It’s my favorite time of the year, when I watch Hallmark holiday movies while searching the Internet for gifts that authors and writers will love.

This is the sixth year I’ve done this, and I got a little help with ideas this time. I used Help a Reporter Out (HARO), a service that helps journalists find sources.

I was able to use about one-quarter of the nearly 40 responses generated by my HARO query. That help, combined with my own digging around, yielded 29 excellent ideas for you, a writer friend, or someone in your writing group.

You’ll find a wide range of gift types and prices. Start shopping!

Gifts that authors and writers will love

Click on each product name to get more information. Full disclosure: Some of the selections include affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission on sales but the cost to you is the same. To keep it simple, presume they all have affiliate links. Also, prices are subject to change (I’ve seen changes in the past 48 hours!). 

1. Cute and colorful book socks 

This company has a really nice collection of bright and colorful socks for book lovers. There are several options at this Amazon link, and more on the manufacturer’s Happypop brand site, where there’s a 20 percent off Black Friday sale.

$6.99

2. Punny teas

As a tea drinker, I love these LiTEAry teas. Options include Agatha ChrisTEA and Mark Twainquility.

$8.99 for 20 teabags

3. Author t-shirt  

Tell the world you’re an author by wearing your job title on a t-shirt. You can find a lot of “author” t-shirts online, but I like the simplicity of this one and the “Ask me about my book!” message on the back. Pick your own style and color; sizes run a little small.

Basic t-shirt, $24.25

4. The Courage Habit

This guide helps creative professionals – you – to create courage as a brain-based habit, leading to everything writers need to find success: confidence, progress towards goals, and emotional resilience.

$13.84

5. Reader Book Review Form

Every author needs a copy of my fill-in-the-blanks form that helps readers write those all-important reader reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other retail and review sites. There’s one for fiction and another for nonfiction.

$9 for one, $17 for both fiction and nonfiction forms

6. Aqua Notes Waterproof Note Pad

Back by popular demand! If you’re like me and get your best ideas in the shower, you need this.

$9.50

7. How Your Story Sets You Free

A great choice for memoirists, this guide teaches you how to share your experiences and invaluable knowledge with the people who need it most, whether it be in a book, blog post, motivational speech, or conversation.

$10.99

8. Prospek blue light glasses  

We’ve all heard plenty about the potential for harm from blue light emitted by digital devices. Reduce eye strain and headaches with computer glasses.

Starting at $38.45

9. Literary Places

A travel journalist provides comprehensive and atmospheric outlines of the history and culture of 25 literary places around the globe, as well as how they intersect with the lives of the authors and the works that make them significant. Full-page color illustrations instantly transport you to each location.

$14.85

10. Marble notebook

For the writer who has everything.

Starting at $85

11. 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die Page-a-Day Calendar 2020

With the insight of a bookseller and the enthusiasm of a devoted reader, James Mustich shares hundreds of titles that range from the obscure to the immortal, the ancient to the contemporary. This is definitely going on my wish list!

$11.70

12. AuthorLab

Save your favorite author time with an AuthorLab membership. AuthorLab is an all-in-one author platform with industry-leading software, tools, templates, and training videos for book covers, layouts, websites, and promotional materials. .

$29/month or $199 annually (get 50% off with my coupon code, AuthorLab50)

13. 365 Daily Book Marketing Tips  

Let me give your author a book marketing tip every day for a year via email — for just 99 cents for the entire year! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

$.99 (yes, 99 cents for all 365 tips)

14. Grammarly premium  

This version of the popular Grammarly tool goes beyond grammar to help your favorite writer ensure that everything they write is clear, engaging, and professional.

$29.95/month, $19.98/month quarterly, $11.66/month annually

15. Noocaf Focus coffee  

Writers need two things to succeed: caffeine, and the ability to focus. This unique dark coffee blend does both by adding nootropics – substances that might improve memory, creativity, and motivation.

$32 for 12 oz.

16. Writer travel mug

Keep that Noocaf coffee hot in this book-themed stainless steel travel mug. What a great stocking stuffer!

$23.99

17. Notebook with super powers

Now the author who likes to compose in a notebook and edit on the computer can bridge the analog and digital worlds. Write on Optik Paper, then download the companion free Scribzee app to scan, save, organize, share, and access notes at any time, from any place.

$9.99

18. Handwoven book necklace

A mother/daughter duo handcrafts this seed bead necklace on an 18-inch silver-plated chain. The pair donates 10 percent of the profits to the House of Heroes, an organization that helps repair and improve the homes of military and public safety veterans who need help.

$40

19. “Careful or you’ll end up in my novel” bracelet  

The adjustable bracelet made of stainless steel fits anyone and comes with a polishing cloth. It’s packaged in a gift bag.

$13.99

20. WordSmith Deck

Get 100 intellectually stimulating writing prompt cards designed to inspire journaling, cure writer’s block, cultivate creative writing, and sharpen writing skills.

$19.99

21. Multi-tasking Lap Desk with USB Light

I liked my plain, ordinary, nothing special lap desk that I use on the porch in the summer until I saw this beauty. In addition to a nice little tablet slot, it has a slide out mouse deck with a smartphone slot.

$48.24

22. Smartphone external battery pack 

I love this portable iPhone external battery – I never travel without it. Whether you get this brand or another (Anker also has lighter options with less power), I recommend an external battery pack not only for travel, but for pesky power outages. (Stuff happens.)

$49.99

23. You are a great, great author mug

All politics aside, this should be your motto. If it’s a gift for someone else, tell them this is exactly what you think of them. Motivate them while making them smile. We all need both, hugely.

$14.95

24. R-E-A-D bunting 

Add this simple garland to your favorite author’s stocking while supporting an independent artist.

$11

25. Apple AirPods

I had a pair of knock-off, $20 wireless earbuds until my family felt so sorry for me that they bought me the real thing for my birthday. These truly are a must-have for any book lover who listens to audiobooks all the time, as I do. I’m no longer tethered to my phone with a cord when I’m walking, doing housework, or cooking.

Splurge on this pair or, if you don’t have an iPhone, get the equivalent for your phone. For me, they are almost as life-changing as my DVR.

$134

26. Library Card Zipper Pouch 

How cute is this old-school library card zipper bag? It’s perfect for the baby boomer on your list. Scroll through all of the other options on the page, too. There’s one for every kind of book lover.

$12.00

27. I’d Rather Be Reading Tote

Wouldn’t this make a good book club gift? Side and bottom gussets mean it will hold a lot of books – or anything else. Click through to the second picture to see all of the colors available for this strong canvas tote.

$22.50

28. Author earrings

Here’s a subtle way to say, “I’m a writer.” They’re a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift.

$10.37

29. The Celebrity Black Book 2019

Does your favorite author want a celebrity endorsement for their book cover? This resource has verified mailing addresses for more than 56,000 celebrities, influencers, and public figures worldwide.

$97

More gift ideas

We have many more ideas in previous gift guides. They include “27 of the best gifts EVER for authors and writers” and “Gifts for authors and writers: 25 perfect, hand-picked ideas.”

You’re certain to find just the right gifts in any of these guides.

Now it’s your turn! If you use or enjoy something that would make a great holiday gift for an author or writer, tell us about it in a comment.

From jewelry designed especially for authors to gift cards and courses, you’ll find something here that your author or writer will love.

You’ll also find 32 more ideas from last year, and another 29 from the year before.

Start shopping now!

Click on each product name to get more information. Full disclosure: Many of the selections include affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission on sales. To keep it simple, presume they all have affiliate links. Also, prices are subject to change (I’ve seen changes in 48 hours!). 

2. Website URL and hosting

Authors and writers must have a website. Make sure your gift recipient can get the “write” URL at a 30 percent discount. I use GoDaddy for URLs (they offer site hosting, too), and use HostGator for my website hosting. Get a 25 percent discount with coupon code CJSAVE25.

Prices vary

3. Writing is My Superpower T-shirt

People who aren’t writers are impressed with people who are. You might as well reinforce that impression with this honest gift.

$15.99

$24.995. Book Marketing Coaching

Let me guide your author with an hour of telephone coaching time focused on his or her specific book.

$150 for one hour

6. Moo.com gift cards 

Use a Moo.com gift card to pay for business cards, postcards, and other custom-designed and printed book marketing materials. 

Price = how much you want to spend

7. Writer in Residence Door Hanger

Nothing says “I’m a writer” like a door hanger! These are hand-decorated using pages from classic literature and strung with biodegradable jute twine.

$13.72

8. Typewriter Pillow Cover (pillow not included)

Can’t you picture this in any writer’s home office? Note that it’s available in three sizes and doesn’t include the pillow. (You can get a pillow insert at a craft or fabric store or at Target.)

$38+

9. 365 Daily Book Marketing Tips

Let me give your author a book marketing tip every day for a year via email — for just 99 cents for the entire year! It’s the gift that keeps giving.

$.99 (yes, 99 cents for all 365 tips)

10. Typewriter Coasters

Beverages not included.

$13.40

11. Keep Clam and Proofread Mug

Get it?       

$12.96

12. Author Marketing Club Membership

Authors need reader reviews and an Author Marketing Club membership includes access to the very cool “Reviewer Grabber Tool” that helps them find and reach Amazon reviewers. Membership also includes access to other essential tools, free training, and a wonderful author community.

$24.95 per month or save 50 percent with the $149 annual plan

This suitable-as-a-stocking-stuffer gift is a very, very important reminder for every author and writer.

$4.99

14. Typewriter Key Charm Bracelet

I love this! Colors are neutral, so women can wear it with anything.

$48.95

Every author needs the inspiration of this laser-engraved oak clock hanging over the desk.

$59

16. The Artists’ and Writers’ Cookbook: A Collection of Stories with Recipes

You don’t have to be a cookbook author to love this.

$20.40

3 months $44.99

I write all day and don’t know what I’d do without something like this. Save your writer’s mousing arm with this gift.

Try out a standing desk without a big investment. This adjustable device that sets on top of an existing desk is an affordable alternative to a full-on standing desk.

20. Scrivener Software

Authors swear by this software that helps them organize their throughts and makes the book-writing process easier. (I bought it, but haven’t tried it yet. )

$40 

21. Dixit Storytelling Game

Improve your storytelling skills and have fun at the same time with this game.

$27.99

22. Steampunk Bookends

Every writer and author I know is also a serious reader. You have to hold those books in place with something, right?

$89

23. Typewriter Birthstone Earrings

It’s not enough that this is a clever idea and they’re pretty. They’re also handmade!

$17.85

24. Book Club Wine Glasses

You don’t need to be in a book club to appreciate these glasses . . . but wouldn’t they make the perfect gift for your book club Secret Santa name draw?

$23.14

Course fees vary

Now it’s your turn! What author-related gift do you want to receive? What gift would you recommend to our readers?

Tip of the Month

I like to share a “Tip of the Month,” a free resource or tool for authors, on the last Wednesday of the month.

This month, let’s look ahead to 2018 with these fun calendars to color from SarahTitus.com.

Coloring can be therapeutic.  So can planning for success in the coming year by scheduling your book marketing activities on a calendar. But first, download Sarah’s printable calendar pages to color, and block out a little time to color with pencils, markers, or crayons in the most mindless way possible! You deserve it.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a friend, you’re certain to find just the right gift on this list below or on last year’s gifts for authors list.

Have fun shopping!

Click on each product name to get more information.

Under $20

1. Quotation mark earrings

What a great stocking stuffer! (I want them.)

$3.99

2. “I’m silently correcting your grammar” mug

This is SO me. (And I apologize for that.)

$14.00

3. 365 Daily Book Marketing Tips

Get a daily book marketing tip delivered by email every day for a whole year for less than a dollar for all 365 tips.

$.99

4. Born to Write Necklace

This is a nice stocking stuffer or “under $10” gift for a woman in your writer’s group.

$3.99

5. Library Card Socks

Back by popular demand: Socks that remind you of those library cards we used to see stuck in the front of books.

$10.00 – $13.94

6. Banned Books Socks

Another repeat from last year because these were so popular — for each pair purchased, a book is donated to a community in need.

$10.00 – $12.95

7. Vintage Typewriter Smartphone Case

This is probably the coolest smartphone case I’ve seen. Make sure you get the right case for your phone — there are several options.

$15.99

8. Aqua Notes Waterproof Notepad

I get my best ideas in the shower. Maybe your author friends do, too!

$7.63

9. Author Charm Necklace

Every woman who writes books should announce it with a necklace.

$19.99

10. Next Novel Journal

Perfect to write in while working in a coffee shop.

$9.99

11. Writer Travel Mug

You can’t have too many insulated travel mugs. This one is stainless steel.

$14.99

12. More Books, Less Sleep Earrings

This is a great gift for somebody who likes to read as much as she likes to write.

$16.00

13. Writer Emergency Pack

I’d add chocolate.

$19

14. Writer’s Block

The perfect gift for the writer who has everything. (Shakespeare approved.)

$9

15. “Ask Me About My Book” T-shirts

These conversation-starters designed by my author friend Flora Brown were a big hit last year.

$19.95

16. The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression 

I hear great things about this top-selling resource for novelists.

$4.99 – $12.19

17. “Have I Mentioned Lately That I Write Books?” T-shirt

How’s this for a conversation starter?

$19.99

18. Novelist at Work Warning Sign

Afix it to the top of your laptop when writing at a coffee shop or put it on your workspace door when you don’t want to be interrupted.

$8.99

19. Silver Writer Heart Necklace

Win her heart with this lovely gift.

$13.99

20. Vintage Writing Diary and Journal

Wouldn’t you love to record your thoughts in a faux-leather, refillable journal? You can get this one in a nice range of colors.

21. Novel Teas

These English Breakfast teabags are tagged with literary quotes. What a novelty!

$14.95 

22. Knock Knock Personal Library Kit

Here’s the perfect gift for the author who is always lending books . . . and never seeing them again.

$10.61

More than $20

23. The Writer’s Toolbox

Everyone needs inspiration now and then.

$24.95

24. “I read banned books” tote bag

They come in different sizes and are priced accordingly.

$18 to $24

25. Library card tote bag

You probably have to be a certain age to appreciate this 16″ x 16″ bag. I am . . . and I love it.

$22.00

26. The Storymatic Classic kit

Six trillion stories in one little box.

$29.95

27. “I’m Plotting Against You” Hoodie

This will keep your friends honest.

$55.99

28. Donate to Boy’s Book-related Nonprofit Fundraising Campaign

Help young Dylan Siegel, author of the Chocolate Bar book, raise funds to save his friend’s life.

$25.00 starting point

29. Mr. Darcy Proposal Scarf

Do you know someone who loves Pride and Prejudice? Check out the other related scarfs at that link, too.

$38.00

30. Build Book Buzz Training Programs

Whether the author in your life needs to learn how to rock it on Amazon, snag cover endorsements, or learn book marketing from start to finish, there’s a thorough and helpful training program for it in our online store.

Prices range from $.99 to $79

31. Amazon Gift Cards

Oh, the books your friend can buy with a gift card! Be sure to select the correct amount before adding the card to your cart.

Prices vary

32. Learn Scrivener Fast (affiliate link)

Writers rave about Scrivener. Give the ultimate gift: instruction on how to use it.

$127 – $297

You won’t go wrong with any of these.

What gift would you recommend (other than your own book, of course)? Please comment with other suggestions!

Wondering what to buy the author in your life (or yourself) this holiday season?

I asked author friends in the Build Book Buzz Facebook Group for their thoughts on gifts for authors; they recommended everything from a review of the author’s book to alcohol to printing services for bookmarks and postcards to a gym membership for a healthy escape from the keyboard.

Several suggested specific products, as well. I’ve incorporated some of them here along with those I uncovered through research. It’s worth noting, too, that a few of these came from a retailer I discovered when its Instagram account followed the Build Book Buzz account on that social network. Until then, I had never heard of the company. Social media can make a difference!

Here are a few fun and special ideas that are sure to generate a heartfelt “Thank you!” from any author you know.

Click on each product name to get more information.

Under $20

1. Let’s Eat Grandma, Commas Saves Lives T-shirt

This one’s for the grammarian in your life.

$19.95

2. Internet Grammar is Ruining Everything Mug

I happen to agree with this.

$16.00

3. Old Books Fragrance Soy Candle

The scent of an old book can rekindle many memories.

$14.98

4. Olde Book Pillow Classics

Choose Alice in Wonderland, Sherlock Holmes, or Treasure Island and enjoy sweet dreams.

$17.99-24.995. Library Card Socks

Remember library cards stuck in the front of books? They’re gone, but not forgotten, when you wear these socks.

$10.00

6. Banned Books Socks

For each pair purchased, a book is donated to a community in need.

$10.00

7. Library Card Phone Case

I love this case! Make sure you get the right size for the phone.

$9.99

8. Poe-Ka-Dot Tote

Don’t you love a good play on words?

$17.95

9. Real Writers Refrigerator Magnet

What a fun stocking stuffer!

$4.99

10. Stories Yet to be Written Journal

Some authors might need more than one.

$9.99

11. Writer Mug

There’s no mystery here.

$9.95

12. Write Here, Write Now Mousepad

For those who need the reminder.

$9.99

13. Your Fingers Tap Dance Print

This lovely framed poem print makes the process seem almost magical.

$18

14. Writer’s Block

For the writer with a sense of humor.

$1515. “Ask Me About My Book” T-shirts

These conversation-starters were designed by my author friend Flora Brown.

$19.95

16. Do Not Annoy the Writer Mug

Want to be a character in a book? Annoy the writer.

$12.95

17. Romance Novelists Do It Between the Sheets Tote Bag

Of course they do.

$13.95

18. Library and Books Pendant Necklace

This is so pretty!

$16.00

19. Ask Me About My Books Keychain

It’s the perfect stocking stuffer.

$10

More than $20

20. Folded Paper Tea Cup

Act quickly if you like this book folded into the shape of a teacup because there’s only one of them.

$25.00

21. T-shirts Created From the Text of Your Favorite Books

Choose from books in 13 categories.

$34.00

22. I Read Past My Bedtime Framed Print

I do this. Do you?

$31.00

23. Book iPhone Case

This classy iPhone case doubles as a wallet that can hold credit cards, a driver’s license, and cash.

$59.99

24. Professional Bookworm Hoodie

Pair this with pajama bottoms and you’ve got a writing uniform.

$42.00

25. Just One More Chapter Laptop Sleeve

Perfect for those marathon coffee shop sessions.

$36.00

26. Wake Me When I’m Published Pajamas

For women only; check out the pattern options for the bottoms, too.

$34.95

27. Build Book Buzz Training Programs

Whether the author in your life needs to learn how to rock it on Amazon, snag cover endorsements, or learn book marketing from start to finish, there’s a thorough and helpful training program for it in our online store.

Prices range from $9 to $79

28. Scrivener

Scrivener software puts everything you need for structuring, writing, and editing long documents at your fingertips.

$40-45

29. Amazon Gift Cards

Oh, the books your friend can buy with a gift card!

Prices vary 

You won’t go wrong with any of these.

What gift would you recommend (other than your own book, of course)? Add to the list in a comment. 

Tip of the Month

Writing a headline for your book’s sales page on your website — or any other type of headline? Give the “Headline Generator” tool a try.

You might have to play around with it to get the results you need. And, even if you don’t get just the right headline, what the software churns out might be a good starting point, giving you something to tweak until it’s just right.

I’ve used this, and the experience has reminded me of the book cover design process: I can’t do it myself, but I know what I like when I see it.