7 Affordable & Fun Creative Gifts for Writers in 2023
In the search for creative gifts for writers in 2023, I have read countless gift guides, hoping to find something interesting and new to gift to the writers I know. I am nearly always disappointed.
I love notebooks, stationary, planners, and calendars as much as the next writer, but things I never gift nor enjoy receiving include branded pens, mugs with writerly quotes, or any item of clothing with a literary phrase on it. Unfortunately, these types of items usually make up the bulk of the gift ideas on most gift guides for writers.
Why I do not like most recommended gifts for writers
The reason I am not keen on the aforementioned literary gifts is because they are usually gifted to me by people I do not know well. I never wear the clothing items and will rarely use the mugs for anything but pen storage. Despite the gift’s efforts to appeal to writers, it is still not relevant to me.
I feel it is wasteful and disappointing to the giver and the receiver to buy and gift something that will not be used. That said, please do buy graphic mugs and clothing items for the people in your life whom you know will use them! (Here is a lovely article about how to style those literary graphic tees).
Seven creative gifts for writers in 2023
This gift guide is for the writers who welcome gifts outside of the usual gift ideas for writers. If you wanted a long list, you will not find that here. These seven gifts for writers are handpicked by me as gifts I would love to gift and receive. Here I am sharing seven gifts I would love to receive, as well as several gifts I plan on gifting to the writers in my life this year.
Notebooks.
I cannot have enough notebooks as (let me stereotype myself for a moment) my nightmares are about running out of paper when I am burning to write. Notebooks are an excellent gift for writers as they are likely the only stationary items any writer is guaranteed to use. Eventually.
Consider gifting a hardbound notebook ($14) or a spiral-bound notebook ($13)!
Pottery Kit from London Wildflower
Writers, as creatives, are usually creative in more than one area. When writer’s block hits, it is helpful to step away from writing and focus on something else. With these pottery kits, you do not have to be a potter as the kits are easily usable by the beginner. Each kit also includes valuable clay-working tools you can use again and again!
Practical Gift for Writers: Reloadable Pen.
You might be thinking fountain pen but, no, reloadable pens much better! Made from stainless steel, after the pen runs out of ink, you can reload it with a brand-new ink cartridge. This helps save thousands of plastic pens from the landfill. Here is a lovely Parker stainless steel ballpoint pen ($16) with chrome trim and, to save hassle later, a 10-pack of refills ($13)!
Holiday Botanical Art Greeting Card Box Set from A Pocket of Dreams
Full discloser: my mother makes these cards, but I would not be sharing them if they were not something I would love to receive. The cards are printed on high-quality paper. Each illustration is created with flowers and plants, which are then photographed and printed as the artwork on each card. Individual cards and box sets available.
Jewelry.
I love a pretty pair of earrings, a crystal pendant, or copper bracelet ($12). I can easily pair these simple pieces with anything in my wardrobe.
Writer’s Notepad Causal Shoes from Groove Bags & Custom Kicks
I am not a big shoe person but I would wear these fun and easy-slip on shoes ($50)! Made with wrap canvas and EVA outsole for excellent traction, these shoes are also comfortably lined and can be worn all day.
Useful Gifts for Writers in 2023: Poetry Collections or Books.
Give the gift of words this year by supporting small presses and authors you admire! I have put together a comprehensive list of poetry anthologies and collections I have been part of and books I have reviewed that I think would make a lovely gift for a writer or lover of words. Read the list here!
And there you have it; seven hopefully interesting and unique gifts for writers. If this is not enough for you, do not worry! I will be back in the mid-December with a second gift guide for you ritualistic writers. It will include interesting items such as story candles and hand-painted leather journals.
Will you be gifting any of the seven items above this year? Have you already found an amazing gift for the writer in your life? What is it? Tell me below!
SelmaMartin
Great list. Great taste. I was immediately drawn to those cards. Gosh, so lovely. Tell Mom I love them. I’m always in the market for cards to send to my lovely pen pals throughout the year. Yours are perfect for any time. Xoxo May your days be merry and bright.
Mariella Hunt
Notebooks are the ultimate writer’s gift for any time of the year! Especially fancier ones like leather notebooks. I have also thought that a subscription to Scrivener would be another good gift. Great post!
Hacketthillfarm
Oh my gosh those shoes are the cutest!!! I am a life long stationary lover. My husband refuses to let me go to the store during back to school because he knows I will come home with a hundred notebooks. hahaha. These are all great gift ideas!
Sara James
You got such interesting yet practical gifts ideas for people who love words. The refilling pen and the pottery Kit are on my top to get and buy list:)
Thanks for enlightens us yet again. xx
Caroline
You can never have too many notebooks! I love the idea of a pottery kit too x
The Clockwork Reader
These are some great ideas and I’d definitely love to receive these gifts too! 😉
Raji (@journeyintofantasy)
These are some great gift ideas! I know I would definitely love to receive some nice notebooks – you can never have too many! The reloadable pens are also such a nice idea. I used to have a Parker fountain pen but it became too troublesome to fill in ink each time.
Jaya Avendel
I get the pen refills can be troublesome sometimes, but love that you are always up for a notebook!
Jodie | That Happy Reader
These are all great gift ideas! Those shoes are perfect for writers – I love them! Thanks for sharing.
thetravelvine
This is a great guide! I do love stationary, but as I grow more and more conscious about the environment, I’m starting to worry about the amount of plastic pens I go though, so I have been looking for a reusable pen. I’m going to drop some serious hints to the hubby about this more xmas. BTW, I absolutely love those cute Writers Book shoes! I do love a slip on shoe as well, and anything comfortable.
Jaya Avendel
Thank you so much! The shoes are so fun. 🙂
Charity
I love all these gift ideas! I always love a good notebook, planner, and a reliable pen too! I am very picky about my pens lol
Isa A
Ok what really caught my eye the most was the upcoming leather journal. I remember I had them quite some time ago. And I only used those and cherished them. But I so agree with mugs and shirts!!! I dont wear and use those too. Pen I’ve not received as gift so don’t know. I like a good pen too. It shouldn’t have to be all about writing so jewelry and shoes are quite thoughtful. Loved the post. Xx
Isa A. Blogger
https://www.lifestyleprism.com/
susan1375
I feel the same way about notebooks! I appreciate refillable pens – more eco friendly.
Coralle Skye
Yes! Completely love these suggestions. I would love to receive the pottery kit as I love pottery painting! And you can never fail with a good book or notebook 🙂
Coralle x
Em
These are such fun gifts! I would never have thought of pottery for a writer but actually, it makes sense and I’d love to try that someday!!
Em – https://www.earthlyem.co.uk
Rayo
I love stationeries and notebooks. I understand how you feel about branded items. I barely use them either and most likely be a waste. Refillable pens are definitely it for me. Love the idea
Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections
Good combination of logical and creative choices! 🙂
Ramblings of a Nobody
Some really gorgeous suggestions on here, and I completely agree, you can never have too many notebooks hehe.
Michele Lee
Thoughtful gifts. 💝 I love the composition notebook shoes!
bournemouthgirl
These are some really great gift ideas for writers especially the notebooks. I am always super happy with a notebook – although I can be quite picky about my notebooks, are you? Thank you for sharing these affordable gift ideas!
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
Jaya Avendel
Yes! There are definitely notebooks I love more than others I own.
Ruth| Ruthiee loves Glamour
I think these are such fantastic gifts for writers. I especially love the idea of a notebook and a reloadable pen. I love notebooks so much and I always love receiving them. I never get tired of receiving them lol and there’s honestly no such thing as too many notebooks.
Jaya Avendel
Right you are, Ruth! In so many ways.
The Mum Geek
Some great, unique ideas here. Thanks for sharing! 💗
Ingrid
I am sure any writer would be delighted with the gifts you suggest here 😊
Daphny Aqua
“I never wear the clothing items and will rarely use the mugs for anything but pen storage.” Couldn’t agree more to this.
Exactly there’s no such as too many notebooks, its never enough 😄
Jaya Avendel
Love that you feel the same way about most literary gifts. 🥰
Daphny Aqua
Felt the same way 💯 😄❤️
The amount if unused gifts lying around is more than those actually used haha… 😅
ReadAndReviewIt
Fab suggestions! You can never go wrong with a notebook, haha – I feel like my collection is never ending! Your mum’s cards are absolutely gorgeous too, I’ll have to have a look at them. Thank you so much for sharing x
Merry
I could say that I will definitely use all of these gifts if someone give me 😀 I love to collect notebook and books! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Eri Tz
I really liked the pen you suggest but I am awful with them. I don’t know what happens but I keep loosing them. That is why I buy lots of the cheapest ones to have back ups available.
I am also fanatic of notebooks. I think I can never have enough of them. I like them so much and I get different ones for each main new idea I have. I try to choose the best fit for each.
The shoes are my style also but not for this time of year.
However, when I choose gifts for others I always prefer books for numerous reasons. 1. They are always in fashion,
2. one can never have too many books,
3. they are of reasonable price compared to what they offer,
4. There is a perfect fit book for each one (writer or not)
And I guess there are even more reasons I can’t think of right now.
So, Jaya, as a fellow writter I must admit that your suggestions are perfect for the writers of our lives. 💜
Jaya Avendel
Aww, thank you so much! Your list of reasons why books are the number one gift I could not agree with more.
Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)
These are such cute ideas and I love those shoes.
I have a couple of refillable Cross pens but I find the refills are poor quality and fairly pricey. I might look into the Parker one you recommend.
Jaya Avendel
Nothing is worse than a pen that does not do what it is supposed to . . . I hope you find the Parker one much more effective and love that you love the shoes! They are so fun.
Lucia’s Fiction
Notebooks are definitely amazing writer gifts. I’m basically obsessed with them! Good post!