. Plus, it’s something they’ll receive all year long and think of you every time they receive the latest edition!  


Writerly/Literary Mugs - I can’t think of a single writer who would refuse an adorable mug covered in literary goodness. While perhaps not all writers are coffee drinkers, most I know have a go-to favorite warm beverage during their writing sessions and a thoughtful mug is a great way to tell your writer friend that you know them. I found some super cute options on Amazon by The Unemployed Philosophers Guild. My favorites are the First and Last Lines of Literature mugs, their Jane Austen mug, Bronte Sisters mug, and lots more!

Also check out these writerly mugs with the most adorable design and writer hashtags! https://teespring.com/stores/writerslife-3


Epic Blog Editorial Planner - While this planner is specific to bloggers, I believe it would also be great for YouTube creators as well. It’s designed to help you nail down a theme for your content, create a business plan and set goals and organize your content ideas throughout the year. I’m going to be using it myself in 2020 and I’m so excited to start!   

However if the writer you know isn’t into blogging or vlogging, that doesn’t mean they don’t still have loads to organize and plan throughout the year with their various writing projects. You might consider getting them a nice bullet journal and some accessories. Here’s a lovely monogrammed journal like this one from Amazon that would go great with these colored pens and stickers!  


NaNoWriMo Winner’s T-shirt or Hoodie - If your loved one has ever participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, for those who don’t know) then chances are they are going to love any form of NaNoWriMo-related apparel. Although, you may want to double check that they did actually win before ordering the Winner’s tee if you want to avoid a potentially awkward situation!

Your Favorite Book - I find something so warm and cozy about gifting someone your favorite book with a personalized message written inside the cover. It’s sincere, thoughtful and a great keepsake. Plus, sharing book recommendations is a great way to expand a writer’s horizons and introduce them to topics they may be unfamiliar with. Bonus, you’ll have a new shared interest and topic of conversation for the next time you see each other! Maybe set a coffee date to discuss? Better yet: gift it to a few different friends and form an official book club! 


Careers: The Graphic Guide to Planning Your Future - This one might sound strange to any non-writers out there, but trust me when I say that this book makes a fantastic resource for people like myself. Whenever I’m starting a new story, I have the hardest time figuring out occupations for my characters. My mind struggles to brainstorm outside of my own experience and for that reason when I stumbled across this book, I was immediately hooked!  

The book categorizes the various jobs, breaking them down by the “character’s” interests, including qualifications needed, a lifestyle summary and skills guide! It may sound silly, but I can’t tell you how excited I am to get my hands on this magical resource and give it a go.  


Steal Like an Artist Book / Steal Like an Artist Journal: A Notebook for Creative Kleptomaniacs - Whether gifted as a set or individually, this book and accompanying journal are full of inspiring advice and wisdom for writers and creatives alike to give your loved one a creative confidence boost.


Literary Socks by Out of Print - Another great gift option for both writers and book lovers are these adorable literary socks by Out of Print. They offer a ton of brilliant designs such as titles of famous banned books, The Great Gatsby, an old-school library receipt, and much more. Check ‘em out and see for yourself!    


A Cure for Distracted Writers Everywhere - The Neo2 Alphasmart Word Processor is a essentially a mini computer without internet or other apps that pull your distraction away from important writing. Writing is literally the only thing it is designed to do. When I'd first heard of this product, I was floored. It's genius, when you think about it. How many times have I wanted to get away to some remote pocket of forest with a notebook and pen so that I could be alone with my thoughts? 

The Neo2 is a word processor that helps you avoid the temptation of social media and other addicting websites and keeps you focused on the words and the keys in front of you. It operates off of AA batteries and you can hook it right up to your computer when you're ready to backup! While I'm not able to find it brand new, you can order it used on Amazon via the link above.


Retro Computer Accessories - While they may be the most expensive items on my gift guide this year, these accessories are some of the coolest gift ideas that I recently encountered. For anyone with the nostalgia bug or simply a fan of yesteryear, you can find modern technology with unique vintage flair. Check out this Retro Bluetooth Speaker and Radio or this Bluetooth Mechanical Backlit Keyboard and you’ll see what I’m talking about!


If you've got the room in your budget and you've been bitten by the nostalgia bug, you may want to check out this Qwerkywriter S Typewriter, with an all metal construction that fuses modern technology together with a unique vintage feel. It has an integrated tablet stand so that you can actually type directly to your iPad! 


Writer Emergency Pack - A cute, yet handy idea for a gift or stocking stuffer, this emergency pack offers cards designed to help writers get unstuck. The cards offer different questions related to story, character and conflict that will help jog your writer’s imagination and get them creating again.

So those are all of my gift recommendations for this year! As Kevin McCallister would say, if you’re “thirsty for more,” check out my 2018 Gift Guide for Readers and Writers on my YouTube Channel for lots more fun and festive options!

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Until next time!

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