Some lean into their creativity more than others, but chances are high that you have many creative loved ones. It is wonderful that you want to support the creative artist in your life by gifting them items or experiences to foster their talent.
But if you do not know your crochets from your calligraphy, how do you discover what the best gifts for artists are?
All artists have different styles and mediums but do not worry. This guide lists some great gifts for artists regardless of their individual vocation or relationship to you.
1. Tools of Their Trade
You could buy your artistic loved one a gift card to their favorite supply store. But where is the thought in that? If you select and buy the art tools yourself, it will be a much more meaningful gift.
The creative artist in your life will know you went to a lot of effort to find something they would use and love.
First, narrow down what type of artist they are. Examples include:
- Painter (watercolor, oil, etc.)
- Crafter (paper, textile, etc.)
- Graphic designer
- Photographer
- Ceramicist
- Jewelry maker
The list is endless! If you live with your creative artist, you could sneak a peek at their tools to see if there is anything obvious they need. For example, painters need brushes, easels, canvases, sketchbooks, paints, and cleaning supplies.
Make a note of any brand names or tools that look worn. Update their tired brush holder with a personalized leather pouch or buy more expensive paints.
If you are clueless, research art blogs for useful tools.
Graphic designers might need new digital pens or lights. Writers love beautiful notebooks and you could buy the photographer in your life a new photo prop or camera strap.
2. Hand Massage Oil (and a Massage!)
This is one of the best gifts for an artist if they are your significant other. And it is an inexpensive gift, too.
All artists, no matter their passion, work with their hands a lot. And if they are drawers, painters, or knitters, they likely suffer from regular cramps.
Buy them some hand massage oil in a gorgeous scent like lavender or lemongrass. Offer to give them a hand massage after a long creative session. The gift of time and attention is one of the best gifts you can give!
3. Beautiful Personalized Art
Artists appreciate great art, even if they did not create it. They love any art they can identify with, art that inspires them, and makes them happy.
So if you are looking for the best gifts for artists, why not treat them to a beautiful piece of art?
A customized canvas is a great idea because you can select any photograph you like. You could choose a landscape from a place you both love or a treasured family portrait.
Or, if the creative artist in your life loves work by another local artist, you could commission a one-of-a-kind piece. See which artists they follow on social media to find out whose work they admire.
4. Organizers and Storage
Artists have a lot of stuff. No matter what their vocation is, to create art they need materials to create with.
Without proper storage, their expensive lenses, brushes, and yarn end up lost or damaged.
One of the best gifts for the artist in your life is proper storage. If they are a photographer, buy them a proper camera bag. And if they are a painter, buy them a cute paint pot and some boxes for their paints.
The crafters in your life might need a more serious storage solution. Buy them a stack of small drawers for their desk to store buttons, sequins, and glitter. They (and the people they live with) will likely be very appreciative!
5. Creative Books and Movies
When the creative artist in your life is not creating, they often enjoy learning about other artists. Or, they are furthering their art education away from the canvas.
Why not treat them to some great books about creativity? Or movies about their favorite artists?
These are some book gift ideas for your loved one:
- Creativity Inc. by Amy Wallace and Edwin Catmull
- The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
And these are some movies about art or featuring artists:
- Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
- Midnight in Paris (2011)
- Mr. Turner (2014)
- Loving Vincent (2017)
These are great inexpensive gift ideas for artists. They show you care about their interests, but you do not need to know about the finer details of their tools or work.
6. Art-Related Merchandise
Many artists love repping their favorite famous artists. Buy your loved one a t-shirt, homeware item, or gadget accessory that allows them to show off their interests.
And it is a lot easier to buy art-related merchandise than you think. These days, you cannot walk into a gift store without seeing Frida Kahlo’s face on a throw cushion or Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflowers on a t-shirt.
You could also buy a phone cover, laptop case, or even a sunglasses case featuring a famous artist’s design. Check out your local independent retailers or sites like Etsy for inspiration and choice.
7. Book an Art Class or Tour
Last but not least, your artistic family member, friend, or partner may prefer an experience over an item. So why not book a tour or class as a gift instead?
Contact your local art museum to set up a private tour. Research local art classes in your area or check out guided sketch tours on Airbnb Experiences.
You could even join your loved one on the adventure and discover you have a passion for art, too!
Spoil Your Creative Artist With a Great Gift
It is natural to want to buy the creative artist in your life something useful or inspirational for their art. There’s no better way to show that you love and support their vocation.
And now you can! Even if you know nothing about photography or painting, one of these gift ideas will be perfect for you and your creative loved one.
Browse our other lifestyle articles for more tips and advice!
