48 Useful Gifts for Artists of All Kinds in 2025

Buying gifts for artists you know is simpler than you might think. If you know what they need, that is. But if not, don't worry. We've compiled this list of gifts in consultation with artists, covering reliable tools, trinkets and resources for all mediums, so that you can give something that will be gratefully received.

Artistic practice, according to the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, has far more of an impact than you might expect. Beyond building the capacity for self-expression, engaging in creative pursuits like art-making has been found to boost cognitive function as well as the empathetic response. As you go about your search, perhaps it's a good moment to consider whether it's time for you to reconnect with your creative side, too.

So, what is the best gift for an artist? You may be wondering, “What can I buy for an artist for Christmas?” Perhaps you’re asking yourself, “What do you get an artsy person as a gift for any occasion?” Stress not, and explore these gifts for artists, you're sure to find the ultimate useful gift for the artist in your life. 

Jump to Section

• Gifts for Artists Who Paint
• Gifts for Artists Who Draw
• Best Gifts for Artists Just Starting Out
• Luxury Gifts for Artists
• Unique Gifts for Artists
• Gifts for Photographers
• Gifts for Ceramic Artists
• Gifts for Music Artists
• Gifts for Tattoo Artists

Gifts for Artists Who Paint

1. Art Classes

Whether the person you’re shopping for is a master artist or just learning to paint, art classes are a great gift for artists to improve their craft and learn new painting techniques. They can learn to paint with different mediums, on different surfaces and with different tools.

Book art classes in a city near you, including NYC, San Diego, Houston and countless other places around the country. If the artist you’re shopping for prefers staying in and working on their art in solitude, online painting classes may be a better gift.

2. "The Masters"® Brush Cleaner

If you’re shopping for Christmas gifts for artists, "The Masters"® Brush Cleaner makes for a wonderful stocking stuffer. Every painter needs to know how to clean paint brushes properly for optimal care. This product makes cleaning oil, acrylic and water paint brushes easier than ever.

3. Trekell Hog Bristle Brush Set

When you are searching for gifts for painters, a high-quality, fresh brush set is sure to inspire creativity. If you’re shopping for gifts for young artists, they may not own a quality set of brushes yet, and a seasoned artist will always appreciate a brand-new set.

The Trekell Hog Bristle Brush Set offers all the perks of top-tier hog bristle brushes at a reasonable price point.

4. Arrow T50 Staple Gun

Canvases can be expensive, and the larger the canvas, the heftier the price tag. It can be frustrating for artists to hold off on a vision due to expenses. A staple gun is an incredibly useful gift for artists and can be used to stretch and create canvases at home for a fraction of the cost.

The Arrow T50 Staple Gun is the industry standard for a reason. This tool is known for its reliability, plus staples are available nearly everywhere.

5. Canvases

If a staple gun seems a little out of budget or if you’re shopping for gifts for young artists, simply purchasing already prepared canvases are another option. Cut out the middleman and give the artist in your life a blank space to create.

Michael's offers options at many price points, you're sure to find one that suits.

6. “The Masters”® Artist Hand Soap

"The Masters" brand also produces a bar soap that would make a useful gift for artists. The soap is gentle enough on your hands while also rinsing away any paint that’s been left behind. This is a great gift for teachers of art who always seem to have paint on their hands!

7. Reusable Paint Palette 

A masterful painting requires the use of all the colors of the rainbow, or at least several, and finding the perfect shades for your vision often requires mixing paint colors together.

A reusable paint palette is a gift for painters that will make mixing colors a breeze and is way more environmentally friendly than disposable paper palettes, helping them learn how to make brown paint, how to make red paint and other important colors by blending.

The New Wave Easy Life Palette is a great option that falls comfortably in the budget range.

8. Dick Blick Utility Apron

Anyone who’s ever picked up a brush knows how messy the art of painting can be. A sturdy artist apron is a thoughtful gift for artists that will allow them to paint whenever and wherever while still preserving their outfit of the day. This is also an essential art gift for kids who may get extra messy during art time.

Check out the Dick Blick Utility Apron for an option that will last them years. With good coverage and more pockets than anyone can fill, this apron ticks all the boxes

9. Buddha Board

Paints and canvases can be pricey, so many artists may be hesitant to test out their art ideas on a fresh canvas. An inkless drawing board allows artists to sketch out ideas without sacrificing supplies, making it a wonderful gift for artists on a budget.

The Original Buddha Board is the cream of the crop.

10. Easel

An easel is an outstanding gift for artistic people no matter what kind of art they create, but especially for artists who enjoy drawing.

Purchase a small, portable easel, like the Blick Studio Mini Tabletop Easel, as a gift for artists who love drawing in parks or public spaces, or explore standard easels as a gift for artists who work with large sketches. 

Gifts for Artists Who Draw

11. Drawing Classes

You may be wondering what to gift someone who loves sketching. Consider in-person or online drawing classes. Drawing classes are a thoughtful gift for artists who are still perfecting their skills.

Select a drawing class that focuses on a subject they’ll enjoy sketching or one that teaches techniques with a specific tool, such as charcoal. 

12. Canson Universal Sketch Pad

A classic and thoughtful gift for teenage artists is a quality sketch pad. Young artists often spend all afternoon sketching or doodling. They can take their sketch pad anywhere with them and will have plenty of space for their creations.

A versatile staple, the Canson Universal Sketch Pad allows them to use a variety of mediums without having to worry about finding specific types of paper.

13. Nicpro Art Portfolio Tote

Wondering what to gift art students? A portfolio tote is an incredibly useful gift for artistic people who draw. If the artist you’re shopping for is enrolled in any type of drawing class or working professionally as an artist, a large tote makes it easy to transport their work anywhere. 

The Nicpro Art Portfolio Tote is big enough to fit and protect everything, while being light enough not to weigh them down.

14. LED Tracing Board

If you’re looking for useful gifts for artists, we recommend a tracing pad for artists who like to draw. Tracing pads give artists a large surface to work on with an LED light behind the surface to make tracing art easier.

For a budget-friendly option, the LitEnergy A3 LED Copy Board is hard to beat.

Best Gifts for Artists Just Starting Out

15. Paint and Sip Sessions

Paint and sip events are a super fun gift for artistic people and are also a great bonding activity for couples, friends and family members. They are a great place to start a creative journey, with a relaxed atmosphere and the guidance of a local artist at the ready.

Explore paint and sip options near you, with classes available all over the country. It's a perfect birthday gift for art lovers! If you're unsure which class they want to get, get them a Classpop! gift card so they can choose!

16. Hardbound Art Journal

A quality journal is a thoughtful gift for artists who write. You can purchase a guided journal or simply a notebook full of plenty of lined pages waiting to be filled with diary entries, short stories or poems. There are tons of unique art journal ideas for them to explore their creativity. 

The Strathmore Hardbound 500 Series Mixed Media Art Journal is a great option for those starting out, giving them the freedom to experiment without sacrificing quality.

17. Scrapbook Folder

For a sentimental gift for artists and crafty people who you are close to, build them a scrapbook folder. Include photos from different events together as well as any relevant stickers, ticket stubs, handwritten notes and any other flat memorabilia.

You can even buy an empty scrapbook for them to decorate with the items you’ve collected.

18. Art Set

Looking for Christmas gifts for artists who are young or new to exploring the art world? Art sets come in a variety of sizes and quality levels, but most will include all the tools needed to create beautiful, colorful drawings while also including some paints. 

In terms of sheer bang for buck, the U.S Art Supply 145 Piece Set can not be beaten. If you don't want to buy a premade set, combine a few painting essentials in a cute bin for DIY gift basket ideas.

19. Leather Pencil Roll

If you’re shopping for a luxury gift for artists, consider a leather pencil roll. They’re a useful, durable and high-quality gift that will hold all of their drawing tools securely. You can even purchase a customized pencil roll for a personal touch.

BagsNesti offers a variety of options on their Etsy store; pick one that you think suits the recipient best.

20. Colored Pencils 

A quality colored pencil set will add a burst of life to the work of artists who normally just work with graphite or pens. Professional pencils are packed full of high-quality pigments that produce impeccable results when applied to the paper.

The Faber-Castell Polychromos 36 Pencil Set will come in handy time and time again. This gift for artists is sure to go down a treat.

Luxury Gifts for Artists

21. Faber-Castell Pitt Pencil Set

If the artist you’re shopping for creates drawings as a hobby, they might be working with inexpensive pens or pencils. They would appreciate a quality set of charcoal or graphite pencils to take their work to the next level.

Gifting them a Faber-Castell Pitt Pencil Set will show that you know your stuff.

22. Necklace

As you search for the best gift for artists, girls who paint will love a personalized necklace that reflects their hobby and passion. There are necklaces with tiny paintbrush charms or a small colorful paint palette charm that make perfect birthday gifts for art lovers.

23. Pottery Wheel 

If you’re shopping for a high-end gift for artists, consider a pottery wheel. Pottery wheels are available in a variety of sizes and at many different price points, allowing you to select the best fit for the artist in your life. Search for options on the second-hand market for a good value deal.

Otherwise, if you'd prefer something new, the Speedball Artista Potter's Wheel is a great entry-level choice.

24. Frames

Give the gift of proudly displaying personal art in their home or office with a quality frame or set of frames. Framing your art can be costly and time-consuming, but a quality frame adds esteem to any photograph. 

Unique Gifts for Artists

25. Virtual Wine Tastings

If they're an artist, chances are they appreciate the craft of winemaking. Give the gift of a joyful wine tasting brought into their own home with virtual wine tastings. Whether they prefer reds, whites or bubbly wines, they’ll enjoy identifying tasting notes and learning how to pair wines craftily with different dishes.

26. Woodworking Classes

Woodworking classes are as useful as they are fun, and make great Christmas gifts for men or anyone who enjoys working with their hands. Gift recipients can learn how to build anything from garden boxes to kitchen tables and more.

27. Moss Art Kit

This moss art kit comes with everything needed to create a unique piece of art. Moss art has an earthy aesthetic that will enhance the decor in the bedroom, living room, bathroom or office space.

28. Calligraphy Tools

Calligraphy is a unique art form that is used to make beautiful signs, keepsakes, greeting cards and more. A calligraphy tool set is a great gift for artists who are interested in perfecting this craft. For a great starting point, the Speedball Modern Calligraphy Kit includes everything your artist will need.

Gifts for Photographers

29. Photography Classes

Whether you are looking for a gift for someone who’s interested in learning the basics of operating a camera manually or an experienced digital photographer interested in developing film, photography classes are a great gift option. 

Book them into a nearby photography class wherever they're located. You can even gift an experience gift card to encourage them to sign up for lessons of their choosing. 

30. Polaroid Camera

If you're looking for memorable Christmas gifts for teens, a cool Polaroid camera makes a wonderful gift for teenage artists.

They can capture a picture and produce prints immediately. They’ll have a blast creating pictures with their friends and decorating their bedroom or journal with their photos.

31. Prints

Behind every great photographer is a series of photographers who inspired them. Prints from their favorite photographers are a thoughtful gift for artists that can be used to decorate their home, office or studio.

32. Ring Light 

Ring lights are useful for any at-home photo or video session. Whether it’s used for selfies, internet promotions, at-home photo shoots or still lifes, a ring light can help amateur photographers take their work to the next level.

For a high-quality pick that won't break the bank, consider the Godox LR150.

33. Camera Straps

Shopping for gifts for the artist who seems to have everything? If the photographer you’re shopping for already has the perfect camera, consider giving them straps for their camera that reflect their style and personality. It's a perfect stocking stuffer for the budding photographer in the family!

The COOPH Rope Camera Strap is a stylish and functional choice.

Gifts for Ceramic Artists

34. Pottery Classes

Pottery classes are useful for those who are interested in ceramics and want to try pottery for beginners or more advanced classes. But they can also be a fun, creative outlet for any artist looking to explore new techniques. Classes are led by expert local potters with a wealth of knowledge to offer.

Check out pottery classes near you for a unique gift for artists. 

35. Shelves

As you look for gifts for artists, Amazon and other stores offer a plethora of shelves that will make a fantastic space to display ceramic masterpieces. A sturdy bookshelf or lovely set of wall shelves is a great creative gift for ceramic artists.

36. Art Desk

If the person you’re shopping for doesn’t have a studio or adequate space to work on their craft, an art desk is a great art gift idea. You can purchase a desk specially designed for artists, but even a regular desk or a table and chair set can provide them with the perfect setup to get creative.

37. Textured Rolling Pin

A textured rolling pin imprints gorgeous patterns on slabs of clay for an interesting and detailed look. You can buy large pins for bigger ceramic projects or mini ones for small, intricate patterns.

Vermont Pottery Works offers a range of beautiful options, including wood-grained and marine-patterned rolling pins.

38. Personalized Pottery Stamp

These personalized pottery stamps from Etsy's Biterswit are thoughtful pottery gifts for artists who are frequently crafting ceramics, especially if they sell their work. They will be able to stamp their creations with their name or brand for a professional finish. 

39. Hand Cream

Working with clay frequently can be very harsh on your skin. A high-quality hand cream designed for pottery sculptors is a thoughtful gift for artists who are often working with their hands. 

Cara Mae's Lavender Potters' Skin Butter is just the thing.

Gifts for Music Artists

40. Dance Classes

Dancing is a unique art form loved by all, but mastered by few. Help the artist in your life discover new moves with dance classes. With options all over the country, there are sure to be dance classes near your giftee.

If you can’t find the perfect dance class in their area or if the artist you’re shopping for is more reserved about dancing with strangers, online dance classes may be a better art gift for them. 

41. Record Player

Vinyl records are back in style, and a record player is a wonderful gift for artists who love music. Vinyl records have an amazing sound quality and create a vibe that digital music can’t match. If the person you’re shopping for already owns a record player, you can’t go wrong with giving them a record of one of their favorite albums.

Pick up a Crosley Cruiser Record Player for an all-inclusive option with speakers and even Bluetooth.

42. Musical Instrument

Whether they are talented musicians or someone who has never played an instrument before, a new instrument is a wonderful gift for artists who want to play music. You can pick a classic instrument, such as a guitar or keyboard, or explore more niche choices, such as a banjo or ukulele.

43. Instrument Accessories 

For a more affordable gift for artists who already own an instrument and one of the best gifts for musicians, consider accessories for their instrument. This could include guitar strings, an amplifier, drumsticks or even a customized case for their instrument.

Gifts for Digital Artists

44. 3D Printer

A 3D printer is a fantastic tech gift for artists, especially those who work in the digital space. 3D printers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can even purchase a 3D printer pen if you are shopping for young artists or people new to 3D printing.

To get them started, the Bambu Lab A1 Mini is an ideal choice.

45. Domain Name

For a truly one-of-a-kind gift for artists, purchase a domain name that reflects their professional persona or creative personality. This will allow them their own digital space to display, advertise and sell their work. 

46. Stylus Pen

A quality stylus pen, like the Apple Pencil 2, will be an invaluable gift for a digital artist. There are countless designs for stylus pens, so select one that suits the artist’s personality as well as their artistic needs.

Gifts for Tattoo Artists

47. Tattoo Coloring Book

Check out a tattoo coloring book for a great gift for artists who create tattoos, are looking for new tattoo ideas or who simply love body art. It’s designed for adults with pages full of inspiring tattoo art waiting to be colored in. 

48. Aftercare Cream

Tattoo artists tend to love getting tattoos just as much as they love creating them for other people; some even give themselves tattoos. An aftercare cream designed for skin healing from a fresh tattoo is a useful gift for artists. Hustle Butter is an industry favorite.

We hope you've found a special (and useful!) gift for the artist in your life that speaks to their one-of-a-kind personality. Any budding or seasoned artist is sure to love a thoughtful gift that will help them create something they are passionate about. 

Inspire them to follow their dreams, think outside the box and share their work with the world by giving them the tools and support they need to succeed.  

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!