Whether it’s the holidays or your bestie’s birthday coming up, finding the perfect gift for that special creative person in your life can be a little tricky. What if they already have plenty of watercolor sets (disclaimer: that’s pretty much unheard of) or what if they already have tons of sketchbooks? Or what if you just don’t know where to start in terms of looking and just need some quick recommendations to get you started?
This is exactly why I wanted to put this little guide together – to help you find the perfect gifts for artists that are not only awesome but also affordable. Most of these items I have personally used and absolutely love and stand by them.
“Giving Christmas gifts is like a sport to me. Finding or making that perfect something. It’s also like a sport to me because I always win.”
Be like Leslie Knope and be a winner at getting the perfect gift for your artist friend, creative, or art lover!
((((Some of these links may be affiliate and as a result of your purchase I may get a tiny percentage that helps support the Color Snack mission to get people to be more creative. I thank you sincerely!))))
[This gift guide has been updated for 2024 holiday season to include awesome new gift ideas]
Gifts for Artists – Art Supplies Category – Under $20
This is a collection of gift ideas for your artist friend who may be in need of new art supplies. And honestly, an artist can never have too many of these, so if they happen to already have these art supplies, they will be delighted to get another set because these are all amazing products that you can come back to time and time again.
1. Watercolor Paper Squares 140lbs/300gsm Cold Press – $18.95
I discovered this set of watercolor paper when I was looking for perfect squares to create a watercolor mural backdrop for the launch of my book Watercolor 101 Pocket Guide. I found these and LOVED working with them. The quality is great and I love that they are small and not intimidating and easy to keep experimenting on, while still getting to practice on good quality watercolor paper.
2. Stillman & Birn Alpha Series Softcover Sketchbook – $13.80
I LOVE this sketchbook. When I traveled to Italy for a few weeks, I packed 4 of these with me (here’s a video if you want to take a peek). Of course, I didn’t fill them all while abroad, but when I got home I slowly finished capturing all my favorite moments.
This sketchbook is fairly lightweight so it’s great for traveling with. It takes on a light wash of watercolors nicely and is great to work with fountain pens in.
3. Viviva Colorsheets – Use CODE: COLORSNACK for a 10% discount
These watercolor sheets are perfect for sketching on the go. They are super compact, pocket friendly, AND highly pigmented watercolor sheets. Basically, you just need a very small amount on your wet brush in order to get really vibrant colors.
My favorite part about this set is how lightweight it is. It can be easily stored inside your sketchbook.
Be sure to use the code COLORSNACK to get a 10% off discount!
4. Watercolor 101 Pocket Guide – $14.95
My little Watercolor 101 Pocket Guide is a perfect gift for the artist in your life. I’m so proud of all the work that went into it and I am quite smitten with the size. It’s compact, super travel friendly and will definitely fit inside your pocket or sketch purse or murse or backpack.
Designed for artists who are starting out on their watercolor journey or those who just need a quick refresher on the basics, this handy and ultra-portable reference guide helps you create beautiful artwork whether in your studio or out and about.
5. Colorful Jumbo Magic Pencils – 5 Pack for $9.12
Regular color pencil stress me out because I always tend to break the lead almost instantly. I was really happy to discover these jumbo pencils at a museum one day. They have several colors in them and they change randomly. I love how fun and whimsical they are and they are a lot more fun to sketch with than a regular pencil.
Seriously try them!
6. Watercolor Sushi Mouse Pad
This is a great gift for an artist OR a foodie in your life! This is one of my favorite watercolor illustrations turned into a colorful mousepad.
It is definitely cat approved, as I have one myself and my sweet cat Ichi loves to hang out on it.
7. Gold and Silver Acrylic Paint Pens – Set of 4 for $5.97
These gold and silver acrylic paint pens are great to add flourishes to your sketches! I personally used them to add little details on dresses when I am doing live painting with watercolors.
They are a really nice touch and also fun to have in your sketching supplies.
8. Travel Watercolor Paint Brush – $17
I love this travel brush! I also actually use it when I’m just sketching or playing in my sketchbook at home. It comes with a metal cap. And best part is that it’s synthetic squirrel and it absorbs a good amount of water.
I have a size 10 which I love, but a smaller size is just under $20 and a great deal.
9. More Sparkly Shiny Stuff – Shimmery Watercolor Paints $14
Did I mention I love shiny things?? This little set is great to have in your art supplies because, well, it’s sparkly and pretty!
Great to add on top of your dried watercolor designs for an extra wow factor.
10. Sailor Fude Fountain Pen $13
I LOVE this pen. I load it up with pentel waterproof ink cartridges and use it to sketch. It provides a variety of lines, from juicy to really narrow, soy ou can get details. It’s really a joy to play with and I highly recommend if you want to experiment with doing ink and watercolor sketches.
Gifts for Creatives – Inspiring Books Category
The next section of this gift guide is great for anyone who loves and appreciates art, wants to keep being creative or someone who just needs a little push to get unblocked and tell that negative self talk to take a hike. I own and have read and loved these books and so I truly think they will be a great gift for your artistic or creative friend.
Watercolor Snacks Book: Inspiring Lessons for Sketching and Painting Your Favorite Foods – $17
Ok, this is another book I wrote and published (my first one to be exact!). It’s full of colorful and vibrant watercolor food tutorials. It’s beginner friendly and will look great on your coffee table :D.
Watercolor in 10 Minutes a Day: 45 Quick and Easy Projects for Beginners – $22
This is a wonderful book by my sweet friend Garima. It has tons of fun tutorials on all kinds of themes and they are very simple and approacheable. So even if you just have a few minutes a day for creativity, this book will give you the steps and leave you feeling inspired and accomplished.
Stoplights Are For Laughing: Easy Ways to Keep Laughter in Your Life
They say, “Laughter is the best medicine,” and sharing joy is certainly one of the best parts of having friends. New and old friendships alike are precious and need to be nurtured. This gift book is the perfect collection of ideas to show your appreciation for friends in your life. The 52 tips provide free or low-cost ways to strengthen your connection throughout the seasons of the year.
Random and Cool Things as Gifts for Artists
Warm Hugs – Candle for Cozy
xoxo
Volta
