The Perfect Gifts for Artists - Ashley's Gift Guide

​It’s that time of year again! Why does it always sneak up on me?! I’m definitely not into the consumer craziness that comes with the holidays, but I do think it’s a special time to spread love with a truly unique and special gift.

I know how difficult it can be to find the perfect gift for someone. So, I thought I’d share some of MY favorite things as an artist to make it easier for you to get the perfect give for your art loving friend or family member.

Have fun finding the perfect gift, hope my list helps!

Ashley's Favorites Gift Guide

Affiliate Disclosure: This list contains affiliate links which means that I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. This helps to support my work and the free content I create. Thank you!

1. For the Christian artist. If you're looking for a spiritual gift to give, this is it. I love it when two daily practices merge to make an extra enjoyable daily habit. Art and scripture study, together. That's wonderful! Shanna Noel's daily scripture books are colorful, spiritual, and leave room for artists to doodle, paint, or write whatever inspires them. It's a great thing to do together with kids or for some me-time to connect with the Almighty. Love them.

2. For making art anywhere. We live in a time where we can use a small device, such as this really cool tablet, and design, draw, and paint anywhere. Without the hassle of having to take supplies, or the mess. Is it the same as using the real stuff? Surely no, but it's just as creative. You can literally create anywhere, anytime, and anything in the style you want.  I think this is a must for those who want to fit art into a busy life, those who travel, and have or want a career as an artist. Xencelabs is a professional graphic tablet designed with creative people in mind. They made the process of creating simple and intuitive with quick keys and 40 programmable functions per project, and battery free pens that are customizable lag free and pressure sensitive. There is so much more you can do with this tablet, expanding your options as an artist, or you can keep it simple to create. I highly recommend this tablet.

3. For the foody artist. People who like food and art, like me, look at food differently. We like it displayed nicely with beautiful colors. Honestly, I don't think we can help it. It's always a delight to have fun making art with food. And, when I bring out a beautiful display of finger foods, everyone is happy. Not sure if it would be a good gift by itself? Then add the charcuterie board book to help inspire you.

4. For the acrylic lovers on the go. This acrylic palette is my fave! I really enjoy their larger version when I'm not traveling.  The small palette works great for working in your art journal and for traveling. It keeps acrylic paints from drying out, getting moldy, and making a big mess. This palette is the best out there for acrylics my friends and if you want the larger palette, it's available on their site redgrassartist.com.

5. For the artist that needs help keeping it all together. I love to have my paints and supplies in one place. Having one thing to grab makes the process more enjoyable. I use this easel for plein-air because keeping it all together keeps me sane, but I also used it in my home when I didn't have a separate area to create art. This is a great gift for someone just getting started.

6. For the art loving kids and grandkids. Do you gave an art lover on your list that's just getting started? It's a great idea to give them an art kit with a variety of supplies. I honestly hated kits when I was a kid because the supplies were so lousy, I would get frustrated. But don't you worry, this is a great one. If you're thinking less kit and just a couple of supplies, Arteza is a great brand for beginner art supplies. They even have a drawing kit too.

7. For the artsy designer. If you know me at all, you know I love color, sorry Joanna Gaines. Anyone who loves home design and color, is going to love this book. Even if they don't particularly want to decorate in this style, it's eye candy to a design lover.

8. For the artsy reader. This is for the avid artsy reader, and it's by far my favorite for inspiration. This magazine has stories about all kinds of artists doing their artsy thing in their unique spaces. I love, love, love magazines, this one especially. Each time I get the new issue, I'm giddy. If you give the subscription, it's a gift that gives all year long. 

9. The best dressed artist. I'm a believer in what we wear tells people about who we are. I'm also practical, and what's more practical for an artist than wearing an artist smock. This is the one I enjoy, and of course I have added lots of paint to it over time. It's super stylish and I love all the pockets.

10. For the artist that needs to chill out. Okay, sometimes artists can get tightly wound. It's always great to some deep breaths. But what we really need is noise cancelling headphones so we can stay in our little world we are creating with our art, and listen to inspiring music as we do that.

11. For the luxury loving artist. Oh, we all know that an artist can paint with inexpensive brushes, but do they want to? Nah! If I have the choice to paint with the highest quality hand-made brushes in the world made especially for my specific needs, I'll take it. That's exactly why I have these brushes. They are my absolute favorites, a delight to use always, and frankly I love that they look so freaking good! An artist who has these to reach for, is a lucky artist indeed.

12. For the baby you hope becomes an artist. I admit, I had hopes that my kids would love art. I have to say, that letting them play with artsy things from the get go, worked. All my kids are super creative and talented when it comes to art. So when it comes to setting your kids up for creative success, as soon as they can wrap their tiny hands around these, give them paper and watch them scribble. Plus you don't have to worry if they try to eat it, as they always do.

13. For every artist. Artists love new art supplies. Even if they have them already, because it means more art and  possibilities. This is a list of the basic supplies I use in my tutorials. But, if you think your artist is ready to explore some new stuff, check out my art journal supply page. Art journaling is all about exploration, so getting them a journal and some new things to try is a great idea! I use things like...

• Colored pencils (or inktense pencils)
• Oil pastels (or color crayons work too)
• Artist Pens (Permanent markers also work)
• Pebeo Mixed Media Discovery Kits 
• Acrylic Mediums such as inks, pouring medium and flexible modeling paste
• Watercolors
• Stencils 
• Powdered Pigments 

14. For the artist that can't seem to find the time to make art.  I know, I've been there. But here's the thing, I'm busier now than I ever was and I do art all the time. How? I make time. So it's time to get that artsy loved one of yours a way to plan their time, so they can fit in the things that they love. And maybe, add a sticky note with a day and time you can help carry the load so they can create. They will love it, and you will too because we can be our best selves when we get to do the things we love.

I hope you enjoy this list. If you have any artsy gifts you would like to recommend add it in the comments.