Featherstone 
Best Christmas Gifts for Writers and Authors (2025 Edition) – What We Really Want!
Yes, it’s nearly that time of year again so if you’re searching for the perfect Christmas gift for the writer or author in your life, or want to give your loved ones big (colossal!) hints about what you’d really like under the tree, or for your next birthday, here’s my Christmas 2025 wish list for inspiration. And if you’re a flawless plotter, maybe plan to leave this blog open on the gift giver’s browser 😉.
So, what to buy for an author or someone who loves writing?
Over the years, my favourite presents haven’t been sparkly things but practical ones: money towards a manuscript assessment, a writing course, a laptop upgrade and, sometimes the best thing of all, just the gift of time. These gave me joy, momentum, and hope as a writer. Actually, I did choose the sparkly present about four years ago…a comfortable pair of boots decorated as a mystical library!
The best presents for us writers though are usually the ones that fuel our creativity, free up our time, and help us grow our craft and community.
So, if you’re wondering “What do writers really want for Christmas?” — here’s my author wishlist for 2025.
🎁 1. The Gift of Time
The most precious gift for any writer is uninterrupted time to write.
Think outside the (gift) box: vouchers for chores like cooking, cleaning, or shopping; a child-free afternoon; or even a weekend without distractions. Just a few extra hours can be the difference between an unfinished draft and a breakthrough chapter. If someone offers to cook, serve and clean up after dinner even just one extra night a week throughout January, that could give you 4-8 hours of extra writing time!
🏡 2. The Gift of Focus
A writing retreat is the ultimate reset button.
Whether it’s a quiet Airbnb, a hotel with food options nearby, or a house swap with a fellow author, a weekend retreat offers writers the focus we rarely get at home. Specialist writing retreats take things even further though as you’ll be able to share the experience, support, camaraderie and connections with other writers. Sometimes these writing retreats might be run by a favourite author in your genre too! I’ve started a list of Australian writing retreats here and will add to it as writers share with me their favourites.
✨ 3. The Gift of Inspiration
Give writers fresh ideas by immersing us in words and community.
Book tickets to a writers’ festival (there’s a list of Australian writers festivals here and I’ll be updating it soon for 2026) or author talk at the local library, gift us bookstore vouchers, or surprise us with beautiful notebooks, journals and pens. Inspiration often strikes when writers are surrounded by books and other creative minds.
📚 4. The Gift of Knowledge
Workshops and courses keep writers learning and growing.
From local writing centres to online masterclasses, these gifts expand skills, build community, and sometimes spark career-changing breakthroughs. Bold Authors has some courses on the business side of being a writer.
🖋️ 5. The Gift of Professionalism
Practical help can make the difference between a draft and a polished book.
Cash contributions towards manuscript assessments, editing, or book cover design give writers confidence and professionalism and a path to make our books better.
📢 6. The Gift of Book Marketing
Help writers get our stories into readers’ hands.
Consider personalised promotional materials like bookmarks, tote bags, or postcards, or even ad spend support. Marketing might not be glamorous, but it’s vital.
🤝 7. The Gift of Community & Advocacy
Belonging fuels resilience.
Memberships to organisations like your state writers’ centre, the Australian Society of Authors, or ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors) connect writers with advice, advocacy, and fellowship all year long. A gift membership to one of these orgs is a gift that gives for a whole year.
💻 8. The Gift of Tools & Software
The right tools can save writers hours of frustration.
Some top picks (and I’m an affiliate for some of them because I love and use them all the time):
- Vellum (Mac only):Easy, professional formatting for indie authors and self publishers.
- Publisher Rocket:Research the best keywords and categories for your book.
- ProWritingAid:An editor in your pocket to polish drafts before your human editor sees it.
- New Zenler: Affordable course + coaching platform for writers expanding into teaching.
- Distraction-blocking apps:Because when it comes to writing, being present, is the best present.
- A stand up desk!
- FYI: Sometimes software is on sale during the November sales so it’s often a good time to buy.
🌱 9. The Gift of Clarity & Momentum
Sometimes the best gift is guidance.
A coaching or mentoring session gives writers clarity, accountability, and momentum — whether they’re stuck on structure, strategy, or simply confidence. (If this sounds like your kind of gift, you can find details on my author consults here).
🎄 10. Bonus Gifts Writers Secretly Love
Not everything has to be big or expensive. Many writers…well…speaking for myself… also adore:
- Gorgeous journals
- Quality headphones
- Cosy throws or lap blankets for winter writing sessions (especially if we can take it with us to a cafe!)
- Printing vouchers for Officework (because editing on paper is still magic!)
- A ‘Do Not Disturb – Writer at Work’ hanger for the door
- Subscription to a service like Brain.fm for music to write to
- Encouragement. Simple encouragement.
Thanks for thinking of us, from all the writers!
Writing is mostly solo and over extended periods of time, so your gifts, especially those that encourage us and show us that our writing matters will always be welcome! Helping us to sustain creativity, focus, and passion, and spending your money within the publishing industry (whether at a bookstore or supporting services such as editing, or tickets to writers festivals for example) is a gift to us all. Thanks! Anna Featherstone
P.S. I think I’ve also just convinced myself I need a new pen for Christmas!
P.P.S. For Jane Austen fans and writers who love the Regency era, check out these literary roleplaying games!