12 Perfect Graduation Gifts For Writers

It's true that a writer can never have too many journals, but do they need to get a dozen of them for their graduation? Instead of getting the future novelist in your life another notebook, go for a unique graduation gift for writers, because there are so many other options out there.

Getting a degree in writing might seem like a walk in the park, but take it from someone who has been there, it's just as challenging as every other major out there. Despite how it's depicted in the movies, it's not all poetry slams and classes outside on the lawn. It requires hours and hours of reading and analysis, late nights filled with writing, rewriting, and revision, and plenty of criticism, which, constructive or not, still stings. In other words, studying writing is hard, and so is pursuing a career in it, which is why you should get a special gift for the recent graduate and soon-to-be writer in your life. After years of peer review workshops and reading into the wee hours of the morning, the special aspiring writer deserves a gift that not only says "Good job on graduating!" but one that says, "I can't wait to see what you do next."

In case you need some new ideas, here are 12 graduation gifts for writers that blow inscribed journals out of the water.

1. Litograph Bag

Now that the graduate is leaving the hallowed halls of college and hitting the pavement in search of a job, give them a literary-themed bag to hold their resumes, writing portfolios, and books in. They're going to need it, not to mention love it.

Choose Your Own Adventure Litograph Tote, $29, Litographs

2. Bookish Beach Towel

It's every graduate's dream to spend some time post-college lounging on a beach somewhere. If that graduate is a writer, give them this adorable illustrated beach towel featuring great nostalgic books, including the Harry Potter series and The Amber Spy Glass.

Kids Books Beach Towel, $38, Society6

3. Library Card Socks

Book-lovers and writers spend a lot of time at the library, so they'll love these fun and comfy library card print socks. Besides, what writer isn't into #SockSunday, right?

Library Card Socks, $10, BookRiot

4. Jay Z Salinger Tee

One of the greatest things about being a writer is that, a lot of the time, you can work from home. If you know a graduate who won't have to worry about suits and dress shoes, give them this hilarious and punny t-shirt. It's the perfect writer's uniform.

Justin Hanger Jay Z Salinger Tee, $40, Fab

5. The Elements of Style Illustrated by William Jr. Strunk

Whether the writer in your life is graduating high school and heading off to college, or leaving college for the world of writers, they can always use The Elements of Style by William Jr. Strunk. Instead of the standard version, go with this beautifully designed illustrated one that will look great on your graduate's writing desk.

'The Elements of Style Illustrated by William Jr. Strunk,' $10.98, Amazon

6. Great First Lines of Literature Mug

When a graduate sits down to write their book, they're going to need to jump over one major hurdle: coming up with a great first line. This mug, featuring the best first lines from classic books like Fahrenheit 451 and Moby Dick, will serve as the perfect inspiration.

Great First Lines of Literature Mug, $13.95, Gone Reading

7. Ron Carlson Writes a Story by Ron Carlson

There are books on writing, and then there's Ron Carlson's book on writing. Maybe the aspiring writer you're gifting has already had plenty of advice on successful storytelling, but Ron Carlson Writes a Story is a unique and inspiring handbook featuring advice, tips, and inspiration from a master of storytelling.

'Ron Carlson Writes a Story by Ron Carlson,' $12, Amazon

8. Lit Wit Deck

Now that those late nights of studying are gone, writers need to fill the free time they have when they're not writing some other way. Lit Wit Deck is a fun and simple bookish trivia game that makes the perfect gift for literary lovers and aspiring writers.

Lit Wit Deck: Trivia Cards to Boost Your Book Smarts, $16.99, Gone Reading

9. Writer's Block Character Booklet

Just because a writer graduated doesn't mean getting that first book done is going to be easy. Give a writer a helping hand with these character cards, complete with spaces to work out character traits, physical attributes, a backstory, and birthday.

Writer's Block Character Booklet, $14.23, Etsy

10. Author Candle

Bookish memorabilia comes in all shapes and sizes, but these amazing author-themed prayer candles burn brighter than the rest. Beautifully designed and unique, they're a graduation gift unlike all the others.

Kurt Vonnegut Candle, $12.95, The Strand

11. Hollow Book Safe

It's no secret that a lot of writers enjoy a drink at the end of the day. (With a pile of rejection letters waiting for them at home, can you blame them?) This unique and funky hollowed out book is the perfect hiding place for a writer's flask — who could ever find it among their many, many other books anyways?

Hollow Book Safe with Flask, $55, Etsy

12. Inspirational Art Print

A lot of writers work from home, so give the graduate something to make their house and work space beautiful and literary. It's always a safe bet to get a print of their favorite author or book, or my favorite, an inspirational quote from literature.

Great Women of Literature Print, $16, Society6

Image: BookRiot