🎁 10 Gift Ideas Every Artist Will Love (Perfect for the Holidays!)

Finding the perfect gift for an artist can feel overwhelming — they’re creative, particular, and usually already have a favorite brand of something. But artists always love supplies that spark joy, help them create more efficiently, or make their studio feel inspiring. And we all love trying something NEW!

Here are 10 thoughtful gift ideas that artists actually use — from premium sketchbooks to resin kits to the brushes I swear by. All links below are Amazon-friendly for easy shopping.

1. Beautiful Art Prints (From PaulaFreemanArt.com)

The perfect studio inspiration piece.

Before we get into supplies — nothing sparks creativity like fresh art on the walls.You can shop my coastal, whimsical, and seasonal art prints here:

👉 https://shop.paulafreemanart.com/

Art prints make a stunning, personal gift and give any artist a burst of inspiration every time they look up from their canvas.

2. Resin Starter Kit

Perfect for artists who want to try resin without buying 10 separate items.

👉 Amazon Affiliate Link

Look for kits that include:

• Resin + hardener

• Mixing cups

• Gloves

• Molds for coasters

• Heat gun or torch

• Fun Molds and Projects to try

A great beginner-friendly gift that opens up a whole new art medium.

3. Stay-Wet Palette for Acrylic Painters

Every acrylic painter LOVES a stay-wet palette that keeps their paints from drying out.

👉 Amazon

This is one of the most practical, game-changing gifts you can give an artist. Acrylic paint dries quickly — sometimes too quickly — which can interrupt an artist’s flow, force them to remix colors, or waste perfectly good paint. A stay-wet palette solves all of that by keeping acrylics workable for hours (and sometimes days) using a simple combination of a hydration sheet and an airtight lid. It gives painters more time to blend smoothly, match colors accurately, and work at a relaxed pace instead of racing against the clock.

For artists who live in warm climates, paint large-scale, or take frequent breaks during sessions, this tool is an absolute game-changer. It’s one of the most practical, thoughtful, and surprisingly luxurious gifts you can give — every time they lift that lid and their paints are still fresh, they’ll think of you.

4. Professional Artist Paintbrush Set

A good brush set is always appreciated, even by seasoned artists.

👉 Amazon -My Favorite Brushes

A high-quality brush set is one of the best investments an artist can make — and also one of the easiest gifts to give. Even experienced painters love having fresh brushes on hand because the right bristles and shapes can completely change how paint moves across the canvas.

When choosing a set for acrylic painting, synthetic nylon brushes are my absolute favorite. They hold their shape beautifully, glide smoothly through acrylic paint, and stay springy and responsive even after heavy use. They’re also far more durable than natural hair when used with acrylics, which can be tough on delicate bristles.

Look for a set that includes:

• Multiple shapes – flats, rounds, filberts, and angled brushes give artists a full range of strokes for blending, detailing, blocking in color, and edge work.

• Synthetic (nylon) bristles – perfect for acrylics because they don’t absorb water, stay firm, and are easier to clean.

• A variety of sizes – from fine detail tips to wide, bold brushes for backgrounds and larger coverage.

Whether you’re gifting a beginner learning basic techniques or a seasoned artist building their toolkit, a versatile synthetic brush set is always a welcome addition to their studio.

5. Premium Sketchbook (Hardcover or Spiral)

Every artist needs sketchbooks… and they never have enough.

👉 Amazon Favorite

Look for:

• 5.5x8.5 or larger

• Heavyweight paper (≥ 100 lb)

• Hardbound or spiral options

• Suitable for pens, pencils, light watercolor, or markers

6. Copic Sketch Basic Markers

👉 Amazon Favorite

Copic markers are absolutely worth the investment — they offer rich, blendable, mixable color that brings illustrations to life in a way cheaper markers just can’t match. Working with alcohol-based markers is a whole new skill, and it’s something your favorite artist may not splurge on for themselves, which makes them an especially thoughtful and exciting gift.

7. GOLDEN Fluid Acrylics

   👉 Amazon Favorite

   Golden Fluid Acrylics are a favorite among professional artists for their intensely saturated color and beautifully smooth flow. They level effortlessly, making them perfect for glazing, fine detail work, and vibrant layers without the heaviness of traditional acrylics. Because they’re a bit of a luxury item, many artists don’t always treat themselves to them — which makes them a standout, “wow” gift for any painter who loves rich color and exceptional quality.

8. Tabletop or Floor Studio Easel

A practical upgrade for painters of all levels.

👉 Amazon Affiliate Link

Studio easels come in:

• Tilting tabletop versions (great for small spaces)

• Adjustable standing easels (for serious painters). *This option can be tilted into a table!

9. LED Ring Light or Clip-On Studio Light

Good lighting makes a HUGE difference for painting, photographing art, or filming social content.

👉 Amazon Favorite

Great options include:

• Clip-on daylight lamps

• LED ring lights

• Adjustable desk lamps with color temperature controls

10. Mini Watercolor Paint Set

👉 Amazon Favorite

A mini watercolor travel kit is one of those charming, portable gifts artists love but rarely think to buy for themselves. Compact enough to toss in a purse, backpack, or glove compartment, these little sets include vibrant watercolor pans, a mixing tray, and often a refillable water brush—making it easy to paint anywhere inspiration strikes. Whether your favorite artist enjoys sketching outdoors, journaling on trips, or simply loves the idea of creating on the go, a travel watercolor kit encourages spontaneous creativity and turns everyday moments into art.

Choosing the perfect gift for an artist doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be thoughtful. Whether it’s a set of blendable Copic markers, a stay-wet palette that saves their paint, or a mini watercolor kit that encourages creativity on the go, these gifts show that you truly see and support their passion. Every item on this list is something artists actually use, love, and get excited about unwrapping.

At the end of the day, the best gifts are the ones that spark inspiration and give an artist a reason to sit down and make something beautiful. Whether you’re treating a friend, a family member, or yourself (artists deserve gifts too!), you can’t go wrong with tools that nurture creativity and joy. Happy gifting — and happy creating!