50 Best Gifts For Artists That They’ll Actually Use

It’s that time of year again, and you know what that means: it’s time for my annual art supplies gift guide! If you’ve ever stood in a store completely stumped trying to find the perfect gift for the artist in your life, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. As someone whose holiday wish list is about 95% art supplies, I consider myself a bit of a professional when it comes to gift ideas for artists. Whether you’re shopping for a painter, a sketcher, an art journaler, or just someone who appreciates beautiful, creative things, there is truly something for everyone on this list.

The best part? Every single item is under $50, so you can spoil the creative people in your life without breaking the bank. Let’s get into 50 of the best gifts for artists that they’ll actually be excited to unwrap!

Art Supplies They’ll Actually Use

These are the gifts that are going to make any artist do a little happy dance. You really can never have too many supplies — ask any artist, we will confirm!

Derwent Inktense Blocks

These ink blocks are an absolute powerhouse. They work like watercolor but are permanent when dry, which means you can layer to your heart’s content without lifting. They work on so many surfaces too – paper, fabric, you name it. Such a great addition to any artist’s supply stash!

Paint Palette with Lid

Super simple, but genuinely so useful. The flexible lid is perfect for saving your paints between sessions, and it won’t break the bank. Sometimes the basics are the best!

Stonehenge Aqua Black Hot Press

One of the most unique gifts for creative people on this entire list. Black watercolor paper. Yes, really! Instead of working light to dark, you get to work dark to light and add light to your paintings. It’s a total game-changer and SO fun to experiment with.

Squirrel Hair Black Watercolor Brushes

I reviewed similar watercolor brushes on my Instagram account, I’m still obsessed with them. They hold a ton of paint, the bristles are top quality, and they just feel really luxurious to paint with. Highly recommend!

Monte Marte 24 Acrylic Paint Set

Is there ever such a thing as too much paint? Absolutely not. This set is a staple in any art supplies gift guide for good reason! It’s a fun way to try out new colors and have a wide range of shades on hand. Any artist would be happy to unwrap this one!

Artistro Paint Pens

One of the best gift ideas for an artistic person who loves detail work! I got to try these out and they are now right up there with my Posca paint pens. The paint quality is fantastic and the fine tip pens are perfect for rock painting, art journaling, lettering, you name it.

Ultimate Colored Pencil Set

180 pencil crayons. ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY. This is one of those gifts for creative people that just makes a grown adult squeal with excitement. Every color an artist could ever dream of, all in one set.

Stonehenge Mini Paper pads

A genius little set of mini paper pads (just 2.5″ x 3.75″ (6.5 cm x 9.5 cm)) that lets you try out all the different Stonehenge paper varieties. They’re also the perfect size for making artist trading cards!

Paint Puck Rinse Cup

Okay, I have strong opinions about paint water cups and this one is a straight-up genius design. It has brush holders, a drip tray, AND a textured bottom to help scrub paint out of your bristles. I want ten of them.

Clear Supply Pouches

Practical but SO useful. These clear zippered pouches are great for organizing literally everthing – pencils, markers, stamps, ephemera. You can see what’s inside without dumping everything out, which is a game-changer for a messy studio.

Acrylic Pen Organizer

Paint pens need to be stored horizontally, which means you need a smart storage solution. This acrylic organizer does the job perfectly and looks great on a desk too!

Studio Essentials

Rolling Utility Cart

One of those practical gifts for creative people that might not look exciting on the surface, but trust me on this. Any artist with a studio will absolutely love it. It holds SO many supplies and moves around easily as you need it.

Desktop Vacuum

My artist sister swears by hers for cleaning up all those tiny paper scraps and eraser bits that collect on your desk. Such a smart little tool!

Paint Brush Holder

A fun and unique gift that is a fun way to display paint brushes or markers. The solid wood build means it won’t tip over easily — because we’ve all knocked over a jar of brushes at least once.

Tombow Zippered Brush Marker Case

If the artist in your life is a Tombow marker hoarder (same, honestly), they need this case. It holds 54 markers or pens and zips up to keep them safe and organized on the go.

Artist Pinafore Apron

I bought myself a pinafore apron a few years ago and I will never go back to a regular smock again. The coverage is amazing, there are no neck ties creating pressure points, and the deep pockets are everything. Highest possible recommendation!

Ceramic Handmade Paint Water Cup

My current obsession with studio pottery led me to this perfect paint water cup. That little notch for your brush? Perfect. The speckled porcelain? Perfect. The glaze? Perfect. Everything about it is just perfect.

For the Art History Nerd

Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired The World by Rachel Ignotofsky

Such a fun and beautiful read about 50 important women artists throughout history. The book itself is a work of art! Great for ages 10+ and perfect for any bookshelf.

Black Art: A Cultural History by Richard J. Powell

A fascinating and important book that focuses on the history of Black art through the lens of the African diaspora. If you’re looking to explore more diverse art history, this one is an absolute must-read.

The Story of Art by E.H. Gombrich

A classic that has been around forever, and for good reason. This was personally my first introduction to art history and I still love my copy. It walks through the history of art chronologically and is surprisingly easy and enjoyable to read.

The Short Story of Art by Susie Hodges

A great pocket-sized art history book that breaks everything down into key movements, themes and techniques. Would make a wonderful stocking stuffer or gift exchange item!

Great Women Artists by Phaidon

An art history book dedicated entirely to women artists throughout the ages. So many incredible artists were overlooked and dismissed for so long, and books like this are doing the important work of bringing them back into the spotlight.

Georgia O’Keefe Art Book

An entire book dedicated to the iconic Georgia O’Keefe – yes please! This gorgeous coffee table book covers her work from 1910-1920 and includes quotes from the artist alongside her paintings. A dream for any O’Keefe fan!

Art Prints & Home Decor

Henri Matisse Art Print

A fine art print of Matisse’s iconic “Nu Bleu IV”. It would feel right at home in any artist’s space!

Jungle Boogie Art Print by DomoINK

This Black artist creates the most kick-ass, vibrant work featuring BIPOC people, and I am absolutely obsessed with her jungle series. I’m always trying to diversify both the artists I support and the art in my home – I encourage you to do the same!

Salvador Dali Melting Clock

For the real art nerds out there! This melting clock brings one of Dali’s most iconic images into real life, and it’s just such a fun and unexpected piece for a home or studio.

Royal Pet Portrait

Okay, this one might be the best thing on the entire list. You can get a custom royal portrait painted of your pet (or family member!) in the style of an old master painting. It’s incredibly high art meets absolutely hilarious, and I am obsessed.

Don’t Overthink It Art Print by Jonas Loose

I spotted this and immediately wanted it for my own studio. It’s such a good reminder – not just for artists, but for life in general!

Paint and Brushes and Love Art Poster by CynthiaF

An encouraging and cheerful art poster that would be perfect in any creative space. Don’t we all need more art and love in our lives?

Pablo Picasso The Kiss Print

An iconic Picasso print in clean, minimalist black and white? Yes please! It comes in a ton of sizes and would look stunning in any space. A perfect gift for the art history lover in your life!

Pottery Studio Mug

Every artist has a cup of coffee or tea in their hand at least 50% of the time, and gifts for creative people don’t get more charming than this! This sunshine yellow studio pottery mug is absolutely perfect.

Frida Kahlo Watercolor Coffee Mug

My love of Frida Kahlo runs deep, so a mug with this gorgeous illustration is right up my alley and probably most artists’ alleys too! Bonus: it’s made by an amazing art teacher, Mrs. Edington (find her on Instagram as @artwithmrs.e, her account is so inspiring!).

Painted Water Bottle

If I can get an everyday object with a beautiful custom design on it, I’ll do it every single time. This one features the art of Morgan Harper Nichols, whose work and poetry I absolutely adore.

Frida Kahlo Tote Bag

Frida is back, and this time she’s on a tote bag! Perfect for carrying art supplies, art history books, or honestly, just your lunch. A fun and functional gift!

Handmade Leather Journal

If you’re looking for gift ideas for an artistic person who loves to write as much as they create, this is the one. A Canadian artist makes this gorgeous leather journal and would make such a special sketchbook or morning pages journal!

Promptly Gratitude Journal

Looking for gift ideas for a creative person who seems to have everything? This one is it. I reviewed this journal on my Instagram, and I cannot recommend it enough. The prompts are so thoughtful and really push you to reflect beyond the obvious. A wonderful gift for any creative soul!

Ceramic Butterfly Paint Palette

Looking for truly unique gifts for artists? This handmade butterfly paint palette is beyond adorable and made by a pottery artist, which makes them extra special. They would make painting just that much more cheerful!

Quirky Gifts & Stocking Stuffers

Gogh For It T-shirt

A shirt with an art pun on it? It’s a chef’s kiss from me every single time. Must have. No further explanation needed.

I Don’t Want Love I Want Art Supplies Sticker

Never has a sticker been more accurate. Made by an artist, this would make a perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa add-on!

Artist Keychain

A fun little way to show off your love of art every time you grab your keys. Made of durable acrylic so it’ll hold up to life in a bag or pocket!

Artist Paint Palette Earrings

Earrings are my favorite accessory, so I had to include these! I love that they’re mismatched and that little tiny paint palette is just the most precious thing.

Color Wheel Earrings

Honestly, one of my favorite gift ideas for an artistic person are these bold color wheel earrings from Oh So Jo are colorful, loud, and just scream “I love art!!” She also makes a ton of other earrings, keychains and wall art that you NEED to check out.

Yayoi Kusama Pin

A fun and unique gift for artists who love to collect flair! This wooden pin celebrates one of modern art’s most iconic artists and would be a great addition to any pin collection.

Hello My Name is Artist Sticker

Simple, fun, and perfect for stuffing into a stocking or tossing into a gift bag!

Knit Thrum Mittens

I have strong feelings about mittens, and those feelings are that they should always be interesting and colorful. These thrum mittens are actually a piece of folk art! They originated in Newfoundland & Labrador, and the inside is lined with bits of roving that eventually felt together into a warm wool layer. Stay warm AND support folk art. Win-win!

For the Artist Who Loves a Good Puzzle

Andy Warhol Selfies Puzzle

Where art history and puzzle time collide! This 100-piece puzzle is made up of Warhol’s famous polaroid portraits and is just as fun to look at during the build as it is when it’s finished.

MoMA Sol Lewitt Double-Sided Puzzle

A collaboration between Galison and MoMA, this double-sided 500-piece puzzle is basically two puzzles for the price of one. Modern art lovers will go absolutely wild for this one!

National Gallery 1000 Piece Puzzle

A reproduction of a stunning 17th century floral still life, put out by The National Gallery of Scotland. 1000 pieces of pure art history goodness!

And there you have it! 50 of the best gifts for artists, all under $50! Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned artist with a fully stocked studio or someone who just discovered their love of creating, I hope this art supplies gift guide made your holiday shopping a little easier and a lot more fun. Honestly, I’d be thrilled to receive just about anything on this list myself, especially that butterfly ceramic palette and those color wheel earrings.

If you found this gift guide helpful, save it to Pinterest so other people can find it too! And if you’re looking for even more unique gift ideas for artists, check out my Gifts for Watercolor Artists and Gifts for Art Journalers guides – because one gift guide is never enough.

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