48 Thoughtful Gifts for Artists and Art Lovers Who Are Hard to Impress
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Artists and their devoted admirers notoriously have impeccable taste, if not sometimes quite particular. This means finding a present that stuns the creatives in your life can feel like a noble challenge. After all, they likely find themselves at the premier art and design fairs , discovering the latest and most inspiring works of art—making them a little harder to please. However, with a bit of careful consideration and a little help from VERANDA editors, there's no doubt you'll nail it with these thoughtful gifts for artists.
The most immediate idea is often to buy them a trendy work of art or vintage sculpture , but since choosing artwork is so personal , it can be risky to buy for others. Luckily, there's a plethora of other options that are sure to please. For bibliophiles , look for coffee-table books or biographies focused on their favorite artist. Style mavens will never turn their noses up at a handmade scarf or timeless clutch. And your studio friend will be forever grateful for new, premium art supplies. For more ideas, check out the best gifts for artists and art lovers to gift this holiday season, below!
ALP The Studio Set in Blue
Understanding exactly where to start or the tools you need to start a new hobby can be confusing and pricey. Take the guesswork out of it by gifting this Italian leather portfolio filled with all the tools they need to start creating, such as watercolor pencils, Japanese scissors and a glue stick, a ruler, brushes, and more. Plus, it even features an abbreviated sketchbook that includes prompts to help get them inspired.
Laurence King The Art of Fairy Tales
The beloved fairy tales of our youth come to life in this illustrated book featuring works of art by famous artists through history. Each page takes a look at how artists—including illustrator Arthur Rackham and surrealist artist Leonora Carrington—reinterpret the works of literature and how each continues to inspire and delight over generations.
Schminck Horadam Watercolor Paint Set
At a quick glance, this petite watercolor set does look like a flask—but for good reason. This portable treasure has everything the artist in your life needs to enjoy plein air painting with eight Schmincke Horadam watercolors that can be swapped in and out, a built-in folding palette for mixing colors, and a flask and detachable water cup to activate the paint.
SENNELIER Extra-Soft French Half Pastel Professional Artist Box Set, 30-Colors
Since 1887, Sennelier has been delivering some of the most pigmented and smoothest oil and soft pastels in the world. The iconic brand offers a number of different sets to choose from to fit all needs, including ones specifically curated for different types of landscapes like seaside works or verdant landscapes .
Play-Doh Blooms Meadow Flower Bouquet Making Kit
Let us be the first to tell you that Play-Doh is no longer just for kids. The brand's newly launched Blooms collection gives crafters the ability to make their own perennial flower bouquets made from the modeling dough. In addition to the 20-color compounds, the kit includes detailed instructions and photographs, as well as finishing spray to keep your creations intact.
Pair of Michelangelo & Bruna Bath Soap Dishes
No matter their specialty, hands are bound to get a little dirty from the endless uses of paint, color, and even pen. These playful soap dishes undoubtedly will earn a chuckle and keep things organized for when it's time to clean up.
Aspinal of London A4 Refillable Luxury Journal
A reliable and stunning journal is always a must for jotting down thoughts and sketching when inspiration hits. Aspinal of London's pebble leather journal makes writing feel like a little luxury with its buttery-soft suede lining and refillable lined and blank pages. Plus, Aspinal of London allows you to personalize the journal with monogramming options.
Baggu x MoMA Small Cloud Carry-On
For the friend always on the go, you can never go wrong with Baggu's versatile Cloud Carry-On—but add in the fact that it features Ruth Asawa's modernist works and it's an absolute must-have. The bag is a part of Baggu's new collection with the Museum of Modern Art, which includes bags in iconic masterpieces by artists like Vincent van Gogh, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Piet Mondrian, and Claude Monet.
Framebridge India Yellow Prof. 01 Frame
Framing art can get a little pricey, especially when pieces may not be exactly a standard size. Ordering them a custom-sized frame or gift card from Framebridge will help them finally get that masterpiece—whether made on their own or found at an antiques shop—out of the pile and onto the wall. We especially love Framebridge's colorful options boasting Farrow & Ball's most iconic paint colors.
East Fork Serving Platter Figure Endormie Sur Fond Moucharabieh
Bring art to the dinner table with East Fork's collection that pays homage to Henri Matisse, the great-grandfather of East Fork CEO and founder Alex Matisse. This serving platter will certainly look good on the table, but we can also see it as part of a plate wall in the entry or dining room.
Side Plate Set, Aquatint Portraits
Don't forget the side plates, as well! The French painter's famous aquatint portraits are reimagined on these side plates that can easily be layered with more colorful chargers or patterned table linens.
Otzio Fringed Silk-Twill Double Scarf
No one accessorizes better than an off-duty artist. Help them reach new style heights with this chic silk scarf from Otzio, featuring painterly strokes. Whether worn around the neck or tied onto their favorite bag, it's bound to become their go-to accessory.
Graf von Faber-Castell Handmade Pencil Sharpener with Black Italian Leather
The thought of gifting a pencil sharpener might seem boring on paper. But when it comes in the form of this Italian leather and chrome beauty, it's hard not to see it as an heirloom they'll treasure for years to come as they work on their pencil sketches.
Caran d'Ache Caran d'Ache Supracolor Metal Box Set Of 30
Whether an architect, illustrator, or teacher, a reliable set of colored pencils is a must-have for any creative's toolkit. This versatile set from Caran d'Ache is loved by both amateurs and professionals for the pencils' smooth application on paper. Plus, the pencils are water-soluble, enabling artists to apply with a paintbrush for a watercolor-like effect.
Precision Golden Ratio Tool Set
Sometimes, it's the practical gifts that make the most impact, which is why we love gifting elevated versions of the classic tools your favorite artist uses every day. These brass ratio tools will help them achieve precise measurements as they create their next masterpiece. Pair them with sketch paper and their favorite charcoal pencils , and you have the most thoughtful gift!
LEGO Vincent Van Gogh – Sunflowers Building Set
What better way to learn about a masterpiece than building a replica of it yourself? Burgeoning young artists will rejoice over this LEGO set, which features one of Vincent van Gogh's most famous works, Sunflowers. The best part? You can actually hang it on the wall once you're finished!
Golden Home Design Co. Hydrangea Needlepoint Kit
For those who love dabbling in various arts and crafts, consider getting them a colorful needlepoint kit. This one features a darling hydrangea that would look great displayed on a wall or bookshelf. Additionally, the kit comes with all the necessary tools and an instructional booklet to help them get started with needlepoint.
Cotton Canvas Project Apron
Art can often lead to a creative mess, regardless of the medium. This stylish linen apron from Toast not only protects clothes from spills and splatters, but it also offers a surprisingly flattering fit. Plus, the handy pockets provide a convenient place to keep their brushes and favorite tools within reach.
Set of 2 Espresso Cups - Sol Calero x illy Art Collection
When they need a caffeine boost to chase away those afternoon blues, give them an espresso cup that stands out in the cupboard and inspires creativity. This set from the Illy Art Collection features original artwork by Venezuelan-born artist Sol Calero, showcasing her distinctive color palette and floral motifs.
Arches Watercolor Block
A tried-and-true watercolor block from Arches (the crème de la crème) is a thoughtful and practical gift for your favorite painter friend. Made from 100 percent cotton rag, each page is glued together at the edge to create a flat and sturdy chunk of paper that can withstand scrubbing and multiple layers of paint. Once finished, they can run a letter opener between the painting and the rest of the block to remove their art and start a new piece immediately.
MudTool MudSponge
Perfect to pair with other tools, this pottery sponge makes for a handy gift for sculptors who prefer to throw on the wheel. The kidney shape and durable material make it easy to smooth out any vases, bowls, or other vessels without having to worry about sanding them later.
Traditional Kintsugi Repair Kit
Help them turn those broken bowls or vases into reimagined works of art with this traditional kintsugi kit. Kintsugi refers to the Japanese art form where broken pottery is mended by filling the cracks with urushi lacquer and a dusting of gold, silver, or platinum powder. This kit has everything they need to get started, as well as instructions on the whole process.
Ruda Studio Weave Rye Straw Inlay Wood Box
Whether it's used to house old photographs, stationery, or art supplies, a chic wood box that they can keep on their desk is a must for any artist—no matter their preferred medium. They'll appreciate the craftsmanship of this handcrafted inlay wood box with its checkered pattern inspired by traditional Ukrainian weaving techniques.
Sweet Olive Pottery Co. Artist Paint Tube Brush Rest
A brush rest is a brilliant gift for those painters who need a little help keeping their tools organized while creating stunning works of art. They will certainly adore and appreciate this handmade and hand-painted ceramic rest with its tiny, whimsical flowers and classic paint tube shape.
Remnant Patchwork Sherpa Quilt
Celebrate folk art traditions with a handmade quilt that can be beautifully displayed on a bed as a one-of-a-kind linen or hung on the wall as striking artwork. This quilt is hand-stitched together in India using upcycled saris for a colorful and unique design.
L'Eau Papier
Legendary fragrance house Diptyque celebrates the beauty in creativity with this fresh white-musk scent inspired by paper. Your favorite artist is bound to find comfort in the earthy base consisting of rice steam and blonde woods, which is beautifully lightened by delicate mimosa notes.
Gradient Tower
Make their next get-together a bit more colorful with the help of this gradient game tower. A modern take on traditional Jenga, the blocks are designed to make an eye-catching display even after the gradient is all mixed up after a few rounds.
Nicpro Nicpro Upgrade Art Portfolio Bag
If your loved one is a working artist, they're likely to find themselves in situations where they need to take their supplies with them. This waterproof portfolio may be lightweight, but it can hold quite a lot, such as sketchbooks, paintbrushes, and canvases.
MEEDEN Adjustable Large H-Frame Art Easel Stand-W10B
Splurge on your favorite artist by investing in a big-ticket item, like an easel, that they can use for years to come. This H-frame option is constructed from sturdy German beechwood, guaranteeing longevity and effortless adaptability. It can be smoothly adjusted to various angles, offering the perfect canvas for painting or sketching.
Ohuhu Ohuhu 104 Colors Dual Tips Alcohol Art Markers
For creatives, a reliable set of markers is essential for drawing stunning murals or simply doodling. Ohuhu offers alcohol-based markers in 104 vibrant shades that dry instantly, preventing smudging. Each marker is dual-ended with a chisel and brush tip, perfect for blending and drawing for hours at a time.
Chronicle Books 642 Things to Draw: Inspirational Sketchbook to Entertain and Provoke the Imagination
Practice makes perfect, and this inspirational sketchbook gives prompts to get people drawing and thinking creatively every day. The prompts range from simple shapes or foods to more thought-provoking and abstract (like drawing "first love" or "laughter"), making it ideal for both aspiring artists and experts.
Kuretake Kuretake Watercolor Paint Set
Watercolor palettes inspire many, whether they are a trained painter or just someone looking for a new hobby. This set from Kuretake features 48 ultra-smooth colors, all inspired by tones seen in nature. Your artistic friend will have a blast creating their own colorful landscape or abstract portrait.
Paintbrush Roll
A paintbrush roll is an incredibly handy gift for the artist who is always on the go. This sleek leather option rolls up tightly, making it compact enough to fit into nearly any bag, while providing protection for the delicate brush bristles.
'Oh Andy' Hand-Cut Wood Puzzle
Puzzles offer a charming distraction from the woes of the world with their gorgeous imagery and patterns. Perfect for the Pop art enthusiast, Par Puzzles' tribute to Andy Warhol comes with 650 pieces that assemble into an abstract, collage-like depiction of the iconic artist.
Tom's Studio Design Bloom Calligraphy Pen
Ideal for both beginners and professionals, this handmade calligraphy pen ensures a smooth writing experience without snagging or bleeding. Its adjustable nib allows for optimal pressure and balance control, allowing the user to write with confidence and ease.
Graham Keegan Indigo & Shibori Natural Dye Kit
Shibori is an ancient Japanese dyeing technique where artisans apply indigo to fabric to create intricate designs. This comprehensive kit provides all the essentials, including pigments and folding tools, guiding them to craft their own designs on various textiles.
Two Tumbleweeds Two Tumbleweeds Art Dice
Every creative encounters mental blocks from time to time—it's a natural part of the process. These wooden dice come with thought-provoking prompts to spark inspiration in any artist. Give them a roll and discover what masterpiece they'll be creating next.
Nécessaire The Hand Cream
It's inevitable that an artist's hands will end up a little dry after a day of shaping clay or painting incredible portraits. Nécessaire's fast-absorbing hand cream is formulated with a nourishing blend of ceramides, peptides, and butters designed to deeply moisturize and help restore brittle cuticles.
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Forsyth Mushroom Pouf Ottoman
In the 1930s, architect and artist Josef Frank helped steer Svenskt Tenn into an era of bold colors and daring designs. His enduring patterns, such as Gröna Fåglar, continue to dress the brand's offerings, including this playful mushroom ottoman.
CROWN Show Me the Monet: A Card Game for Wheelers and (Art) Dealers
Get your favorite art lover excited for game night with this highly addictive art card game. Players must trade and collect famous works to build the highest-value collection for the prize.
Sun Printing Kit
Perfect for green thumbs, this printing kit creates prints of flowers and plants by using just sun and water. Transform heirloom roses or lush leaves into one-of-a-kind works of art.
Tulips Correspondence Cards
These darling correspondence cards were inspired by a watercolor from still-life painter Jacob Marrel. The gold-foiled elements add a layer of charm and history to your artist's thank-you notes or love letters.
Two Women Holding Flowers by Fernand Léger, The Watch
London's Tate Gallery Collection teamed up with timepiece maker Swatch to develop a series of watches that feature artworks from its collection. Not many can say they carry a piece of Fernand Léger or Matisse with them everywhere they go!
Picasso's War: How Modern Art Came to America
Today, American collectors regard modern art as one of the most sought-after styles, but that wasn't always the case. In Picasso's War, w riter Hugh Eakins traces modern art's path from one of the most disliked movements to the most beloved.
Frida Kahlo: The Masterworks
Frida Kahlo changed the art landscape with her groundbreaking work, and this fascinating book offers an inside look into her artistic process. The impactful volume will look right at home on a shelf in your favorite creative's study.
da Vinci Da Vinci Watercolor Series 5240 Deluxe Paint Brush Set
Support your artistic friends in a meaningful way by gifting them a new set of tools. This comprehensive set from Da Vinci includes a variety of brushes, a wooden brush holder, and brush soap.
Sophie Lou Jacobsen Piano Martini Set
Shopping for an artist who's a mixologist on the side? You're in luck because Sophie Lou Jacobsen has designed a colorful set of martini glasses that speak to both your loved one's passions.
Sculpd Sculpd Pottery Kit
Seeking a gift for your artistically inclined couple friends? This comprehensive pottery kit provides all the necessary materials, tools, and instructions needed to craft stylish pottery pieces for their home.
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