Gifts for your Artist

15 Ideas from the most used items and student favorites in my studio

Gift giving is a special opportunity to buy a treat for someone, and if that someone is an artist, there’s no better gift than art supplies. The more one creates, the faster those supplies run through our fingers. Here are 15 ideas that will spoil the artist in your life- from big to small budgets, there’s something for everyone here.

(This post contains affiliate links and I will earn slight commission on qualifying items when you use these links- it does not effect your cost at all and helps support me as an artist in today’s world!)

Arteza Watercolor Brush Pens are a favorite product for me and my students. When combined with traditional watercolors, they give extra color and control while still playing nicely with your regular paints. They are like brushes pre-loaded with paints, and you can dip in water and use seamlessly with your own paints or use on their own to save on the setup and mess.

Micron Pens are a great set of pens that can be used on their own or with watercolors without bleeding. I used these (along with a few other ink tools) to create my 100-page coloring book, and frequently use them with watercolors or the above listed Watercolor Brush Pens. High quality and long lasting, these pens will love you right back.

Sakura Pigma Micron Pens - Set of 6, Black, 08

Prang Watercolors are low-cost but quality watercolor that is a step above the base for a beginner. Easy to use and easy to clean, these are the watercolors I recommend for children. I use them too and i’m a grown up! (See the next item on the list if you’re looking to spoil a non-beginner.)

Prang Watercolor Pans - Square, Assorted, Set of 8 Colors

Windsor Newton Watercolor Travel Set
If you want to spoil them with nice watercolors, but don’t want to spend a ton, this is a great set. The bonus is it’s a travel set so they can take it any where- the park, their backyard, or work easily from their kitchen table without a huge set up. I have a set of these that I use for my primary watercolors, and they are very long lasting.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set - Pocket Plus Travel Set of 12

Canson Watercolor Paper is a high quality yet affordable paper, and watercolor paper is a treat. It’s made to take all the watercolor-ness you can dish out, doesn’t warp/bubble as easy, and is maybe something that your artist doesn’t often have around. Since i’m listing watercolors and materials above, I can’t leave out this great and affordable paper that’s made for it! (Make sure to pair with the Pro-Art Tape at the end of the gift list)

Canson XL Watercolor Pad - 11'' x 15'', Euro Fold, 30 Sheets

Set of Synthetic brushes
If your artist is just starting out, a set of versatile brushes can compliment your gift and make sure they’re ready to create right now! This set can be used with watercolors or acrylics and has a variety of shapes to use and experiment yet. Even if you’re artist has been at it a while, brushes are a consumable material, and new brushes is usually a treat for any artist.

Liquitex Basics Brush Set - Set of 6

Arteza Wood Rounds are a favorite for me and for my students- these are fun to use to make gifts, ornaments, coasters- or just as a unique and different canvas for your art! These are a nice size for working, and everyone i’ve seen use them or receive the just loves them! Use with acrylics, paint markers, or even oils. I used these to create my Oil Painter Annie 2020 ornament

Arteza Metallic Acrylics
Talk about fun, these metallic paints add a little sparkle to your life. And what a treat- I received my set as a gift last Christmas and I love adding a little sparkle to my pieces. These are a unique material to spoil your artist.

Sharpie Paint Markers are another favorite product for myself and my students. These oil based paint markers can be used on so many surfaces: i’ve used them on metal, wood, rocks, plastic, my studio door, the wall! Oh and paper and canvas too. Really fun to use to get to decorate unusual surfaces, and great for all ages. I’ve had particular success with young artists with these paint markers.

Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker - Red, Fine Point


Box to keep Art stuff
I see my students carrying their materials in all kinds of containers- plastic bags, backpacks, boxes, or just loose and rolling around everywhere. Art Bin is like a Caboodle for your art stuff- so fun to keep it organized and easy to grab and carry out the door or to the kitchen table. Plus wouldn’t you love it if they’d stop leaving it all over the table when it’s dinner time? An Art Bin is a treat, even for me. And pair it with some of the materials listed above, and you have a really thoughtful and inspiring art gift.

ArtBin Sidekick Storage Bin - 15'' x 10'' x 7 3/4'', Translucent

Table Top Easel
A great gift for any artist- new or seasoned. I’ve noticed almost none of my students have one of their own, and they LOVE to use it during lessons. And for a seasoned artist, there’s never enough space for drying projects! A table top easel can be used to display pieces too. Foldable for storage- it’s a great addition to any artist’s studio equipment. (I have 3 and I could use 3 more at times!)

Blick Tabletop Easel - H-Frame, Natural

Prismacolor Colored Pencils
These are the good ones! So smooth and blendable- plus the more you use them, the more you need! Save your artist from those short stubby pencils they are clinging too and spoil them with a fresh set!

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils - Set of 36

Canson Mixed Media Paper
Very versatile paper and can be used for watercolor, acrylics, pen and ink, pastel or pencil. Sturdy and durable, this is a great paper for artists of any level. (Make sure to pair with the Pro-Art Tape at the end of the gift list)

Canson XL Watercolor Pad - 9'' x 12'', Wirebound, 30 Sheets

Canson Paper for Acrylics and Oils
If you have an artist who is primarily a painter, this is a great gift. I paint with oils on this paper and it can handle anything I dish out, and I dish out a lot! (Make sure to pair with the Pro-Art Tape at the end of the gift list)

Canson XL Oil and Acrylic Pad - 9'' x 12'', 24 Sheets

Pro-Art Tape
Seems basic, but I use this ALL THE TIME! It’s way better than the blue or green painters tape which always tears the paper! If you’re buying any of the papers listed here, this tape is a must! It won’t let paint bleed, but it also won’t tear the top layer of paper off when removed. An artist friend recommended this to me a few months ago and my life is better for it!

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