Unique Gifts For Writers
Looking for a list of unique gifts for writers that goes beyond the boring old composition notebook and fancy pen?
You’re in the right place, my friend!
I curated this list of unique writers gifts from my own perspective as both a freelance writer and lover of words. Plus, I update it every time I find something amazing that is a must-have to my unique gifts list.
These are unique bookish gift ideas I’ve come across and thought, “I’m adding that to my very long list of things I want to buy!” #TreatYoself
Each gift idea had to pass the test of “Would I buy this for myself?”
I can honestly say that I would cherish every gift on this list.
Without further ado, here are 18 items that make great gifts for aspiring writers and experienced wordsmiths alike.
*This post has affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you decide to purchase through a link I provide (at no extra cost to you!).
#1 Unique Bathtub Book Holder for That Writer Who Likes to Read in the Bath
It tickles me that this actually exists.
It has a space for your book, ipad, phone, laptop, etc to slide right in so you can soak in the tub and read and write as planned.
I have a friend who loves to read while in the bathtub, so much so that almost all her books have wrinkled pages from her soaked fingers.
This nifty bamboo book holder tray also has extending sides so it stays put right in the bathtub.
You can soak, sip, and read.
You can see why I had to add this to the list of unique gifts for writers. I think anyone will be thoroughly surprised (and pleased) to get one of these under the tree!
Click here to check the latest prices for this Bathtub Book Holder
#2Â Writer’s Market 2020 – an all time Unique Gift for Writers
If your writer friend is interested in selling their writing, THIS is the book to get them. It’s the most comprehensive guide for contact information of magazines, publishers, and literary agents.
It is a very unique gift, but it is a serious writers essential item.
#3 Elements of Style (Illustrated)
This is every grammar geek’s favorite book.
I used to own two different editions, (one was a gift from a friend, the other was a gift to myself). Now, I have become a minimalist and gave away most of my books.
I so regret giving this particular one away.
I loved the illustrated version; it’s quirky and humorous. Your writer friends will LOVE it.
Click here to check the latest price of The Elements of Style
#4 Journals Recycled From Old Book Covers
Talk about a unique writers gift. This one takes the cake!!
You know that feeling when you walk into a bookstore and the smell of books fills your nostrils?
*Sigh* That’s why these handmade book cover journals make the perfect unique gift for a writer.
I mean, just read the opening lines of the About page of Ex Libris Anonymous (the makers of the journals):
not unlike a snowflake, a soft puppy, or a slice of warm pie, every journal we make here at ex libris anonymous is one-of-a-kind, unique, and completely unrepeatable experience.
If you DON’T want these book journals, you don’t like snowflakes, puppies, pie, or any good thing. ;)
What’s more, Ex Libris Anonymous always offers FREE shipping anywhere in the U.S.
Ex Libris Anonymous seems to be a very grassroots effort, so you may not be able to receive fast shipping and since it’s handmade, it will likely take some time for them to create it. So be aware of that and order early!
Click here to check which titles are in stock for these one-of-a-kind book cover journals
#5Â Writer’s Digest Critiques & Workshops
Writer’s Digest is well-known and respected in the writer world, and they offer a suite of products from books to magazines to critiques.
Personally, I’m eyeing the Personal Essays critique because I’d like an expert to pick apart my essays.
I’ve never been formally trained in that area of writing. If your writer wants to improve their craft, give them a gift from Writer’s Digest.
On their website, they offer assistance, not only with writing, but also with finding a literary agent, self-publishing and legal advise.
Another unique writers gift would be a subscription to the Writers Digest Magazine. You can find their subscription page on the main website.
The website offers an amazing and unique bevy of writers gift ideas so be sure to check it out.
Click here to see Writer’s Digest’s Gifts for Writers
#6 Amazon Kindle Unlimited
Every prolific writer is an avid reader.
Reading good writing is one of the best ways to improve one’s own writing. So, I highly recommend purchasing a Kindle Unlimited subscription for your favorite writer.
Give them the ability to read over 1 million e-books each month!
Click here to start a free 30-day trial of Kindle Unlimited and gain access to 1 million ebooks
#7 On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
This book, as its subtitle states, is a classic.
I own it, and I still am moved by the introductory chapter in which the author explains why using precise language is vital to protecting truth in society.
This would make a great gift for nonfiction writers.
Click here to see the latest price for On Writing Well
#8 The Associated Press Stylebook (Journalism)
As a former journalist, I was trained to use AP style.
If your writer friend is interested in writing for newspapers or magazines, the AP Stylebook is a must-have.
What makes this gift idea truly unique is that your writer friend, will be shocked and pleasantly amazed that you knew what this book was. A great gift idea indeed!
Click here to check the latest price of The Associated Press Stylebook
#9 The Chicago Manual of Style (Book Publishing)
The Chicago Manual of Style is typically used in book publishing (fiction and nonfiction). So if your writer is interested in being published, this is the book for them!
Click here to check the latest price of The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition
#10 MLA Handbook
Yet another style guide is MLA. This one is most commonly used in academic settings, so if your writer is studying English, Literature, or Creative Writing, this is likely the guide they’ll need.
Click here to snag The MLA Handbook
#11 Grammarly Premium
Grammarly is an app that’s like Spell Check on steroids.
It does so much more, and I run all my articles through it before sending them off to my clients—and yes, Grammarly catches things that I didn’t.
The Grammarly Premium subscription is the perfect gift for a writer because it unlocks so many features that will up-level their writing, such as style suggestions and sentence structure checks.
Want proof that getting Grammarly will help your writer improve? Here ya go:
Click here to help your writer friend uplevel their game with Grammarly Premium
#12 A Writer’s Retreat
Of all the unique gifts for writers, this is the most valuable.
Every writer dreams of a place where they get to do nothing but focus on their writing and get expert insight from more advanced writers. A deep cabin in the woods, if you will.
I have longed to go on a writer’s retreat for years now, but have yet to go because they tend to be pricey.
Alexis Grant of, The Write Life, recommends The Porches writer’s retreat in the Virginian countryside because it’s high quality and is fairly affordable.
Another fabulous suggestion for unique writers gifts is the Write Away Europe France Writer’s Retreat held in the French countryside every June. They also have other inspiring locales for their retreats, other times of the year so check those out too.
This is truly every writer’s dream!!
Click here to explore the captivating locations of Write Away Europe retreats
#13 Handmade Leather Books Scented Candle
This has got to be one of the most unique gifts for writers I’ve seen.
We all know scent is a powerful catalyst for imagination and memory, and this handmade soy candle smells like leather-bound books—perfect for transporting your bibliophile back to their favorite library, even if they’re just writing in their PJs at home.
Click here to give your writer the gift of nostalgic scents
#14 Handmade Leather Journal
I bought a handmade leather journal in college.
I used it as my writing journal, where I sketched out characters, wrote notes of inspiration, and jotted down places I wanted to travel to and the details of what was happening around me, every day.
It was my introduction to real writing and also pure joy.
Soon, I had filled all of its pages and needed another…and then another.
As a writer, you can never have too many wonder, unique and sweet smelling journals like this one.
These journals come with a beautiful, designer pen.
I can definitely recommend ordering one (or a few) for your writer friend(s) because you can truly never have enough.
NOTE: Unlined pages are the BEST for creativity and drawing and lists and travel destinations and ….well, you get my point.
These amazing journals come inside a gorgeous gift box with a high quality pen. They make a very nice gift!
Click here to see a handmade leather journal for writers
#15 Real Artists Don’t Starve
This book, by bestselling author Jeff Goins, should be on every aspiring writer’s book shelf. Not online is a unique gift, but it is also a truly inspirational book for writers everwhere.
Let me explain…
This book turns the writer/artist stereotype on its head by pointing out that Michelangelo was not a starving artist. In fact, if he lived in this day and age, he’d be a millionaire.
The book explores the ways writers, and other creatives, CAN make a good living in this new era.
This makes the perfect gift for aspiring writers or writers who are ready to “go pro” and treat their craft as a real business.
If nothing else, it let’s us writers know that there is a very real way to make a living out there and to just keep on doing what we love to do – a truly unique writers gift.
Click here to grab a copy of Real Artists Don’t Starve
#16 Compliment Your Loved One’s Writing (Or, If Possible, Buy Their Books!)
This one is simple, FREE, and is probably the most overlooked and unique writers gift of all time.
Honestly, as a writer, I can tell you the greatest gift is to hear someone say that something I wrote moved or inspired them in some way.
That’s it! A simple email or Facebook comment will do.
So, if there is a writer in your life whose work you appreciate—let them know!
Many of us do it for the love of writing; we don’t always get monetary compensation, nor do we always want it.
I have a folder in my Gmail inbox called “Memorable Emails” in which I place those sweet notes from my readers.
So, remember to compliment the writers in your life – it’s absolutely FREE and it is probably the best gift of all!
#17 The Authors Guild Membership
This is one of the best writer gifts I’ve given myself this year!
I can’t believe it took me this long to join.
As you may know, being a writer can be lonely work. The Authors Guild is a powerful force for advocacy in the writing world. They lobby for writers’ rights by protecting freedom of speech and standing up for freedom of speech and copyrights.
A membership with The Authors Guild imparts many benefits, including discounted liability insurance rates, free contract reviews, and access to a community of like-minded writers.
You can give a gift of membership to The Authors Guild very easily. While the membership gift starts at the Emerging Writers level (for beginners), your friend can easily upgrade to Professional membership if they qualify.
Click here to gift a membership to The Authors Guild (instant gift—no shipping!)
#18 Word Magnets
So much more than just a fun little pastime, word magnets actually do something very refreshing for the brain.
In a strategy known as combinatorial play (coined by Einstein), playing around with seemingly unrelated things (such as random words) can spark creativity in the brain and enable you to discover new ideas.
When your writer friend hits writer’s block, they’ll be glad to have these around.
Click here to help your friend combat writer’s block with word magnets!
#19 Gold Spot Pens
If you think your writer could use a wonderful new pen to help with their writers block, I urge you to check out Gold Spot Pens. There website is magical and their pen selection is second to none. I highly recommend you check it out and make your favorite writer very, very happy. See their  wonderful gift ideas too!
There you have it! Eighteen PLUS of my most favorite and special unique gifts for writers. If you liked this, please check out my gifts list for digital nomads, unique gifts for under $25 and best gifts for bloggers guides too!!
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