It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The warm glow of holiday lights, delicious sugary treats, and gathering with loved ones to spend quality time and exchange gifts.

Crap. Gifts. Which Lego set did your niece ask for? And what is it that your brother-in-law does again? Freelance writer?

What in the O Holy Night could he possibly want for the holidays?

If you have no clue what to get the special freelance writer in your life, I’ve got you covered. Here are some ideas:

1. Coffee and all things adjacent

Caffeine. That’s it. That’s the idea. See also: gift cards, reusable mugs, snacks, and tea.

2. Online tool subscriptions

Believe it or not, freelance writing isn’t just sitting down and unleashing a spew of words that form concise and eloquent content. Writers use tools – a lot of them. If you’re close to the writer in your life, you might know the types of tools they use to aid in their craft. Paying the annual subscription for one of these will win you serious favor. Some ideas:

• WordPress domain fees
• Grammarly Premium
• AP Styleguide
• Canva Pro
• LinkedIn Premium
• Paid freelance job boards (ex. iWriter)
• Social media schedulers (ex. Hootsuite)

3. Notebook or planner

The thing about being a full-time writer is that inspiration can strike at any time. Which can be brilliant, but also annoying when you’re, say, at a Mexican restaurant. Or your son’s t-ball game – let’s be honest, it’s easy for your mind to wander when the most exciting thing on the field is a five-year-old’s self-portrait in the dirt. Having a notepad helps your beloved writer keep track of all those ideas.

4. Books

“Read a lot, write a lot” is one of Stephen King’s great commandments. Most writers tend to read a lot, and enjoy a wide variety of genres to boot. One of your own favorite books is just about the greatest gift they could receive.

5. Warm comfort items

Like every office ever, a freelancer’s home office is cold. And unlike a corporate office, there’s no facilities manager to pop out of the woodwork and chastise you for plugging in a space heater. For a less common and more energy-efficient alternative to a space heater, try a foot-warming pad. Those things deserve an award. Or, you know, a thick, snuggly blanket is never out of style.

6. Office decor

As writers, we often opt to leave things to the imagination. But… you’ve seen their office, and it’s currently leaving a bit too much to the imagination. Help them spruce it up with a potted plant or inspiring piece of art.

7. Workout gear

You can’t spell freelance without “free.” And freedom is one of the best parts of the gig. Your writer friend can be active whenever and wherever they want. If they’re a known exerciser, consider something related: gym membership, new cross-trainers, a new yoga mat (because you know theirs is starting to smell).

8. New headphones or earbuds

Your writer has almost certainly listened to “Lo-Fi Chillstep Beats to Study To” more times than they can count. After all, writing takes focus, and not all writers have a tranquil home office to retreat to. Give the gift of focus with noise-canceling Bluetooth earbuds or headphones.

May your days be merry and write

Not sure what to get your friend or family member who’s a freelance writer? Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to pick something that will make their days a little merrier and brighter, this holiday season and beyond.