The 2024 writer's gift guide
The Subtext's outside-the-box gift ideas to inspire and delight the writer or creative in your life.
Written By 
The Subtext Editorial Team
Published on 
Dec 10, 2024
6
 min. read

Ok, maybe the world doesn’t need another gift guide. Our calendars are full, our carts are overflowing and we’re all over the overconsumption of it all. But here’s the thing – writers and creatives are a particular bunch. So if you want to make it easier for Aunt Jan or Mom to score you something cool, just forward this little guide on over. To make things tidy, we’ve split our guide into sections: for the home, for the afternoon slump, for the brain, for the soul and for the community. No affiliate links here, just a peek into a writer’s mind and what we’d love to receive. The real gift to us is your paid support, if you feel so inclined ; )

For the home:

A thoughtfully designed home or workspace can work wonders for mental energy and creative flow. Here are a few picks to upgrade a space or add a playful touch. 

Rechargeable desk lamp 

Perfect for when every other outlet is in use. Our favorite bougie option might be tough on your bank account, but luckily there are also middle range options & inexpensive dupes

Flip clock

For analogue lovers trying to disconnect, this flip clock can help keep the phone-checking at bay and add some interest and color to the space. 

Cute pillow

This Suay lumbar pillow is as gorgeous as it is practical. 

Coffee Table Book Candle

A classic gift for a reason. Anecdote candles have one for every niche, but we’re especially drawn to this one that evokes the smell of a coffee table book. 

Bonus: Pair it with this candle care set to keep them looking brand new and burning nicely. 

Spurge: If you really love them, get them this work-of-art candle warmer

Sylvia Plath pencil set

Obviously

For the afternoon slump:

They’ll thank you once 3-o-clock hits. 

Coffee subscription

Treat them to their favorite roast, or help them find their signature brew: 

Philz

Blue Bottle

Atlas (offers different beans from around the world each month). 

Caffeine-free pick-me-up

Stock the fridge with a fun beverage:

Recess 

Olipop

Tea organizer box

A simple organizer or ornate box can do wonders to spice up the morning tea ritual. 

For the mind:

Tried-and-true writer gifts. 

Specialty journals

For the writer who wants a new notebook for everything.

Vintage books

Scour your local Goodwill or independent bookstore. The coolest coffee table books may be older than your gift recipient. If you don’t have the time to dig, we’re intrigued by this one about Didion and Babitz. 

MasterClass gift membership

The gift of knowledge never goes unappreciated. 

Audible credits

You can’t have too many

Library book embosser 

An extra personalized touch to make a home library feel even more cozy. 

For the soul: 

Get them out of “words brain” with the tools to create something totally outside the box. 

Craft kits

Inspire them to explore new mediums with simple kits for making:

Fujifilm disposable camera

Capture pictures the old school way—no redos, or filters allowed. 

Edie Parker toothbrush one hitter

An essential for those who like to get a little loose in the ideation process.

Colorful pencil set

Make Zoom doodles a work of art. This Sakura Coupy pencil set is practical and playful. 

For the community

Supporting local businesses and arts institutions is a gift in itself to us creatives. 

Local art museum membership

Off the computer, into the world we all collectively shout!

Local bookstore gift card

The joy of perusing for hours and leaving with five new books. 

The Subtext paid subscription 

The writer’s gift that supports writers. No brainer. 

The Subtext words hat

Functional and stylish

The Subtext Shirt

It might be a little corny to wear a shirt that says “I’m cool” outright, but here it’s implied.  

Happy gifting, or adding to your personal wishlist—whatever floats your boat. Happy holidays from the Subtext! And thank you for spending 2024 with us. 

Ok, maybe the world doesn’t need another gift guide. Our calendars are full, our carts are overflowing and we’re all over the overconsumption of it all. But here’s the thing – writers and creatives are a particular bunch. So if you want to make it easier for Aunt Jan or Mom to score you something cool, just forward this little guide on over. To make things tidy, we’ve split our guide into sections: for the home, for the afternoon slump, for the brain, for the soul and for the community. No affiliate links here, just a peek into a writer’s mind and what we’d love to receive. The real gift to us is your paid support, if you feel so inclined ; )

For the home:

A thoughtfully designed home or workspace can work wonders for mental energy and creative flow. Here are a few picks to upgrade a space or add a playful touch. 

Rechargeable desk lamp 

Perfect for when every other outlet is in use. Our favorite bougie option might be tough on your bank account, but luckily there are also middle range options & inexpensive dupes

Flip clock

For analogue lovers trying to disconnect, this flip clock can help keep the phone-checking at bay and add some interest and color to the space. 

Cute pillow

This Suay lumbar pillow is as gorgeous as it is practical. 

Coffee Table Book Candle

A classic gift for a reason. Anecdote candles have one for every niche, but we’re especially drawn to this one that evokes the smell of a coffee table book. 

Bonus: Pair it with this candle care set to keep them looking brand new and burning nicely. 

Spurge: If you really love them, get them this work-of-art candle warmer

Sylvia Plath pencil set

Obviously

For the afternoon slump:

They’ll thank you once 3-o-clock hits. 

Coffee subscription

Treat them to their favorite roast, or help them find their signature brew: 

Philz

Blue Bottle

Atlas (offers different beans from around the world each month). 

Caffeine-free pick-me-up

Stock the fridge with a fun beverage:

Recess 

Olipop

Tea organizer box

A simple organizer or ornate box can do wonders to spice up the morning tea ritual. 

For the mind:

Tried-and-true writer gifts. 

Specialty journals

For the writer who wants a new notebook for everything.

Vintage books

Scour your local Goodwill or independent bookstore. The coolest coffee table books may be older than your gift recipient. If you don’t have the time to dig, we’re intrigued by this one about Didion and Babitz. 

MasterClass gift membership

The gift of knowledge never goes unappreciated. 

Audible credits

You can’t have too many

Library book embosser 

An extra personalized touch to make a home library feel even more cozy. 

For the soul: 

Get them out of “words brain” with the tools to create something totally outside the box. 

Craft kits

Inspire them to explore new mediums with simple kits for making:

Fujifilm disposable camera

Capture pictures the old school way—no redos, or filters allowed. 

Edie Parker toothbrush one hitter

An essential for those who like to get a little loose in the ideation process.

Colorful pencil set

Make Zoom doodles a work of art. This Sakura Coupy pencil set is practical and playful. 

For the community

Supporting local businesses and arts institutions is a gift in itself to us creatives. 

Local art museum membership

Off the computer, into the world we all collectively shout!

Local bookstore gift card

The joy of perusing for hours and leaving with five new books. 

The Subtext paid subscription 

The writer’s gift that supports writers. No brainer. 

The Subtext words hat

Functional and stylish

The Subtext Shirt

It might be a little corny to wear a shirt that says “I’m cool” outright, but here it’s implied.  

Happy gifting, or adding to your personal wishlist—whatever floats your boat. Happy holidays from the Subtext! And thank you for spending 2024 with us. 

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