Buying gifts for the artists in your life can be quite a difficult task. They normally have very specific tastes and are very particular about the materials they use. Picking out the gift that they will love and use feels like an impossible task. 

You could go down the route of tasty treats, but if that is a little too simple for you then check out these ideas.

#1 – A subscription to an online art school

There are a whole host of amazing online art classes out there. You can choose one of the bigger learning platforms like Craftsy, Masterclass, or Skillshare. But there are also many other options out there. 

Many independent artists have started offering their own courses and the likelihood is that your artist friend’s favorite artist will offer their own specialist course online. 

#2 – A new set of brushes

If your artist friend is a painter then they will always be grateful for a new set of brushes – especially if you pick them out a really nice acrylic paint brushes set. 

Never has an artist said, “I have too many nice brushes”. Trust us, this gift will be really appreciated and used nearly every time they male art. 

#3 – A travel pallet and water carrier

If the artist in your life likes to paint on the go then a combo travel pallet and water carrier will make them very happy. 

A tool like this means that they can carry less with them and spend more time concentrating on the art they are making. If you can get one that comes with a cup to hold the water – even better. 

#4 – Make Good Art – by Neil Gaimon

If the artist in your life is having a little bit of a creative slump then this is the perfect book for them. The book is based on a speech Gaimon gave about the importance of making art (both good and bad). The book is also full of gorgeous illustrations by Chris Riddell. 

#5 – A puzzle of their favorite artwork

Throughout 2020 and 2021, it feels like everyone in the world fell in love with puzzles. So, is there a better gift for the artists in your life than a puzzle of their favorite piece of artwork? 

Lots of famous pieces of art already exist in puzzle form, but if the piece you are looking for doesn’t then there are many custom puzzle-making companies out there. 

#6 – A really good set of headphones

A pair of over the ear, noise cancelling headphones will improve everyone’s life – including your artist friend’s. Being able to work without distractions or disturbing noises will be invaluable for most creatives. 

We recommend a set of Bluetooth headphones that they can take on the go with them. 

#7 – A gift card to their favorite crafts store

If you’re really stuck on ideas then you cannot go wrong with a gift card to their favorite craft store. A lot of the artists in our lives don’t like to treat themselves to high quality materials. A gift card gives them the opportunity to purchase themselves that really nice item they have wanted for ages, but couldn’t justify the price of.

Tell them to “treat yo self!”  

#8 – A year-long ticket to the best gallery in their area

Nothing beats viewing art in person when you need inspiration. So, why not treat your arty friend to a year’s access to their favorite gallery. These year long tickets are surprisingly well priced. A year’s ticket to the Met in New York costs under $50. 

We promise you, they will make a lot more art if they have unlimited access to amazing museums and art galleries. 

#9 – Help them to set up an Etsy store

If you are good at website building then you could help your artist friend set up an online portfolio and help them to make a store through which they can sell their own art. 

You can help them make a career out of their hobby and show them you believe in their talent at the same time. 

#10 – A new sketchbook

Our final suggestion is to get them a new sketchbook. Every single artist we know hoards sketchbooks like dragons – but never has enough. So, you can never go wrong with a good quality sketchbook. 

New sketchbooks are especially useful if they are about to start a new project.