What to Get a Writer for Christmas

If someone has identified as a writer for long enough, they’ve likely gotten plenty of notebooks and pens as holiday gifts. And while notebooks and pens are great, there are other gifts that will have a longer impact.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best Christmas gifts for writers: so you can wow the writer in your life with a thoughtful, useful gift that will help them grow and develop their skills. And if the writer in your life is you, well then, consider this inspiration for what to get yourself (or casually forward it to your parents/partner/children/friends).

Scroll down to see our picks.

#1: The Best Christmas Gift for Writers: ProWritingAid

We had to start with the best! Did you know you can gift ProWritingAid licenses?

ProWritingAid Premium helps all kinds of writers write clearly, improve their skills, and have fun while they edit.

Whether your recipient is a student, professional, or an aspiring author, they'll find the tools and information they need to make everything they write something worth reading.

With their license, they'll get:

• Editing without word-count limits
• Unlimited Rephrase suggestions
• Integrations for Windows, Mac, Google Docs, Word, Chrome, and more
• Access to 20+ in-depth writing reports

Ready to invest in their writing this Christmas? Head to our gift page to send their license directly to their email inbox on the date of your choice.

Top 26 Best Christmas Gifts for Writers

If the writer you're buying for already has a ProWritingAid license (and great taste), why not round out their writer's toolbox even further with these software, subscription, and novelty gifts?

The Best Software Christmas Gifts for Writers

Software subscriptions make great Christmas gifts for writers. Not only do they show you care about and understand the recipient's writing goals, but these tools will also be used every day throughout the year to make a real impact on their writing.

Here are our top eight software Christmas gift ideas for writers.

#2: Scrivener

If you’ve ever explored writing apps beyond your standard word processor, you’ve likely heard of Scrivener. This powerful piece of software is the secret weapon for many prolific writers.

Think of Scrivener like a cross between a binder and a bullet journal for your project. One where every word is searchable, document order can be endlessly rearranged, and every scene and chapter is at your fingertips in just a click. Compared to typical word processors, Scrivener gives you better control and easier navigation for long-form projects like books or novels.

The best bit? It integrates with ProWritingAid!

#3: The Novel Factory

Got a friend or relative that has always wanted to write a novel but doesn't know where to start?

The Novel Factory is one of the best Christmas gifts for aspiring writers. It teaches you how to write a novel as you're writing a novel. Instead of trying to remember all of the writing advice they've read in books, they'll have it right at their fingertips when they need it.

With tools for plotting, character profiles, and timelines, The Novel Factory makes writing fun and easy.

#4: Fictionary

Many writers devour books, articles, and videos to improve their craft. But what happens when you’ve finished your manuscript? How do you distill all that information you absorbed from reading about craft into a plan to improve your work in progress (WIP)?

Image courtesy of Fictionary.

Fictionary imports your manuscript, analyzes it, and evaluates it scene by scene. It tests your WIP against 38 key story elements like story arc, plot, setting, characters, and much more. If you’ve ever wanted a writing coach to look over your work and recommend how you can improve it, Fictionary is the app for you.

#5: World Anvil

World Anvil is a comprehensive story bible and world-building tool. It has powerful novel writing software built in, helping writers keep everything in one place (they can even edit with ProWritingAid in-tool). If you're buying for a fantasy writer, they'll love this—we have it on good authority from the writers in our community.

Give them the tools to develop characters, setting, and plots with flexible templates, as well as nerd out with a host of vital tools like interactive maps and family trees.

Snag a World Anvil subscription for a friend.

#6: Dragon Speech to Text

If you live with or know a writer, you’ve probably heard this complaint:

"I wish I had more time to write."

If this sounds familiar, Dragon could be the answer. It’s an advanced dictation app that allows you to write without touching a single key—allowing you to use every spare minute to work on your book.

Find out more about why author Kyle Massa loves dictation in this article.

Dragon Anywhere is the choice of many authors. It’s 99% accurate, and you can even make some minor edits using your voice. What’s best, it sits on your phone so you’re always ready to write or, well, speak.

#7: Novlr

Novlr is a writing program that helps you focus on what really matters: the words on the page. The beautiful interface helps you shut out distractions and write.

As well as a writing interface, there is also a separate "Planning" section that allows you to capture your notes, character sketches, a synopsis, and more.

You can pay for Novlr in monthly or yearly installments, or if you’re feeling extra generous, you can opt for a lifetime license.

Read our full review of Novlr here, and head to their website to learn more and pick up a subscription for a friend.

#8: Freedom

Freedom is a website blocker that helps you stay focused and avoid time sucks, like social media or your favorite shopping sites. If you really want to get in the zone, you can even block the whole Internet with the click of a button. Your preferences sync across devices, so you can’t get away with keeping Word open on your laptop while scrolling Twitter on your phone.

If you know a writer who is always wondering where their writing time went, give them the power to be more productive with a Freedom Premium subscription.

Top Subscription Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers

A subscription helps you give the gift of inspiration all year round. We've found the best writing merch, classes, and publications that would make good Christmas gifts for writers this year.

#9: MasterClass

MasterClass is an online platform where you can take courses taught by the world’s best in different fields, from acting to dancing to culinary arts to, yes, writing.

MasterClass has done an amazing job of curating interesting topics taught by world-renowned experts. Some of our favorite courses include Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television, Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling, David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing, and Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing.

#10: Scribbler

Scribbler is like a writing conference in a box. Each Scribbler box includes teaching tools from bestselling authors, live chats with publishing pros, writing gifts, and an autographed novel.

Scribbler was launched as a kind of monthly support system to improve a writer’s craft, inspire them to finish their book, and introduce them to powerhouses in the literary industry, all while giving back to the community.

Treat a writer you know to a monthly, 3-month, or 6-month subscription.

Scribbler also has a fantastic shop with loads of fun writing merch. Our favorites are the Writing Passports—short, easy-to-digest pamphlets on all aspects of the writing craft.

#11: Bookishly Subscription

Most writers are also avid readers. If you know someone who loves nothing more than settling down with a good book and a hot cup of tea, a Bookishly subscription would be a welcome gift.

Each month, subscribers receive a classic book and a new coffee or tea blend to try out.

#12: A Subscription to The Writer Magazine

What do writers do when they're putting off writing? They read! And if they're already reading, they may as well read about writing.

The Writer magazine is a great resource for writers just starting out right through to those actively trying to get published. With practical articles on writing craft, as well as listings for agents, publishers, and writing conferences, a subscription to The Writer will help them keep up with everything going on in the industry.

Best Tech Christmas Gifts for Writers

#13: An Ergonomic Laptop Stand

Unless they're a real traditionalist using pen and paper, the writer you're buying for probably spends hours hunched over a laptop. A laptop stand can be used at a desk or when working from their favorite armchair. This is great for writers who like to work from various locations or who don't have a dedicated workspace.

#14: QuietOn Noise-Canceling Earbuds

There's nothing worse than getting into the groove of writing, only to be interrupted by an unexpected phone call or a baby crying next door. Fortunately, there’s a great tool for ensuring you stay in your writing zone: noise-canceling earbuds.

There are loads on the market, but we’ve found something a little different.

QuietOn earbuds don’t play music. Instead, they block out background noise for moments when you need a little quiet. They were originally created with sleep in mind, so they are comfortable enough to wear at night. We’re all at our best after a good night’s sleep—give a writer you know the gift of focus.

Check out QuietOn earbuds.

#15: Freewrite

Have you ever thought to yourself, I would get so much more writing done if I was less distracted? If so, you’re human and you’re not alone. Enter Freewrite.

Freewrite was launched in 2014 with a mission: to relieve digital distractions and provide a modern writing tool for serious writers. And it’s worked! Thousands of writers have written more than 65 million words on their Freewrite machines. Freewrite devices let you type without distraction; no Internet means no scrolling, no reading, and no browsing.

Sound wonderful? We think so too.

#16: A Power Bank

If the person you're buying for writes for a living, chances are they're getting sick of working from home by now. Give them the power (literally) to write on the go with a power pack.

All they need to do is charge it up at home, and then they can write wherever inspiration takes them (no highly contested wall sockets necessary).

Other Fun Christmas Gifts for Writers (Including Ones You Can Make Yourself)

#17: The Write Planner Novel Planner

We know—we said no notebooks. But this isn’t one. The Write Planner is brand new from The Write Practice, the community-based writing training program.

The Write Planner will show you how to use timeless story structure principles to develop your book idea into a clear story plan. Whether you’re a pantser or a planner, this planner will give you the structure you need to write your best book. At the heart of the planner are dozens of pages where you can plan your writing—and actually write. They’ll help you stay focused and make the most of your writing time.

If you’re looking for something that a writer will actually use, this planner will do the trick.

The Write Practice also has a shop with some great writing merch and useful books writers will love.

Check it out.

#18: Books From Local Bookstores

There is little that writers enjoy more than books. This year, when you order books (or gift cards for books), make sure you are supporting local bookstores. Those booksellers who lovingly stock their shelves with all our favorite titles need our support—this year more than ever.

There are tons of local bookstores who also do a thriving online business, so support the one in your neighborhood, or order across the globe from Bookshop. You can even choose a specific indie bookshop to support with your purchase.

And remember: the best gift you can give a writer is support. If they’ve published a book, why not buy it as a gift for someone else?

#19: A Writing Course From Become a Writer Today

Some writers claim writer's block doesn't exist. But when you can't get the words on the page, it can feel all too real.

This course from Become a Better Writer Today helps give writers the skills they need to turn up in front of the blank page full of ideas and with a clear plan about which one to focus on. It’s a self-paced online course that enables writers to build a personal writing system that works for them—perfect for the New Year.

Check out the course platform.

#20: Literary-Inspired Cocktails

We love writing puns here at ProWritingAid, and Tim Federle’s Tequila Mockingbird is full of funny literary twists on classic cocktails.

Treat the writer in your life to a Romeo and Julep, or maybe A Rum of One’s Own. If they’ve had a particularly tricky writing session, they might even reach for a Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margarita. Tequila Mockingbird is full of new and classic recipes and wry commentary on the classics.

#21: Literary Insults Chart

Winston Churchill once said, "Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip." This snark-filled chart compiles unforgettable insults in an interconnected map.

They run the gamut from sassy to sophisticated, including Hedda Hopper’s playful hyperbole (You had to stand in line to hate him) and Madame Roland’s canine analogy (The more I see of men, the more I like dogs). And of course, a smattering of colorful insults from Shakespeare, the playwright who practically invented the art of the poetic put-down.

It makes a great gift for any bibliophile or friend who enjoys acerbic wit.

#22: AquaNotes

You know how the best ideas come to you in the shower? Well, with AquaNotes, you no longer have to worry about forgetting that thought while you finish your grooming routine or injuring yourself as you try to grab the nearest notebook to scribble down your thoughts.

AquaNotes is a waterproof writing pad. Simply stick it to the wall of the shower, and let the inspiration flow. This gift makes a great stocking stuffer for the writer in your life.

#23: Litographs Scarves

Once you've read your favorite book ten times, seen the movie adaptation, and read the author's autobiography, what's left to do but wear the book?

Litographs scarves are printed with every word from your chosen classic book. Whether the recipient is in love with Pride and Prejudice, or a fantasy lover who can't get enough of the Throne of Glass series, now their favorite book can keep them warm this winter.

#24: Origami Bookmark

Looking for Christmas gifts for writers you can make yourself? These origami bookmarks are beautiful, and all you need is a couple pieces of paper.

Find out how to make them in this video from Red Ted Crafts.

#25: The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook

If you've attended any of our conferences this year, you'll have heard all of the publishers we've spoken to mention The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook. This is the guide to getting published. It has articles written by top experts on writing, marketing, formatting, querying, and publishing you book, as well as all of the legal and financial information you need as an author hoping to get published.

If you know someone who is trying to get their book out there, this book will be an invaluable resource.

#26: Writers’ HQ Writing Gifts

Everyone could do with a laugh in 2023, and a present from The Writers’ HQ Sweary Shop will definitely make the recipient smile.

If there’s one thing every writer can relate to, it’s procrastination. Sometimes the ideas just won’t come, so... we fold the laundry instead. The notebooks, prints, and mugs in The Writers’ HQ Sweary Shop will keep those writers writing with their funny (and often rude) messages.

What Do You Get a Young, Budding Writer?

Lots of the gifts on this list are great for writers who are just starting out—whether young or young at heart. We've included lots of tools and resources to help writers learn the art of writing on this list, but our top three Christmas gifts for aspiring writers are:

ProWritingAid

Our editing tool has quizzes, videos, and articles built in so you always know why it's telling you to make a change. Our Goals feature also helps you track your overall progress as you edit, turning editing into something fun instead of daunting.

Give ProWritingAid as a gift.

MasterClass

Help them get inspired with classes from the greats. We particularly recommend Neil Gaiman's class on the art of storytelling.

Lulu Illustory

For younger writers, give them the opportunity to publish their own book with Lulu's Illustory. They'll write and draw their own storybook, and then you can send it off to Lulu to be professionally printed. Then all that's left is to make space to display it in pride on your bookshelf.

What Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers Have We Missed?

What are your favorite presents for writers? Or if you are a writer, what’s the best writing present you have ever received? Tell us in the comments.

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Help Them Become a Better Writer in 2023

Help the writer in your life start their next year of writing out right with ProWritingAid Premium.