There are no notebooks on this list.

As the writer-gift cliché goes, many stores market notebooks as the best gift for a writer (similar to the way the Barnes & Noble where I took this photo markets them as the only gifts for readers). Unless they specifically ask for a notebook, believe me, your writer has plenty. So, what do you get someone with such a minimalist hobby?

As a writer, my notebook and pen collections increase every holiday season. It's not a bad thing, but I know many writers who are particular about those items and would rather pick them themselves. Fortunately, there are other gifts for writers!

It's important to note that writers aren't a homogenous group, so it can't hurt to just ask the person what they like (if you can). But anyway—whether it's for Christmas, their birthday, or a special occasion, here are 12 things you can gift a writer.

Many of the gifts on this list are inexpensive, so you can make them work for your budget.

1.      Compression Gloves

I didn't realize the importance of compression gloves until I began writing full time. My fingers started swelling up one day after an intensive week of writing, and someone suggested to me that I try gloves. After all, I do need to take care of my hands.

Compression gloves are usually associated with helping people with arthritis because they provide warmth and support to your hands and fingers. They can help increase blood flow to reduce swelling and pain.

Since writers may spend all day typing at their computers or hunched over notebooks, compression gloves for typing are unique gifts for writers. They help keep their hands safe and can reduce the risk of carpal tunnel. Some people swear by the copper-infused gloves, which warm up your hands and fingers to relieve inflammation and get that blood circulating.

2.      A Day Planner

A planner is not the same as a notebook, so don't come for me. I'm the type of writer who likes to plan out content and keep a close eye on my To-Do List. Planners can be a useful tool to help your writer stay on top of the schedule they set.

While you can surely pick up a day, month, or full-year planner at Target or Michaels, some phenomenal small businesses sell truly thoughtful planners. One such company is NOTIQ. NOTIQ planners are so luxurious that just looking at them motivates me to achieve my goals.

3.      Travel mug or mug warmer

A mug seems like it would be a cliche gift, but the truth is, many writers really do drink a lot of tea and coffee. If they're anything like me, they fix a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, and it sits there next to them as they work. Getting cold.

Insulated mugs are useful to keep your busy writer's beverage warm for hours. If you want to get fancy, you could even get them a mug warmer so they can use their favorite mug instead of some random one that you buy for them. Want to get even fancier? Get them a mug with their name or pen name engraved on it.

4.      Coffee Subscription / Tea Subscription

On that note, why not make their lives easier with a consistent flow of caffeine? Sign your writer up for a coffee or tea subscription and give them something to look forward to monthly. You can find subscriptions for coffee beans from around the world, for mushroom coffee, artisan teas, and much more.

5.      CBD

As a supplement, CBD is often used for pain management and relief from anxiety and depression. CBD could be a good gift for your writer if they need to focus, relax, or even get better sleep.

There are all sorts of CBD products—tablets, tinctures, oils, gummies, and more. Personally, I like to get CBD from Medterra CBD. Their website has a short quiz that you can take to find out what the best product would be for your gift receiver.

(Use code jae20 at checkout for 20% off.)

6.      Quality pens

Personally, I don't think I could ever have too many pens. Some writers will disagree with me about that. If you're going to give your writer some pens, at least make them good quality. The cutesy pen sets and calligraphy boxes you find at the bookstore will probably not cut it. Some of my favorite pens include:

-          Pentel ballpoint

-          Sakura Pigma Micron

-          G2 Pilot

-          Pilot Precise extra fine

Pen quality is not based on price. Some of the most expensive pens write terribly. However, for a fancier gift for a writer, look into personalized pen sets that come with boxes or engraving. Even if it's not what they'd write with, it'll still be an excellent item to decorate their space.

7.      Remarkable Tablet

The reMarkable tablet is not for everyone since not all writers appreciate gadgets. But, as far as gadgets for writers go, ReMarkable 2 is impressive. It's a tablet that feels and looks like paper. With it, writers can:

-          Take notes and read documents.

-          Convert notes into typed text.

-          Organize and access notes across devices.

-          Work on an eye-friendly screen.

8.      Espresso Machine

Okay, yes, we're back to coffee. With the Covid-19 pandemic, many writers lost access to the coffee shops they frequented and were forced to make coffee at home. Good espresso machines can get pricey, but it's a perfect way to bring the coffee shop to them!

9.      Grammarly Subscription (or any appropriate writing subscription)

Writing tools are handy, but many writers don't want to (or cannot) spend the extra money on premium subscription services. Some cool subscription services for writers include:

-          Grammarly – an editing service

-          Scribbler – a "writing conference in a box"

-          Dabble – an online writing tool for novelists

-          Final Draft – a screenwriting software

-          Scrivener – a book organization tool

Check out this Grammarly review from a writer.

Whether you need a gift for a creative writer, a poetry writer, or a newly-published author, ask them if they've been eyeing any paid writing tools.

10. Organization Tools/ Decor

The space a writer works in can affect their concentration, inspiration, and productivity. Check in and see if they need things like desk organizer trays, file holders, sticky notes (which are surprisingly expensive), or pen holders. These items can truly declutter a workspace.

If they're good on organizing tools, consider décor instead. Stationary, posters, cards, or decorative desk items can make a space more inviting and warmer. Consider buying handcrafted goods from small or local vendors.

11. Candles/ Incense

Candles seem like a basic gift, but it's all about the packaging and delivery! There are some amazing, handcrafted candles and incense holders from small vendors on Etsy that are often one of a kind. Sometimes they even have "bookstore" or "new book" scents.

Check out this list of candle companies for some innovative scents.

12. Help publicize or support their work

Lastly, the best gift ideas for writers don't have to cost you money at all. Sometimes a writer just wants someone to support their work. For instance:

-          If they have a book out, read it!

-          Write a review for them online (or find someone else to).

-          Share their work on social media

-          Refer someone to their services

-          Nominate them for awards and prizes

There are so many ways to support a writer, and your support could make their day.

Should you buy books for an aspiring writer?

Books make fine presents for writers if you know their taste. You wouldn't want to get a science fiction book for someone who prefers to read memoirs, but they'll surely appreciate the thought behind the gift. The tricky part is not to get a book they already have.

Unless the gift is for an aspiring writer with little experience, stay away from books about writing or "how-to" books. These are often not helpful and could be insulting.

If you know their favorite author, seek out limited editions of books from that author or signed copies.

What about gift cards?

If you'd rather play it safe and go with a gift card, there's nothing wrong with that. Gift cards can remove some of the guesswork on your part and be a win for both parties. Some options include:

-          Their favorite bookstore

-          One of the writing tools mentioned above

-          An office supply store

-          A site like Vistaprint for business cards and professional materials

Final Suggestions

Gifts for writers don't have to be complicated gizmos, but there's a little more out there than notebooks. Ask the person about their likes and dislikes, needs, and even other hobbies to get a fuller picture of what type of gift they'd enjoy.

If your writer is known for being a writer, consider getting them something that has nothing to do with writing at all. They may welcome the change.

Jae Nichelle is a ghostwriter and editor. Contact her today to take your book to the next level.