Unless you somehow have access to their TBR (to be read) list, buying gifts for your writer friends is tough. At first, you think maybe you’ll get them a cute novelty writer’s mug, but what if they already have one? Surely, over the years, they’ve already accumulated a wide selection of generic writer’s mugs or book-themed clothes, pillows, and candles. You want to give them a gift that will be functional and help inspire their writing, but what would that even look like? Here’s our 2020 Gift Guide packed with gifts that are perfect for any writer.

1) Smart Notebook

For the writing friend who still prefers their notebooks to their computers, gift them a smart notebook. The notebook is able to connect to different drives such as google docs, Dropbox, Evernote, Onenote, iCloud, email, slack, and more. Not only is this much more environmentally friendly than the piles of notebooks they have on their shelves, but the smart search software makes it easy to search for specific notes through the software. This way when they need to find their old book ideas from years ago, it no longer takes an entire afternoon of flipping through loose sheets of paper.

2) Bath Tray

One of the best ways for writers to continue to improve their writing is through their reading. Gift your writer friend a bath tray with a built-in area for their current read. You’ll be gifting them with many relaxing nights of soaking in a warm bath while visiting characters and worlds that they love, which is also the perfect way to relax after a long day of reworking plots.

3) Wrist Rest Pad

Any writer knows that feeling where you get in the writing groove and suddenly three, four, five hours have gone by and you’re still at your computer. You’re simultaneously proud of what you’ve accomplished… and also incredibly sore in your wrists and hands. Help your writer friend make it through those long writing sessions without the wrist pain by gifting them a wrist rest pad. The memory foam material will conform perfectly to their wrists and hands so that they can comfortably write during those long sleepless nights.

4) Writing Books

One way for writers to improve their craft is to look at the work of other successful and acclaimed writers. Giving your writer friend or family member a book about writing can be an excellent way to not only give them a new perspective on their own work but also allow them to connect with one of their favorite authors. A few great options include On Writing by Stephen King, Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, and more.

5) Audible

For those writers who may not have as much time to read as they used to, give them that extra push by gifting them an Audible subscription. Audiobooks are a great option for the writer and reader on the go as they can listen to books in their car, on a walk with their dog, or as they’re waiting in line at their favorite coffee shop. All of these little moments throughout the day can now become moments for reading.

6) Gift cards

When in doubt, get your writer friend a gift card. If you’re having trouble picking out a book for them, getting them a gift card for Barnes & Noble or Amazon will allow them to pick for themselves from their ‘to be read’ list. You could also get them a gift card to either Starbucks or their favorite local coffee shop. Writers love to take their show on the road, grab a cup of coffee, and read/write in a place that fuels their creativity. A Starbucks gift card will allow them to grab a cup next time they make a B&N run or the local coffee shop option will gift them a warm cup of joe next time they swing by to work on their latest novel.