This Digital Painting Brush From Amazon Will Delight the Artist in Your Life
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It can be intimidating to shop for a creative. They tend to think outside the box, and probably appreciate when others do the same, especially when it comes to gift giving. So when looking for the best gifts for artists, whether they favor painting, sketching or graphic design, pick something that will inspire them to continue creating. That can be an item that's unique and personalized, or practical, like a fresh set of art supplies. You can even go for more luxury-focused items that they've been eyeing. As long as it helps them keep doing what they love, it's a winner.
To help bring you the very best ideas, we consulted actual artists and designers on the Good Housekeeping team. They offered suggestions that have made their craft easier, as well as art gifts they've received and absolutely loved. Some of their top recommendations included pretty coffee table books, calligraphy pens, which can be used for calligraphy or detailing work and journals or sketchbooks.
So we included all of those ideas, plus a few others that are top-rated on sites like Amazon. Plus, there are an array of prices and art forms to choose from, so there's definitely something for every artist on this list.
Looking for even more great gift ideas? Check out more of our top gift guides:
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Digital Painting Brush
Take their love of painting online with this nifty brush. The battery-powered silicon design is especially created to easily connect to a touch-sensitive screen for hours of painting on the go. One Amazon reviewer raved about the brush: "Perfect for an artist transitioning or wanting to delve into digital art."
Artists Makeup Bag
She's the best artist you know, so why not say it with this cute linen cosmetics bag that's sure to make her feel extra special? Complete with a waterproof coating, it measures nine by seven inches to hold all of her everyday beauty essentials.
"Not Paint Water" Tumbler
This funny insulated tumbler will ensure their drinks remain at the perfect temperature throughout the day. It holds up to 20 ounces, plus it will keep liquids cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours.
Wooden Pen Organizer
While this gift might seem boring, we promise it'll be a godsend to the artist in your life. This wooden organizer will keep all of their favorite pens within reach, and over 21,000 reviewers on Amazon have already purchased it. What's more, it's designed to assembled in under 20 minutes.
Modern Art Tea Cup
If they're all about modern art, they'll love this Japanese-style porcelain tea cup. It'll hold nine ounces of liquid and has 65 of the best modern artists printed on it for a gift they'll cherish. "My husband loves the texture the design gives to the porcelain and that it doesn't have a handle. We enjoy looking at the depictions of the different artists," says one Amazon reviewer.
Art Dice
If your favorite art teacher needs inspiration, they can simply roll these wooden dice for a fun activity to try with their class. It comes with nine pieces for tons of ideas to choose from. Even if they aren't a teacher, they can use 'em when they have a creative block.
Famous Art Painting Socks
These comfy socks feature famous art paintings throughout history. Made of cotton, acrylic and spandex, over 13,000 Amazon purchasers have tried them.
3Doodler Create+ 3D Printing
Help them create in a new way with a top-rated 3D printing pen that's great for beginners who are looking to bring their doodles to life.
Waxed Canvas Roll-Up Paint Brush Bag
Great for the painter on the go, this waxed canvas case can keep their favorite brushes organized and in tip-top shape. With 22 pockets at under $20, this practical gift is simply a steal!
Natural Pigment Powder
One of GH's very own art directors received these pigments as a gift and absolutely loved them. This set includes 68 vibrant powders to work with — each one can be used to create jewelry, paint, polish and more.
Vintage Leather Journal
A beautiful leather-bound journal without the price tag! The brand says the pages (200 to be exact) are acid- and chemical-free, making them ideal for sketching.
Monet Coffee Table Book
One of our art directors can't get enough of this coffee table book. It includes 100 illustrations by French painter Claude Monet, as well as the inspiring stories behind them.
Micron Fineliner Pens
We were a bit surprised how happy the artists we spoke to were when these Micron pens were brought up. "Micron pens are great for detail work," says art director Laura Formisano. "I love them especially because they don't bleed when I use watercolor paints on top of them."
Watercolor Paint Field Travel Set
"I got this as a gift and have re-purchased them for myself," says art director Laura Formisano of this travel-friendly paint set. It's compact and comes with everything they need to create on-the-go, including paints, brushes and palettes.
Painters Artist Cup
When they are painting, they can use the cup to rinse their brushes (there's even a brush holder in it!), and when they aren't, it's a neat way to store their supplies.
Enamel Lapel Pins
If you're looking for a small gift, instead of a keychain, the artists we asked said to go for some cool pins they can attach to a tote. Here, they'll get a set of three.
100 Masterpieces Art History Bucket List Scratch Poster
Okay, they might not be able to physically go and see each piece on this poster, but they can scratch off a square to reveal one they can research and learn more about. After everything is scratched off, a cool poster is revealed.
The Five Minute Journal
Creative block is definitely a thing, but journaling can help. This popular journal comes with "designed prompts, such as weekly challenges, gratitude, daily highlights, inspirational quotes, daily affirmations and self-reflection," according to the brand.
Birth Month Flower Paint-by-Number Kit
A good gift for a beginner artist, they can create a colorful painting of their birth flower with this kit. They'll get everything they need to complete the project, including a canvas, acrylic paints and brushes.
365 Days of Creativity
Here's another way to get their juices flowing. This activity book challenges them to complete two artistic tasks a week. Some are simple, like drawing fruit in a bowl, while others are more challenging, such as creating a collage.
Electric Eraser
Another cool tech gift they definitely don't have. It comes with 140 eraser refills and can be charged up in no time. They can use it to fix minor or big mistakes more precisely.
Color Sensor Colorimeter
Okay, this is seriously cool. With this little gadget, they can scan anything, from flowers to other artwork, to find out how to recreate the color with digital codes.
Good Impressions: DIY Stamps and Cardmaking
It's kind of like a two-for-one gift because they will learn the art of card making, but also how to make their own stamping tool, which can be used to brand their work.
Stonewashed Apron
These linen aprons — available in five classic colors — are just so pretty! They'll protect their clothing while working, and lend an air of credibility to their "studio artist" look.
Inkless Drawing Board
When they're trying to come up with their next big idea, they can use this water brush to let their creative juices flow without wasting ink, paint or paper. Just dip the bamboo brush in water and drag it across the board for a mindfulness practice-turned-art piece.
Tracing LED Light Box
In some cases, it takes tracing someone else's work to enhance the artistic skills you already have. This tracing pad makes it easy — give it a quick tap to turn on the light and adjust the brightness as needed.
The Secret Lives of Color
They'll love to explore the fascinating stories behind 75 colors and where they came from — whether it's from fashion, politics, art or war. Amazon reviewers note The Secret Lives of Color is "easy to read," "hard to put down" and "makes a fantastic coffee table."
Capture Life Cuff
Photography equipment can be expensive, but this thoughtful bangle is under $15. It's just a sweet token of inspiration, plus it's made of hypoallergenic materials.
Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver
Make old paintbrushes look and feel new again with this citrus-scented cleaner. Nearly 4,000 artists swear by it on Amazon, even going so far as to say that "it could have saved" so many of their old brushes if they knew about it sooner.
Cordless Hand Massager
Chances are your favorite artist is a little rough on their hands. After a long day of painting, sculpting or drawing, they can sit and unwind with this cordless hand massager. They can choose from six massage and intensity levels, including heat and vibration.
Art Supplies Subscription Box
Not sure what to get them? Sign them up for this monthly subscription service that delivers art supplies to their front door. Curated to inspire, each box includes a full-size surface plus enough supplies to create a work of art. There's also a quarterly subscription box for watercolor lovers.
Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World
She may know about Georgia O'Keefe and Frida Kahlo, but there are so many other incredible women who shaped the art world. This book highlights 50 of the most daring — everyone from quilter Harriet Powers to sculptor Mary Edmonia Lewis.
Annual Membership
Amateurs and accomplished artists alike will get something out of Master Class's annual membership. They can pick and choose from dozens of online classes taught by the best in art, including Annie Leibovitz, the famed photographer known for her iconic work with celebrities.
RELATED: What You Need to Know About Master Class
Therapy Dough
Painting, drawing and stitching may bring comfort and release, but molding clay is loved by art therapists for known stress relief benefits. This colorful putty lets them squish, shape, and play, all while taking in the mood-boosting scents of orange, lavender or eucalyptus.
What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly
It goes without saying that Frida Kahlo is one of the most iconic artists in history. This book takes everything we know about her and helps your artist live the Frida way — bold, fearless, and way ahead of her time.
Magnetic Picture Frame Gallery
Is their Instagram a work of art unto itself? This Magnaframe set invites them to display up to six printed pics in a variety of gallery-like grid configurations.
"Let It Gogh" Shirt
Even the most serious artist will get a laugh when they read the pun on this t-shirt... especially if they're a Frozen fan, too.
Watercolor Paint Set
You don’t have to be a fine arts expert to recognize that these richly pigmented, professional-quality paints make a great gift, in part because of the lovely packaging. Each set includes 12 tubes.
Stylus Pen for iPad
If they use their iPad to sketch designs, draw landscapes, or dream up future art pieces, then a stylus pen is a must. This one is compatible with all recent iPad models (minus the Pro), and its precise tip gives way more control than their finger ever could.
RELATED: The Best Tech Gifts You Can Buy
Framed Personal Artwork
Is the artist in your life a child? Gift them (or someone who loves them) a framed print of their work. Choose from a variety of colors and printing methods, including flat, foil, or letterpress.
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