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36 Unique Gift Ideas That'll Seriously Impress the Artist (or Artsy Person) in Your Life

Bob Ross definitely would’ve approved of these prezzies.

By , and Kim Duong NA
a group of cards
Margie Rischiotto

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Whether they’re obsessed with watercolors or a whiz at drawing portraits, your artsiest friends and loved ones deserve to be showered with gifts that ~inspire~ them and celebrate their talents. After all, pursuing your true passion as a career or having an actual hobby as an adult (other than just, like, going out with friends lol) is so much easier said than done. So let’s celebrate our favorite artists and give them the presents they deserve, shall we?

FYI, our list of gift ideas for artists below also works for musicians, fashion girlies, art collectors, and all of your Really Cool Friends. You’ll find phone cases and cartoon sneakers that are works of art themselves, a calligraphy set that’s perfect for someone wanting to pick up a new medium, and even a craft subscription box. It’s go big or go home with these gift ideas for artists, because unfortunately a boring candle isn’t gonna cut it—these aesthetically-inclined, certifiably cool people have high standards for a unique find. Luckily, we've rounded up some seriously good picks that any artist would love, and you can shop them all below.

1
these editor-approved leather sneaks

Cariuma Peanuts Skate Off-White Vintage/Black

Best Seller
Peanuts Skate Off-White Vintage/Black

I’ve tested at least a dozen pairs of white sneakers, and Cariumas consistently stay at the top of my personal list because of how well-made they are. Your artsy friend can doodle to their heart’s content all over this cool pair from Cariuma's Peanuts collab.

Perfect for sketching, doodling, journaling, or even testing out color palettes, this sketchbook is as functional as it is beautiful.

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This unique tote with cute little fruits and veggies will be perfect for supply runs, pottery classes, trips to the farmers market—you get the idea!

GANSAI TAMBI 48 Colors Watercolor Paint Set
Now 29% Off

So! Many! Colors! And might I add that the Amazon reviews for this particular set are absolutely glowing?

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5
this mood-setting record player

Udreamer Vinyl Record Player Wireless Turntable

On Sale
Vinyl Record Player Wireless Turntable
Now 20% Off

Your artsiest friend is going to looove collecting vintage vinyls for their record player. Nothing like some music to inspire their creative process!

Sculptures, but make them practical. These cast iron figures are the perfect decorative-yet-functional bookends to keep their book collection in check.

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Perfect for carrying around anything from paints and brushes to a wallet and water bottle, these light-as-air bags are a must-have for anyone.

If you’ve been sleeping on the drops from The Met x PacSun’s collection, wyd?!? The art-inspired pieces are the perf addition to any art aficionado’s wardrobe.

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Cozy Grandma Winter, here we come! This personalized yarn bowl is exactly what your favorite creative homebody needs for a chill night in.

10
this traditional calligraphy set

Trustela Calligraphy Set For Beginners

Calligraphy Set For Beginners

If the artist in your life is always looking to expand their skillset and try new things, consider gifting them this calligraphy set for beginners. It comes complete with a wood dip pen, a feather pen, black ink, a pen holder, and much more.

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Some of the most influential artists in the world—including Botticelli, Renoir, and Monet—are represented in this stunning 1,00-piece puzzle. If you’re shopping for a creative kid, this gift is a fun way to teach ‘em some art history.

Gifting a piece from The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collaboration with Casetify means your artist friend will be able to take inspiration with them wherever they go. The collection highlights famous works from all the greats, including Van Gogh, Monet, and Hiroshige, along with Degas.

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What better combination than photos of fine art and captions that (not-so-subtly) make fun of mansplaining?

Because all great work starts with lighting a great candle, right?

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15
this unique palette with real flowers

Etsy Floral Paint Palette

Floral Paint Palette

So pretty it could double as décor, this delicate painter’s palette has real flowers and gold flakes encased inside. "Even more beautiful and unique than it looks in pictures," one reviewer wrote.

16
this camera for beginners

Nikon D3500 DX-format DSLR Camera

D3500 DX-format DSLR Camera
Now 45% Off

If they’re already well-versed in another medium but curious about photography, this easy-to-use camera is a great place to start. It’s fast, responsive, intuitive, lightweight, and comfortable to hold.

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They’ll definitely appreciate this quirky black-and-white print by Jungalow founder Justina Blakeney. It’s available in three different sizes and printed on high-quality, smooth, matte paper.

Blue light glasses will help the digital designer in your life power through to make their deadlines (without getting a headache).

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As many artists will attest, sometimes creativity strikes at odd hours, and they might need some help getting back on a regular sleeping schedule. Enter: this smart lamp that'll help them wake up naturally refreshed using a light that simulates a gorgeous sunrise.

20
this antique-looking frame

ASOWIN 8 x 10 Antique Picture Frame

8 x 10 Antique Picture Frame

This gorg gold frame is ideal for showing off an artist’s work—whether it be their own or someone else’s.

Headshot of Hannah Oh
Hannah Oh
Shopping Editor

Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for. 

Lettermark

Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics. 

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