Christmas is the time to shop for our loved ones and show them our appreciation with meaningful gifts. As a writer, people often struggle to find the perfect gift for me and usually default to giving me books. While I do love books, there are many other practical gifts that I would also enjoy.

If you’re looking to give a gift to a writer, there are many options to consider that can help them with their craft. Here are a few ideas:

1. A journal or notebook: Writing by hand can be a great way to spark creativity, and having a dedicated notebook for jotting down ideas or drafting stories can be incredibly helpful.
2. A book on writing: There are many books out there that offer advice and inspiration for writers. Consider gifting a classic like “On Writing” by Stephen King, or something more specific like “The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression” by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi.
3. A subscription to a writing magazine or website: There are many publications out there that offer tips, prompts, and interviews with successful authors. A subscription could help a writer stay motivated and inspired.
4. Writing software: If your writer friend is looking to streamline their writing process, consider gifting them a software program like Scrivener or Ulysses, which can help with organizing research, outlining, and drafting.
5. A gift card to a bookstore or coffee shop: Sometimes the best gift for a writer is simply a quiet place to work and the resources to find inspiration. A gift card to a local bookstore or coffee shop could provide the perfect setting for a productive writing session.