If you’re like me, you probably have a few artists, DIYers or crafters on your Christmas list this year. You might also be running out of ideas for gifts to give these creative individuals, especially if they’ve been on your nice list for awhile. In an effort to make your gift shopping a little easier this holiday season, here are some ideas of gifts for artists.
What are the best gifts to give for someone who loves art?
Most artists have the basic materials needed for their particular art form, so the key is to either find something unique that will help them take their art a step further, or to buy them something that will help them expand their art knowledge into different mediums and techniques. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
1. Stylus Pen For Digital Painting
Digital art on tablets and phones is becoming super popular… get the art lover on your list a stylus pen so they can create art on-the-go too. This would be a great gift idea for teenage artists who are, let’s face it, the most tech savvy age group out there. This one from Amazon comes with four different tips. $23
2. Solar Photography Kit
Photographers and nature-lovers alike will enjoy this unique kit that teaches you how to create prints using sunlight and found objects. Just place the special light-reactive material outside with an object on top and get ready to be amazed! Get it at Uncommon Goods. $15
3. Self-Healing Mats
Crafters and artists will find a self-healing cutting mat to be an invaluable item to have in their studio. They are great for cutting photo mats, paper, fabric, etc. I use mine all the time… it will protect your table or work surface, and it’s also the perfect material to use a rotary cutter on (see next item on the list). Blick has a variety of self-healing mats to choose from in different sizes from $7 to $69.
4. Rotary Cutter
A rotary cutter is a great item to go along with the self-healing mat. You can cut paper, fabric and a number of other things with them, and they give you more control than a traditional pair of scissors or a utility knife. I can’t tell you how much faster it is to cut fabric with a rotary cutter… and it eliminates those little jagged edges too. Get this one from Gingher on Amazon. $40
5. Viviva Colorsheets
For the artist in your life that loves to paint en-plein-air, consider one of these unique portable colorsheet booklets from Viviva. Vibrant watercolors are housed in small pocket-sized booklets that can be brought anywhere. It would be fun to pop one of these in your purse in case you’re inspired on-the-go. Buy them here. $20
6. High Quality Marker Set
A high quality set of brush pens or markers is one of my favorite gifts for artists. It’s the sort of thing that you might not splurge on for yourself, but I guarantee the recipient’s eyes will light up at the sight of all those beautiful colors. I just bought a few of these Faber-Castell PITT brush pens and they write like a dream. Buy this 60-piece set here. $94
7. 3D Printer Pen
A 3D printer pen is a super unique gift for artists of all ages. It can be used to create beautiful art and sculpture, but it’s also handy for making functional items too. I have the 3Doodler Create+ pictured above and it’s fantastic. And it’s really quite easy to control once you get the hang of it. Get the 3Doodler here. $80
8. Screen Printing Set
This would be a great gift for young artists who are interested in trying a different medium. You can print posters, cards and even clothing using this beginner kit from Blick. I’ve always wanted one of these, and I don’t think I’m the only one! Get it here. $82
9. Handmade Waxed Canvas Brush Roll
Most artists I know are willing to spend money on art supplies themselves, but not on storage or organizational items. This beautiful handmade waxed canvas brush roll will keep all of their paintbrushes and pencils organized and protected, and also provide an easy way to transport them to and from the studio. As an added bonus, it will stand up if you roll it inside out. Get it on Etsy. $42
10. Broad Strokes
This is a great book for the artist in your life who appreciates strong female artists who have made history using their creativity. Artemisia Gentileschi, Lee Krasner, Kara Walker and more top the list. It’s a great read, but also makes a wonderful coffee table book thanks to its bold red cover. Get it here. $10
11. Art Museum Membership
If you know an artist who loves to visit their local art museum, give them the gift of a membership so they can visit more often. Perks sometimes include discounts on parking, special events and early access to exhibitions. Museum memberships also often provide opportunities to get more involved with the art community as an added bonus. Prices vary for this one… locate museums by state here.
12. Craft Subscription Box
This is one of the best gifts for artists that I’ve found. Each month, all the supplies for a new craft project are sent to the recipient… talk about a creative present! Adults & Crafts has monthly subscription boxes with some really interesting looking projects. You can do a three, six or twelve month subscription (and the more months you subscribe for, the less it costs each month). Check it out here. $30+
Do you have any gifts for artists that you’ve given in the past? Or something you’re thinking about giving this year? Be sure to share them in the comments section below!
