Christmas is a time to focus on the things that matter: family and friends.

Of course, ‘focus’ doesn’t need to mean ‘buy them tonnes of stuff’ — there are plenty of ways to show you appreciate someone at this time of year without having to splash the cash. That said, if you did plan on giving gifts to your loved ones this year, and they happen to be writers, we’ve listed our top gifts from independent businesses below — rather than feed the Amazon machine.

What are the best Christmas ideas for writers?

1 — The Writer tarot card enamel pin by Hartiful

I see writing in your future... this handmade enamel pin by Kayleigh, artist and designer behind Hartiful, is the perfect accessory for any mystical writers in your life. Inspired by a tarot deck, this is just one of the whole deck waiting to be collected.

2 — Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey by Walsh Whiskey

Inspired by the golden era for both Irish whiskey and, perhaps coincidentally, for great Irish novelists, poets, and playwrights, this light, sweet Irish whiskey is made using a mix of single pot still and single malt whiskeys. This results in oodles of honeyed, fruity notes — and it’s wonderfully easy to drink. We’ve been assured that no writers were harmed in the making of this whiskey.

3 — Coffee subscription by Origin

Is your writer fuelled by coffee? Imagine their delight at a personalised coffee delivered direct to their front door from one of the UK’s most celebrated coffee subscription services, Origin. They strive to work directly with the producers and build long term relationships that benefit everyone in the supply chain. Good for the planet, good for your writing.

4 — Original reusable cup by Frank Green

Frank’s not a person — it’s a philosophy. Frank Green’s mission is to create lifestyle solutions that are great for the planet and built to last. Their original product with classic curves, perfect proportions, and custom colours, this cup is bound to be the envy of all reusable cups. Easy to operate with one hand, this cup offers stain- and odour-resistant materials and an outer non-slip grip that won’t burn your hand off.

5 — Smart book light by Gingko

Founded in Oxford, husband and wife team Paul and Natalie Sun create stylish, high-end products for the home. This smart book light masquerades as a leather notebook when closed but is transformed into a sculptural lamp when opened. An ambient warm glow emits through the pages that are tear-proof and water-resistant. Assembled by hand, this multifunctional light is great for book lovers.

6 — Literary candles by Bookishly

If you’re in need of some literary scene setting, this collection of luxury, vegan-friendly candles are just for you. Inspired by famous literary locations and characters, these 100% soy wax candles have approximately fifty hours of burn time. Perfect for complementing those rainy afternoon writing sessions the UK offers on a regular basis.

7 — You Are A Writer poster by Poetify

This poster is the perfect gift for all writers, regardless of age and gender. This inspiring typographic poster serves as reminder of the power of words and the importance of storytelling. Spruce up the writer in your life’s creative space and provide motivation to their continued creation of stories.

8 — My Five Year Story journal by Mål Paper

Mål, pronounced 'mo-l’, means ‘goal’ in Swedish, which is the foundation of Mål Paper’s products. Taking inspiration from the Scandinavian minimalist and clutter-free way of living, this five-year journal is the perfect tool for helping you reflect on the highs and low throughout life. A beautiful cotton-covered journal, it allows you to relive your thoughts and emotions, day by day, over a course of five years.

9 — Eco-T Fountain Pen by TWSBI

In a digital world, sometimes you can’t help but crave an analogue experience. Why not make it extra special with this beautiful fountain pen from TWSBI. With it’s beautiful royal jade cap, and clear ‘demonstrator’ barrel revealing the filling mechanism with a built-in piston-filler, this really is the cream of the crop when it comes to pens.

10 — Qwerkywriter® keyboard by Qwerky Toys

Looking for an authentic writing experience in a digital world. While this sits at a higher price point, these mechanical keyboards inspired by typewriters of old are simply beautiful. Packed with all the industry standard features such as wireless connectivity and an integrated tablet stand, these really are the keyboards of your dreams.

11 — Blue Light Glasses by Ocushield

We’re increasingly aware of how bad computer screens can be for our health and wellbeing — but how many of us actually do something about it? These FDA-approved blue light blocking glasses are an easy way to give yourself instant relief from eye-ache and migraines, as well as improving your sleep.

12 — Hella Awkward card game by Hella Awkward

The card game for deeper connections — an important trait for anyone interested in character building and development. With 140 questions across 4 categories, this card game forces you to go beyond small talk. Perfect for really getting to know all your dinner guests this Christmas with guaranteed good vibes. Plus, their use of colour and typography is a thing of beauty.

13 — Celestial Heavens jigsaw puzzle by Designworks Ink

If you know a writer who’s a fan of puzzles, art, and making sense of things through alternative means, this could be for them. This 1000-piece jigsaw is the perfect yesteryear activity. Not only do you get to while away a rainy day completing this beautiful puzzle, there’s also a frameable 12x12” art print included to make your wall pretty to stare at once you’ve decided to throw all your digital items in a cupboard.

14 — Storybook DIY kit by Uncommon Goods

Need a gap filled on the shelf? This 3D wooden puzzle adds unexpected delight to any bookshelf or favourite reading spots with ambient light for night-time ambience. Build lush, detailed scenes within the spines of storybooks, with options from time travel to a magic house.

15 — Writing Dice by Two Tumbleweeds

Ever sat down to a blank page and felt all ability to write slip away from you mind? Here’s the solution: get yourself some Writing Dice. Whether you’re an established writer, or want to find creativity through the written word, these dice provide a thoughtful framework to guide and inspire any creative. With millions of combos one roll away, you’re bound to strike gold.

16 — 15 Minutes Timer by The School of Life

Struggling to meet deadlines? Feel too busy to work on the things that really matter? The School of Life have created this elegant glass sand timer to remind us to carve out 15 minutes a day for what truly counts. It isn’t very long, but it’s longer than we often give to the important stuff. So, next time you’re feeling lost or can’t find the motivation, sit down, turn the timer, and just write.

17 — MasterClass membership

Here at Transform, we love our MasterClass memberships. With lessons from authors and screenwriters — like Joyce Carol Oates and Neil Gaiman, among others — a MasterClass membership will help them hone their skills and become the writer you know they can be.

18 — Stack magazine subscription

For only £8 a month, you could have a different independent magazine delivered direct to your door. Launched in 2008, Stack is an independent magazine club helping people discover the best independent publishing around the world. You never know what they’ll send next, but you do know it will be beautiful, engaging, and probably not something you’ve seen before.

19 — Craft In the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew Salesses

The traditional writing workshop has become painfully outdated, established with white male writers in mind. In this refreshing examination of writing elements (plot, character, conflict, structure, and believability) and different aspects of workshopping (including the silenced writer and imagined reader), Salesses asks the reader to question how they research, craft, and teach. “When we write fiction, we write the world.”

20 — Rooms of Their Own: Where Great Writers Writer by Alex Johnson, illustrated by James Oses

Ever wondered where the greats wrote their most famous novels? Find out in this beautifully illustrated book. Johnson takes us around the world, examining the unique spaces, small habits, and eclectic rituals in which famous writers created their most notable works.

We’re here to help

Right — back to business! Of course, the greatest gift you could give to your place of work is a clear, effective marketing strategy for the new year. Get in touch with our team of experts today, and we’ll help you wrap up a plan in a neat little bow, ready to make waves in 2024.