If you have an artist on your holiday gift list, whether they’re a professional, student, or hobbyist, the first idea that comes to mind is probably art supplies or something related to their favorite kinds of art. You’re seeking unique gift ideas for creatives that are thoughtful, imaginative, and genuinely useful.
Unless the artist in your life tells you exactly what gift they’d like (and where’s the fun in that?), it helps to get some expert, insider recommendations for the best art supplies to gift this holiday season. Artists tend to be particular about their media and tools, so quality is key. Also consider gift ideas that might help your artist find creative inspiration or simply make their art-filled life easier.
We’ve rounded up the most highly recommended holiday gifts for artists in 2025. These diverse suggestions are great for all types of artists from painters and illustrators to mixed-media makers and more.
Everyday essentials artists love
Quality art supplies are always a safe and appreciated choice. You might ask your artist what brand names they prefer or take a peek at their go-to tools and supplies. Otherwise, consider the following trusted-name brands that come highly recommended among artist communities:
- Copic, Prismacolor, and Chameleon markers
- Tombow Mono or Blackwing pencils
- Caran d’Ache pencils, pastels, and paints
- Faber-Castell pencils, pens, markers, and more
- Windsor & Newton for a wide range of art supplies
- Kuretake watercolors, as recommended by this New York Times Wirecutter review
- Schmincke watercolors, gouache, pastels, oil paints, and more
- SoHo oil paints
- R&F pigment sticks
- GOLDEN acrylic paints
- Strathmore or Arches papers
- Moleskine or Fabriano sketchbooks
- Pilot, Pentel and Micron pens
- Roubloff or Renaissance paint brushes
- Blick premier canvases
Thoughtful tools & accessories
Along with essential art supplies, there’s a huge variety of tools and accessories that make great gift ideas for artists. Consider these less obvious, but helpful and gift-worthy items for artists:
- Travel-size gouache and watercolor kits
- Gouache and watercolor pencils, which are great for on-the-go creativity
- Electric pencil sharpener
- Pen-style erasers or a Sakura electric eraser
- Handmade ceramic brush rests
- Leather or canvas pen/pencil case
- Large artist’s clipboard
- Lap desk or tabletop easel
- A light box
- Storage organizers for art supplies
- Gift cards to art stores like Blick, Michaels, or Jerry's Artarama
Inspiring reads & creative references
Books are a go-to holiday gift for good reason—whatever your loved one’s interests, hobbies, vocations, or pastimes might be, there are sure to be countless awesome books about it.
Here are some art-section classics and creative Christmas gifts for artists that you can find in the bookstore:
- “Interaction of Color” by Josef Albers
- “A Dictionary of Color Combinations” by Sanzo Wada
- “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards
- “Classic Human Anatomy” by Winslow
- “Creative Block” by Danielle Krysa
- Vintage arts and craft guides from used book stores (thrifty and sustainable!)
- Graphic novels, such as the “Akira” series by Katsuhiro Otomo, or any of the American Library Association’s Top 10 List for 2024
- Art-themed or other visually striking coffee table books
- Create a custom photo book filled with their art on Mixbook
Wellness & self-care for creatives
The artist in your life will appreciate any gifts that enhance their downtown, prevent burnout, and help them relax or recreate. These self-care and wellness gift ideas are great choices for creatives:
- Luxurious skincare products for an artist’s hands, such as Weleda Skin Food, Kiehl’s Hand Ultimate Strength Salve, or Malin + Goetz Meadowfoam Oil Balm
- Massage tools, such as an electronic hand massager or eye massager
- High quality or artisanal candles and incense
- Fine art puzzles for mindful downtime
- A tea or coffee gift set
- Unique studio decor, such as a custom neon sign representing their artist’s signature or brand logo
Tech & lifestyle upgrades
For artists who love experimenting with the latest gadgets, consider these high-tech gift ideas:
- Noise-canceling headphones, such as the highly recommended Sony WH-1000XM4, or more budget-friendly Soundcore by Anker, Space One
- Smart mugs that keep hot drinks at the perfect temperature during long studio days
- A graphics tablet for digital art, available at a wide variety of price points. Check out the popular Wacom brand or budget-friendly Huion.
- An Apple Pencil for digital art, if they already have an iPad (or even an iPad, too, if you’re feeling super generous)
- An instant camera, such as the Polaroid Mini or Fujifilm Instax Mini
- A waterproof Bluetooth speaker so they can listen to tunes or podcasts even while getting messy in the studio
Foodie & feel-good gifts
Don’t let your loved one succumb to the “starving artist” stereotype! Maybe the best holiday gifts for artists are the most delicious gourmet treats you can find, such as these:
- José Gourmet tinned fish
- Ferrero Pocket Coffee for a caffeine and chocolate boost, all in one bite
- Savannah Bee Company’s artisanal honey
- CBD or herbal treats for stress relief
- Gift basket from a local chocolatier or bakery
What will you give to an artist this holiday season?
Whatever gift idea you choose for the artist in your life—and everyone else on your list—we always believe that personalized gifts are better. Certain gifts can be engraved with a name or monogram. You can handwrite holiday greetings on the endsheets of a book. Or, curate a collection of various different art supplies into a personalized gift basket.
And don’t forget about custom holiday cards. Mixbook has a huge collection of holiday cards to choose from, and creative holiday photo ideas for making them 100% unique.
