Whether you’re a young writer looking for gift ideas for family and friends, or a seasoned writer wondering what the young are into these days, you’ve come to the right place. If a young writer aspires to writing as a hobby or even a career, this list will help you know how to support it.
For ease of reading, we have divided the list into three different categories. Within these categories are various gift ideas, some modestly priced, others better suited for extra-special occasions.
Regardless of the gifts you choose for young writers, we can almost guarantee that your writer friend will love it. Writers are passionate about their craft, and any gift that can help them on their way to their goal is sure to be a big hit.
We start with writing tools, because as they say, writers write!
writing tools
Different writers write in different formats, so here is a list of several options for you to choose from.
#1 – Unique Pens
Does your writer friend write by hand or prefer to trace their story on paper? Consider buying a special fountain pen (don’t forget the ink!) or other writing utensil to fit your needs.
Keep in mind that some writers are left-handed, and a fountain pen may not be the most suitable option for your writing needs. If you’re concerned that the ink won’t dry fast enough, consider a high-quality ballpoint pen.
#2 – Notebooks to write
What writer doesn’t love a great notebook? Whether browsing the leather-bound journals at your local Barnes & Noble, or searching the web for writing-themed notebooks, this gift is sure to stay with the writer for years to come.
You can personalize it with an engraving, or simply purchase a blank notebook or one with lined pages.
#3 – Desk accessories
The options are limitless when it comes to ideas for a writer’s desk. Whether you want to write with a flickering candle on your desk, want a clean workspace and need organization tools, or just need a new pen holder, accessories are an option.
writing resources
One of the most inspiring aspects of the craft of writing is that it is so subjective that there is no limit to what writers can learn. Writing resources can be inexpensive or a little more extravagant. Find options with the list below:
#4 – Books on Writing
Here’s a short list to get you started:
- bird by birdAnne Lamott
- On writing wellWilliam Zinsser
- Exploring the art of drawingSay Ann Mills
- Proposals for books that sellW.Terry Whalin
- The art of war for writersJames Scott Bell
- In writingStephen King
#5 – Writing Courses
There are many different types of writing courses that can be useful for young writers. Some options are a writers guild or one more private writing courseor even providing the link to a free class or webinar.
#6 – A subscription
It’s common knowledge that writers are encouraged to keep their day jobs until they actually write and publish that first book. Paying for a subscription can help writers enhance their learning and writing experience without paying anything out of pocket. master class offers excellent writing courses and subscriptions to famous magazines are another useful resource.
#6 – Writing Conference
With writing conferences taking place both online and in person these days, paying for a young writer to attend a conference would be a dream come true for them.
Whether you sign them up for an online conference or pay to connect and mingle in person, writing conferences span the US and globally too.
#7 – Airbnb
Sometimes all a new writer needs is a quiet space. Typing in the middle of your messy bedroom, your parents’ busy living room, or typing on your laptop inside your car (parked, of course!) shows dedication but isn’t always practical.
When a writer can devote a day or two of uninterrupted time to strict writing, they can move mountains. Can you imagine what you would give to be offered a night or two away, just to be able to dedicate that time to the job you love so much?
writing fuel
Writers need fuel, like any other profession. Carpenters need gasoline for their equipment, mathematicians need batteries for their calculators, and athletes need protein powder and plenty of bottles of water.
#8 – Coffee Maker
Writers are stereotypically known for what they drink while writing. Hemingway is often credited for writing while drinking., but this is probably a myth. While you probably don’t want to fall into the category of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway’s opposite on this matter, a good cup of coffee can set the aesthetic for your next scene.
There are plenty of options when it comes to coffee makers for your young writer friend:
- airpress
- wave kalita
- moka pot
Just don’t get too carried away and get them out of your writing!
#9 – Teapot
Tea bags are a simple and quick way to make coffee, but what if your young writer needs a mental break? Consider investing in a teapot so they can make their own fresh tea and stop typing while it steeps.
- loose leaf tea infuser
- Turkish Saki Teapot
- filter tea press
Don’t forget a starter tea flavor to help them get started.
#10 – Popcorn Maker
Popcorn is a great snack for when you feel like you need something to eat but don’t want to cook a full meal or just grab some cookies. Giving a homemade popcorn popper as a gift is a wonderful in-between.
Not only is the popcorn filling, but it only takes a few minutes to make and can be seasoned depending on what mood you’re in. Blend together a handful of M&Ms for a sweet, melty mixture, or season with a little light oil and salt and you’re done. you’re ready to go.
Don’t Forget It’s About the Writing
Writing themed gifts are a great way to show your support for your writer friends. When giving a gift, try to keep in mind how your gift will support the writing itself. It’s easy to spend unnecessary time shopping for every new desktop device, the latest technology in writing utensils, but it all comes down to writing.
Gifts are fun and uplifting, but try to choose them with intention. Which gift from the list above will help your writer friends use their time more efficiently, create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for them, or keep them energized?
Choose a gift that is not only fun to receive, but practical to use. If a writer uses an ergonomic keyboard and you give them an expensive fountain pen, it might just sit in a drawer. That being said, sometimes the most practical gift to receive is something that just sits on the desk, encouraging them to keep going!
Whatever gift you choose to give this season, the writer who receives it will likely feel supported. Typing can often go unnoticed, and long hours at the desk can go unnoticed. While writing isn’t about being applauded, it’s encouraging for writers to know that their friends see their effort.
Enjoy choosing the perfect gift and don’t forget to buy your friend’s book when it’s released!
