The Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Writers
My favorite part of Christmas (day) is the stockings. Growing up, we had huge stockings that my grandmother's friend knitted for us.
My parents would stuff them full of very run-of-the-mill things: lotion, sticky notes, hand sanitizer, batteries, chocolate, clementines, you name it.
It was never anything huge but I just loved those stocking stuffers. I still think they make the perfect gift because they're transportable, and I love that they are practical.
If you're looking for gift ideas for the writers in your life this holiday season, including a great stocking stuffer or two, I've got you covered. This isn't the ultimate gift guide, because in my mind gifts are really personal.
So, be warned: most of these ideas will be fun and practical (my favorite combination).
And a reminder, the perfect stocking stuffer is one that is thoughtful. Not big, not expensive, not even that unique. An intentional gift is worth more than the dollar amount.
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Practical Stocking Stuffers for Writers That We Actually Want
Metal Claw Clip
I received a metal claw clip a few years ago as part of a Christmas gift and I love it. I wear mine every day, and I love that I can pull all of my hair back and wrangle it back.
I don't know about you, but I can't write if my hair is in my face, it's so distracting. The best thing about the claw clip is that it is more durable than the plastic versions—I've broken so many plastic claw clips either from dropping them or stepping on them.
Pens
Most writers have very specific pen preferences because the way pens feel against paper is a real problem. That was a big reason why I shared the best notebooks for writers because low quality paper HURTS us.
The ink distribution is the same way - without a proper pen, things can get messy. Or, messier.
I'm a simple girl and my favorite pens are the FriXion erasable gel pens in multicolors from Pilot or the good ol' classic Bic Round Stic ball point pen with black ink. I could go on and on, though, so I'll limit this to two types of pens.
Pencils
The best pencils known to human kind are Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils. If you have never heard of these, you're missing out.
I love to write with pencil, especially to make lists or sketch out characters. If you're getting pencils for your writer friends, make sure to get a sharpener too because a dull pencil is not as satisfying to write with.
Another relevant stocking stuffer is a pencil case to put all those freshly sharpened pencils! This one has pockets for erasers, sticky notes, and plenty of room for all the favorite writing tools.
Sticky Notes
I am notorious for my sticky note use. I always have at least two pads on my desk, ready to go.
These are so helpful while editing our drafts, too, because when we run out of margin space we can just put a sticky note down and keep writing.
I do like whimsical sticky notes but I find they have weird stick, and curl up against my desk in a way that infuriates me. So, I usually stick to the tried-and-true post-its.
Notebooks
A. Writer. Can. Never. Have. Too. Many. Notebooks.
This means beautiful journals, legal pads, little notebooks to fit into our pockets. We want them all.
A notebook is a wonderful tool to explore our stories, and any ideas, feelings, or new words that may come up as we write.
Stickers
This is a fun way to embrace your inner 90s kid. If you were like me, you a dedicated sticker book growing up where you collected them.
Now, I save them until I have the right spot for them.
My favorite place to stick one? Blank notebook covers or inside my laptop on my keyboard panel.
These days there are so many fun niche stickers made by artists. You can find them almost anywhere!
Chapstick
I talk to myself when I write, and I forget to drink water. That combination leads to dry, chapped lips.
Support your favorite writer and her mad habits by making sure she can easily take care of her basic needs...
Unique Bookmarks
I am firmly in the camp of NO dog earring pages of your books.
It hurts me. I can't ever do it.
So, that means I have about one million bookmarks, shoved in very corner of my apartment where book might sit.
I took a poll among my writer friends and they all agreed that unique one-of-a-kind bookmarks make great stocking stuffers.
There are book marks that hold the corner of the page, or beautiful book pendants that are like art.
My personal favorite is one my dear friend made me when her oldest son was a toddler.
She had him finger paint card stock and then laminated it. I cherish it and I always smile when I see it.
Coffee
I don't know that I need to explain this one. Coffee is always a great gift idea for those who enjoy it.
There are so many styles, so many blends, so many flavors to try! One of my favorite coffee companies is called Copper Cow Coffee.
It's a small woman-owned business based in LA and they have pour over Vietnamese style coffee that is so delicious.
Not sure what kind of coffee they like? A gift card to their local coffee shop is a great way to support their writing and caffeine habits.
Tea
shop soothing teas
I'm a big tea drinker, too, especially during the winter.
It's practically a rule for writers to have a hot beverage next to them as they type!
I love the Yogi brand tea, especially the honey lavender to help calm and soothe me while I write.
The bonus? Tea tins are usually in small packages so they fit perfectly in stockings or in a package to be shipped!
Chocolate
shop theo chocolate
I love chocolate, and in the afternoons when I'm already tapped out on caffeine, a little nibble of chocolate will give me a boost.
Theo brand chocolate is one of my favorites because they're organic, fair-trade, and have amazing flavor combinations.
Grab a bar next time you're at the grocery store! They fit perfectly inside a stocking.
Just make sure not to hang the stocking too close to the fire place or that chocolatey goodness will become a chocolatey mess.
Literary T-Shirts
Writing gifts can be cheesy, sure, but how can you resist a well-placed pun like "I'm with the Banned."
You can find other clever literary phrase swag for book lovers and writers on Amazon or Etsy.
Or, if you're very crafty, try your hand at making some yourself!
Gift Card to a Book Store
A great idea for all book lovers, which no writer should be excluded from!
If you're not sure their favorite book, get a gift card to your local book store so they can stock their shelves.
A good book can help break writer’s block, with inspiring opening lines to shake us out of our funk, they are a must to have around you at all times.
This may be a list I just made for myself, but I think my writer friends will agree.
If you need a little gift idea or some stocking stuffers that will actually be used and appreciated, then this is the list of the best gifts for writers that I could come up with.
