Buying For an Artist? Check Out These Perfect Gift Options
Here at Perfect Gift, we are always on the hunt for the best types of gifts out there for all sorts of folks. From the young to the old, the ultra active to the more passive, there are no groups of people we want to exclude from our gifting lineup, and that includes any and all types of artists as well. So here we are, determining the most perfect gift options on the market that you can get for a struggling (or successful) artist in your life.
There are many things out there that you could potentially buy for any artist you know, but among the sea of gifting possibilities, where is the island with the most perfect presents located? Nobody knows for sure, as it is really all up to personal choice and preference. That’s why we went ahead and put together a nice, all-encompassing list of gifts for artists of all types to cater to the widest demographic. And to go ahead and make your life a little easier, too.
Now let’s see what gifts await us below!
1. Artsy Gift Cards
The potential of gift cards is limitless when it comes to art
When in doubt, gift cards from Perfect Gift are often the perfect solution to any problem you come across, and that definitely includes when it comes to picking out the perfect gift. Any established artist or even those who enjoy art as a passing hobby likely already have plenty of artistic equipment that they use to help express themselves, and it isn’t your responsibility to commit all of their gear to memory.
Michaels. An arts and crafts retailer, Michaels is like a dream come true for artists of various backgrounds. Whether it’s a blank canvas, paper crafts, painting supplies, or drawing utensils, Michaels has all of that and more inside of their store walls. There’s so much to unlock with a Michaels gift card.
Blick. A retailer of high quality art supplies across a variety of different artistic disciplines, a Blick gift card is an excellent choice for any artist in need of new supplies. From restocking to building a more in-depth collection of art, Blick can help set up anyone with the supplies they need to succeed.
Visa or Mastercard. While not specific to an arts and crafts retailer, Visa and Mastercard gift cards are never not good choices when debating what to get for an eager artist. With their incredible versatility, these gift cards can be used to purchase a wide variety of goods and services, helping to ensure successful artistic creations.
2. Acrylic Painting Set
A full painting set is a great way to get artists moving
The components of a good painting set should leave an artist wanting for nothing. Image courtesy of Meeden.
If an artist is just starting out, or even running low on supplies, then buying them whole sets complete with all the tools they need to succeed can never not be a good idea. But artists come in all shapes and sizes, from all types of different backgrounds and disciplines, so one set isn’t going to be a universal fit for all artists. That being said, if you know any people in your life who enjoy painting as either a minor hobby or a passionate pastime, then a painting set is more than adequate.
How much you are willing to spend on a painting set will determine what kind of set you receive. The higher quality painting sets will require a bit more money than the mediocre ones, but they can really be worth their price tags. Take for instance this Professional Artists Acrylic Painting Set, which is on the higher end but includes a variety of painting tools, an easel, paints, and many extra goodies. Any artists, beginner or not, will be overjoyed to receive such a thoughtful painting set.
3. Kintsugi Kit
Help any artist find solace in the world around them with this set
Rejoice in the art of restoration with an authentic kintsugi starter kit. Image courtesy of Omakase.
The Japanese art of kintsugi is an elegant, restorative one that takes what is broken and makes it into something beautiful. While this isn’t an art form that every artist may be familiar with, it could be well worth a try, even if someone has never heard of kintsugi before. Offering a fresh look into what is typically viewed as destroyed and ruined, kintsugi can be just the thing to help someone find hope in tough times.
Kintsugi is about a lot more than simply producing the best piece of art possible–it’s an art form that is meant to ground yourself and help connect you with the world around you. In a lot of ways, kintsugi can be used as a form of meditation or therapy to increase an artist’s stability and to ground them in reality. If you know of any overworked artists in your life, and there likely are quite a few, then consider gifting them something like this Kintsugi Starter Kit which they can use to relieve stress and find peace.
4. Stationery
Writing letters can be its own form of art with stationery tools
A breathtaking stationery set can be the basis behind alluring collage art. Image courtesy of Stamprints.
The ability to create isn’t limited to paint brushes or origami, but encompasses a broad range of all things creative. Stationery artwork is an often overlooked and underappreciated form of art, though it can create some beautiful pieces as end results. If you know someone who is more interested in dealing with created art and making collages, then perhaps gifting them some cute stationery is the path to take.
A stationery set can be just the thing to perhaps inspire a dejected artist who has fallen out of their creative habits. With many materials already provided and beautiful in appearance, less pressure is put on an artist to make something amazing. But that doesn’t mean the creations are any less impressive than those of different mediums. In fact, stationery art can be some of the most eye-catching art around. Take for instance this Oil Painting Journal Stationery Gift Set, which takes inspiration from famous Monet paintings.
5. Brush Rest
A tool that is more important than it may at first seem
Effective and noncomplex, brush rests can be pieces of art in themselves. Image courtesy of Etsy.
A simple yet incredibly thoughtful gift for painters is a designated brush rest. More often than not, an artist’s room where they create their artwork is riddled with paint stains and brushes strewn about. While the chaos often comes as a part of the passion, there are subtle ways you can help straighten things out, and a nice brush rest is just one of them.
There are no right or wrong types of brush rests out there, but you will find the most creative ones available on Etsy designed by fellow artists. Take for example this Handmade Ceramic Brush Rest, an incredibly simple yet effective tool that looks great in any space around the house. It will help any artist form a habit of placing their brushes in a designated rest spot for them, aiding in keeping the house clean of random patches of paint and such.
6. Sun Printing Kit
Let the power of the sun’s rays help you create beautiful pieces
Preserve the flowers and plant life you love in an eternal art form. Image courtesy of Terrain.
Flowers can be works of art in and of themselves. They way that they grow, their varied coloration, and so much more all combines to make flowers practically a piece of magic in the real world. There are many individuals out there who utilize their artistic skills to make art through flowers, from those who simply like to paint their likeness to the folks who make their art entirely from physical flowers.
One such way to incorporate flowers into art is by way of sun printing, which uses the image of real-life flowers and the sun’s rays to create photographic prints. It’s a beautiful art form that not many may know about, but has a devoted following none the less. A great way to get started with the art form is with this Sun Printing Kit, which includes twelve sheets of a special type of paper as well as instructions on how to properly perform the task.
7. Art Portfolio Bag
Because working artists need a space to store all their important stuff
An expandable portfolio bag is just the thing to store large pieces of art inside. Image courtesy of Portfolios and Art Cases.
For some people, art may be just a passing hobby of no great importance; for others, art is their entire livelihood and what they depend on to bring in an income. These folks especially need a way to transport and present their artwork to the big dogs on the market, but even average joes may want a safe space to keep their artwork stored in. If anyone you know who creates art requires dependable storage for it, consider if you ought to purchase something like this Art Portfolio Bag.
Portfolio bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, in a myriad of colors and designs, so it’s always best to know what type of art the person you’re buying for creates before purchasing a portfolio bag. In most situations, bigger equals better since bigger bags have the capacity for more storage and can hold artwork that is both small and large. Still, quality is a factor to consider as well, as you do not want to go with the first, cheapest portfolio bag you see. Go with a bag that meets the artist’s needs and will not fall apart within a few months of general use.
8. Drawing Glove
Put a little style into a digital artist’s life with this nifty glove
The two-finger glove design is ergonomic and helps maintain a natural grip and feel. Image courtesy of Body Kun.
Don’t think we have forgotten about digital artists and graphic designers, either. These types of artists may work in a different format to traditional artists, but they are still artists nonetheless and deserve our attention. But other than something like a digital drawing tablet, what could you possibly buy for a digital artist that they don’t already have on the drawing programs they work within? Maybe a Drawing Glove, perhaps?
While it may seem like just a silly fashion statement, a drawing glove actually has purpose by providing comfort and functionality to the user. Drawing gloves help reduce the frequency of smudges on the tablet screen, which would obstruct visibility and make it more difficult to work. It also reduces friction, helps to prevent scratches, and even enhances your connection to the tablet, making it easier to stay in control of drawing sessions.
