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With the holiday season approaching, gifts are probably on your mind. This list of stocking stuffers for writers can help you narrow down the possibilities.
Writers are creative. They have a way with words and are constantly thinking outside the box and dreaming up new ideas. That’s why it’s important to select thoughtful gifts that’ll encourage their love of writing.
To make it easier for you, I’ve divided the list into two sections — stocking stuffers for young writers (which has ideas for kids) and stocking stuffers for writers (where you’ll find ideas for adults.) And to help you stay on budget, each stocking stuffer idea below is less than $10.
Ready? Let’s look at some of the best stocking stuffers for writers!
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10 Stocking Stuffers for Young Writers
Young writers are constantly learning and developing their skills as they try to find their own unique voice. These stocking stuffers are the perfect combination of fun and learning — making them a great choice for any budding writer.
1. Smencils
I buy a big pack of Smencils each December and divide them up between my kids’ stockings. Smencils are scented pencils made from recycled newspapers, and they make writing so much fun!
While the large pack I linked to above is over $10, remember I have a lot of kids. The price per pencil is less than $2, which is an excellent price for a novelty pencil! And since each individual pencil comes in a cute container, it’s easy to spread them out between multiple stockings.
If you’re not buying for as many writers as I am, here’s a smaller, holiday-themed pack.
Why Smencils Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
Young writers enjoy Smencils because they:
- Involve the senses while writing
- Have great smelling pencils
- Stay scented for a long time
- Make writing fun – they’re really cute
Novelty pencils can put a smile on your young writer’s face!
2. Tiny Notebooks
Give your young writer a place to record their ideas with a small spiral notebook. My 8-year-old daughter loves writing songs and stories. She always carries a notebook and a pen with her and pulls them out whenever she has downtime.
You can buy notebooks with cute covers, like the ones linked above. Or you can keep it simple and go with something plain, like these.
Either way, the young writer in your life will find plenty of ways to fill the pages.
Why Notebooks Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
Young writers love notebooks because they:
- Allow them to write down their ideas anytime, anywhere
- Can be personalized with stickers on the cover
- Are portable and can easily fit in a backpack
Give the gift of creativity with a tiny notebook this Christmas!
3. Blank Books
A blank book provides so many possibilities! Your young writers can use one to create a book of their own. I like the ones with a hardcover, as they’re sturdier. They also look more “real,” which can motivate kids to write.
You can select different sizes, so choose one that’ll fit your child’s stocking!
Why Blank Books Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
Blank books make an ideal gift for young writers because they:
- Encoruage creativity and imagination
- Serve as a tangible representation of their work
- Seem like “real” books that they can create and give to others
- Allow for customization and personalization
Your child will have endless possibilities with a blank book. Will they create a book of poems? Or a personalized alphabet book? Whatever they choose, it’ll be amazing!
4. Story Cubes
While Story Cubes actually made my list of the best writing games for kids, they’re small enough that they also work well in stockings. So, if you haven’t picked up a set yet, plan on adding one to your shopping list this year.
Why Story Cubes Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
Story cubes help foster creativity and can help kids learn to think quickly. Plus, storytelling and storywriting go hand-in-hand. Your child will love these because they:
- Can be used independently or collaboratively
- Encourage creative thinking
- Help them pay attention to the details in their stories
- Are small enough they can bring them in the car or to a friend’s house
Roll the dice and see what tale you can spin with Story Cubes!
5. 100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
Vocabulary is an essential component of successful writing. Help your middle schooler learn new words with this handy book from the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries.
They also have versions for high school freshmen and high school graduates if your young writer is a bit older…
Why Vocabulary Building Books Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
Vocabulary-building books are a thoughtful gift for young writers because they:
- Help expand vocabulary and improve writing skills
- Can be used as a handy reference during the writing process
- Allow for better expression in an age-appropriate way
Give your young writer the gift of language with this practical book!
6. Index Cards
From taking notes to using them to create cards in board games they design, my kids are always using index cards. They’ll love getting their own pack in their stockings this year!
You can find these in different sizes and colors, so pick a pack that suits your child’s preferences.
Why Index Cards Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
Index cards are so versatile! They allow young writers to:
- Collect their ideas in a color-coded way
- Make cards for games or other creative projects
- Use them for outlining and organizing their writing
And though it may not fit well in a stocking, an index card case is essential for keeping all those cards together and organized. Just be sure to get one that matches the size of your child’s cards.
7. A Fidget Spinner
When writer’s block strikes, a fidget spinner can help your child boost creativity and start writing again. It also helps improve focus and concentration.
Best of all, once they learn to use them, your child can use a fidget spinner with one hand. That means they can be writing with the other one!
Why Fidget Spinners Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
Fidget spinners are fun for kids to use. They’re soothing and can help improve focus. They can also:
- Help your child overcome writer’s block
- Keep your child’s hands busy while they’re thinking about new stories to write
If you have several kids, give them each a unique color fidget spinner. That way, there’s no fighting about which one belongs to each child.
8. Gel Pens
These fun glitter gel pens let your child add some color to their writing. They’re perfect for creating colorful notes, writing in a journal, or adding some pizazz to their stories.
If your child isn’t into glitter, you can get a set like these that don’t sparkle.
Why Gel Pens Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
Gel pens are practical and fun. They:
- Add flair to writing
- Can inspire creative thinking
- Are smooth and easy to write with
- Can be used for drawing and writing, making them versatile
Watch your kids create tons of amazing content with these gel pens!
9. LCD Writing Tablets
My kids write on these LCD Writing Tablets all the time! They’re a favorite around here, which is why they made my list of the best gifts for kids who enjoy writing. But since they’re small enough to fit in a stocking, I wanted to include them in this list as well.
I love tucking these into my bag and bringing them to church on Sundays to keep my younger crew sitting quietly. They use them for writing, doodling, and note-taking.
Why LCD Writing Tablets Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
We love these tablets because they:
- Have fun colors underneath
- Are easy to erase
- Promote creativity
- Work well for brainstorming
Plus, you can often get them in packs of two or three for a great per-unit price!
10. Magnetic Poetry Set
Have a poet in your life? One of my teenagers is constantly creating poems, and I know this Magnetic Poetry box would be a big hit with her.
You can stick the words to the fridge, a magnetic whiteboard, or anywhere else magnets stick.
Why Magnetic Poetry Sets Are a Great Stocking Stuffer for Young Writers
As long as you ensure your young writer is old enough not to eat magnets, this would be a fun gift!
It:
- Is fun to use and sticks to any magnetic surface
- Lets them use the same words in new ways
- Inspires creativity
- Can be used to leave poems and notes for others
Plus, you can get different themes – though many cost more than $10.
10 Stocking Stuffers for Writers
Kids aren’t the only ones who might appreciate a writing-themed stocking stuffer. If you’re shopping for an adult, these ideas are for you.
1. The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Family Writing Time
If you know someone trying to grow their writing business while raising a family, my eBook would make a great gift! Buy a copy and save it onto a ThumbDrive for them (it’s like a 2-in-1 gift!)
This book shows busy parents how to use Family Writing Time to carve out an extra 30 minutes a day for their writing. It includes plenty of ideas for engaging kids of all ages, a handy supply list, and troubleshooting strategies if it’s not going as planned.
You can choose between PDF, EPUB, and Mobi versions, so learn which format your writer prefers and buy this eBook for them.
Why The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Family Writing Time Makes a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
Busy moms who are trying to grow a home business will appreciate this book because it:
- was written by a large family mom and has practical strategies
- explores the concept of Family Writing Time to gain an extra 30 minutes a day for writing
- teaches you to involve the kids in this pursuit from a young age
- makes it easy to implement
Use the coupon code stocking at checkout to grab this ebook for 50% off!
2. Nice Pens
I don’t know about you, but I much prefer to write with a nice pen than one of the cheap ones I buy for the kids. I like these Gel Ink Pens. They’re gentle to hold and write smoothly.
I also like these pens with a stylus tip. The rose gold is my favorite, but they come in other colors, too.
Why Nice Pens Make a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
You can get all the ideas out of your head with a pen and paper! And if your writer’s house is anything like mine, finding a pen can be challenging -having plenty on hand is important! Plus, they:
- Are comfortable to use
- Make it easier to distinguish “mom’s” pen from the ones the kids use
Pens for the win!
3. Cute Post-It Notes
With so many ideas popping into our heads, writers need a place to jot them all down. These cute post-it notes make it fun. Because while you can use those plain yellow ones, why would you want to if these were available?
Why Cute Post-It Notes Make a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
Wondering why to go with these?
- They’re available in different colors and shapes, so you can personalize the gift
- They pair perfectly with the pens above
- They’re consumable
- They’re something someone might not splurge on for themself
These animal sticky notes are cute!
4. Desk Pen Holder
With so many fun pens to try, writers need a dedicated place to keep them all organized. This small pen holder will fit in a stocking and it’s still large enough to hold 45-60 pens. Plus, you can get different colors to match their office decor.
Why a Desk Pen Holder Makes a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
It’s hard to write when you’re surrounded by clutter. A desk organizer helps keep the office tidy so you can get all those great ideas out. They also:
- Give pens a home so everyone knows where to put them
- Come in different styles to match your writer’s decor
- Look cute on a desk and help save space
5. Mug Cake Mixes
My oldest daughter gave me this idea! If you’re staying up late writing, you might need something sweet to keep you going. And if you don’t want to take a lot of time away from your writing, these mug cake mixes are a simple solution.
Why Mug Cake Mixes Make a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
You don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen making yourself a snack when you’re trying to write. But sometimes, a sweet tooth hits, and you need something to keep going. These mixes:
- Come in several flavors
- Are available in gluten-free varieties
- Don’t take long to mix up
- Only dirty a mug and a spoon
- Are single serve
And most of them taste pretty good, too! But if your writer prefers to make things from scratch, you could also get them a Mug Cake Cookbook.
6. Moving Sand Art Picture
Sometimes, adults need a way to clear their heads. And while they can grab a fidget spinner like a kid, they may not find that as soothing as playing with sand art.
Turn the frame over and watch the sand pour down in new ways. It’s mesmerizing and can help writers stay calm and focused.
Why Moving Sand Art Pictures Make a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
This picture frame has stands, so it can sit on a desk where you’re writing. It also:
- Creates a new pattern each time it’s turned to keep it fresh
- Helps you stay focused and relaxed
- Is interactive, so it can give you something to do when you’re dealing with writer’s block
With so many different design possibilities, this gift won’t seem boring!
7. A Timer
If your writer has a goal of writing for a certain amount of time each day, a cute timer can help them achieve their goal. They can also use the timer to help them stay focused on other tasks.
This cute animal timer is adorable, but you can choose from several other colors and designs as well.
Why Timers Make a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
While you can set a timer on your phone, sometimes it’s best to write without the distraction of technology. These timers allow you to set the time and not get any distracting notifications while it keeps time.
Timers also:
- Can be used for Pomorodo time management strategies
- Help with quick clean-ups
- Can keep social media from sucking you in
With so many benefits, perhaps it’s time to get a timer?
8. Notebooks
We discussed pens earlier, but don’t forget that every writer needs notebooks to write in! These small A5 lined notebooks are a good choice! The rigid cover holds up well, and the paper is decent quality. You can pick from several different colors, so pick one that your writer will love.
You can also buy them in a set of three for less than $5 each. Sometimes, it saves to buy in bulk!
Why Notebooks Make a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
Notebooks are for collecting ideas, brainstorming, trying new things, and more. You can never have too many notebooks — especially if they’re well-made and beautiful. Notebooks:
- Help get ideas out of the brain
- Can be a holder for cute stickers
- Are easier to keep track of than sticky notes or loose paper
Pocket notebooks are also handy! (And they also fit better in a stocking!)
9. A Special Door Hanger
When you’re writing, you don’t want to be disturbed. That’s where this handy door hanger comes in. You can write your own message and put it on your door so everyone knows to leave you alone for a bit.
There’s even a built-in compartment to hold the dry-erase marker. And this one comes with an LD light to illuminate your sign, making it even more visible.
Why Door Hangers Make a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
Door hangers communicate. And with this one, you can make it say anything you want. This could include “Writing, please don’t disturb” or “Please knock.” It’s a simple way to convey a message to the others around you.
This hanger:
- Let’s you change the message whenever you need to
- Can minimize distractions while you write
- Can be used to leave messages to others while you work
You could even write “Merry Christmas” on it before leaving it in the stocking.
10. Inspirational Quote Stickers
Writers will love reading motivational quotes and words from novels that adorn these stickers. They work perfectly for sticking to notebooks or planners.
Then, anytime they’re read, these words can offer inspiration.
Why Inspirational Stickers Make a Great Stocking Stuffer for Writers
Inspirational quote stickers provide a daily dose of motivation. They:
- Add personality to notebooks, water bottles, and tons of other objects
- Serve as a reminder to keep writing, even when things get tough
- Can be used as a visual prompt for new ideas or stories
With so many different stickers to choose from, you’re sure to find some that resonate with the writer in your life.
Stocking Stuffers for the Win!
From practical items to gifts that inspire the imagination, these stocking stuffers for writers will surely be appreciated this Christmas. Whether you’re shopping for a young writer or an adult wordsmith, these gifts show that you support their love for writing.
So add some literary flair to your holiday gift-giving with these stocking stuffer ideas. And don’t forget to share your own creative ideas for gifts in the comments below!
Lisa Tanner is a former teacher turned homeschooling mom with 11 kids. She's also a successful freelance writer. Lisa enjoys helping other busy moms find time to start and grow a side hustle of their own.
HappyDoki says
This thoughtful list of stocking stuffers for writers caters to both young aspiring wordsmiths and seasoned adults, offering a range of practical yet delightful gifts. From scented pencils and tiny notebooks to inspiring stickers and timers, each item is chosen with the writer’s creative process in mind. The budget-friendly selections demonstrate a keen understanding of the unique needs and joys that come with the writing journey, making these stocking stuffers a perfect blend of functionality and inspiration.
Lisa Tanner says
Thank you! So glad you found the list helpful.