The holiday season is known for many things, including giving gifts. For many people, this can be a challenge due to a lack of ideas for presents. Some of the people I sometimes hear are hard to buy for are artists, specifically those that draw or paint. I am an artist that draws, so I sometimes see why it is so hard to buy presents for us. Especially if the gift recipient is particular with their art supplies. Since I have been on both the giving and gifting sides, I wanted to share my favorite gift ideas for artists in a post. Please remember that all these ideas are general gift ideas and are not meant for anyone with a specific art style.

High Quality Marker, Colored Pencil, or Paint Set

Many artists that use markers, pencils, and paints prefer to use high quality supplies to create their art. Some people like to use certain brands as well. If the recipient of the gift fits into this category, or is interested in using a different brand of art supplies, then this is a great opportunity to gift it to them. Just remember the brand or brands of art supplies they like to use, focus on sets. Also, if you want to purchase a different brand, buy of like quality. Art supplies come in different qualities. This is why it can be very expensive to purchase them something they will use. Instead of focus on individual products, look for sets. They will probably cost more than each marker individually, but they will come with more colors and will be cheeper than purchasing the colors separately.

High Quality Sketch Paper

Artists who draw and paint make sketches. No matter if the sketches is a study for a future piece of art or is meant to build up skills, sketch paper is an art supply that artists want and need. If you want to give something to an artist they can use and appreciate, yet doesn’t require a deep dive into what tools and art supplies they use, give them high quality sketch paper. I call the paper high quality because this paper is normally more expensive, yet is thicker. The thicker sketch paper will take more erases and sketches without tearing.

A Sketch Book

Along the lines of high quality sketch paper, a sketch book is an excellent option for anyone who wants to buy something an artist can use, yet is portable. Just make sure the book is meant for sketching and paper is thicker than cheeper brands.

Canvas Supplies or a Canvas Set

If the artist is a painter, then look into purchasing canvas supplies or a canvas set. Depending on the artist, painters may not like anyone to purchase their supplies or canvases themselves. (Especially if they like to paint on extremely large canvases that are not pre made or are readily available) If they are hobbyist painters or are just starting out, then this would be a great option for them. Also, canvases are sometimes made out of plastic canvas, not cotton. This can affect the way the paint sets on the canvas. So please make sure you know the artist’s preferences before purchasing something for them.

Paint Brush Set (Or High Quality Paint Brushes)

If you struggle with finding canvas supplies or canvas sets for a gift, try a paint brush set. There are different brush quality levels, so make sure to purchase accordingly. If you are worried about the brush quality in sets, consider purchasing single brushes. You may not be able to purchase as many brushes as you would if you purchase a set, but the quality of the brushes are easier to check.

Gift Card

If you can’t figure out what to give the artist in your life, or what they actually need, try a gift card to their favorite art supply store. Gift cards get a bad reputation of being not personalized enough as a gift, but for someone who wants to go shopping for their own art supplies, it is the best gift option. It allows them to buy whatever they need and spares you any frustration from buying the wrong thing. A gift card can also allow the receiver to purchase anything they may want to buy and experiment with, such as different types of paint or a different brand of colored pencils, but don’t.

That’s all for now! Thank you for reading!

Featured Image is by George Dolgikh from Pexels.com