40 Gift Ideas for Artists

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give

For us artists, our tools are of such high value that receiving gifts which would help create our art is heaven to us. Any fresh concepts simplifying the use of materials easier cheers our hearts. I decided it would be a good idea to start a collection of artistic tools just for fun because the market is introducing new and sophisticated equipment to artists. I hope your excitement is equal to mine.

The costs and availability of these one-of-a-kind presents are prone to frequent change, so I won’t make any suggestions regarding their origins. You need to look into such things on your own in order to find the greatest deals.
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There is no financial gain to be had from purchasing any of these products; I buy, test and offer ideas for recreational purposes.

Hovel Brass Pencil Sharpener   001

Wow, look at that! This sharpener is unlike any other because it can be used to create points of varying lengths and angles without ever breaking. Quickly and easily switch out the blades without the need for any hardware. There are ten carbon steel blades in this set, and the manufacturer backs up their product forever. It's pricey, but such a thoughtful present. 

Giant Pencil Holder   002

There are an an untold number of pencil holders. So I will mention a handful of them. Don’t you just adore this universally recognised and beloved pencil holder? Rubber wood and stainless steel construction. Available in various wood colours, from light to deep brown. Only available from overseas.

Curved Pencil Holder   003

This graceful curving pencil holder comes in sizes of 24, 36, 48, and 72 and includes a storage space for accessories like pencils and erasers. I love the elegant form. 

Bras Ruler   004

My heart heightens to see this Stria Folding Ruler by Makers Cabinet. It’s a high-quality folding ruler made of brass with a durable brushed finish. This one-of-a-kind present for artists features a dovetail hinge and 45-degree increments of tactile feedback. Jackson’s also offers the option of purchasing a leather sheath to go along with the item.

Half Circle Pencil Holder   005

A holder for coloured pencils crafted by hand out of wood by James Oehlson. Constructed out of solid timbers like Purpleheart, Walnut, Wenge, Ash, Pecan, or Maple, as well as Baltic Birch Plywood. Each one may store twelve coloured pencils of the Crayola brand or a comparable alternative. I appreciate you can expand the quantity you need and then arrange them in a way aesthetically pleasing to you. James offers a wide variety of distinct possibilities for these holders to consider.

Framed Prints   006

Prints of any kind make unique and thoughtful presents for creative types. You can try to make one yourself and have it framed, or you can buy them from stores like Etsy. Either way, you have options.

Vitruvian Man Wall Art   007

This wall art is available in two sizes: 47×47 cm or 85×85 cm. It is hand-made from a coat of black steel. Etsy offers different renditions of the Vitruvian man by Leonardo da Vinci. We can also purchase multiple versions as jewellery and prints. This is an example from the seller Unal Dogan of Elegartch available on Etsy.

Artist Definition Frame   008

Multiple sizes are available for this print on clear glass. Framed in black PVC and fitted with acrylic glass. It’s a nice gift idea that doesn’t cost much but still stands out. You can find several variations on the artist's definition of Etsy, so look around before making a purchase.

Door Hanger   009

Such an adorable gift idea! This is unquestionably something you ought to test out on your own. I’ve already created one, and after printing it out on white paper, I laminated and cut it to size.

Artist Drawing Glove   010

When using pastels or graphite pencils, smearing your work is a common problem. This is a sweet gift for an artist to prevent such a mess. It is available for men, women, and kids. Another great idea, to use it as a craft project from one of your existing gloves you don’t need anymore. Otherwise, Etsy offers a variety of choices.

Iris Drawing Compass   011

This gorgeous looking Iris is more than a nice decoration. It is a rotating compass tool with a distinctive moving aperture used to draw and measure circles. Constructed from a solid brass body and corrosion-resistant stainless steel. You may customise the diameter of the included hardwood base and size it between Ø3-70mm. Jackson’s Art Supplies has them for you.

Artist Sketchbook   012

This personalised leather or wooden sketchbook is available in sizes ranging from A6 to A4, making it a fantastic idea. You are going to keep this forever. 

Artist Apron   013

If you’re going to use an apron, then why not something like this? Redbubble is the place to go to order this one besides tonnes of other possibilities. The only challenge is picking only one of these incredible artists, who includes Frida Kahlo and Vincent van Gogh.

Palette Necklace   014

Necklaces for artists are in all forms and shapes in specifically palettes are fashionable these days. This example is handmade of glass and wood. They make it to order.

Wrist Watercolour Palette   015

This cute compact wrist beechwood palette includes three wells for different colours. What a wonderful and adorable present for an artist. It’s accessible in a wide variety of designs and hues.

Portable Studio Box   016

You can have this stunning portable studio box in your choice of walnut or maple. To make it more unique, you can add a quote or just your name. Although They aimed this product at a more affluent consumer base because of its high price tag, even casual observers will have to admit that this product is truly unique. On the reverse side is a leather brush holder and a variety of other handy extras.

Pencil Ring   017

Beautifully crafted adjustable pencil ring made from silver. Find it on Etsy at Levi Justice Studio. The ring fits either the index or middle finger. One can find an alternate rendition by the same designer that features a brush.

Drawing Artist Ring   018

This one is on my personal wish list. Designed and crafted by Mark Poulin, this lovely gift for artists and illustrators comprises sterling silver and vitreous enamel. Mark engraves his handmade rings with a variety of original phrases, and he also incorporates the colours light blue and green. Etsy allows users to place orders for items.

Leather Sketchbook   019

This must be the cutest, adorable A7-sized watercolour sketchbook. Created from recycled leather that has been given a second life. It comes in a variety of colours. You have the choice of either Fabriano or Arches paper. Bohemian Raspberry Art’s Louise designed and produced the piece. Accessible via Etsy.

Historical Action Figures   020

We all know the usual wooden mannequin, but these action figures are something different. Most parts of these figurines can be adjusted. They are costly, but you will cherish them for life. From the Vitruvian Man to The Thinker, nothing is impossible anymore. We can find them on Amazon.

Adjustable Circular Ruler   021

Now this is something new, an adjustable circular ruler. Koala Tools offers sturdy plastic that is both robust and flexible. Making it ideal for cutting arcs and curves as well as sketching circular shapes.

Colour Wheel Enamel Pin   022

It’s a solid spinning meme pin that is around 9-10 centimetres in diameter. Imagine me, a teacher, using this in my lessons on colour theory. One more item for my wishlist.

Travel Watercolour Brushes   023

I just love those foldable brushes. For as long as I can think, storage for brushes has been a problem. Especially if you’re investing in pricey brushes that you intend to use for a long time. Most brush holders are detrimental to hair and can cause permanent damage. This convenient pouch houses three brushes in a secure environment.

Leather Sketchpad   024

There are loads of personalised leather sketchpad, and every artist should have at least one in their lives. I’ve got my first one from the Gold Coast Art School as a present with my name and date of birth. You will keep this for life. It’s available in both A5 and A4 sizes from the Mureli Workshop on Etsy.

Palette Wall Art   025

Fatih from Maroon Wall Art Decor created something for us girly artists, which is also available on Etsy. Don’t you adore it? It’s definitely on my list of favourites. There are two sizes available in black, gold, and white: 50cm x 40cm and 70cm x 55cm. It’s made of steel or metal.

Frida Bookmark   026

This vintage bronze bookmark of Frida is individually handmade by the artist Jenny Bennett in Victoria. She can personalise many of the bookmarks with a photo of you or someone you love. You can buy her creations on Etsy. She is a talented jeweller and craftswoman.

Botanical Tea Towel   027

Creative tea towels make a great present. Several companies exist where we artists may have our artwork printed on useful items like wallets, tea towels, and notebooks. This one is by Etsy seller Julie McEnerny, who goes by the name “Not Just Tea Towels.”

Resin Palette   028

Michelle Tracey has created a unique resin painting palette. And this one is based on the sea. Made with the highest quality light fast and archival artist’s grade materials to last a lifetime. It has a D-Ring on the back for hanging and she signed it on the back. Beautiful resin versions of Australia are another speciality of Tracy’s, and you can find them on Etsy.

Portfolio Canvas Backpack   029

Many styles of bags are available to painters. This durable backpack is perfect for artists. Since it has multiple compartments where you can keep your stretched canvas, canvas panels, paintbrushes, drawing pad, pens, pencils, and sketching papers. Overall dimension: 66 cm x 49.5 cm. Available in different colours on Amazon.

Puzzle for Artists   030

What a personalised gift! You can choose a puzzle with a surface suitable for anything from drawing to painting. My mother-in-law or granddaughter would love a puzzle that I have painted myself. Maybe I should bring this up in my art class as an option to paint.

Artist Street Sign   031

EzStreetSigns.com is a street sign design company based in the United States. You can change the name of the drive to “Fine Artist” or do something altogether else. They make the signs of high-quality aluminium that stand the test of time. Etsy has it as well.

Colour Chart Fan Deck   032

I enjoy looking at different colour combinations to see whether they work well together. The pricing and varieties of these fan decks are wide open. This colour deck by the Colour Wheel Company is great since it includes comparison panes next to each colour.

Pencil Holder Unit   033

Every type of pencil has its own dedicated space. Some come in a flat-packed, easy-to-assemble kit and they constructed these of extremely lightweight wood. Some alternatives are cheaper, but they’re built with plastic instead of hardwood.

Rotation Pencil Holder   034

This is yet another practical pencil holder that we rotate 360 degrees. So simple, so handy. It is difficult to choose a favourite when there are so many alternatives.

3D Portrait Painting Statue Doll from Photo   035

Look at this, now that is personal! These handmade clay figurines by uDesignofficial are available on Etsy. You can choose between the sizes of 4cm - 24.5 cm. 

Unique Custom Book   036

Painstakingly by hand, this one-of-a-kind book is a unique creation. With each page separately being folded to spell out “create.” The artist crafted these books using pre-loved recycled books. The concepts that artists come up with and then market their creations never cease to amaze me.

Artists Knife Set   037

This 6 piece kitchen knife set with including a gift box is available on eBay and manufactured in NSW, Australia. Made from durable stainless steel, it has a non-stick coating. It includes a paring, utility, Santoku, slicer, bread, and chef knife. Can you identify any of the artists whose work they’ve included here? It’s safe to say that everyone on that list is a household name.

Brush and Paint Holder   038

If you want a high-quality paint rack, this could be the answer. This strong rack fits standard 15ml dropper bottles and manufactured from a 6mm falcata board. Less likely to warp when exposed to water or changes in temperature than the cheaper 3mm ply or MDF versions. Here you can see the deluxe black matt model, which is even stronger. On Etsy, you can find McDonald Design. There are many shapes and sizes of these types of racks.

Wooden Shoulder Bag for Artists    039

This walnut wood messenger box is stylish and well-made. It looks like a briefcase and is great for designers, artists, or anyone who likes to write or paint. A shoulder bag made of wood that will last forever. I think it is classy and thoughtful in its design. You can find it on eBay.

Van Gogh Oil Painting Accessories Wood Box   040

Ah, the dream of every artist. One of the greatest oil painting kits available, complete with a 14-by-40-milliliter oil set and a wooden box for accessories. Archival oils that are resistant to light and stay a long time; they are easy to manipulate and produce a lovely satin gloss finish. Artworx in Geelong has them. They have many sets made of wood. I don’t think I could go near that place because I would go broke overnight.