Gift Ideas for Artists + Crafters · Holiday 2023
Happy (almost) holidays!
I made a version of this post last year that was super fun to put together and hopefully helpful for those on the hunt for unique, artsy gifts to give. So I thought I’d do it again! Be sure to check out last year’s list too for even more fun gift ideas.
It goes without saying that my favorite gift is one that’s homemade so you’ll notice quite a few crafting kits and art supplies listed below. Those can be gifts in themselves or they can also be for you to create gifts with!
I’ve tried to include a variety of different kinds of arts/crafts that I am familiar with or curious about, so you’ll notice lots of watercolor, drawing, and fiber-related gifts, as well as lots of games and activities.
Here are some things to note about this list:
*Anything with an asterisk is an item I have and love, they are confirmed to be great!
Anything without an asterisk has not been tested by me but is on my wishlist :)
The products below are a mixture of Blick affiliate links, small businesses I admire, or art/products by me. So no matter which product you shop, you’ll be supporting me or another small biz. Truly a win-win.
A little about each item:
Hues and Cues* - If you follow me on IG, you know I love this easy, fun color guessing game!
Frederick & Mae Rainbow Playing Cards* - We got this set from a museum gift store and they’re the most beautiful cards we have. Even Go Fish feels elegant.
Paint Chip Poetry - I love a color game and am super curious about this one!
Daniel Smith Gouaches - Most of my favorite watercolors are by Daniel Smith and their brand new gouaches look just as beautiful!
By Annie B. DIY Kits* - Perfect for a casual artist if I do say so myself ;)
Mystic Pastel Sharpies - Saw these at the art supply store and gasped because they’re so cute.
Beads Inc. Friendship Bracelet Kit* - This was the craft we did at my bachelorette party this year and I loved it!
Shitty Craft Club by Sam Reece - I follow Sam Reece / Shitty Craft Club on Tiktok and have seen the hype around this book. It looks great!
Made by Chanamon “Je Suis Artiste” Sticker* - This is stuck in my planner and it makes me smile every time :)
Ferris Wheel Press Fountain Ink Pens & Refills - For all the stationery lovers, these fountain ink colors are gorgeous and unique.
Makesy Lip Gloss DIY Kit - A different kind of craft that would be great for a party setting!
By Annie B. Puzzles* - I’m not able to restock these this year so buy them out before they’re gone for a while!
Leuchtturm Adhesive Pen Loop - I have a version of this by a different brand and I love it!
Sugarhouse Ceramic Ornaments - These are so cute! On last year’s gift list, I featured their palettes (which are so amazing). Check them out!
See above :)
Meg Spitzer Wall Hanging Kit - She also offers this in class form here in LA (which I’m dying to take), I love how these kits are made from recycled yarn scraps!
Mud Place Sewing Caddy - I don’t talk about it much on here but thanks to my mom, I love to sew! This is such a cute ceramic stand to hold all your supplies.
Art of Soil Watercolor Paints - These are legitimately on my wishlist this year - these paints are made from soil and other natural pigments. Dreamy!
Women in Art Puzzle - So many of my favorite things combined all in one!
Crafting Experiences* - I also love to give and receive an experience. There’s nothing more fun that learning a new craft together!
If you’re in LA, come check out These Hands Maker’s Collective, where I teach. Not from around here? There are tons of workshop studios popping up all over, do a quick Google search for one in your area or online!Makesy Candle Craft Kit - I love a cozy candle moment this time of year and this little starter kit looks perfect.
DIY Marbled Leather Pouch Kit - I have a zillion pencil pouches and they all get used, all the time. I’m always down for another one and this is a perfect combo of DIY kit and useful end product!
Wooden Miniatures Kits - These are all over Instagram ads right now and color me influenced because they look so fun!
A. Gallo Watercolors - My husband and I went on the hunt on our honeymoon to find some of these gorgeous Italian watercolors. No luck, unfortunately, but I might end up treating myself to some online ;)
Palate Palette by Victionary - Also high up on my wishlist this year, this gorgeous looking coffee table book of food illustrations.
Museum Membership - This is a gift I’d never give myself but would love to receive. Museum visits always leave me feeling creatively refreshed and excited to create. What a great gift to receive for any artist!
K.A. Art Supplies Advent Calendar - Advent calendars are insanely popular right now and I love how this independent art supply store is custom curating and hand-wrapping advent calendars to your interests!
Smiley Moleskine Notebook - Anything with a smiley, I am into. ☻
Magnani Round Watercolor Paper - Did I just buy a compass with a blade attached so I can cut round watercolor paper? Yes I did. Do I still want to try this block of round watercolor paper? Absolutely.
Krylon Leafing Pens - I love the idea of adding gold leaf to my work but and yet I don’t always love the idea of the cost, mess, or material waste. These pens seem like a nice way to dabble in adding metallics before the investment in gold or silver leaf!
By Annie B. Original Art* - There’s nothing cooler you can do that support an artist this holiday season hehehe.
Etchr Art Satchels - Great for artists on the go, these kits come in different sizes and have space to hold all kinds of supplies!
Schmincke Liquid Charcoals - As an artist who uses both watercolors and charcoals, I am fascinated by these Schmincke paints that suspend charcoal dust in watercolor binders. They’re like nothing else I’ve seen!
Derwent Pencil Extenders* - Any artist who works with any form of pencil can literally never have too many of these. They keep your hands from cramping, extend the life of your materials, and save you money. Love.
Case for Making Watercolors* - CfM makes gorgeous paints and I love playing around with their new online Palette Builder. If you’re in the Bay Area, be sure to check them out!
Local Art Supply Store Gift Cards - If you’re still unsure, you can never go wrong with a gift card. Blick is always great but if you’re able, it’s always great to shop small. Most local art supply stores have a gift card option. Here are some of my favorites here in LA in alphabetical order:
Artist & Craftsman Supply (not local but a smaller national chain in DTLA),
Blue Rooster (Los Feliz)
Carter Sexton (North Hollywood),
Crush / Touch Art Supply (Highland Park),
Graphaids (Westchester and Culver City),
Raw Art Materials (Downtown),
Top’s Art Supplies (Koreatown),
Happy Shopping!
I hope this helped you in your holiday shopping adventures (or helped you fill out your own personal wishlist) this year. In fact, I’d love to hear what you’re hoping to get! Comment below with items you’re wanting to gift/receive this season.
Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
