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10 Perfect Gift Ideas for Artists Who Paint

11/28/2019

15 Comments

 
GIFT IDEAS FOR PAINTERS
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*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
​These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)

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Looking for some meaningful and practical gift ideas that your artsy friend/significant other/family member would absolutely love to receive this Christmas? What items could help encourage an artist to keep creating and pursuing his/her creative passions?

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First and foremost, I'd like to take a moment to thank you for reading this post, as it most likely means that you're interested in celebrating your friend or loved one's individuality and passion for art, and want to encourage him/her to keep going. As an artist myself, I can tell you that knowing people close to me support my decision to pursue art means everything, especially when one is just starting out.

I'm all about encouraging fellow artists to keep going because I 100% believe the world would be a better place with more art and artists in it. 

All this said, no matter how mysterious and complex people make us artists to be, we're honestly an easy bunch to buy presents for. Not only do we tend to wear our hearts (and minds) on our sleeves more than others, but there are things we need to constantly replace in order to keep feeding our need for creation.

​We also need to constantly seek ways to stay inspired and motivated, and a huge variety of things can get our creative minds going.


In this blog post, I'll be sharing a list of ten awesome gift ideas that your artistic friend will absolutely love. I've made sure to include options for both males and females, as well as an explanation as to why each item is so great.

Enjoy! 

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Perfect Gifts for Artists on Amazon and Artist Merch Studio


I personally love buying art supplies, as well as Christmas gifts for my loved ones from the comfort of my own home through Amazon.

Another awesome option is getting a little something for your loved one over at my new Etsy shop, Artist Merch Studio! I'm filling up the shop with statement tees and mugs that are created especially for painters, illustrators and crafters. 

​Click on the images below to learn more about each item on this list.



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Gift for artists over at Artist Merch Studio!



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1. A Sketchbook (or Two)

Gifts for artists- Illo sketchbook
Illo Sketchbook 180 GSM Paper (8x8). Click on image to find out more about this item.


An artist can only paint as well as he/she can draw, and keeping sketchbooks is a great way for us to continue sharpening our drawing and observational skills throughout our journeys. Not to mention, sketchbooks are portable, allowing us to stay creative wherever we go, and provide a chronological record of our progress that we'll keep forever.

You can honestly never go wrong with giving an artist a sketchbook. 

Find out more about why sketchbooks are such an essential part of an artist's journey in this blog post.  
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2. A Statement Cell Phone Case

Gifts for artists- watercolor cell phone case
ChiChiC Anti-Scratch Slim Flexible Rubber Cases Cover for Apple iPhone 7 8 4.7 Inch

Not only do artists love making their passions known to those around them, but many of us working artists actually depend on it. Especially when an artist is just starting out, it's incredibly important to get the word out about what it is we do so that we can start building up those connections and experience. 

An eye-catching statement accessory like this artsy cell phone case is a great way for us to transmit our originality and love for art, but also encourages other people to strike up a conversation with us.


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3. A Leather Pencil/Paintbrush Case

Gifts for artists- Flyshine Canvas Artist Brush Holder Rollup Pouch
Flyshine Canvas Artist Brush Holder Rollup Pouch. Click on image to find out more about this item.

An artist's supplies are his/her tools for creation, and they must be taken care of. This can definitely be a challenge when we do sketching and painting outside of our studios. A quality paintbrush case or pouch like this canvas roll-up ensures that our favorite paintbrushes will be kept safe.
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I love the practicality of a roll-up pouch like this one, as there is no space wasted and paintbrushes can be organized/kept in place perfectly. 


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Gift for artists over at Artist Merch Studio!


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4. A Painter's Apron

Gifts for artists- Artist Canvas Unisex Apron with Pockets
Artist Canvas Unisex Apron with Pockets. Click on image to find out more about this item.

The struggle is real for us artists to keep our clothes free of paint, which can be a problem because a lot of us prefer to spend our money on more art supplies, than on new clothes!

A canvas apron like this one is durable, wraps around the back for a higher level of protection, and I love that it includes different pockets for paintbrushes, rags and other things we might need to have on hand while painting. It's perfect for both males and females.
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5. Highly Moisturizing Hand Lotion

Gifts for artists- Hand lotion
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Hand Lotion, Lavender (12 oz). Click on image to find out more about this item.

Hand lotion is a total must for artists, especially in the winter time.  We're constantly washing paint and other harsh liquids off our hands, which makes them extremely dry and itchy. I personally have bottles everywhere, including my studio, and always carry a tube with my in my bag. 

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day line offers a variety of scents like Lavender, Lemon Verbena, and Peppermint. They are perfect for those of us who need a higher amount of protection/moisture, as they are created especially for people who work with their hands. 

We must take care of our hands because without them we can't create!




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6. Artist Socks

Gifts for artists- paint water mugs
Chalier Famous Painting Art Socks (4-6 Pairs)

What better way to keep your feet warm this Winter than by wrapping them in some bright and colorful art? 

A pair of these socks will not only keep your artist friend warm and cozy while working in the studio, but will also remind him/her to remember to have fun!

Us artists can get pretty intense (and self-berating) while creating, and it's so important to remember to laugh and not take ourselves too seriously.




7. A Color Wheel Umbrella

Gifts for artists- Color Wheel Umbrella
Streamline Rainbow Color Wheel Umbrella. Click on image to find out more about this item.
An umbrella like this one is not only beautiful and inspiring to look at, but is also large and sturdy to help us keep our work safe when walking to and from vehicles in the pouring rain (which can be very challenging). 

What better way to  let that artist in your life know that you're there for him/her than providing a canopy of protection from the rain?



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Check out my FREE Patreon-exclusive tutorial and class samples here!



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8. An Inspiring Enamel Pin

GIfts for artists- Painter's Palette Enamel Lapel Pin
The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Bob Ross and Happy Tree Enamel Pin Set - 2 Unique Colored Metal Lapel Pins

On the lookout for something small, but meaningful? Enamel pins are all the rage now-a-days and are a perfect little surprise that your artsy friend will be able to actually wear or stick on his/her bag while out and about.

This is another perfect accessory that can not only help us express our individuality and love for art, but can also be a conversational piece. Making time for conversation with others is essential for us, especially because artists tend to be alone a lot. 

Some of us forget what it's like to talk with others.

​True story. 

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9. A Helpful Art Book

Gifts for artists- great art books
Living and Sustaining a Creative Life (Sharon Louden) and Art & Fear (David Bayles/Ted Orland) Books -Click on image to find out more about these items.

An artist's life can definitely get lonely and sometimes we need to be reminded of how others have gone through what we're going through. We also need to be inspired by stories from other artists who have reached success so that we can keep working hard to make our dreams come true. 

Both of the books above are, in my opinion, must-reads for any serious artist. 

Living and Sustaining a Creative Life is a compilation of 40 personal stories/essays by working artists. Each one of them shares his/her own experiences and struggles as they have pursued making a living as an artist. This book helps us understand the reality of what it's like to sustain a professional creative career over time.


Art and Fear is a very popular book amongst creatives of all kinds. This book tackles artistic insecurities, and the internal and external challenges that professional artists face throughout their journeys. Finishing projects, getting our work out there and receiving critique are difficult tasks that artists must learn how to do/handle. This is a book to read over and over again. 

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10. An Easel

Gifts for artists- Table easel
US Art Supply Tall Tabletop Adjustable H-Frame Wood Studio Artist Easel. Click on image to find out more about this item.

As a painter myself, I have a variety of easels. I enjoy standing when I'm creating my larger pieces, but a desk easel like this one is absolutely perfect for smaller and more relaxing works to enjoy on weekend mornings. Switching from one easel to another is a great way to reset my mind from a piece I'm creating for selling purposes, and one I'm creating for myself.

This easel is sleek, sturdy, and is perfectly sized, even for beginner artists working in a small studio.



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15 Comments
gary Keller
5/18/2020 07:10:21 am

My wife enjoys doing collage with recycled magazines mostly. Is there any present that would be great for her 69th birthday? Also she has acrylic paints from years ago. Do they go bad? Should they be replaced with new ones? thank you, Gary

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
5/20/2020 05:08:01 pm

Hi, Gary!
Hope you're having a lovely day.
Collage is an amazing technique. I love it!
How about buying her a set of collage tools? I found a great video that you can get ideas from here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTtd0zohrw4
To answer your acrylic paint question, it can last years after it has been opened. As long as it's not contaminated and still has a normal consistency (hasn't hardened), you should be able to use it for 5+ years. It may have to be mixed well prior to use, but it should be good to go if these things are all well.
Thanks so much for reading and have a great one!
Erika

Reply
loving mom link
8/14/2020 10:09:08 am

My daughter will turn 31 and has always loved to draw and paint. She has no supplies. What could I get her for her birthday?

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Erika Lancaster link
8/15/2020 09:54:38 am

Hi, there!
If your daughter is into drawing and sketching (which is awesome because drawing really is the basis for all kinds of art), a good idea would be to get her a drawing sketchbook and a drawing pencil set. :)
She doesn't really need more than that to continue developing her drawing skills.
In terms of painting, it depends on what type of medium(s) she's into... watercolor, acrylics, gouache... But there are many very nice beginner sets over on Amazon that I'm sure she'd love.
Hope this helps and thanks for reading!

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Noor
9/27/2020 03:45:10 pm

Some one I know told me that their favourite hobby was to paint, now she is 53, and left her hobby long ago, what shall I gift her to revive her hobby, which paints, which canvas, I'm clueless, please advice...

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
9/29/2020 03:18:13 pm

Hey, there!
Glad to hear you're encouraging your friend to get back into painting! :)
Please ask your friend what kind of painting medium it is she enjoys, as there are so many (acrylic, oils, watercolor, gouache, etc.), and it's very hard for me to offer any suggestions if I don't know this!
Stay safe.

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Dewi
10/14/2020 11:06:49 pm

My husband recently took up painting and is now unstoppable. He has almost everythink that I think a painter needs. What else can I gift him on his 60th birthday ? I hinted a leather apron to a group of best friends and now I am the one clueless. Is there such a thing as a travel easel, light and foldable which he can carry on his travel.

Please help.

Thank y ou.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
10/16/2020 07:04:51 pm

Hi, Dewi!
I'm so glad to hear that your husband has taken up painting. A leather apron I think would make an amazing birthday present! They are usually very long-lasting.
You don't mention which kind of painting medium he uses? Is it acrylics? Oils?
Does he paint in plein air or indoors? I've definitely seen lightweight easels on Amazon that are meant for moving around such as this one: https://youtu.be/LqWtXaOIJd0 and this one: https://amzn.to/2H4Xube
Hope these give you some ideas!
Thanks so much for reading and take care!

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Kid
10/16/2020 09:11:30 pm

We watch your videos for school

Reply
Kid
10/16/2020 09:15:21 pm

#Drawing class

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
10/18/2020 01:47:52 pm

Hi, there!
Thanks so much for checking out the content I share. :)
It means the world.
Enjoy!

Radha link
12/23/2020 04:36:37 am

Love of the art. Useful gift for all the artists.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
12/28/2020 10:29:18 am

Hi, Radha!
Thanks so much for checking out this post.
Glad you liked it.
Stay safe and have a great day!

Reply
Charlotte Fleet link
12/30/2020 06:07:09 pm

I like how you mentioned that an easel is a great gift to get an artist as a gift. My sister loves to paint and her birthday is in two weeks. I will look into getting her some new acrylic paints to use with her new easel.

Reply
Erika Lancaster link
1/3/2021 07:51:02 pm

Hi, Charlotte!
An easel is such a great gift for any painter! I saw a lot of improvement after investing in one.
I'm sure your sister will love her gift. :)
Wish you a great week ahead and stay safe!

Reply



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