Gifting a Typewriter: An Original Idea with History

A gift that transcends the material

There are gifts that fade with time, and others that become part of the life of the person who receives them.
Gifting a typewriter belongs to the second category. It’s not just an object — it’s a bridge between eras, a piece of history that comes back to life with every keystroke.

Imagine the scene: someone opens a box, discovers the metallic shine of an Olivetti, an Underwood, or a Continental, feels the weight in their hands, and presses a key.

That unmistakable click-clack sound brings a smile.
That person doesn’t just receive a typewriter — they receive a fragment of memory, an object that invites them to write letters, draft ideas, and slow down in a world that no longer has a “delete” button.

Gifting a typewriter is gifting time, inspiration, and authenticity.

Tom Hanks and His Love for Gifting Typewriters

Actor Tom Hanks is probably the most famous typewriter collector in the world.
He has gathered over 250 models and has said that they are “brilliant combinations of art and engineering.”

But what’s most inspiring is not his collection — it’s his habit of giving them away.
Hanks has sent typewriters to friends, family, small businesses, and even strangers.

One of the most well-known stories is about an Australian boy named Corona, who was teased at school because of his name.
Hanks sent him a Corona typewriter, along with a personal letter encouraging him to keep writing.

In other cases, he has surprised typewriter repair shops by sending them old models to bring back to life, or Olympia typewriters signed with dedications for families who asked for one.

In every case, the typewriter becomes more than an object — it’s a gesture full of symbolism, a way of saying, “This is for you — and it carries a story that now continues with you.”

Why a Typewriter Is an Unforgettable Gift

Pure aesthetics and personality

Every model has its own character: some are sober, elegant, and industrial; others are colorful and bold, serving as both decoration and function.
No two are alike — that uniqueness gives each one its own personality.

Conscious writing, free from distractions

A typewriter forces you to think before you write.
There’s no delete key, no notifications, no internet.
It’s an invitation to calm, to enjoy the creative process — something most modern gifts can’t offer.

Living history in your hands

Every typewriter that’s gifted carries a past: it has written letters, texts, maybe novels or notes decades ago.
The person who receives it doesn’t just get an object — they get the chance to continue that story.

Value that grows over time

Unlike many gifts, a typewriter rarely loses value.
On the contrary — when well cared for, it becomes a collectible piece that increases in worth over the years.

How to Choose the Perfect Typewriter to Gift

Gifting a typewriter isn’t something done by chance.
Here are some practical tips:

Condition: Make sure it’s been serviced and is ready to use. A restored machine is always the best choice.
Keyboard layout: If the recipient writes in Spanish, look for one that includes the “ñ” and accent marks.
Portability: A portable model is perfect for those who like to move it; a desktop machine has more visual impact.
Design: Colors, finishes, and metal details make all the difference — choose one that matches the recipient’s personality.
Presentation: Pair it with a case, an extra ribbon, or even a handwritten letter telling its story. That personal touch makes it a one-of-a-kind gift.

A Gift That Inspires and Lasts

Gifting a typewriter is choosing authenticity in an age dominated by digital.
It’s offering something that not only works but inspires, connects generations, and may even become a legacy.

As Tom Hanks beautifully says,

“Each typewriter is a perfect balance between art and mechanics.”

And perhaps that’s why, when you gift one, you don’t just give an object — you give a piece of history with a soul of its own.