Homemade unforgettable gifts: creative ideas for artist souls

What do you give an artist as a gift?

If you want to give a gift to someone who is creative, there are many options to choose from. It depends on what kind of creativity the person prefers and what their hobby or interest is.

Gifts that are handmade rather than store-bought are more than just material presents; they are a way to show love and creativity that comes from the heart. If you to give a creative person a gift , it's not enough to simply buy them something. You also need to help them maintain their enthusiasm, develop new ideas, and overcome any creative blocks that may arise.

Creating homemade, unique gifts is a great way to show someone you appreciate them, while also encouraging their ingenuity.”

These gifts are unique and special, whether you're making creative presents for birthdays, unusual gifts, or homemade surprises for garden lovers. They show that you've put in the effort to create something special. When your mind is clear and peaceful, it can be easier to come up with brilliant ideas.

In this article, we'll learn together how to give gifts that artists of all kinds will never forget, from painters and writers to musicians. We'll also learn which homemade gifts are best suited to overcoming creative blocks and how to truly make people happy with personalized presents.

Gifts for visual artists

Visual artists have a special connection to their materials – high-quality tools can inspire their creativity and spark new ideas. Homemade and personally selected gifts for painters, illustrators, and other visual artists are therefore particularly precious. They not only demonstrate appreciation for their talent but also support their artistic journey.

High-quality drawing and painting supplies

When buying gifts for artists, a crucial rule is to give them fewer, but higher-quality materials. Both professional artists and hobby painters know the difference between high-quality and low-quality materials. For example, a high-quality watercolor set a gift that will last a lifetime. Sets with at least 24 colors are recommended, as you can always add more. We are big fans of the MEEDEN Art , which offers excellent value for money.

A fantastic gift is also a set of high-quality brushes . These don't shed bristles and can hold more water, which is essential when painting with watercolors. A brush Terms & Conditions and a small watercolor box make a great package for painters who like to create on the go. It fits easily into a jacket pocket.

Handmade place cards also make a truly special gift. They're usually too expensive for regular use, but people love receiving them as presents. The paper weight for watercolor paintings should be at least 200 g/m². A beautiful pencil case for favorite pens and pencils (leather or canvas) is the perfect finishing touch when choosing high-quality materials.

Kits for learning new skills

Many artists want to try new tools and methods. DIY kits make great gifts that encourage people to be creative. Gouache and metallic watercolors are very popular right now, although many artists may not be familiar with them. They're great to experiment with.

We especially liked these DIY kits:

• Pottery kits for home use , from Pott'd
• Flowers as wooden puzzles for adults , by MagicHolz
• Creative ceramic painting sets , from Pott'd
• 4-piece party set for children to make their own chocolate , by Pure Xocolate
• Creative kits (macramé, embroidery, jewelry making, crochet, …) from Creativ Company
• Candle making kit , by Sculpd

Adults who enjoy following instructions when creating art will also paint-by-number kits . These kits contain pre-drawn outlines and numbered sections, as well as all the paints and brushes you need. These kits cost between €19.95 and €49.95, making them an attractive and affordable gift idea.

Another great surprise could be a complete painting set , such as the 122-piece Michelangelo XXL from Artina , which includes an easel, a brush set, and acrylic paints for around €45. These sets have everything someone needs to learn a new painting skill.

easels or workstations

One of the most essential things an artist needs is a stable easel . It not only allows you to work in a way that's good for your body, but it also makes it easier to access all parts of the painting. An easel can also make painting much more enjoyable.

Depending on what the artist wants, there are different types of easels to choose from:

• The table easel is an excellent choice for small paintings and is inexpensive.
• The studio canvas is more stable and suitable for larger paintings.
• The academy canvas is a three-legged easel that is easy to set up and take down, so it doesn't take up much space.
• The field easel is lightweight and perfect for painting outdoors.

Making the easel yourself makes the gift even more special. It's much cheaper than buying a ready-made one, as the materials only cost around €10 to €15. You mainly need wooden strips, screws, and a little skill.

You can also improve an artist's workspace with clever organizers or brush holders if you don't want to build an entire painting stand . These small, handcrafted aids keep the creative environment tidy and full of ideas.

Handmade gifts that are sure to be remembered, such as a custom-made easel , carefully selected high-quality materials, or a DIY kit for new artistic horizons , show the artist that his passion is recognized and appreciated.

Gifts for people who like to write

For writers, the right tools aren't just things; they're companions on a creative journey. Gifts that support this passion are especially appreciated and can truly ignite the writing process. The best part is that you can personalize or even make many of these gift ideas yourself.

Beautiful pens and notebooks

The most brilliant ideas often come to you when you least expect them, such as in the shower, while walking, or just before falling asleep. Writers can greatly benefit from a high-quality notebook that's always within reach. The simple yet stylish notebooks from LEUCHTTURM1917 , available from €17.95, are extremely popular. Paperblanks offers many options if you're looking for something more colorful, unusual, or opulent.

Size is also very important. Some writers like small A6 notebooks that fit in any bag, while others swear by larger A5 notebooks that give them more space to jot down their big ideas. Personalized notebooks with an engraved name are great for special occasions and cost around €15.99.

Of course, you'll also the right pen for your notebook. There are several options on the market, from traditional ballpoint pens like the GIMEI® metal ballpoint pens , available in a set of 10 for €10.99, to more stylish models or fountain pens like those from Scriveiner or Lamy . You can also personalize a simple ballpoint pen by decorating it or having it engraved with your name.

A waterproof notebook with a matching pen makes an amazing gift for writers who like to work on the go. They won't even lose their great ideas in the shower.

Online courses or writing software

There may be some debate about whether specialized writing software is necessary, but it still offers several advantages over traditional word processors. These programs are specifically designed for writers and have useful features such as:

• Character maps and location overviews
• Plotting tools and voltage curves
• Timelines and Storylines
• Integrated spell and style correction

Papyrus Author 11 is one of the most popular applications. It costs €199 (only €149 for students), but it covers the entire writing process, from planning to publication. You can also get the English version of Scrivener for €53 or Patchwork for €99.

YouTuber Ben Calvin Hary has taken a close look at the most popular software applications for authors:

Online writing courses could also be a great gift idea. There are many creative writing courses on platforms like Coursera , Udemy , Domestika , or Skillshare . These courses cover topics such as storytelling, character development, and the writing process itself.

Text-Manufaktur , the School of Writing and Schreibwerk Berlin are three German-speaking companies that offer professional and certified courses that you can take from home and receive useful feedback on.

Vintage typewriters as nostalgic inspiration

The sound of a mechanical typewriter evokes memories and is somehow magical. They don't have the same distractions as modern computers, and they force you to work hard – every keystroke is final, and every thought must be fully formulated before you type.

Famous writers and journalists used vintage typewriters like the 1947 Royal Typewriter Underwood No. 5 from the 1920s, or the nostalgic Olympia . Now, they're not only useful for writing but also look great on any desk, adding character. We've discovered numerous such models on Etsy .

These days, you can even buy new retro typewriters if you can't find an old one. You don't need electricity, connections, or a computer to use them. Just open the case, put in a sheet of paper, and start typing. It feels good to push the carriage and have fresh ink on sturdy paper.

Writers who have to work in noisy environments would also noise-canceling headphones . These block out background noise and create a quiet space in which to concentrate. They cost around €80.

Gifts for writers don't have to be expensive to be unforgettable. A gift is truly precious when it is both useful and motivating.

Gifts for musicians and sound lovers

Words can't always penetrate the soul the way music can. Gifts for music lovers are most effective when they acknowledge and encourage this deep connection to the world of sound. You can create unique gifts that any music lover will cherish if you invest some time and effort.

Homemade tools or instruments

Making music with homemade instruments is not only fun, but it also adds a personal touch. You can create great musical instruments from everyday things you have at home:

• A guitar made from an empty tissue box and some rubber bands.
• A rattle made from a Kinder Surprise egg and filled with rice or small beads.
• A pan flute made from colorful plastic straws, all of different lengths.
• Two wooden spatulas, rubber bands and a toothpick make a harmonica.

You can also easily useful accessories for instruments you already own around the house. For example, you could make a different mount for a recording device using a stereo microphone rail, cable clips, and screws. These kinds of homemade gifts are not only inexpensive, but they're also designed specifically for the recipient.

Elbphilharmonie instrument world will show you how to build your own instrument using very simple means :

And music teacher and YouTuber Sascha Raum Latin percussion instruments :

Individual sheet music or songbooks

A custom-made songbook is a truly personal gift. You choose ten of the recipient's favorite songs and have them bound in a high-quality music book with a cover of your choice. For just €20 plus shipping, you can purchase a unique gift that perfectly matches the person's musical tastes.

There are also several options for different groups of people: you can create arrangements that are easy for pianists to play, and choir singers can receive PDF files of original five-part arrangements. These tailor-made sheet music collections make the recipients feel that their musical preferences are truly understood and appreciated.

Tickets for concerts or music lessons

Gifts of musical experiences can create memories that last a lifetime. A gift certificate for a music workshop helps the recipient achieve long-held goals. Singing, guitar, and other unusual instrumental lessons, such as didgeridoo lessons, are very popular.

Alternatively, you could surprise personalized concert ticket

A STAGE+ gift card for a year's subscription to the classical music streaming service could make classical music lovers very happy. It gives them access to concerts, operas, and unique content in stunning 4K quality and Dolby Atmos.

Creative gift ideas for all artistic souls

There are gifts that can inspire any creative person, regardless of their profession. These little things nurture your artistic side and offer wonderful opportunities to relax or be inspired at the same time.

Subscription boxes with changing materials

Artistic surprise boxes are like treasure chests for creative people. For example, the subscription box "Upcrate" from Hamburg sends high-quality creative materials directly to your home every two months. Each box contains carefully selected items worth more than €35, a set of stickers, and a magazine with over 60 pages of information on the topic.

Besides acrylic markers, you can also find gouache, watercolors, chalk, alcohol markers, or linocut materials. These are great for trying out different types of art production.

Homemade scented candles or teas for relaxation

Relaxation is truly necessary after a lot of creative work. The best way to achieve this is with scented candles you make yourself from natural ingredients. Soy wax is a better choice than paraffin, which is harmful to the environment, because it's a sustainable, vegan raw material.

Making your own is easy with ready-made DIY kits. Simply attach the wick, melt the wax, add essential oils, swirl, and pour. Your very own relaxation gift is ready.

Calming teas are equally good at helping you relax and sleep better after a long day. Homemade herbal blends make a great gift for people who enjoy gardening.

Here are three inspiring tutorials to try:

Plants and organizers for the creative workspace

Plants in the office have been shown to make people happier, more productive, and more engaged. Some plants, like Sansevieria or Zamioculcas , don't require much care and thrive even in low light.

Flexible storage solutions have also proven invaluable for families with creative children. The wire baskets in IKEA 's TROFAST series make it easy for even children to keep things tidy and offer you an excellent overview of everything.

Mobile desks like the LINNMON/KRILLE also make it possible to move the workspace as needed.

Vouchers for creative experiences

Gifts that are truly unforgettable don't always have to be material things. A creative experience gift card can make someone happy and give them a new idea at the same time. There are many options, such as Bob Ross painting classes where you create unique pictures, photography workshops where you see the world through a lens in a new way, and jewelry-making classes where you transform silver, gold, and precious stones into unique pieces.

Here are some excellent resources for creative group experiences and online artistic workshops:

• Creative time
• The Makery
• artistravel
• confetti

This type of gift is suitable for any occasion and can be used throughout Germany. Experience vouchers are a great alternative for people who don't want another book for their birthday.

Gifts to overcome creative blocks

Every creative person knows what it's like to experience creative block. During these times, a thoughtful gift can give you new ideas and inspiration. Some gifts can help you break out of rigid thought patterns, rather than simply giving you another notebook or paintbrush.

Books about creativity and flow

Ed Catmull , co-founder of Pixar , is the best person to write about creativity. Anyone who is creative should read his book, "Creativity, Inc." It shows you how to unleash your imagination and find new ideas all around you. The updated edition also includes new chapters and ideas on how to build a creative culture.

Mihály Csíkszentmihályi's "Flow and Creativity" is equally useful because it presents simple strategies for being more creative and original. It explains where and how creativity arises, as well as how everyone can find their own source of inspiration. "Flow" is a state of bliss that, shockingly, we don't achieve by doing nothing; instead, we get there by working hard on a challenging task.

Travel vouchers or a change of scenery

Moving to a new place gives your mind a fresh challenge, like a fresh start that gets your thoughts flowing and your creativity flowing. A change of scenery can work wonders, especially when there are obstacles. It not only helps you get into a flow state, but has also been proven to boost creativity.

Cultural holiday vouchers make a wonderful gift that lasts a lifetime. They are typically valid for two years from the date of purchase, allowing the recipient to explore new destinations. Two of the best providers of travel vouchers and holiday packages are Jochen Schweizer , Urlaubsbox , and MyDays .

You don't always have to travel far to come up with new ideas. Sometimes all you need is a charming café, a coworking space , or a place of power in nature.

Sensory gifts such as aromatherapy or music

Sensory experiences can also help you overcome creative obstacles. Basil lifts your mood and helps you build mental strength, while frankincense and angelica help you stay emotionally and mentally stable. Clary sage is particularly good for depression and also helps people be more creative.

Homemade scented candles made from natural materials like soy wax make wonderful gifts. They are full of essential oils that calm the room and inspire creativity.

Anja from Meine Ölwelt reveals in the video how you can make natural DIY candles with essential oils

Giving time: Support with creative projects

Your time and support can be the best gift you can give someone. Sometimes creative people need someone to listen to them, give them feedback, or simply help them bring their ideas to life.

A homemade voucher for joint project hours is a real way to show how much you appreciate the other person's art.

A few final words to take with you…

For creative people, homemade gifts express love, gratitude, and a deep understanding of the recipient. Every handmade gift, whether a high-quality paintbrush, a personalized notebook, or a handcrafted singing bowl, has a personal touch that no mass-produced item can achieve. These gifts directly appeal to the creative side of the person receiving them.

The fact that we put so much work into making gifts shows that we truly know what the person wants and needs. This knowledge is very useful when selecting materials that are optimal for artistic activity or experiences that can spark new ideas.

Creative people sometimes struggle to get things done. Gifts that stimulate their thinking can help. For example, reading a book about creative processes can help them think in new ways. Changing their environment or sensory experiences can also help them break out of inflexible thought patterns.

In general, we should ensure that our gifts are not only beautiful but also useful. A tool that looks good but doesn't work is the most frustrating thing for a creative person.

The greatest gifts are created when we use our own imagination to make something unique. Attention to detail and genuine effort are more important than technical precision. It doesn't always have to be flawless.

Nevertheless, our time and attention are sometimes the best gifts we can give. Working on joint projects or simply listening when someone shares a creative idea could mean more than any gift.