Gift Ideas for Writers

Journalism is a way of life for dedicated reporters. If the journalist in your life has a birthday coming up or you’re stumped on the perfect Christmas gift, we’ve got you covered. We have found the best gifts for journalists and reporters, from practical gifts that will make their job easier to funny gifts that will make them smile. Check out all the recommendations below.

1. Newspaper Earrings

I bet you’ve never seen jewelry like this! Pure Creations by Nada makes these unique earrings that look like actually miniature newspapers. The lightweight earrings look like a stack of newspapers bound with twine! Features silver hooks. This is a fun stocking stuffer for reporters.

2. Vintage Leather Messenger Bags

Reporters are always on the go, so they need a bag to carry their computer, phone, notebooks, and everything else they need. This bag is a classy option for both men and women that looks professional with a unique style. This vintage-style leather messenger bag is timeless in style while being functional. With tons of pockets and plenty of space, this is a must have bag for journalists.

3. Printing Press Patent Poster

This cool print is perfect for a journalist to display in their home or office. Using the original patent drawing from 1914, the vintage image is cleaned up and presented as a frameable poster available in a variety of colors to match any decor.

4. Zendure Power Bank

When journalists are busy and on the run, they need to keep their devices charged. The Zendure Power Bank is super portable, just the size of a credit card, and it can charge phones, tablets, and other devices. You can also charge the power bank while you’re charging the device. This essential item is one of the best practical gifts for journalists.

5. Newspaper Print Scarf

This stylish gift is perfect for any journalist, whether or not they report on fashion! Pixiesdance makes this cool infinity scarf featuring a black and white newspaper print. This scarf is subtle enough to wear to work or a fun way to dress up an outfit on the weekend.

6. Vintage Newspaper Bow Tie

Gentlemen can get in on the newspaper fashion as well. This handmade bowtie features fabric that looks like vintage newspaper pages, complete with the aged yellowing. A classy design that is perfect to dress up any special event.

7. Sony Digital Voice Recorder

This gift for reporters is the perfect way to splurge a little on your loved ones. All journalists need to record their interviews, and a digital voice recorder is one of the best ways to do it. Sony makes one of the best options available, in a compact size with crystal clear audio recording. Quick charge via USB and take advantage of the 4 GB of internal memory (expandable with MicroSD cards).

8. “Can I Quote You on That?” Mug

This hilarious mug is the perfect gift for a reporter. It says “Can I quote you on that?” a common phrase journalists use in their work. Include some of their favorite tea or coffee to great a gift bag they’ll really appreciate.

9. Talk to Me Interview Book

Strong interview skills are key for journalists to get the quotes they need for their articles. Talk to Me: How to Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers, and Interview Anyone Like a Pro by Dean Nelson is an invaluable guide to the skills needed to be a confident and effective interviewer. This book is perfect for students and new journalists still learning the ropes while also offering tons of advice to improve the skills of more experienced reporters.

10. Sunday Newspaper Scented Candle

The newspaper has a nostalgic smell for many, especially reporters. Dio Candle Company has captured this scent in a vegan soy candle. Handmade, this candle features scents like ink resin, sandalwood, paper fiber, and tonka. The perfect stocking stuffer for your newspaper-obsessed loved one.

11. Field Notes Reporter Notebooks

Every journalist needs a good quality notebook to quickly take notes, and Field Notes’ reporter notebooks are the perfect option. This two pack of notebooks is college rules spiral notebook that’s easy to hold in one hand and write on anywhere. It also features a back pocket to easily store business cards, receipts, and other scraps of paper.

12. Scriveiner Luxury Black Rollerball Pen

While reporters may use cheaper pens from the office supply store for their day-to-day work, every writer deserves a nice pen. Scriveiner makes these gorgeous luxury pens in four different colors (black, green, crimson, and blue). This rollerball pen writes smoothly in black ink and is easily refillable. Comes in a gift box ready to give to your favorite journalist.

13. Be a Writing Victorian Advertisement

This print is a unique gift for journalists. It’s a recreation of an advertisement from the 1800s, of a simpler time when there was a huge demand for journalists. It’s advertising a correspondence course from The Sprague Cor. School of Journalism. This print is ready to frame and gift to a reporter.

14. Newspaper Necklace

Jewelry is a common gift for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and birthdays. This necklace features a newspaper charm and a customizable initial charm. It’s a great gift to commemorate a special publication or just show your love.

15. Go Away! I Have a Deadline T-shirt

This is a hilarious t-shirt that any journalist will relate to. It says “Go away! I Have a Deadline.” Available in men’s and women’s sizes in eight color options.

Need more gift ideas for the journalist in your life? Check out our 50 gifts for writers megalist.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

If you have a science fiction or fantasy writer in your life, you know they’re different from other writers. Authors of speculative fiction spend their days thinking about dragons, aliens, and bizarre futuristic worlds. So boring bland gifts for “regular” fiction writers just won’t do. Whether they’re an old pro or an aspiring writer, these cool and creative gifts are perfect for the fantasy and sci-fi author in your life.

Gifts for Fantasy & Science Fiction Authors

1. Enchanted Library Candle

Briar Wick makes cool literary-themed candles of various names and scents. The Enchanted Library is perfect for writers of the fantastical, the scent of cedarwood, parchment, and leather inspiring dreams of a beautiful home library that is more than means the eye.

Available as a 4 oz metal tin or an 8 oz glass jar. Made of vegan, all-natural soy wax.

2. Creative Block

An author’s greatest enemy is writer’s block. Creative Block is the perfect anecdote to that! This classy wooden box is filled with over a hundred brainstorming ideas to help writers work through creative blocks and finish their stories. The writer can choose a card at random and use the suggestions to work through their problem. Plus, this item looks great displayed on their desk.

Check out more tools for defeating writer’s block.

3. Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror

The Now Write! series focuses on combining writing advice with writing exercises to create the perfect toolbox for writers and aspiring authors. This volume is specifically for writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. It features advice from writers like Harlan Ellison, Vonda N. McIntyre, and other award-winning genre authors.

Check out more books on writing fiction.

4. My Characters Won’t Behave Enamel Pin

For those days when the characters won’t cooperate! This funny enamel pin is perfect for authors who complain about their character’s motivation and choices. It features the message “My Characters Won’t Behave” written on lined paper with crumpled up pages and a pencil. 1.25″ wide, it makes a perfect stocking stuffer.

5. Feather Quill Pen

Fantasy writers can immerse themselves in the world they’re writing about with this cool gift. This feather quill pen is a modern update on the old-school writing tool. The beautiful blue or red natural goose feather comes with five different writing nibs and a bottle of black ink. Makes a great stocking stuffer as it comes in a gift box.

6. Handmade Leather Journal

The perfect companion to the quill pen is this rustic journal. This handmade buffalo leather journal is ready for the next epic novel or short story your loved one writes. It comes ready to give in a gift set with a silver ballpoint pen and a gift box.

Check out more journal gifts for writers.

7. Chart of Cosmic Exploration Poster

Science fiction writers who pen stories with space travel will appreciate this poster to hang in their office. This schematic details the solar system and the trajectories of every man-made craft that has explored it. This 36″ x 24″ poster is ready for framing.

8. Subscription to Their Fave SFF Magazine

This gift idea is especially good for aspiring authors who are looking to get published in the top SFF magazines. The best way to sell a story is to read the latest works published in the magazines they love best. It will give them a sense of the market and help improve their writing skills.

If you need some ideas check out these magazines:
Fantasy and Science Fiction
Asimov’s Science Fiction
Analog Science Fiction & Fact

9. Author Portrait

Professor Foolscap is an artist who takes words from famous writers and other visionaries and turns them into a unique portrait of the person. These beautiful prints are unique, perfect for hanging in an office or even displaying in your home. Choose from classic science fiction and fantasy writers like Arthur C Clarke, Kurt Vonnegut, JRR Tolkien, Mary Shelley, Margaret Atwood, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Isaac Asimov.

10. Vintage Library Due Date Card Coasters

Writers always have a drink nearby while they’re writing and this is a fun way to protect their desk! This set of two square coasters are printed with retro library due date cards, including date stamps.

11. Book Purse

Let the science fiction writer in your life rock up to the next convention and turn heads with one of these amazing book purses. Novel Creations takes vintage hardcover books and transforms them into gorgeous purses. Choose from classics like Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, and more.

12. Masterclass Subscription

If the aspiring writer in your life is looking to improve their skills and learn from the master writers of our time, a Masterclass Subscription will give them that opportunity. The subscription gives them unlimited access to writing courses by award-winning authors like N.K. Jemisin, Neil Gaiman, Margaret Atwood, and R.L. Stine. And if they need a break from writing, they can enjoy classes on a variety of other subjects like gardening, music, and wellness.

13. Science Fiction League Enamel Pin

A miniature way to display their love of science fiction! This 20mm hard enamel pin is modeled after the original Science Fiction League logo made by Frank R Paul. Great to pin on a bag or a jean jacket.

14. Bird’s Wings Shawl

Who hasn’t dreamed of flying? This shawl takes you one step closer, allowing you to have beautiful wings. Available in a variety of beautiful styles (like the phoenix shown above, peacock, or barn owl) and colors.

15. Writing Monsters

If your writer’s work borders on the terrifying, they’ll find this handing guide on crafting terrifying creatures useful. Author and teacher Philip Athans provides a deep investigation into monsters, what they symbolize, and how to portray them in fiction.

16. Books are Uniquely Magic Mug

Every fantasy writer knows that books contain magical worlds and characters. This mug is the perfect tribute to that, with the phrase “Books are uniquely magic.” It also features an illustration of an open book with a dragon emerging from the pages. Include some of your loved one’s favorite coffee or tea to create a gift bag.

17. Fantasy Writer T-shirt

This gift is the perfect way to let the world know what your loved one is most passionate about: they’re a fantasy writer! This minimalist shirt features a bat, moon, spider, magic wand, and unicorn.

Available in men, women, and youth sizes in ten color options.

18. Science Fiction Writer T-shirt

Science fiction writers need not feel left out–there’s a shirt for them too! This minimalist design features a vintage rocketship and a raygun!

Available in men, women, and youth sizes in ten color options.

Check out more T-shirts for Writers.

19. Writer Zipper Bag

Genre writers can be unique, and I’m sure they’ll agree that they’re more interesting than “regular” writers! This cool zipper pouch expresses that idea. It shows other authors as a plain horse and your writer as a fabulous unicorn. The pouch is perfectly sized to use as a pencil bag or even a make-up pouch.

Check out more unicorn gift ideas.

20. Fantasy Mapping: Drawing Worlds

Every epic fantasy novel needs an epic map, and this book is the perfect guide for fantasy writers to learn to drawn their imagined worlds. Wesley Jones has written a book full of step-by-step tutorials perfect for artists of every level. It’s particularly good for authors who don’t have an artistic background.

Need more gift ideas?

Check out 20 Vintage Science Fiction Gifts and our megalist of 50 Creative Gift Ideas for Writers.

Practical gifts are gifts well appreciated, and there’s nothing more practical than clothing. But rather than buying socks, you can get a fun and inspiring present. These t-shirt for writers are an interesting mix of funny shirts and cute designs, which make perfect gifts for Christmas, birthdays, or other occasions. Check them out below to find the perfect t-shirt for your author.

15 T-shirts for Writers

1. Shhh! I’m Eavesdropping for Dialogue Ideas T-shirt

The best writing inspiration comes from writers’ lives, and this funny t-shirt broadcasts that loud and clear. With a big listening ear, this shirt says “Shh! I’m Eavesdropping for Dialogue Ideas.” This hilarious t-shirt is great for novelists and screenwriters alike.

Sizes: Men, Women, & Youth

Colors: Black, Blue, White, Brown, Yellow

2. I Write Because If I Don’t My Mind Might Explode T-shirt

This is a funny t-shirt for those writers with minds that don’t stop running. If they’re constantly thinking about their stories or plotting in their head, then they can relate to that feeling of needing to get their characters down on the page. Great gift to show your support for Christmas or a birthday.

Sizes: Men, Women, & Youth

Colors: Black, Navy, Blue, Brown, Purple

3. I Heart Non-Fiction T-shirt

Fiction writers aren’t the only ones who deserve a nice t-shirt. This is the shirt for all those non-fiction writers like memoirists, bloggers, and journalists. It boldly proclaims: “I <3 non-fiction." Sizes: Men, Women, & Youth

Colors: Slate, White, Silver, Yellow, Pink

4. Future Best Selling Author T-shirt

This is the t-shirt for the aspiring young writer in your life. It proclaims exactly what they dream of achieving, becoming a best-selling author.

Sizes: Men, Women, & Youth

Colors: Black, Blue, Red, Brown, Purple

5. Go Away I’m Writing The Next Blockbuster T-shirt

This is the perfect, funny t-shirt for screenwriters who need to be left alone so they can finish their script. Perfect to wear to coffee shops or ward off nosy family members who keep you away from your brilliant movie screenplay.

Sizes: Men, Women, & Youth

Colors: Black, Navy, Blue, Olive

6. Be Careful Or You’ll End Up In My Novel Shirt

A writer’s greatest revenge is portraying their enemies poorly in their stories. This hilarious t-shirt is the perfect warning. It says “Be careful, or you’ll end up in my novel.” Perfect to wear on first dates, to class, or while writing in a cafe. Makes a nice gift for the snarky author in your life.

Sizes: Men, Women, & Youth

Colors: Black, Navy, Asphalt, Brown, Purple

7. Writing is My Superpower

This t-shirt celebrates the real truth about writing: it’s a superpower! Perfect gift for writers who love comic books, super heros, or continue to work on their novel in their free time avoiding the impossible time-sucks of Netflix and social media.

Sizes: Men, Women & Youth

Colors: Black, Navy, Kelly Green, Dark Heather, Purple

8. Single – Taken – Busy Writing T-shirt

Career driven writers will appreciate this funny tee. Their relationship status is “Busy Writing.” A unique and fun way to show their priority is working on their novel.

Colors: Black, Asphalt, Forest, Royal Blue, Red

9. Plotting a Murder T-shirt

This is the perfect shirt for mystery and horror writers who are frequently plotting the most dramatic murders and deaths. It features a typewriter and the ominous phrase: “Plotting a murder.” Be the envy of all the other authors in your writer’s group.

Sizes: Men & Women

Colors: Black, Asphalt, Slate, Dark Heather, Heather Blue

10. I’m So Adjective I Verb Noun T-shirt

If you’re looking for funny t-shirts for writers that are a little bit outside the box, this one is great. It reminds me of doing Mad Libs. “I’m So Adjective I Verb Noun.” Also a cute shirt for English teachers.

Sizes: Unisex, Ladies, & Hoodies

Colors: Black, Dark Heather Gray, Heather Gray, Pink

11. Writer Facts

This funny shirt gives Writer Facts in the style of a food nutritional label. It smartly describes what makes up a storyteller, like bravery, insanity, passion, and of course: writer’s block tolerance. This is one of the most original t-shirts for writers.

Sizes: Men, Women, & Youth

Colors: Black, Red, Heather Blue, Purple, Dark Heather

12. Nevermo’ Poe Shirt

Literary shirts are a big hit with writers, and this one is a lot of fun for Edgar Allan Poe fans. It’s a twist on the classic line “Nevermore” from his poem “The Raven,” presenting a hip and modern poet with chains and a hat. Book lovers and writers alike will enjoy this hilarious shirt.

Sizes: Men, Women, & Youth

Colors: Gray, Blue, Pink, White

13. Premium Quality Writer T-shirt

This is another fun writing t-shirt with a nice professional design. It says “Genuine & Trusted Writer Premium Quality.” It’s a great gift to let a writer know you think their writing is fantastic. It’s also a good gift for copywriters and other professional writers.

Sizes: Men & Women

Colors: Asphalt, Black, Yellow, navy

14. I’m Silently Correcting Your Grammar T-shirt

This is the shirt for those writers who are also editors or really appreciate proper grammar. It says “I’m Silently Correcting Your Grammar” with lots of copyediting marks. Funny and creative t-shirt design any writer will appreciate.

15. I’m a Writer, I Dream While Awake T-shirt

If you’re looking for t-shirts for writers that are more inspirational, this one fits the bill. It says, “I’m a writer, I dream while awake,” and features a beautiful illustration of a moon and stars. This makes a nice gift to inspire a new writer.

Want to see fun and creative gifts for writers and book lovers? Try our megalists of gifts for writers and gifts for readers.

If your loved one is an author or aspiring writer, they’ve gotten tons of writing-related gifts for birthdays or Christmas. You’ve probably bought them plenty of pens, journals, or writing books to nourish their creative passion. But this year you want to be different, you want to be creative and get them a gift that’s truly one of a kind. These unique gifts for writers are fun, inspiring, and special. They’ll show that you not only love the writer in your life but that you’ve put a lot of thought into their special gift. Check them out below.

Unique Gifts for Writers & Authors

1. Mini Leather Book Necklace

This is one of the most unique gifts for writers. Home of the Muse makes these cute mini-book necklaces. They are handmade from leather and feature actual pages inside when you open the book. Give as is or write a special message or story inside for your loved one.

2. The Procrastinator’s Handbook

Many writers have an issue with…putting off writing. It’s a common issue, but tricky to tackle. If the writer in your life seems to distract themselves from their project by playing video games or cleaning out the fridge, they may need to address their procrastination problem. The Procrastinator’s Handbook by Rita Emmett combines her advice with humor to teach the reader tips and techniques to master their procrastination. This is one of the few unique gifts for writers that address a major stumbling block for many creative types.

3. Crystal Creativity Bracelet

Crystals are frequently used to influence emotions and help pursue personal outcomes. Many crystals are perfect to stimulate creativity and this bracelet features three of them. With beads made from Carnelian, Chrysocolla, and Lapis Lazuli, this jewelry helps promote self-expression, self-trust, and remove creative blocks. This bracelet is a lovely gift for writers that not only looks beautiful but can help them pursue their creative passions. Makes a great stocking stuffer or romantic Valentine’s Day gift.

Learn more about crystal bracelet meanings.

4. Dry Erase Board

A lot of writing time isn’t spent writing. Instead, it’s spent brainstorming, working out plot hiccups, and just trying to figure out how to end the damn story. A dry-erase board is a perfect tool for a writer’s office. Great for brainstorming, arranging index cards, or just getting a little creative.

Include a nice set of dry erase markers and sticky notes, and your writer will be ready to tackle their next project.

5. A Fitness Tracker

I know what you’re thinking: what does this have to do with writing? Well, a lot actually. Writing is an incredibly sedentary activity: an author sits at a desk and writes. Sometimes they’re spending hours each day writing and reading. This can lead to a ton of health problems. A fitness tracker can help remind them to exercise and meet fitness goals. Many bands also have built-in Move Reminders that make sure they get up and move around at least once every hour. Plus, exercise boosts creativity, so you’re still helping their writing career.

If you’re on a budget, check out the best cheap fitness trackers.

6. Writer Business Cards

Most people don’t think of business cards when they think of authors, but writing is a business like any other. It requires networking and building connections in the publishing industry. If the writer in your life is attending conventions and meeting other writers at local events, having some high-quality business cards can really help them make a good impression. These cards are unique gifts for writers and are greatly appreciated by cash-strapped newbies and students.

7. A Writing Space Away From home

If your writer doesn’t have a dedicated office or often finds themselves distracted by kids, pets, or chores, sometimes the best gift is somewhere to go and just write. This will depend on how your writer likes to work, but you can buy them a subscription to a co-working space or a dedicated writers space where they can go daily to focus on their work (the Writer’s WorkSpace in Chicago is a great example of this kind of space). If your writer prefers to work in a coffee shop, buy them a gift card to their favorite cafe. If your loved one is frugal and prefers to write at the library, make them some IOU cards (get free printables) for things like watching the kids for two hours or taking care of chores so they can go write. If you’ve got a big budget, fund a writing retreat weekend for them at a hotel, cabin, or other picturesque location.

The gift of time to create is priceless and greatly appreciated by any busy writer.

8. Typewriter Jewelry Box

Typewriters have a special place in most writer’s hears, even if they do their writing on a computer. This gift is a nice reminder of vintage typewriters but with a hidden purpose. This is actually trinket box, perfect for storing jewelry, pens, or other little knick knacks. It looks great on a shelf, a dresser, or even a writing desk.

Check out more typewriter gifts.

9. A Writer’s Website

Once a writer starts publishing stories or books, they’ll need an online presence to keep fans up to date on their latest work and advertise to new readers. One of the most important ways to do this is through a website, but some writers put this step off. A practical and unique gift for writers is to buy them a domain and web hosting. Usually, the best domain features their pen name so it will be easy for fans to search and find them.

We use Dreamhost because it is perfect for buying domains and hosting our website all in one place. They’re also incredibly easy to use with WordPress, making them a great option for beginners.

10. A Customized Writer’s Gift Basket

The best gifts are the ones that come from the heart. With a little time and some creative thinking, you can create one of the most unique gifts for writers: a 100% customized gift basket. Make it an emergency kit of all the comfort foods and items your author needs during writer block or an editing crisis. Or create an inspiration basket full of inspiring books, art, and trinkets. Or do a combination of both.

Check out our article on DIY Writer Gift Baskets for tons of ideas.

Want to see fun and creative gifts for writers and book lovers? Try our megalists of gifts for writers and gifts for readers.