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42 Creative Gifts For Artists Who Paint & Draw

Don’t make mistakes, make happy accidents with these inspiring gifts for artists.
gift ideas for artist

Want to send someone to art school without the financial commitment of actually sending them to art school? Or maybe you’ve already got an art student buddy that constantly needs all manner of art supplies and the coolest new gadgets. Either way, these gifts will encourage their creativity and celebrate their talent. So, if you think about it, in some small way, you’ll be able to take credit for their legendary masterpieces, or at least say can you knew them when…

The Ultimate List Of The Best Gifts For Artists, Painters & Drawers

1. 80 Piece Art Set

This set contains everything the novice artists needs to start creating works of art. Pencils, pastels and watercolors are all here to help artistic vision flourish. And the slick case will keep everything neatly organized.

2. A Brief History Of Art Mug

Six years in art school and four years of art history classes got nothin’ on this mug. Okay, that may be exaggerating, but it is pretty comprehensive…for a mug. Also, that is a long time to be in school – maybe it’s time to try a job?

3. Prismacolor Pencils

Prismacolor makes the gold standard in oil based color pencils. They are blendable, ultra bright and shatterproof. Make sure the illustrator in your life is equipped with these pencils and watch their work flourish.

4. Faber Castell Pen Brush Set

These are the Dom Perignon of pen brushes. They are the absolute top of the line. if you’re filling up your moleskin with anything other than Faber Castells you’re about due to level up, and this 24 pack will set you on your way.

5. Acrylic Paint Set

This ultra-vibrant acrylic paint set will keep your painter buddies busy for a while. Each tube of highly pigmented color is easily mixed with water to increase its life and the comprehensive color selection spans the whole spectrum.

6. Light Table

Make tracing and image replication easy with this standard light table; a multi use tool that has a home in every artist’s studio. This folding model stores and travel easily; all the benefits of a bulky traditional light table with none of the heft.

7. 642 Things to Draw

Running out of inspiration? Looking around for the next big thing to spur your creativity? Check out this practical guide to drawing simple everyday items and before you know it you’ll be sketching everything within reach.

8. Steal Like An Artist

You can spend innumerable hours studying art history. You can visit every museum and gallery in the world. You can dedicate years of your life to the cultivation of your own artistic voice, but until you recognize that originality is fleeting you’ll always be a step behind the pack.

9. Visual Journal

Dick Blick says visual journal- I say sketch book – either way, every artist uses them, fills their pages and eventually needs a new one. This Strathmore journal has a tear away cover page, smooth, bristol paper and is perfect for pencil, ink, or water color.

10. Doodle Invasion Coloring Book

Take a break from creating your own masterworks and collaborate with this psychedelic coloring book instead. Once you’ve gotten outside your head, come back to your work with fresh eyes and some seriously trippy inspiration.

11. Smudgeguard

Wacom tablet users are victims of a distinct phenomenon – tablet smudging. Smudges can make styluses difficult to use, can trifle with pen sensitivity, and they get exponentially worse the longer they go unchecked. Smudgeguard contains all these issues and makes tablet use much easier.

12. Brush Cleaner And Preserver

A tool as small and vital as a high quality brush cleaner and preserver will not be taken for granted. Keeping their tools in shape is a high priority! Expect at least a 12ft portrait of you and your dog in return. AT LEAST.

13. Color Wheel Earrings

Show off your sartorial knowledge of color theory and vintage style with these sweet, petite studs. They literally match everything. Literally.

14. Artist’s Workspace Watch

Has a watch-face ever been so true to an artist’s workspace? Probably not. With this watch you can wear your studio on your wrist and always be reminded of where you’d rather be – and what you should probably be cleaning.

15. Color Wheel Necklace

In case you were looking for a necklace to match those color wheel earrings, this french color wheel is precisely perfect. It also literally matches everything. Literally. (En Francais; Elle correspond également à littéralement tout)

16. Color Wheel

You’ll never have an issue with color theory again with this standard color wheel. With primary, secondary, tertiary, complimentary and grayscale features, it’s a tiny disc that packs a huge punch. It’s without a doubt a studio necessity.

17. French Easel

The French easel is the defining easel of outdoor artists everywhere. Can you imagine painting busy Parisian streets on anything else? I’m not sure any other easel is even allowed beside the Seine.

18. Heated Hand Massage Mitts

After hours of sketching, painting or designing, hands can become exhausted. When your palms are stiff and your fingers are cramping up, perk up your paws with this heated massager and get back to work in no time at all.

19. Acrylic Paint and Brush Set

This is a great starter kit for the young artists in your life. The acrylic paints are forgiving, blendable and dry fast, while the small selection of brushes is just what you need for those first masterstrokes.

20. Oil Paint Set

The classically trained oil painter in your life will thank you endlessly for these super vibrant, highly pigmented oils. This 24 piece set could easily last a year or more and the spectrum of colors is very comprehensive.

21. Paintbrush Charm

When you’re done adding splashes of color to mankind, add a splash of color to your look with this delicate silver paintbrush charm. Art is life and style is living; this pendant captures both sentiments delightfully.

22. Portable Box Easel

Students love this portable easel that has multiple supply compartments and supports a small canvas. Customize it with a stain or color of your choice – the unfinished wood is just another opportunity for creativity.

23. Rite In The Rain All Weather Notepad

All weather notepads are a true necessity for constant sketchers living in parts of the world that experience weather. When the rain, fog, snow and ice try to keep you from sketching in the out of doors, the Rite in the Rain Notepad has got you covered. Keep this close so you could sketch instantly whenever inspiration strikes!

24. Sketch and Drawing Pencil Set

Everything the novice artist needs to exercise their gift. Graphite, charcoal and soft pencils are all necessities when learning to sketch and draw, so make sure the beginning artist in your life is well equipped for expression.

25. 3D Pen

This 3D printer fits in your pencil bag and within minutes produces mind-blowing works of three dimensional art. The limit is only your creativity (and molding medium, and an available plug).

26. Brush Holder

Any item that helps organize an artist’s workspace is celebrated. This simple tool keeps their brushes neat and visible which is an enormous feat when working with more than a few brushes at a time.

27. Don’t F*cking Procrastinate Mug

Every artist needs to be reminded to stay focused every now and again. It helps if that reminder is delivered with a strong cup of high octane coffee. This also makes an inspirational brush mug, just don’t drink the paint water.

28. Palette Pendant

Fans of vintage jewelry and retro iconography will swoon for this little palette charm necklace. Wearing this antique inspired piece will let everyone around know that the wearer is a true arteest.

29. Pantone Watch

Pantone Universe is making every designer, artist or generally creative person salivate with their pure color fantasies. This watch, in one of 2016’s colors of the year, is no exception. It’s the perfect statement piece for the colorful, creative character in your life.

30. Watercolor iPhone Case

If your world is bright and colorful, you see potential inspiration in everything, and you never tire of the process of creativity, this phone case will keep all your potential art projects fresh in your mind.

31. Wacom Digital Pen

When looking for that perfect something for the modern, design-minded individual in your life, this stylish stylus will fit the bill. It’s compact, sleek, and comes complete with a charging unit /carrying case. Also, how fun is it to say, “stylish stylus?”

32. Van Gogh Starry Night and Japanese The Great Wave Painting Artistic Blue Shower Curtain

What is a better gift for artist than this unique waterproof curtain with a seamless combination of Van Gogh Starry Night & The Great Wave painting.

33. Dr. Ph. Martin's Liquid Watercolor Set

Though watercolor pans are great, this Dr. Ph. Martin's set is an amazing choice for painters who love vibrant pigments. Each bottle comes with a dropper for easy mixing and control. Hands down one of the best gifts for painters!

34. Winsor & Newton Cotman WaterColor Set

This set of 10 8ml tubes are many artists' favorite for their great quality and affordable pricing. These travel well and will last the artist in your life for years, and they could always buy individual tubes later when they run out!

35. Winsor & Newton Cotman Short Handle Brush

This basic paint brush set comes with a nice range of brushes that are good for both acrylic and watercolor. Delicate but sturdy bristles make for excellent water control and smooth application. Great as a starter set for your artist friend!

36. Bob Ross Heat Changing Mug

With a smiling Bob Ross mug by their side, the artist in your life will definitely feel more inspired to create. As you pour hot beverages into the mug, a happy scene will appear with Bob Ross' famous quote "We don't make mistakes. We have happy accidents." If your painter hasn't had this mug yet, it's time for you to gift them this amazing product! If your painter hasn't had this mug yet, it's time for you to get them this and maybe throw in a few creative coasters to make their space more artsy!

37. Arches Watercolor Block 140 Pound Hot Press Paper

For botanical illustrators and professionals who love working on soft surface, this hot-pressed watercolor paper block from Arches will keep them very satisfied. Its smooth surface with satin grain means there are very little texture, which allows for better precision and finer details.

38. Enamel Pins

This enamel pin is one of the most adorable painter gifts! Don't you wish paint water is this pretty? Get this with the sketchbook pin for them this Christmas! Your artist buddy could display it on their bag or clothes and smile every time she looks at it.

39. Ipad Pro Screen Protector

If your artist is into digital drawing, a paperlike screen protector for her Ipad Pro is a must. Drawing and writing feel really nice with this paper texture film. It works perfectly with the Apple Pencil, saving your creative person a lot of time and resources, especially when they're working on calligraphy projects!

40. Artist Canvas Apron

This apron comes with many pockets so your painters could put their pens, paintbrushes and pretty much everything in there while painting.

41. Udemy Drawing Class

Udemy is a great platform for digital learning. There are hundreds of great drawing and painting tutorials available which come with amazing student reviews. Better yet, all courses come with a 30 day refund so if they don't find one suitable they could always get a refund or get another course.

Best Gifts For Artists | FAQs

What is the best gift for artists?

The best gifts for artists promotes their creativity and imagination.

If your artist buddy is a beginner and still trying to perfect their techniques, gift them art supplies that are high quality but are not very expensive like sketchbooks, art books, journals, student-grade materials ... so they can keep these dreamers practicing and perfecting their portfolio.

For professional painters, you could go for gift cards or luxury gifts for artists such as pro-grade brushes and paper. If they have been talking about taking their passion to the next level and want to open an store to sell their artwork, you could gift them online courses that teaches them advertising and marketing on social media (facebook, instagram, pinterest ...) as well as how to set up an online Etsy shop.

What to gift someone who likes art?

Someone who likes art will want to surround themselves with their favorite artists' work. Pay attention to their furniture, home decors and accessories and you will find out a lot about what wins their heart.

Sites like Canvas On Demand and "The Unemployed Philosophers Guild" have great collections of prints, wall arts, fine art photography and classic arts - go on and search for that perfect masterpiece!

How Can You Find Creative Gifts for Artists in Your Life?

Here are some of our favorite creative gifts for artists to get the creative juices going:

Paint By Numbers Kits

Paint-by-numbers kits are a classic gift for artists who enjoy creating their own masterpieces. These kits come with everything you need to paint a picture, including paints, brushes, canvases, easels, frames, and more. Some kits include step-by-step instructions to help guide you through the process, while others offer blank canvas options so you can let your creativity run wild.

Music Streaming Services

Music streaming services are another great option for giving the gift of art. With music streaming apps like Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and Apple Music, there’s bound to be a song or two that fits every mood. And since many artists use music as inspiration for their creations, this gift is sure to bring joy to any artist’s life.

Art Supplies

When it comes to gifting art supplies, there are plenty of options. For example, if your artist has been dreaming of opening their very own studio, consider getting them a new desk, chair, and other essentials. Or maybe they’d prefer a new set of acrylic paints, colored pencils, or markers. The possibilities are endless!

Online Courses

If your artist wants to learn new skills but doesn't have time to take classes in person, consider offering them an online course instead.

What Makes a Perfect Gift for Artists in Your Life?

While these ideas are just a few of the best ways to show your appreciation for artists, don't forget to keep in mind what kind of artist your loved ones really are.

Is your artist into digital art? Then make sure they have access to high-quality programs and softwares.

Are they a traditional painter? Make sure they have all the right tools they need to complete their projects.

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