If you’re like me, you get asked, “What do you want for your birthday?” Your response is probably like mine. You stand there blinking saying, “Um. I have no idea.”

Most of the time, this happens because you don’t think about yourself, but when a loved one chooses to do something nice for you, accept it. When you refuse a gift, you deny the gift giver the joy of blessing you.

So with Christmas and my own birthday just around the corner, I’ve put together a list of items that you can add to your wishlist and get people going in the right direction!

Gift Ideas for Writers

Under $25

1. Washi Tape – You can never have enough! Washi tape is great for authors because you can stick it anywhere, and it comes off pretty easily without destroying anything. I like to use washi tape to mark index cards by POV, make bookmarks, and even decorate my journal and Bible with them. There are millions of uses and millions of designs.
2. Zebra Mildliners – These dual-tipped highlighters have been a great addition to my writing arsenal. Not only are they beautiful colors for highlighting text as you go through your edits, but you can also use them to color or draw. They are light enough to see the text behind what you’ve highlighted, and with dual tips, you can find many uses for them. Color-code your edits with these, or just use them as you would any old highlighter!
3. Bullet Journal – My favorite bullet journal is the Leuchtturm1917 Medium Dotted Notebook. It comes in over 15 different colors, and it is the perfect size to carry without adding much weight. I always slap a sticker to the front to make it my own and use it to journal and bullet journal. There are two bookmarks to help you find your spot, and a nice little pocket in the back where I keep a ruler for drawing straight lines. Follow me on Instagram for some of my bullet journal spreads and a peek into my journal.
4. Laptop or Tablet Stand – If you’re always staring down at your laptop screen, you’re going to suffer from serious neck, back, and shoulder pain. The top of your screen should be at eye level. A great way to do this is to put your computer or tablet up on a stand. Laptop stands won’t work with my computer, so a tablet stand is an inexpensive way to get the computer off my desk.
5. Under The Desk Foot Rest – This might not be the most exciting gift ever received, but I promise you’ll wish you had one sooner. Often times our feet aren’t in the right position as we work, and that puts a strain on our back. Getting a footrest could allow you to work longer with less lower back pain.
6. Desk Lamp – If you work at night or early in the morning like me, you will appreciate some soft light on your desk. This lamp is also a Bluetooth speaker that will allow you to stream your favorite music or sounds. It changes colors with a touch and is rechargeable. This one is the lowest I could find with all these features, so you may want to splurge and grab something similar in the under $50 category.

Under $50

1. Wireless Keyboard – This wireless keyboard is a Logitech K380 in rose. It allows you to connect to 3 devices and switch to each one with just a click of the button. You can use it with your laptop, tablet, and phone! It is portable and lightweight enough to take with you where ever you go.
2. Google Home Mini or Alexa Dot – If you haven’t tried a smart speaker, you really are missing out on so many things. Having one at your writing desk is even better. Ask it to play music, set a timer, or remember things you don’t want to forget. You can also throw in some smart home bulbs, switches, and outlets as an easy way to get your smart home started.
3. Lap Desk – Need to get up and move from your desk to your comfy couch or writing chair? You might consider getting a lap desk like this one. I’ve heard great things about the Sofia + Sam lap desk because it has a slot for your phone, another for your tablet, and a USB light that you can remove. I like these solid desks better than one with legs so I can sit with my legs folded under me if I want.
4. Wireless Phone Charging Stand – This wireless charging stand will charge two devices at once while keeping your phone in plain view. While your phone is charging, you can use the second spot to lay another phone, your smartwatch, or your wirelessly charging earbuds. I like the sleek look of this one from iOttie.
5. Laptop Backpack – Sometimes writers need to pack up and hit a coffee shop or library to get some real work done. In that case, let me recommend this backpack by Kah & Kee that comes in over 15 different colors. I’ve had mine for 2 years and it still looks brand new. I have carted it all over the US in cars, planes, and more! My favorite feature is the wide opening at the top so you can easily grab what you need!

Still not sure what you want? How about a gift card? Here are some great gift card ideas!

1. Local Bookstores – Give Amazon a break and visit your local bookstore with a gift card in hand. They often have more than just books, and you might just find something besides a TBR.
2. Local Coffeeshop – Driving through Starbucks sure is convenient, and if you’re like me, you enjoy knowing that the Americano you ask for at home will be the same as the one you get when you are three states away. But a gift card to a local coffee shop can get you out of the house, trying new things, and meeting new people.
3. Nail Salon -Let’s face it, our hands take a beating as we mash them on the keyboard day in and day out. A mani-pedi might be just the thing to help you relax. And while you’re there, talk to some people around you, you may just find your next story spark!
4. Massage – Need I even say anything here? I will anyway. Our body takes a beating when we sit at our desk, hunched over a keyboard. One thing experienced (i.e. older) authors have hammered home is that you must take care of your body. Ask a loved one to help you recover with a nice long massage.
5. Android/Apple – A gift card for your phone or tablet might just be what you really need. I find myself buying puzzle games to keep my mind sharp, and productivity apps like Forest to help me work smarter. You may also be looking to add Scrivener to your iPad or iPhone, so a gift card is perfect!