“Our attitude in giving matters much more than the size of giving” – A wise saying, and a completely true one, but, when the time comes to choose a gift for someone special, we still want our pick to be as special as they are.
And if that person happens to have an artistic side, what to give an artist can sometimes be baffling. It might seem mission impossible to pick the right present from the profusion of creative tools on the market, so to help you, we will zoom in on a few suggestions.
Now, the person in question might be a professional artist, an artist-in-the-making, or someone who wants to unleash their creativity as a hobby. They might also use different mediums to express themselves. Don’t worry, we thought about all of this and came up with a list for all of them.
You will find out that gift-giving is actually a kind of art itself. It’s not just a gift, it’s giving the soul a lift.
Sketchbooks and Journals
Let’s start with the paper, a staple for every artistic endeavour. You can’t go wrong with a sketchbook, especially one with quality paper. Paper usually comes in ivory (off-white) or bright white, but if you want to mix things up a bit, you can get black or brownish hues.
Some sketchbooks contain mixed paper, and this makes them ideal if you are not sure about the artist’s preferences. What really matters about paper is its weight. Surprised? We will break it down—the higher the number of grammes, the thicker the paper. Go for the lighter option for drawing, and choose the heavier, thicker one for watercolour or acrylic painting.
If you really want to impress the art lover, then you can examine the texture as well. Rough, ‘toothy’ paper is good for dry mediums, like pencil or charcoal, whereas smoother surfaces are better for paint.
Journals are handy for jotting down ideas and exploring techniques or motifs and since they are not too pricy, you might find this idea quite fitting.
Pencils and Pencil Cases
A lot of beautiful art is produced with a simple graphite pencil, but even with this basic tool you have abundant possibilities. With the varieties of Hardness and Blackness (recognise the HB mark?), the safest bet is to purchase a set.
For artists who want to experiment with techniques, consider buying coloured pencils or soft pastel sets. They can be applied to many types of paper, not to mention how quickly they wake up the artsy child in people.
With all these supplies, it is nice, if not desirable, to have something to store them in safely. Pencil cases are the perfect solution to organise essential tools and stationery. You can opt for a canvas roll pencil case with internal slots for pens, pencils, brushes, and more or you can choose a designer pencil case with elegance and style.
Artists may look scattered and disorganised when creating; but have no doubt, that a broken, once-upon-a-time pencil is precious to them. Pencil cases are the one thing that can bring some order to the creative mess, and would make a valuable and extremely practical gift, one that they will make good use of.
And if they are slightly bigger, have a couple of pockets and a zipper, then your ‘Picasso in the making’ can drop in an eraser, maybe a brush or two, and be ready for an impromptu artistic outflow. Great for the painter on the go, the art student running around studios and classes, or the hobbyist relaxing in the park scribbling away. Customise the outside of the case with their name, initials, or inspiring words, and you are bound to be their favourite supporter.
Paints
Paints can be expensive and since they diminish with every masterpiece, artists are constantly shopping for new materials. This costs a lot during the year, so getting a set of art supplies is always one of the best gifts for artists. You can take a closer look at the medium the artist is already using and decide whether to get them acrylic or oil paints, a nice set of watercolours with a wide palette, or some other medium.
If you are not an art connoisseur at all and don’t have the faintest idea of the type of material they use, you can play it safe and get them a subscription box for art supplies. It is a great way to give artists, especially young ones, a chance to try new techniques.
Artist Aprons
The process of creating art is a bit chaotic and an artist’s corner may look like a crime scene, but great works come out of a bit of havoc. What you can do to improve the situation is get them something practical like an apron.
A lot of mediums don’t wash out of clothing well, therefore, a special artist’s apron is a great idea. Try looking for one that is made of water-resistant and durable fabric, machine-washable or easy to clean. And something with pockets where they can hold their tools would be perfect.
Calligraphy Set
If the person has a beautiful writing style think about getting them a calligraphy set. Hand lettering has been a trend over the last couple of years, so maybe they would like to try their hand at it.
Other Creative Tools
If all of these options don’t seem to fit the artist’s personality quite right, here are a few more ideas.
A painting-by-numbers set is good for beginners and helps them hone their skills until they are confident enough for bigger challenges. If the artistic person is more into crafting than painting or drawing, then buy them a craft kit.
Art books help artists gain insight into their own creativity, art, and skill levels. They also provide inspiration, encourage artists to expand their horizons, help them learn new techniques, or explore rich art history. A simple, but wonderful present.
Final Advice
We hope these suggestions take away the stress of shopping for a gift and you don’t abort the mission. Most artists will appreciate anything that helps them bring their ideas to life, so you don’t have to stretch your budget.
Plenty of good products can be found in different price ranges. A thoughtfully chosen gift, no matter how big or small, to show your love and support is more than enough. It’s bound to be a treat for them that will make their eyes sparkle and their faces grin. And it will be a thrill for you too. That is the real value of the gift.
