10 Best Holiday Presents for Screenwriters 2025

The best holiday presents for screenwriters (in 2025) are ones they don’t already own, haven’t already been given, and, for most, don’t come with a picture of Bill Shakespeare on the side. Sorry, Bill Shakespeare mug makers. Most screenwriters don’t even know the guy, and, whether it’s full of coffee, tea, or the holiday spirit, they already have a favorite mug.

Hey, maybe it’s one you got them as a holiday present years ago! Nice job, old you!

Now let’s talk about you, now, the screenwriting gift guide reader who wants (needs!) to find the best holiday presents for screenwriters in their life. This isn’t a screenwriting gift guide that’s going to throw you a literal writers’ block, a squishy ball, or another moleskin notebook (we have plenty, and no, we’re not ready to throw any of them out).

So rest assured, this list of the Best Holiday Presents for Screenwriters will give you the screenwriting gift inspiration that helps make writing, rewriting, pitching, and surviving production something to write (or text) home about.

Every screenwriter—from indie creators to major studio writers— loves gifts. And any good screenwriting gift guide should feature one of the best apps for screenwriting: Scriptation.

With Scriptation, screenwriters benefit from amazing script annotation and workflow tools that helps streamline their process and save them valuable time for what they love most about their craft – the actual writing. Scriptation helps screenwriters mark up scripts clearly and professionally, and their note transfer feature means no more rewriting your brilliant act two blow or re-sticking those post-its.

You can navigate a rewrite with confidence knowing you’re using the same app that helped make such projects as Game of Thrones, Saturday Night Live, and the Wicked franchise. You can have the script read back to you with Playback, highlight lines for that Table Read, and so much more; so if you’re looking for the best present for screenwriters in your life, hook ’em up with a year of Industry Pro.

They’ll thank you later – maybe even while they give the speech for their latest award win.

Maybe you already use Scriptation, and you’re trying to get someone to come along with you on your paperless adventure. Here are a few outside the box Scriptation uses to entice the screenwriting gift getter in your life:

– Like reading scripts during travel? Then carry your iPad loaded with Scriptation and screenplays, and you’ll save valuable room in your carryon. Your back already thanks you.

– Speaking to a group? Load your speech notes into Scriptation and you’ll never have to

– The best way to learn about Scriptation? Try it out! Get in there with either of their Sample Scripts or load your own to play with. Take the plunge and try that feature that you’ve only seen directors use. Start with Layers, they’ll completely change how you organize your script notes:

Try out Scriptation’s free script annotation app and try for yourself!

What is the screenwriter in your life going to use Scriptation on? Their new iPad, of course!

The iPad is a gold standard for script reading and annotation, and makes for an incredible screenwriter gift. Paired with Scriptation, it transforms into a powerhouse markup tool for the writers’ room, prep meetings, stage rehearsals and post production, making it the perfect pairing for your screenwriting presents. Anywhere you could have lost your script? You can carry your iPad, and you’re a lot less likely to leave that behind.

Don’t forget the Apple pencil, either, for that paper-writing feeling without that paper-writing waste. If you’re worried it’s not personal screenwriting present for your liking, remember; you can always personalize either one. Apple will even throw in that pencil engraving for free.

What is the screenwriter in your life going to use to protect that iPad (besides a password/face ID)? An iPad case, of course!

They may not leave an iPad behind like you would a notebook or paper script, but they sure can drop it like one. If you’re looking at the best presents for screenwriters in your life, you have a pretty good idea of how well they take care of things. If they answer is “Pristinely”, maybe let them pick out their own case. If the answer is “not at all”, then, well, maybe present this gift pre-cased.

This is also a great place for personalization and details; replacing a beat up old case with a new version in their favorite color hue, or adding custom decals so they can literally put their own stamp on it.

Not sure if you knew this, but screenplays don’t magically appear (we’ve tried). So whether you are finding a screenwriting gift for someone new to the craft or perhaps that writer stuck in a rut, you can’t go wrong with a book on writing. Heck, Stephen King even called his book on writing, “On Writing“. Crushed it. No notes.

Here are some overall favorites for books on, about, or for writing. These picks help writers spark fresh ideas, refine their craft, and build the foundation for great storytelling:

1. Save the Cat by Blake Snyder (plenty of genre and form specific spin offs, too)
2. The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
3. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont

There’s more, whole sections even, but knowing the person you’re buying for will help you find the perfect screenwriting present. Books on the craft are a present for screenwriter’s in your life that shows you’re not just reading their work… you’re listening to their goals.

What’s a more perfect holiday gift for screenwriters than actual screenplays?! Whether a stack of essentials, a book of scripts from your favorite series, or a bound copy of an all-time classic (with an introduction from the writer, director, or biggest fan), a screenplay is as close to a no-brainer writer gift there is.

Do some research and find some of the highest regarded screenplays, whether from a list like the WGA’s 101 Greatest Screenplays or a conversation you have with some of your closest contemporaries.

A screenwriter can never read too many scripts—or gain too many perspectives on the storytelling process.

FUN FACT: You can also load up Scriptation with some Academy Award-winning options without leaving the app, perfect as a surprise screenwriting gift!

Writing isn’t just a craft—it’s a lifestyle, and when perusing the best holiday gifts for screenwriters that’s a fact worth remembering. These gifts make long writing sessions a little more enjoyable and a lot more comfortable.

So get that jump suit, the oversized hoody, the slippers with the lifetime warranty. Or maybe your screenwriting present is for someone who likes to work in a three-piece suit and designer shoes. Maybe it’s a mix of the two.

That’s the writer, what about their surroundings? A new ergonomic desk chair won’t be a screenwriting gift that goes unused, we can tell you that much. Blue-light glasses keep the retinas fresh, which I’m told is preferable. Wrist rests, back cushions, fancy keyboards… just know before you go, and try before you buy; is this something your screenwriter will enjoy? Or junk someone’s trying to sell you (see also: Bill Shakespeare mug)?

Massages, pedicures, and theraguns, oh my!

Here’s some free screenwriting gift advice: one of the absolute best holiday presents for screenwriters is one that helps their body relax after all the work their mind has been up to. With a little digging, you can probably find the spot your dear writer goes to pamper themselves – throw the next session on your tab and they’ll be sure to thank you (after they wake up).

Help writers recharge their imagination with a screenwriting gift that has to be experienced to be believed… because, well, it’s an experience first. Whether you find an amazing writing workshop, get tickets to a film festival, or entrance to an insider Q&A, experiences are some of the best screenwriting presents out there.

Don’t be afraid to go outside the industry, either; if you know a screenwriter who’s researching a specific topic or region, a screenwriting experience going to the place they’ve only written about will do wonders for their mind and story. It’s also a screenwriting gift that can be shared, either with a fellow writer or gift-giver.

Paleyfest is a great option to celebrate some of your screenwriter’s favorite shows… with the very cast and crew who made it… making it an unparalleled screenwriting experience that you can attend year after year.

What screenwriting gift guide would be complete without stocking stuffers? Sure, you’ve got the big ticket items on lock, but you can’t forget some of the smaller screenwriting gifts out there.

No, still no Bill Shakespeare mug. Sorry.

But we will recommend some time-tested go-to holiday presents for screenwriters:

A great pen. A good pair of earbuds (for story walks). An affordable pair of sunglasses (also for story walks – reminding writers to get outside is a great help). Coffee. Coffee gift cards. Tea. Tea… gift cards? Healthy snacks. Unhealthy snacks (in moderation). A cool bag or backpack (to carry all of the items on this list!).

And again, no notebooks. They have those.

You’ve read this screenwriting gift guide, you’ve checked it twice, you’ve clicked links, you’ve even downloaded Scriptation. Well, now it’s time to think about the screenwriting present that only you can give.

Maybe it’s writing of your own, framed and hung in the writer’s office.

Maybe it’s a picture you took, of you, of both of you, or of something significant that it makes an unbelievable screenwriter gift. Also framed, of course. Maybe hung up outside the writer’s office.

Maybe… it’s something else entirely. I hope this list has lead you to not just a listing of screenwriter gift ideas, but to inspiration to find the gifts only you can give. Remember this old idiom is still true: it’s the thought that counts.

This year, as you look for the best holiday presents for screenwriters, remember to give them something that fuels their creativity, supports their process, and reminds them how much you mean to them – whether they hit today’s page quota or not. So, from all of us, have a Happy Holidays—and happy writing!

Want more tips, guides, and countdowns for all thing screenwriting? Than stay tuned to the Scriptation blog!