27 Awesome Gifts For Screenwriters
A list of gifts for screenwriters. The best collection of things to gift a scriptwriter--from typewriter keyboard to writing books, you'll find them here.
When a film becomes a hit, it’s the director who mostly gets the credit. It’s their name that appears first in the credit sequence in big, bold letters and that’s anything anyone remembers if they stick around that long. And to be fair, they deserve it. They lead the team of creatives through unforeseen obstacles, tight schedules and make order out of the chaos on the set to turn an idea into a film. But the writers, who create the story world out of their imagination, essentially the first ones to see the film, don’t get as recognized.
Try naming a few screenwriters working today out of the top of your head. May be a few big names like Aaron Sorkin and Charlie Kaufman will pop into your head, but the rest of them mostly go on living without the fame that befalls of filmstars and bigshot directors.
So to honor those not-as-sung heroes that write our favorite films, here’s a list of the best gifts for screenwriters. Pick one that suits your recipient’s style.
Typewriter Keyboard
There’s something about watching a character in a period film who’s a writer typing frantically at the typewriter that makes you want to write the same way. Humans are wired to use our hands to create things. The kinetic energy helps encourage a flow of ideas. Keyboards work too, but they look ugly and the modern ones look depressingly utopian. Only an writer who’s a sucker for old school stuff will understand this.
This typewriter style keyboard is a writer’s best shot at getting that creative flow. If nothing else the aesthetic of it is very pleasing. This is a creative gift idea for a screenwriter that is also practical. It’s the perfect gift.
Typewriter Print Tank Top
A typewriter is for a writer what a pair of boxing gloves is to a fighter. They’re both symbols that represent their respective crafts. You gift a cool t-shirt with appropriately placed boxing gloves graphic to a boxer and you gift a cool typewriter art print tank top like this to a writer or screenwriter.
If your recipient is an aspiring screenwriter who takes pride in her craft gift her this stylish tank top. Just make sure you get the correct size. There’s nothing like a wrong judgment about a person’s size to ruin a good gift.
Study Lamp
It’s easy for a writer to get carried away while working. You never know when the day ends and the night begins. Inspiration doesn’t wait for the ideal time to strike. The writing continues. A cup of some strong coffee and a study lamp are companions for those nights when the words don’t stop flowing.
Most writers, or at least the old fashioned ones, prefer lamps that looks vintage over the modern ones. This will make a fine gift for a screenwriter who doesn’t already own one or if they do own a LED one this will replace it.
The Anatomy of Story
Giving a book on screenwriting to a screenwriter isn’t the best idea. It’s likely they have those books already, and some people may misjudge your intentions and consider it as a slight, as if you are questioning their abilities. Still, I included this book in the list because it’s an essential for any writer serious about learning the craft, and if you are certain that they don’t own a copy they’ll appreciate getting one.
There’s a time and a place to give someone a book as a gift. If they’re the humble and willing to learn types then go ahead, give them this book. If they’re the arrogant types who are stubborn about doing everything on their own, pick something else on the list.
Screenwriter's Notebook
Creativity is a messy thing. Ideas don’t follow a schedule nor they’re beholden to the convenience of the artist. They show up out of nowhere and get lost in the subconscious if not attended. Which is why having a book dedicated to writing down these thoughts is a good practice.
This Screenwriter’s Idea Notebook will make a useful gift for your recipient. To have all their random creative thoughts in one notebook will help them get organized. Something which they may not have thought of themselves, or, because of their artistic and unbeholden nature, may not have put in practice. Either way they’ll appreciate this present.
Typewriter Art Tote Bag
Sometimes it’s not worth spending too much time trying to find the most unique gift for your recipient. If you’re going back and forth on choices decision panicking will set in and you’ll get stressed out with no progress. In the end you have to realize that even the simplest gift can end up being the most memorable one if your intentions are right.
This typewriter art tote isn’t the most creative idea for a gift but the design is nice and any writer will appreciate it. Sometimes it’s really the thought that counts. Also, it’s organic made so if your recipient is of the tree hugger kind they’ll appreciate the thought.
Future Oscar Winner T-shirt
Sometimes all you need when you’re trying to chase an impossible dream is someone who believes you can do it. Even the most confident people can suffer from self doubt and need validation from time to time.
Winning an oscar or even getting nominated for one represents an important milestone in any ambitious movie writers career. If your recipient is a struggling screenwriter who’s still miles away from winning the real thing they’ll appreciate this small gesture of encouragement. This t-shirt tells them that you think they deserve one. It’ll make a charming gift that’ll your recipient will adore.
Screenwriter Coffee Mug
Titles are important. Especially for people working in the film business. They show up next to your name in the credits and represent how you contributed to the making of a movie. Directors, screenwriters, D.O.Ps, they all feel pride about their title.
This simple black mug that says “Screenwriter” isn’t the most creative design for a mug yet it’s the best you could give to one. Black is also the prefered color of filmmakers. This minimalistic mug is best suited for a recipient who has class.
Digital Voice Recorder
Sometimes ideas can come to you so quickly that it can be too overwhelming to write them down and in other instances the timing is just so random that it’s inconvenient to take out a book to write them down. You might not have one around. You can use an app on your smartphone to type the down or record them with the recorder app but phones are too distracting.
A digital voice recorder can come in handy in these situations. It’s a dedicated tool meant for just one purpose eliminating the distractions. A useful gadget for a writer. It’s a practical gift they’ll appreciate. You can also give it to an actor or a journalist as a gift.
Cinema Lightbox
Anyone in the business of making movies is there because of their love for cinema. We all love stories, but some just love it so much that they feel a need to write some of their own. Of course some people do it for other superficial reasons but even those won’t mind owning something like this.
This cinema lightbox is an ideal gift for filmmakers, film buffs and anyone who loves movies. They can use it on date nights, house parties, movie nights and everything else they can think of. A unique, charming gift that’ll impress and delight.
The Rewrite (Film)
As a filmmaker myself I enjoy watching films and TV shows about filmmakers. Humans learn by watching and observing, and while books and films cannot compare to real life experience and one must not rely on them for their primary source of knowledge about the world there are certain things to be learnt from them. After all they’re stories and those things are meant to give us a rough framework on how the world works.
The rewrite is a story of a washed up screenwriter who takes up a job as a writing professor while still trying to make it back in the business. It’s a film about a screenwriter and will appeal to one. It’s a good movie too. You’ll recipient will have a fun time watching it.
Typewriter
Technology keeps evolving as humans keep figuring out how to be more efficient and make our lives more convenient. A typewriter used to be an essential tool for any writer just a few decades ago. Before that it was pen and paper, but computers do everything a typewriter can do and a lot more.
It doesn’t make sense to own a typewriter today. On its face it’s an irrational choice to make, but we are not the all logical robots we imagine ourselves to be. We sometimes do things that don’t make much sense but feel right.
Giving a typewriter to an old school writer is a cool idea. It maybe a gift that they didn’t know they wanted but will be thrilled to have. Every self respecting writer loves the idea of owning one.
The Filmmaker Says Book
The people who spend years mastering their crafts, getting to know the unique intricacies of it, gain unique bites of wisdom that any student of the craft can benefit from. This book is a collection of some insightful quotations from the best filmmakers in the industry. And while out of context quotes might be misleading they can be useful for those who already know enough about the field to not misinterpret them.
A screenwriter’s knowledge overlaps with that of the directors since they need to understand how each other’s job works to be effective at their own jobs. If your recipient is a screenwriter who’s smart and knowledgeable enough about the craft to not take everything they read at face value while also knowing what to take from a good quotation, they’ll enjoy reading this book.
Martin Scorsese: A Retrospective
Making a film is not a solo act. Even though screenwriters write alone, they have to collaborate with the director to get the best version of the script that can be turned into a film. It’s important for a screenwriter to have insight on how a director’s mind works.
This book by Martin Scorsese, one of the best filmmakers we have today, is a must read for writers, directors and anyone working in the film industry. It’s an interesting read. If your recipient is someone who enjoys reading a good book, they’ll appreciate it.
1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die Book
Finding out about a good film that I haven’t watched is always a pleasant surprise for me. For me getting a good movie recommendation is like getting a gift from someone. It’s an experiential gift that I appreciate and the giver doesn’t have to spend a dime on it. Now imagine someone who loves movies like I do getting this book as a gift. It’s not just one new movie they get to know about but over a thousand.
A screenwriter will absolutely love this book even if they have watched half of the films listed in it. A thousand new film suggestions may be too much for some people but for those who love cinema, it’s like a goldmine.
Portable Projector
Those who love to read can carry a book and use it whenever they feel like reading. They can even carry their entire personal library on a kindle. Those who love music can listen to any song anywhere, all they need is a set of good earphones and a smartphone. It’s not the same for those who love films though. Sure, you can carry a laptop or watch a movie on your smartphone but watching a film on a small screen is no fun.
This portable projector solves that problem. You can carry it and watch a film anywhere you can find a clear white wall. Your movie loving, screenwriter friend will love this.
Movie Food Reference Cookbook
Have you ever wondered what a dish that you heard mentioned in a film but never had a chance to eat would taste like? I mean, those delicious sounding recipes aren’t just there to tease us. They should be available.
Well, now you can, this book has recipes from some great films. They have recipes like Giant timpano from Big Night, Deli Fare from When Harry Met Sally, and more. A fun and useful gift for your film loving writer friend.
Midnight in Paris (Film)
Midnight in Paris is a film written and directed by Woody Allen, one of the most prolific filmmakers out there. This one is about a screenwriter who goes to Paris on a vacation with his fiance before his wedding. One day while out for a walk at midnight he ends up getting into a car with a bunch of strangers and ends up time traveling to the 1920’s. A bunch fun things happen after that.
This film is a great watch for any writer. They’ll enjoy watching this lighthearted, fun and insightful film.
Cinema Light Styled Lamp
After they’re done writing a script and it’s time to shoot the film, screenwriters spend a lot of time on the set. And it feels great to be on a set.
This light stand gives you the feeling of being on a set. And it looks great. A cool gift no screenwriter will not like.
Typewriter Coaster Set
Writers like typewriters. They’re part of the history of the artfrom. Anything inspired by typewriters, like these coasters, is always welcomed as a gift. And you can bet that that coffee or beer addicted screenwriter recipient of yours, like most of them are, will need coasters to save their furniture.
You can give this to any writer or screenwriter. They’ll appreciate the cool coasters as a gift.
Writer Emergency Pack
No writer is unfamiliar with the writer’s block. It haunts us and tries to make us miserable.
This writer emergency pack is a fine tool for writers to get some creative juices flowing and get the push they need to come up with a great story.
Gift them this and they’ll use it and when it helps them get over their block they’ll call and thank you.
Write Dazzling Dialogue - Book
I stand by what I said. You shouldn’t gift writers books about writing. But this is an exception because, first, it’s not a how to be a screenwriter book and, second, it’s very likely that they haven’t heard of it because it’s meant for novelists.
Still, dialogue is dialogue. And there are some great lessons here that they can use to write their next blockbuster script.
Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield
This is not a writing manual. This is a book meant for artists to help them fight the creative battle they have to face everyday while they confront the blank page.
This book by Steven Pressfield is a must read for artists. You can gift it not just to a screenwriter but anyone involved in any form of a creative endeavor.
Brain Pickings Poster
Learning from the masters from the past is how we improve and may be if we’re good enough, add to that compendium of knowledge. Brain pickings is a website which shares lessons from the great artists in history.
They designed this poster which summarizes seven years of those lessons. This qualifies as a thoughtful gift for any writer.
Writing Desk
If you’re looking for a gift for a spouse, this writing desk is a perfect one. Writer’s need a place to write, which makes this practical.
And a gift like this acts as a gesture of encouragement and support for their work. Nothing can be more thoughtful.
They’ll always remember a present like this. It will have emotional value for them.
Trumbo (Film)
Dalton Trumbo was a controversial screenwriter in the 1940s. He was accused by the government to be a member of the communist party and blacklisted in the industry preventing him from writing more screenplays. Being the stubborn artist that he was, he continued to write low budget, b-list films with an alias in order to stay in business and eventually ended up winning an oscar.
This is a must watch film for any screenwriter. They’ll enjoy watching a movie about sheer determination and overcoming obstacles despite all odds. If your recipient is a movie buff who’s also an aspiring screenwriter they’ll love this present.
Aaron Sorkin's Screenwriting Masterclass
Aaron Sorkin is perhaps the most famous screenwriter today. He is known for writing films such as A Few Good Men, The Social Network, Steve Jobs, Moneyball and the TV show The West Wing.
In this Masterclass he shares some great lessons on the art of writing screenplays. You can gift this course to your recipient.
