While some writers can get away with composing in Word or Google Docs, others do better with a dedicated writing app. Scrivener, one of the most beloved apps for writers and a top performer in our hands-on testing, has tools for keeping notes on your work, whether it's character sheets or research. It also organizes written works in a way that makes it easy to rearrange scenes and chapters. This software from a group called Literature and Latte sells for a one-time fee, so there are no subscriptions to maintain. The exact price depends on whether the writer uses a Mac or PC, but either way, it's less than $50.

Is the Freewrite Traveler ridiculously expensive for what it is? Yes. But it's also super cool and many writers would love to have one. This ultra-portable faux laptop is a writing machine. It's almost like an old-fashioned word processor, except it connects to Wi-Fi so that writers can back up their work to a cloud storage system. The Traveler does not have a browser, however, so it's pure in its ability to prevent online distractions. This little device measures a scant 0.97 by 11.3 by 5 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.6 pounds—a tick heavier than an iPad.

The online learning platform MasterClass has a wealth of inspiring talks by A-list writers, including Judy Blume, David Sedaris, Amy Tan, Roxane Gay, Issa Rae, the Duffer brothers, and many more. Listening to some of the most successful people in writing speak at length and from the heart about their process, beliefs, successes, and failures is truly inspiring. A gift subscription to MasterClass keeps the inspiration coming all year long.

Before I tried Caveday, I was highly skeptical of it, but I've come around and now recommend it enthusiastically—especially for creative writers. Caveday is an online Zoom session during which you log in alongside other people who have something to accomplish, and for the three hours you spend together, you work diligently on whatever it is you need to do. It's like your own personal writing retreat, but without having to pay to get yourself to a cabin in the woods. The magic comes in the community. Before you start working, you tell your group your goals. Then you work in a focused manner for about 50 minutes, with or without your camera on. After 50 minutes, everyone takes a break for some group stretching and the cycle repeats. It's encouraging, supportive, and designed for the modern writer. Caveday sells membership gift cards starting at $39.99 for a one-month subscription.

Weighty over-ear headphones aren't the best fit for everyone. Did you know you can buy reasonably priced earbuds now that come with noise cancellation? Our top pick for noise-canceling earbuds under $100 are the Anker Soundcore Life P3. They have a shape and case not unlike Apple Airpods, but they cost less, use ear tips that help you get the right fit, and come in black, dark blue, light blue, red, or white. They make a thoughtful gift for any writer who needs to tune out the world while they work.

Some writers adore mechanical keyboards for the meditative clickety-clack typewriter sounds they make. To buy or build a custom mechanical keyboard easily pushes the cost into hundreds of dollars, but for less than $50 you can get a top-notch wireless keyboard with all that tappity-tap goodness from Cherry, a top name in mechanical keyboard switches. It's one of our favorite affordable mechanical keyboards, and it's ideal for writing and office productivity.

Some writers will be familiar with the "butt in the chair" method of writing: The way to make sure you write every single day is by putting your butt in the chair. All that sitting can get to you, though. The Pressure Relief Seat Cushion by The Cushion Lab promises to make a writer's time in the chair more bearable. This ergonomic cushion fits on any chair with a no-slip grip on the bottom to keep it in place. It's made with charcoal memory foam that's, er, odor-resistant, and comes in two sizes and several colors.

If you have a writerly friend who uses paper notebooks—not every writer does—a new Leuchtturm would be a thoughtful gift indeed. Leuchtturm's notebooks are highly customizable. You can get hardcover or soft, choose from a variety of sizes, and pick a cover color from 14 options. The pages can be plain, ruled, square, or dotted. And if you buy a notebook directly from Leuchtturm you can also get an embossed custom name or message on the cover for an additional $10.

What I love about the Sarasa Grand pen from Zebra is that it feels high-end but it's priced perfectly for a small gift. The ink flows from this retractable pen in a smooth, controlled manner, with less wetness than other gel pens. For a few dollars more, you can get a limited edition Vintage color, such as Bordeaux or a velvety Blue Gray, with a gold clip instead of silver.

Upgrade option: If a gel pen sounds ho-hum, you could wrap up a fabulous fountain pen for your writer friend instead. Online stationary store JetPens has fantastic resources to help you choose a fountain pen based on experience level.

I fell head over heels for the Panjore Lychee scent from Voluspa a few years ago because it isn't overpowering. Sometimes writers need a sensory change in their environment to shake up their rhythm so they can keep writing, and a candle can make that happen. At the same time, you don't want a smell that's pungent or distracting. The coconut wax makes for a clean burn, and it's vegan.