Every December I tell myself I don’t need anything new for my writing setup… and every December I make a wishlist anyway.
Because here’s the truth: being a freelance writer is brain work, but it’s also body work. The tools you use, carry, and touch all day can make the difference between “I’ll just do this later” and “I’m in flow.”
So, from my desk to yours, here’s my Christmas wishlist. I’m calling it a wishlist, but if you’re buying for the writer in your life, these are the kinds of gifts that feel luxurious and genuinely useful. Think: easier posture, smoother workdays, and a little extra swagger in the coffee shop.
You’ll find a link to all these on Amazon, but feel free to use this list as a guide and shop local.
Ergonomic laptop stand
If you’ve ever caught yourself hunched over your laptop like a gargoyle (hello, freelancer life), this is the fix.
A good stand lifts your screen to eye level, which helps reduce neck and shoulder strain and makes a laptop feel more like a desktop setup. Adjustable, sturdy stands are consistently recommended for better posture and comfort.
Rocketbook reusable notebook
I love handwriting ideas, but I don’t love losing scraps of paper. Rocketbook nails the best of both worlds: handwritten notes that you scan with the Rocketbook app and send straight to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, then wipe the pages and reuse them. It’s neat, fast, and oddly satisfying.
Leather notebook cover
But back to paper. Writers are basically professional note-hoarders, so giving those notes a proper home feels like a gift to our future selves. A leather cover protects pages, keeps notebooks from getting destroyed in a bag, and instantly makes you feel like someone who has their life together. Bonus: a notebook like this looks sharp when you’re meeting clients or taking notes at workshops.
Padded laptop bag
Your laptop is your livelihood. Mine goes everywhere with me — cafes, client offices, weekend trips where I swear I won’t work (I always work). A padded bag keeps it safe from knocks, but it also saves your shoulders with better straps and weight distribution. Choose one with roomy pockets for chargers, pens, and the chaos of real life.
Luxury pen
There is something quietly powerful about a pen that glides. A luxury rollerball, like the Scriveiner I’ve been eyeing, turns everyday scribbling into a small ritual. Scriveiner pens are designed to feel balanced and smooth, with that “this is my serious writing pen” energy.
Gel wrist rest
If you type for a living, a wrist rest is not a “nice-to-have”, it’s a survival tool. A gel rest supports your wrists while you work, which helps reduce tension during long sessions. I call it a copywriter’s best friend because it’s the unsung hero between you and a cranky forearm at 4pm.
Vintage typewriter
Do you need a typewriter to write? No. Will it make you feel like a brooding 1920s novelist in a sunlit study? Absolutely. Whether you find a refurbished working model or a gorgeous decorative piece, a vintage typewriter adds instant romance to a writing space. It’s a reminder that words have history — and that your work matters too. Just call me Hemingway.
Ergonomic mouse
Scroll strain is real. If your writer spends hours editing, researching, or rewriting the same sentence twelve times, an ergonomic mouse helps keep their hand and wrist in a more natural position. Vertical mice are brilliant for this, and once you adjust, it feels like your hand is finally allowed to relax.
Pencil holder
This one’s small, but it changes the mood of a desk. A vintage-style pencil holder (especially a cute one) makes your workspace feel intentional, not accidental. It’s also the easiest way to stop pens rolling into the abyss behind your monitor.
Portable phone tripod
These days, being a writer often comes with a dash of content creation. A portable tripod lets you film reels, take author photos, or record a quick client update without stacking your phone on a pile of books. Tiny, foldable ones are perfect for travel and make “I’ll do it later” feel less tempting.
Mobile microphone
If the writer in your life is freelancing, teaching, podcasting, or just trying to sound clear on video, a mobile mic is a game-changer. External phone mics dramatically improve audio compared to built-in microphones, and the latest models are designed to be compact and easy to take anywhere with you.
Ring light
The quickest way to feel less awkward on camera? Better lighting. A portable ring light softens shadows, brightens tired eyes, and makes videos look polished even if you’re filming at night in your kitchen. It’s a confidence boost disguised as a gadget and you’ll notice the difference.
LEGO
It sounds weird, but LEGO gives a tired wordsmith the chance to think in colours and shapes instead of text. It’s a fantastic mind break and highly recommended. Or maybe it’s just me that loves an afternoon build!
A holiday
Please buy the writer in your life a week in an Airbnb, somewhere on the Mediterranean. Or even the Central Coast. We’re word addicts, and it’s nice to take a break.
If you’re shopping for a writer (or for me), give them tools that make writing more comfortable, more organised and more enjoyable. They will love you for it!
About the author
Clea ‘Copywriter’ Jones has been tapping away at the keyboard since she was six years old.
As a freelance writer based in Sydney, she helps small businesses and major brands to get noticed and get leads.