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 artist 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 person 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

Black watercolor paper? Yes, really! This is a game-changer of a paper, and it’s beyond fun to use. Instead of working light to dark, you get to work dark to light and ADD light to your paintings. It works great with metallic mediums and gouache!

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 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

I was lucky enough to try out these paint pens in the summer, and they are now ranked up right next to my Posca paint pens. The paint quality is fantastic and I especially love the fine tip pens for smaller details. They’re great for rock painting or art journaling, or really any detail work!

Ultimate Colored Pencil Set

180 pencil crayons. ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY. Every color an artist could ever dream of, all in one set. This is the kind of gift that makes a grown adult squeal with excitement.

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

Not the most thrilling gift, but honestly, one of the most useful things you can have in a studio. It holds SO many supplies and moves around easily as you need it. I’ve seen artists use these as a full portable studio in small spaces. Truly a must-have!

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!

Promptly Journal Gratitude Journal – I also reviewed this Gratitude Journal from Promptly Journals on my Instagram, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you’re looking for a high-quality journal to start a daily gratitude practice, this one is perfect for it. There are prompts for every day and they really help you think beyond just the obvious. Love, love, love.

 

• Van Gogh Art Face MAsks – Masks really aren’t going anywhere any time soon, so may as well wear some that are fun! These Van Gogh face masks are a cheerful change up to the usual black ones I see most people wearing. Spread some joy even while wearing a mask!
• Ceramic Sunshine Paint Palette – These handmade sunshine paint palettes are beyond adorable! I think they would make painting just that much more cheerful. Bonus: they are made by a pottery artist!

 

• Gogh For It T-shirt  – Do I need to explain this one? I just love puns a little too much, so shirt with an art put is just *chef’s kiss.* Must have.
• I Don’t Want Love I Want Art Supplies Sticker – Never have I read a more accurate sticker! This sticker is made by an artist, and would be a fun stocking stuffer or secret Santa gift addition!
• Desktop Vacuum – My artist sister has one of these & swears by it to clean up her desk. It picks up all those tiny paper scraps, eraser bits and anything else scattered on your desk.

 

• Artist Paint Palette Earrings – My favourite piece of jewelry to wear are earrings, so I couldn’t pass up adding these art earrings to the gift guide. I love that they aren’t matching and that lil’ tiny paint palette is just precious!
• Tombow Zippered Brush Marker Case – If you’re a hoarder of Tombow markers, then you need this case! It holds 54 markers or pens and zips up to keep them all safe. It’s a great way to transport your markers if you like to take supplies on the go!
• Paint Brush Holder – This paintbrush holder is such a fun & unique gift to give. It can be personalized with anyone’s name, and the solid wood build means it won’t get knocked over easily!
• Artist Keychain – These keychains are a fun way to spruce up your keyring! They’re made of acrylic, so they’ll hold up to being tossed in a bag or pocket!

 

• Arteza Advent Calendar – This is a fun advent calendar for the holiday season for all the artists out there! 12 days of a new supply every day – what’s not to love? 
• Andy Warhol Selfies Puzzle – Where puzzles and art combine, you get this super cool 100 piece Andy Warhol puzzle! Made up of his famous polaroid portraits, this one will be fun to look at during and after the build!
• Salvador Dali Melting Clock – For the real art nerds out there, this melting clock is just a fun way to bring Salvador Dali into your home. It’s an iconic art image made real!
• Pottery Studio Mug – Every artist has a cup of either coffee or tea in their hands at least 50% of the time, so why not drink it from a great mug? I’ve been crushing on studio pottery lately, and this sunshine yellow mug is just absolutely perfect!
• Skullcandy Dime Wireless Earbuds – Not that fun, but totally practical and necessary for making art: ear buds. I got this set of Skullcandy earbuds almost a year ago and I use them almost every single day. Whether it’s music or a podcast, I need something to listen to while I create. These are great quality for the price point and hold a charge for a few days of use!

 

 

• Frida Kahlo Watercolor Coffee Mug – My adoration of Frida Kahlo goes deep, so a mug with this fun illustration is right up my alley. And probably most artist’s alleys. Bonus: it’s made by a truly amazing art teacher, Mrs. Edington, who goes by artwithmrs.e on Instagram. Her account inspires me so much and she shares so many fun art projects for kids!
• Painted Water Bottle – If I can get an everyday object in some kind of custom design, I’ll do it every time. This water bottle has the art of Morgan Harper Nichols on it, who is an artist that I personally adore. Her art & her poetry are wonderful! It would be so fun to have her art on a water bottle!
• Color Wheel Earrings – Another fun set of earrings, but BIGGER. These cool color wheel earrings from Oh So Jo are colorful, loud, big and just scream “I love art!!” She also makes a ton of other earrings, keychains, charms, and wall art that you NEED to check out!

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• Rolling Utility Cart – Not the most thrilling item to put on here, but a rolling utility cart is a must-have for any studio. It can hold so many supplies and is easy to move around as you need it. I’ve seen fellow artists use it as a portable art studio in small homes, in their big studios, even tucked away in their kitchens. It really us a super useful piece of equipment!
• MoMA Sol Lewitt Double Sided Puzzle – Get a taste of modern art with this cool double-sided 500 piece puzzle that is a collaboration between Galison and MoMA. It’s a twofer with 2 puzzles for the price of one!
• /i Ultimate Pencil Crayon Set – You can literally never have too many shades to color/draw/shade with. This set of 180 pencil crayons surely will have every color an artist could think of!

 

• Black Art: A Cultural History by Richard J. Powell  – I’m a keen fan of any and all art history books, especially ones that highlight often overlooked groups. This book focuses on the history of black art throughout the lens of the African diaspora and studies how so many important art movements arose from it. If you’re looking to learn more diverse art history, then this book is a must read. I think it would be one of the best gifts for artists in 2021!
• The Story of Art by E.H Gombrich – This book has been around forever and was personally my first introduction to art history. It’s now in it’s 16th edition, and formatted as an easy read about the history of art in a chronological order. My pocket edition is still one of my favourite books!
• Henri Matisse Art Print – This colorful art print is a derivative of Matisse’s iconic “Nu Bleu IV” and a fun change in color. I think it would be at home in any artist’s home! 

 

 

• Frida Kahlo Tote Bag – My girl Frida is back again, but this time in a fun tote bag! This bag would be great for carrying art supplies, all those cool art history books, or maybe just your work lunch. 
• Handmade Leather Journal – This delicious leather journal is made by a Canadian artist, and would be a wonderful gift as a sketchbook. If you are someone who likes following The Artist’s Way, then this would be a special place to write your morning pages in as well!
• National Gallery 1000 Piece Puzzle – Always here for more art puzzles! This one is a reproduction of “A Still Life of Flowers in A Wan-Li Vase” by Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder in the 17th century. It’s been put out by The National Gallery of Scotland and it’s 1000 pieces of fun!
• Yayoi Kusama Wooden Pin – This fun little wooden pin is celebrating one of modern art’s most iconic artists Yayoi Kusama. I’m a collector of flair and all sorts of pins, so this would be great for a fellow pin collector!

• The Short Story of Art by Susie Hodges – Another great pocket size book about art history that is a must have! This one breaks down history into key movements, themes and techniques ina very interesting way. This would be a great stocking stuffer or gift exchange item too!
• Artist Pinafore Apron – I bought myself an artist pinafore a few years ago, and I’ll never go back to an apron or smock again. I love the coverage a pinafore gives and there are no ties to create pressure points on your neck. With big deep pockets, this thing is the best clothing protection I’ve worn for painting. Highly, highly recommend!
• Paint and Brushes and Love Art Poster by CynthiaF – This encouraging art poster would be a great addition to a studio! I love the contrast and the positive message. Don’t we all need more art and love?

 

• Great Women Artists by Phaidon – My last book recommendation on the list, but maybe the best? An art history book all about women artist’s throughout the ages. So many women artists were overlooked and dismissed but are being re-discovered by modern historians. I love reading about how women saw the world & interpreted it into their art work. 
• Jungle Boogie Art Print by DomoINK – This Black artist is highlighting BIPOC people in all her work, and making some totally kick ass art that you will want in your home. I’m loving the jungle series personally. I’m also trying to work to diversify both the artists I support and the art in my home. I encourage you to do the same! 
• Knit Thrum Mittens – I have strong feelings about mittens, and one of those is that they must be colorful and/or interesting to look at. These knit thrum mittens are a piece of folk art in themselves, as they originated in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. The inside is lined with bits of roving stitched into the design to provide a layer of warmth. The thrums eventually get worked together after wearing repeatedly and essentially create a felted layer of wool inside the mitt. So stay warm & support folk art!

• Georgia O’Keefe Art Book – I fully lied above about that being my last book recommendation! This one however is an ode to the great Georgia O’Keefe only. It would be a great coffee table book to have. It covers O’Keefe’s work from 1910-1920 and includes quotes from the artist alongside her works.
• Artist At Work Sticker – A fun stocking stuffer idea would be this Artist at Work sticker!

And that’s it! There are 50 of the best gifts for artists and all under $50. Which one do you hope you’ll get this holiday season? I might have my eye on the keychains and a few art prints!

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