15 Gift Ideas for Artists: Practical and Fun Choices

Shopping for a gift for a friend or family member who is an artist or painter can be both joyful and a bit puzzling.

Artists often have unique tastes and interests that can be hard to grasp. But don't worry, we've compiled a list of 15 gift ideas for you.

This gift list for artists includes practical tools and fun knick-knacks, so there's bound to be something that will capture their hearts!

Gifts for Art Creation: Save Time and Effort for Artists

1. Drawing Tablets

A drawing tablet is an essential tool for digital artists. Wacom and Huion are both great brands to consider. Huion is more budget-friendly, while Wacom offers a smoother and more professional drawing experience.

That said, most artists probably already own a tablet. Before choosing this as a gift, make sure your friend is new to digital art or looking to upgrade their current setup.

If your budget allows or you're very close to the person, an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil is an amazing gift. It's not just for drawing — but also for watching YouTube, editing videos, or taking notes. It's a super versatile option.

2. High-Quality Brush Sets

Almost every artist would be thrilled to receive a set of premium brushes. Winsor & Newton brushes are a fantastic choice. They're flexible, smooth, and feel amazing to use.

If you want to give something extra special, go for Kolinsky sable brushes. Known as the "Ferrari of brushes," they are a dream to paint with. 

Even if your friend doesn't use them every day, their beautifully crafted handles and fine bristles make them perfect for display!

3. TourBox Creative Console

The TourBox creative console is a powerful tool designed for digital artists. It allows artists to adjust brush size, zoom in and out on the canvas, and switch layers quickly, eliminating the hassle of constantly toggling shortcuts and significantly boosting productivity.

If you're curious about TourBox, feel free to click on the product link below to find out what TourBox is.

What's great about the TourBox is its compact and portable design, making it easy to carry around. Plus, the TourBox offers excellent tactile feedback, making it feel like using a game controller for playing video games.

When you tell an artist that it's possible to feel exactly which control is being touched on the TourBox, even in total darkness, no artist would be able to resist how cool that is.

If your artist friend is used to creating art on an iPad, the TourBox Elite Plus makes a great gift. It's the first version to support iPad and is fully compatible with both Mac and Windows. With its sleek design and smooth, crystal-like texture, it's sure to be loved by any artist.

Feel free to click our digital painting page link to learn more about the TourBox.

4. High-Resolution Monitor

For digital creators, a good monitor can save them a lot of trouble during the creative process.

Monitors like the Dell UltraSharp series or the BenQ PD series excel in color accuracy and support 4K resolution, making them ideal for artists who are highly sensitive to color nuances.

5. Live Streaming Shortcut Device

For digital artists who enjoy live streaming their creative process on YouTube or Twitch, the Elgato Stream Deck is a thoughtful gift.

This device features multiple customizable small-screen buttons which users can assign unique functions, such as switching live scenes, triggering transition effects, playing sound effects, or even sending preset chat messages.

If your artist friend is keen on sharing their creative process on social media, this is a practical and delightful choice!

Gifts for Comfort: Create a Cozy and Fun Artistic Experience

6. Ergonomic Chair

Artists often sit for hours on end, which can lead to sore backs and stiff muscles. A good ergonomic chair, like the Herman Miller Aeron or a similar model, can help them work longer and more comfortably, while also saving their back from those long creative sessions.

7. Wrist Rest

If you notice your artist friend's wrist often hanging in the air while they work, a comfy wrist rest could be a game-changer.

Whether drawing or using a mouse, it takes pressure off the wrist, making long hours of work a lot easier on the body.

8. Eye-Care Lamp

Many artists stay up late working on their art. Poor lighting can cause eye strain and mess with color accuracy.

A good eye-care lamp with adjustable brightness and color temperature, like the Philips Smart Desk Lamp or the BenQ WiT Eye-Care Lamp, can help them work comfortably through the night.

9. Noise-Canceling Headphones

When artists are deep in their creative flow, distractions can kill inspiration.

Noise-canceling headphones, like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort series, block out unwanted sounds and deliver great sound quality, allowing artists to immerse themselves in their favorite music or soothing background noise.

10. Hand Warmers or Heated Gloves

For artists in cold climates, the biggest enemy in winter is frozen fingers. A cute hand warmer (maybe in a fun cartoon shape) or heated gloves will keep them warm and cozy while they create.

It's a practical gift that adds a little warmth to their art-making process.

Fun Trinkets: Sources of Inspiration for Artists

11. Art-themed Coffee Mug

Choose a mug featuring classic works by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, or Da Vinci, or customize a mug with their artworks.

When your artist friend sips their morning coffee from these art-inspiring mugs, their mood is sure to brighten up.

12. High-Quality Sketchbook

Sketchbooks or drawing pads are essential tools for artists. Opt for brands with good texture and thick paper like Moleskine, Stillman & Birn, or even Canson's professional drawing pads. 

These sketchbooks not only offer a great drawing experience but also have elegant designs.

13. Paint Set

Gifting a high-end paint set is not just a gift but also a show of support for the artist's creativity. They will eagerly try out these paints and create even more surprises.

Daniel Smith watercolors are known for their high saturation and pure colors, while Holbein paints are favorites among professional painters.

14. Artistic Inspiration Cards

Inspiration can sometimes run dry, and these inspiration cards are perfect for sparking creativity.

Prompts on the cards like "Draw an animal you never imagined before" or "Complete a piece using only one color" can help artists explore new ideas.

15. Classic Artist Statues or Figurines

Gift them a mini version of a classic statue like Michelangelo's David or modern-style art decor that they can proudly display in their studio.

Artists appreciate these culturally and artistically rich trinkets that add character to their workspace.

Conclusion

The most important thing when picking gifts for artists is to do it thoughtfully. Whether it's to boost their efficiency or add a touch of fun to their creative space, as long as you consider their needs and preferences, you will surely impress them.

We believe when your artist friend or family member receives these thoughtful and practical gifts, their eyes will definitely light up.