Gift Ideas for Your Creative Besties
A Gift Guide: Art Supplies & Tools for Creatives
Hey friends!
The gifting season is here and if you've got creative people in your life (or you want to get creative this season, treat yo self 😝) then I'm sharing some of my favorite art supplies, items on my wishlist, and even some cool creator tools that make the most thoughtful gifts and stocking stuffers on this blog. ✨
BTW: Small businesses are marked with a (*) and supporting them this season is such a conscious effort and very much appreciated! 🤍
Art Supplies That'll Make Their Heart Happy
Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Pastels (Special Edition)
Okay can we just talk about these for a second?? The special edition Neocolor II pastels are SO good. These are the watercolor pastels that look like crayons, applies smooth but when wet with water it becomes watercolor. I think anyone would be thrilled to get these as a stocking stuffer. Like, I want one of every limited edition set, not even kidding. 😜 I'm not sure how long these special editions will stick around, so if you've been thinking about them, grab them here!
Watch this quick reel to see these watercolor pastels in action.
Sui Gouache (*)
If you haven't tried Sui Gouache yet, you're in for such a treat. These are the most beautiful pastel gouache paints, handmade in Korea by artist Sui. They’re amazing in quality and the colors are absolutely dreamy. Sometimes instead of mixing my own colors, I just grab for one her gouache tubes. Also, Sui offered my friends a special discount! Use code "dearelaine" for 10% off, plus you get free shipping on orders over $150 (US customs fees are already included, so you won't get any surprise charges)! Find her paints here: suigouache.com
Watch me use Sui’s gouache paint and glitter watercolors here.
Art of Soil (*)
For the earth lovers out there, these paints are crafted with earth-friendly materials. They're soil-based watercolor paints pigmented with natural, iron-rich soil minerals! How cool is that?
Find them here: theartofsoil.com
Letter Sparrow (*)
Handmade, highly pigmented, non-toxic, and beautiful watercolor paints by Kelly in the US. Kelly is always collaborating with new artists to create unique paint palettes, so definitely take a look at what she's up to: lettersparrow.com
See our past collaboration palette here. (palette no longer available but you can see her watercolors in action)
Handmade Porcelain Paint Trays (*)
These are kind of tricky to get since most pottery artists do limited drops, so you'll have to find out when they release new pieces. But I recommend checking out these lovely artists:
Candace Fincher (I’m using Candace’s pretty paint palette here.)
Or check out ceramic paint palettes on Etsy (if you're not boycotting Etsy). There are still tons of small pottery artists there creating custom paint palettes!
Drawing Diary Sketchbook (*)
This is the sketchbook I use for my daily art. It's designed specifically for mixed media, made with 200gsm thick paper that's cotton mixed so it takes wet media beautifully, and it's hot pressed with a fine surface so it's great for dry mediums too.
A short history on this sketchbook I launched it as a Kickstarter back in 2023 and since then it's become a niche artist fave, serving creatives all over the world, storing artist treasures, daily artwork, and masterpieces. 🥹 Grab one for 10% off using code Welcome10. Find her here: drawfull.com
Check this carousel out to see why quality paper matters.
MEEDEN Desk Easel
Looking for a simple easel to turn any desk into a comfortable drawing station? Here's the one I use for medium to large sized paintings. It's foldable so you can store it away when it's not in use. Use code “Elaine10” for a 10% discount on their website, or you can grab it from Amazon here.
Watch this reel to see how I use the desk easel & wooden pastel holder.
Mungyo Gallery Oil Pastel Set
These Mungyo gallery pastels are inexpensive but have a great color range and work so smoothly. I personally love them! I think they'd be great for anyone just beginning to explore oil pastels and wanting to practice. Find them on Amazon here.
Watch this reel to see me use these oil pastels.
Hwawon Wooden Pastel Holder (*)
This is my most asked about wooden pastel holder! It is genuinely the cutest oil pastel holder. I think it would be so sweet to receive a pastel holder with oil pastels. It's functional and such a nice touch to any artist's workspace. Find it here: Hwawon Oil Pastel Holder
Watch this reel to see how I use the desk easel & wooden pastel holder.
MUJI Travel Pencil Organizer
For your friends who create on the go, this nylon mesh vertical horizontal pen case from MUJI is my favorite. I can't believe they finally have an online store! This pen case is super useful, keeps everything organized, and there are two zippers that make it versatile. Imagine putting in new colored pencils, pens, and art tools in here as a gift. So cute!
Tombow Dual Brush Pens
So I've been loving brush pens lately for on-the-go art. Because these brush pens are water-based and blendable, you can really have fun with painting without having to mix your own colors. If you're looking for some to gift, my wishlist sets are: Cottage, Landscape, and Portrait. Here's a link to these sets but I'm sure you can find them in other places too! (maybe try your local art shop?)
Holbein Pastel Tone Colored Pencils
Nobody asked, but I've been eyeing this set of beautiful pastel Holbein colored pencils! Here's the 50 set and here's the smaller 12 set.
I've picked up a few colors separately at an art store and I love how soft and pigmented these pencils are. I don't have such a wide range of pastel colors, so I think this set is absolutely beautiful!
Of course if you're more practical, this set has a better range of earthy everyday colors and a mix of pastels.
Call me your personal shopper lol! 😂
For Your Creator Friends Who Film Their Process
If you know someone who loves documenting their creative process or sharing it online, these tools are total essentials.
Canvas Lamp (*)
This is hands down the best creator tool I've ever bought (never regretted it, true fan for over 5 years). The Canvas lamp (or even just the 360 mount) is what I use for all my overhead desk shots. I actually own both lol. Don’t DIY your own overhead tripods, I’ve been there done that, take advantage of their deals right now and grab it. Also try code “Elaine10” for 10% off!
Also another cool Canvas product, not a must-have, but if you’re looking for a way to upgrade and dramatize the lighting in your studio, check out their Focus light. This is the tool I use to create a faux window lighting on some of my reels, you thought that was really sunlight bleeding through the window? 😜
MOFT Invisible Tripod
This one's a must for anyone filming drawing content while traveling or filming in cafés. Not only does this MOFT invisible tripod gives you so many different angles for your phone but also it is so small & compact, you can bring it anywhere! (note: I really recommend getting their case too because I find this to be the best/sturdiest attachment or at least sticking the circle magnet on your phone.) Also the updated colors are soooooo cute! 💗
Use code “dearelaine10” for 10% off or check out their current holiday deals!
Watch me use this tripod here.
MOFT Dynamic Folio
For anyone who creates digitally, this is a must have ipad case. The MOFT dynamic folio has so many angles and settings, and it folds like origami (which is just so clever and satisfying). Anyone who works digitally needs to try out the “floating creation mode", super ergonomic for drawing.
Lastly, if you love my classes and you want to share them with a friend then you can grab a gift card here.
Alrightie, I hope this helps you find something perfect for the creative people in your life!
Or maybe even a little something for yourself 😉 (honestly, treat yourself, you deserve it).
Just a quick note: some of these links have special discounts and are affiliate links, but they're my honest favorites! I only partner with brands I genuinely love and use. If you purchase through my recommendations, it costs you nothing extra but it helps support me and what I do here. Thank you so much! 💗
Happy gifting! 🎁✨
xxx Elaine
P.S. If you'd like to recommend any additional artist materials, supplies, brands, or products, shoot me an email! I'd love to hear about them and potentially try them out.
