Gift ideas for creative people: Inspiration for artists, art lovers, and DIY fans

Today I would like to share my favorite gift ideas for creative people.

As a passionate artist and long-time creative enthusiast, I know the unbridled joy that comes from creating and designing. The right tool or material can not only facilitate creative work but also open up new horizons and fully unleash the inner artist.

If you're like me, then you know that a well-thought-out gift idea can work wonders.

I often face the challenge of choosing the perfect gift for my creative friends – those souls who are inspired by colors, textures and shapes, and whose eyes light up when they hold something unique in their hands.

I remember the moment a close friend gave me a high-quality watercolor set and a family member gave me my first graphics tablet . They weren't just material gifts, but a key to a new artistic world.

Every shade of color I mixed, every brushstroke on the paper, every successful illustration on the drawing tablet was a discovery that brought deep joy and satisfaction.

Gift ideas for creative people

Creativity is a gift in itself – it allows us to see the world through a special lens and find beauty in the simplest things. Today, I want to share this wonder with you by presenting a whole range of inspiring and original gift ideas for creative people that will make the heart of any artist and DIY enthusiast beat faster.

These ideas range from classic must-haves to innovative gadgets that will inspire any creative mind, to experience gifts for unforgettable moments.

So, let's dive together into the multifaceted world of gift ideas for creatives, artists, and DIY enthusiasts and find the perfect surprise for your creative friends and loved ones. Whether for birthdays, holidays, Christmas, graduations, or simply as a token of appreciation – these gifts are sure to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces and give them unforgettable creative moments.

Are you ready? Then let's get started!

01 High-quality sketchbooks

a sketchbook is like a faithful companion. It captures spontaneous ideas, fleeting moments of inspiration, and detailed drawings.

Sketchbooks with thick, high-quality paper that can withstand various media – be it pencils, ink, watercolors or even acrylic paints – are particularly popular.

Brands like Moleskine, String & Space or Leuchtturm1917 offer fantastic options.

Last year I gave a friend a String & Space sketchbook as a gift. She's an up-and-coming illustrator and until then had mostly done her work on loose sheets of paper. When I visited her a few months later, she proudly showed me how the sketchbook had filled up.

02  Watercolor set for on the go

Watercolor paints are known for their vibrancy and versatility. Compact watercolor sets , allowing artists to use them on the go.

You can create small masterpieces in cafes, while traveling, in the park, or anywhere in nature. A watercolor set from Van Gogh or Winsor & Newton can work wonders here.

As mentioned at the beginning, I received this gift from a friend, although at that time I had little experience with watercolors (charcoal drawings and acrylic paints were more my thing up to that point).

But today I'm thrilled by the soft color gradients and the playful way these colors capture fleeting light in nature. They're especially great for quick and easy painting in the early morning or in the last light of day.

The box now accompanies me on my travels whenever I venture into nature. It's perfect for working on the train or in the back of the camper.

03  Drawing pencils and marker sets

Variety is the spice of life for every artist. A comprehensive set of drawing pencils and markers , encompassing different degrees of hardness and colors, offers countless creative possibilities.

Faber-Castell and Castle Art Supplies  are brands that stand out for their excellent quality.

04  3D printing pen

For tech-savvy artists, a 3D printing pen an exciting and innovative gift idea. With this tool, they can literally bring their drawings into the third dimension and create impressive sculptures and models.

The 3Doodler is a popular and user-friendly model here.

My brother, a technician at a metalworking company in Swabia with a passion for technical drawing, was overjoyed when I gave him a 3D printing pen. His work has given him extensive experience with technical drawing and 3D CAD software.

From delicate models of small buildings to complex shapes – he found a new hobby with the printing pen and impressed us with his creations.

05  DIY craft kits

DIY craft kits are perfect for anyone who enjoys experimenting with different materials. They offer everything you need to start a specific project – be it jewelry making, candle dipping, macrame , or working with clay.

Creativ Company is one of the largest online creative shops.

"Creativity in a Box" product line of creative kits are perfect for anyone who enjoys creative hobby projects. They are easy to use and fun, as they contain everything you need.

There are projects for every taste and skill level.

also be found Etsy

06  Canvas sets

Canvas sets are a wonderful gift idea for the painters among your friends . With canvases of different sizes, they can give free rein to their creative ideas.

Imagine your loved ones creating art outdoors on a sunny afternoon. An Arteza with matching painting tools makes a dream gift.

07  Creative Workshops

Sometimes the most valuable gift is an experience. Creative workshops as experience gifts offer a wonderful opportunity to learn new techniques and meet like-minded people. Whether it's a weekend intensive course in classical oil painting, a pottery workshop, or a course in digital drawing – the possibilities are endless.

Great platforms for booking such courses and workshops as gifts or vouchers include, besides the market leader MyDays.de , KreativeKurse , Konfetti , and KreativZeit.info . Browse local course offerings or book an online DIY workshop .

08  Inspiration diary

An inspiration journal is more than just a notebook. It's a repository for thoughts, ideas, sketches, and plans. It can be filled with inspirational quotes, photos, color palettes, and short essays.

The author Osman Selek offers a particularly aesthetic and high-quality version (in English).

09 Handlettering Introductory Book

What makes beautiful writing so special? Clearly: hand lettering! This art form makes it possible to embellish any card, picture, or object with artistic lettering, patterns, and names.

These are diverse fonts that resemble individual handwriting, but appear significantly neater and more concise.

They are often also decorated to make the writing appear even more appealing.

“Handlettering Alphabets” by Hand Lettering Artist Tanja “Frau Hölle” Cappell from Munich introduces the art of beautiful handwriting step by step. 

10 Skillshare membership

Creative people are characterized by their openness and boundless curiosity. To be creative means to constantly learn new things and to continuously develop oneself.

Gift memberships at Skillshare offer unlimited access to thousands of courses, learning paths and a vibrant community of creators for the duration of your membership (3, 6 or 12 months).

This makes it a perfect gift experience for your creativity-loving friends and family members.

11 Legendary books about creativity

What author would be better suited to write book about creativity Ed Catmull , co-founder of Pixar ?

This book is about how to unleash your creativity and find new inspiration everywhere. An absolute must-read for all creative minds!

“Creativity, Inc.” has been expanded to explore the ongoing evolution of Pixar’s unique culture. This updated edition includes a new introduction, two entirely new chapters, four new postscripts, and additional reflections at the end.

She describes how Catmull created a culture that not only emphasizes the importance of things like honesty and communication, but also embraces them.

12 System cameras for taking your own photos

For those who not only admire photographic beauty but also want to be creative themselves, a mirrorless system camera the ideal choice.

I personally swear by the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G81MEG-K and am completely convinced by this model. The camera impresses with its compact and lightweight design and delivers outstanding images even with the standard lens.

The display features an extremely responsive touchscreen and is also foldable and rotatable, making selfies easy. Especially useful for video recording!

13  Music box “Magic Cello” as a 3D puzzle

3D puzzles and wooden construction kits offer a wonderful opportunity to unleash your creativity while creating something meaningful with your own hands. Age is no barrier – the desire for joy and variety remains an essential part of life.

The Cello Music Box Puzzle combines romantic retro style with magical elements such as spellbooks and witches. The hollow structure of the case displays a six-petaled floral pattern and a classic European design. The base of the magic book is a tribute to the famous cellist Pablo Casals .

The designers at RoboTime create unique gift ideas for all ages with their intricate and artistic 3D wooden puzzles. Besides this cello, hundreds of other designs can be found online shop

14 Personalized city map as a work of art

Immortalize your favorite city on a high-quality print and surprise your loved ones with a truly personal gift that is perfect for special occasions.

Capture your happy moment for eternity . Whether it's the charming favorite café around the corner where the barista already knows your name, the familiar park bench where you fed ducks with your grandmother, or the majestic summit cross before which you stood hand in hand, knowing:

Our most cherished memories are often shaped by places. With our personalized city maps, you and your loved ones can relive these special moments and create one of the most precious gifts of all: a lasting memento of your time together.

15 Bottle Gardens – Handmade & Sustainable for Hobby Gardeners

Creative people with a green thumb will be especially pleased with this gift idea.

From handcrafted bottle gardens to creative DIY kits and sustainable decorative elements, at Dein-Flaschengarten.de carefully selected items directly from our own workshop.

Experts lovingly attend to every aspect, from the soil mixture to the careful packaging. With this gift, you bring a piece of nature into the home of a loved one!

16 industrial-grade laser engravers & laser cutters

Laser engraving and laser cutting are fascinating techniques that allow creative people to create individual and personalized gifts, decorations, works of art and much more.

Whether wood, metal, leather, porcelain or plastic, the possibilities are virtually limitless. Laser engraving thus offers a perfect symbiosis of technology and creativity, which is valued in both private and professional settings.

The ATOMSTACK S10 Pro laser engraver with 50 W machine power, fixed focus, 0.08 x 0.06 mm compressed dot and an area of ​​410 x 400 mm offers a perfect price-performance ratio for the demanding hobby and artist sector.

17 DIY kits for making scented candles

Handmade scented candles are a great DIY idea. This complete DIY candle-making kit provides you with all the necessary supplies to create your own DIY candles.

Six different essential oils and six dyes allow you to create scented candles in various colors according to your wishes. 

18 masterclasses from the best in their field

Delight those who give you friendship, love, and community. Gift them something that supports them on their path to personal growth – through online courses led by leading experts worldwide.

Give the gift of access to MasterClass . With the gift of MasterClass, your recipient can choose whether they want to learn creative writing with Margaret Atwood, acting with Samuel L. Jackson, and much more.

MasterClass is a premium streaming platform that gives you access to hundreds of inspiring video lessons from over 200 leading experts worldwide. Whether you're interested in art, design, photography, culinary arts, writing, acting, music, sports, or other disciplines, MasterClass offers an unparalleled online learning experience.

19 Relaxing Coloring Books for Adults

Career in crisis, health once better, and love life less exciting than a documentary about turtles? No need to worry! Grab some colored pencils and just start coloring. 

An adult coloring book is a wonderful gift idea and is enjoying rapidly increasing popularity.

Yes, nowadays it is perfectly acceptable for adults to color mandalas . The repeated coloring and concentration on the outlines have a similar effect to meditation and promote relaxation.

coloring books may not foster creativity, they offer an excellent way to relax. Even talented artists need a little break now and then, don't they?

20 Mini Sticker Printer

Is there a single artist out there who wouldn't be interested in creating black and white prints of their own artwork? We seriously doubt it!

This handy mini printer is compatible with both iPhones and Android devices. The Q0 2 Sticker Printer uses thermal printing technology, eliminating the need for expensive inks, toners, and ribbons.

One user reported that it "easy to use and easy to install/pair with my phone" .

21 Personalized Comic-Style Posters

Is the person receiving the gift artistic and a little nerdy?

Then perhaps a custom comic poster with a tailored caption is the right choice for you. Whether it's a hero or a colleague in a cape and mask, a personalized comic-style poster is sure to generate positive buzz and offers personal design options for special occasions.

Bazong. Kawumm. Bang . Roy Lichtenstein sends his regards.

Choose between a fearless pilot, a brave pirate, or an inspiring spaceship captain – the possibilities are virtually endless. Have fun choosing and personalizing!

22 picture frames for LPs

In earlier times, the visual and artistic design of vinyl records, as well as the accompanying song lyrics, were highly valued.

Today, music albums are only digital files, but picture frames for LPs can bring these nostalgic memories back to life – a way to reflect on bygone times and tell stories.

23 Ice Cooler – Creative Bottle Cooler

This ice cooler is a versatile and original accessory that can easily be adapted to different occasions. It can be used both to keep bottles cool and as a decoration with candles or flowers.

His DIY designs attract attention and add creative touches to family meals or other events.

24   Graphics tablet with battery-free pen

Considering the tablet's extremely affordable price, continuously improved software, and extensive functionality, this tablet is among the best value options, especially for aspiring digital artists.

With ten individually adjustable button assignments and three configurable modes for the scroll wheel, the tablet offers remarkable flexibility. The included set is also extremely valuable, comprising additional pen tips and a small pouch for the pen.

Furthermore, it can be used perfectly in combination with a smartphone.

25 “Hieronymus Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights" as a puzzle

Exquisite 2,000-piece puzzle “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch . This masterpiece depicts the fascinating scenes of Paradise, Hell, and the Garden of Earthly Delights.

Design agency offices are populated by creative minds who greatly appreciate a pleasant puzzle break during the workday! As creative individuals tackling challenging design problems, we occasionally need a reflective mental respite. Puzzles and brain teasers offer us an excellent opportunity to leave our computers behind and work together as a team.

Educa offers many masterpieces of art as high-quality jigsaw puzzles from Spain, made from environmentally friendly, FSC-certified materials and adhering to strict safety standards. After completion, the puzzles can be rearranged again and again or displayed as decorative wall art.

26 exquisitely illustrated luxury playing cards

For the print lover & card game enthusiast

These exquisitely crafted luxury playing cards impress with their breathtaking design and print quality. They combine various printing techniques, including gold foil stamping, hot foil stamping, and bronze foil application. Simply stunning details!

The Citizens card game by @Theory11 was illustrated by the talented @kevincantrellstudio and produced at the printing house @studioonfire .

27  beats Solo 4 – Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones

Beats by Dr. Dre , now part of Apple , focuses on headphones that combine aesthetics, style and excellent sound.

In our selection of products, you're sure to find the perfect pair in various price categories. Pictured are the Beats Solo 4 wireless on-ear headphones in Cloud Pink. Enjoy up to 50 hours of music playback on a single charge.

28 "Knit Happens" drinking cups from Boxer Gifts

An ordinary mug simply isn't enough for the creative mind. This mug is not only shaped like a ball of yarn, but also offers a charming play on words that brings a smile to your face every time you use it.

Ideal as a farewell gift for kindergarten teachers or schoolteachers: With this sky-blue mug, decorated with realistic yarn details, you can express 'thank you' in a heartfelt and humorous way.

29  Personalized pet stamp (hand-drawn)

Each stamp is meticulously handcrafted and precisely matched to the photo you provide to ensure you receive a truly unique work of art.

Talented artists use their passion and skill to create the most lifelike portrait. They capture every detail and facial expression, so that this personal gift shines with life.

This custom-made portrait stamp is not only an excellent gift for a friend, but also a loving tribute to a beloved pet. 

30-book set for graphic designers

The “Graphic Design Book Set” consists of “Big Type”, “Color Clash”, “Mascot”, “Optic”, “Three Dimensional Type”, “Iconic” and “Expressive Type” .

Each book contains a wonderful selection of graphic design from around the world, curated under the respective themes.

In English. Imported from the United Kingdom.

31 3D printer Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro

For people interested in art and generally culturally aware, a 3D printer a fascinating opportunity to discover their creative side in a new and exciting way.

The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro impresses with its remarkable print accuracy and resolution. Thanks to state-of-the-art mono-LCD technology, it delivers exceptional detail and razor-sharp prints.

By giving creative people this outstanding tool, you motivate them to delve deeper into the world of technology and art and pursue their own visionary projects.

32 Digital Paintbrush Pen for Tablets & iPhone

Discover the fascinating creative possibilities that this innovative drawing tool opens up for you. Whether you are an aspiring artist or simply want to be creative in your free time, this pen is modeled after a real artist's brush and offers the ideal platform to give free rein to your imagination.

It not only improves your touchscreen experience, but also allows you to create digital artwork, take concise notes, and navigate your device intuitively. 

Compatible with all touchscreen devices, suitable for children and teenagers.

33 Table easel made of beech wood with storage

This versatile designer table easel functions as a small studio for your home or on the go.

Made from carefully processed, high-quality and aesthetically pleasing beechwood, it offers an attractive, hand-polished oiled surface as well as a thoughtful design that is robust and reliable, without sharp edges.

Included is a drawer with three fixed compartments, a beechwood easel, a canvas holder with adjustable tilt, and a leather strap for carrying.

34 Buddha Boards for mindful painting

The centerpiece of the Buddha Board is a specially coated board on which water is used for painting. No ink, no painting medium, just water and a brush are needed to create beautiful and flowing works of art.

As the water evaporates, the images gradually disappear – a visual meditation on transience and the beautiful, fleeting moment. This transcendent experience is reminiscent of Zen art practice, which encourages letting go and living in the here and now.

For art enthusiasts and culture lovers, the Buddha Board is more than just a gift. It's an invitation to relaxation, reflection, and artistic exploration.

35 Funny Art Socks

When it comes to special gift ideas for creative minds and visual artists, the little things are often the most impressive.

These fun women's socks with classic oil painting motifs are a perfect example. Combining fashionable flair with art historical depth, these socks are an ideal gift for anyone who loves and appreciates art.

The socks are inspired by iconic paintings and offer a wonderful way to express oneself and one's enthusiasm for art in a cheeky yet stylish manner.

36   Graffiti Workshop

Is the person you're buying for bursting with creative ideas? Then this graffiti course might be just the thing for you.

Under the expert guidance of experienced artists, you will learn how to develop your own sketches and designs. You will gain valuable insights into the fundamental, yet crucial rules that must be observed when creating a piece of graffiti art – as it is often called in the scene.

After a brief introduction to the technique, you shake the spray cans and then unleash your creativity by conjuring up your first small graffiti artwork with a flick of the wrist.

Duration: approx. 4-6 hours
Availability / Dates: Available year-round on specific dates

37 Ergonomic office chair

What could be better than giving a creative freelancer a gift that not only brings joy but also sustainably improves their daily work? The ergonomic office chair from FlexiSpot is exactly this kind of thoughtful present – ​​an investment in comfort, health, and creative productivity.

FlexiSpot office chairs were developed with a special focus on the needs of people who spend long hours at their desks. With adjustable seat heights, adaptable armrests, and special spinal support, they ensure that back pain and neck tension are a thing of the past.

Especially for creative people who are often engrossed in their work and lose track of time, this ergonomic support is invaluable.

38   DIY Music Box Set 

When mechanics and music merge: The Mould King 10170 music box combines mechanical engineering with musical poetry – a true marvel for those who love something special.

With its 2344 components, this music box is more than just a decorative object. It's an immersive project that invites creative engagement. The precisely engineered teeth on the rotating chime wheel strike the piano keys one after the other, producing a beautiful Christmas melody – a fascinating interplay of technology and art that appeals to the hobbyist in every creative individual.

39 Door sign “Artist at Work”

What could be more important for creative minds than undisturbed work time? This elegant door sign with the clear message “Artist At Work, Do Not Disturb” is a tribute to the creative process itself. Finished in silver, this sign combines functionality with stylish aesthetics.

Small gesture, big impact – a sign of appreciation for the seriousness of artistic creation.

40   Bob Ross bobblehead figure with sound

Bob Ross Bobblehead: A small dose of inspiration for creative souls. The Bob Ross Talking Bobblehead brings just this gentle encouragement to the creative spaces of artists and all those who appreciate the calming presence of the legendary painter.

With the touch of a button, Bob Ross comes to life and shares ten of his wisest and wittiest sayings to help overcome creative block “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents” – who couldn’t smile at this gentle reminder?

41 ceramic pieces to paint yourself

Pott'd 's self-painting ceramics (e.g., teapots) – the perfect gift for anyone who loves tea and wants to let their imagination run wild.

On slow, lazy days, a simple piece of ceramic transforms into a personal work of art that brings joy at every teatime. The lovingly curated set contains everything needed for this creative experience: a high-quality teapot, specially developed pottery paints, fine brushes, a palette, and the unique Pott'd paint sponges.

With the included step-by-step instructions and helpful videos, even beginners can easily achieve the desired results.

42   Candle making kit

The Sculpd candle making kit is a special gift for anyone who loves crafts and fragrance. This thoughtfully designed kit combines two creative worlds: pottery and candle making.

Using the air-drying clay, you first form an individual vessel, which, after drying, is filled with high-quality soy wax and selected fragrance oils.

The complete set contains everything needed: air-drying clay, environmentally friendly soy wax, fine fragrance oils in basil & citrus, peony or ginger & orange, glossy candle varnish, a fine brush and lead-free wicks with centering tool.

The included step-by-step instructions make this creative project a success even for beginners.

43 flowers that always bloom

“Eternal Spring” by MagicHolz is a special 3D wooden puzzle that transforms into a beautiful flower. Unlike conventional bouquets of flowers that wilt after a few days, this creative gift creates a memory that lasts for years.

What makes this gift special is not just the end result, but also the process. Each flower – whether a radiant sunflower, an elegant rose, or a colorful tulip – is made from environmentally friendly plywood and can be assembled without glue or tools.

In about an hour, an artistic decorative piece is created that beautifies rooms and touches hearts.

44 ways to make your own Kinder chocolate

Sweet creative fun for little chocolate artists!

This charming 4-piece party set transforms little sweet tooths into enthusiastic chocolatiers – with a real wow factor! Lovingly presented, it contains everything four children need to create their own mini chocolate bars: reusable silicone molds with cute animal motifs, six exciting toppings (either fruity and natural or colorful and crunchy) and, upon request, 400g of the finest Belgian couverture chocolate drops.

This clever craft activity is perfect for children's birthdays, rainy days, or as a special gift for creative minds between 4 and 12 years old. No screen, no complicated preparation – but guaranteed proud children's eyes when their homemade chocolate masterpieces are finished.

A sensory experience that fosters creativity and creates sweet memories!

45 Personalized Cocktail Book Name-tini

This witty cocktail book is a real eye-catcher – and also sweetens up social hours with friends.

Lovingly designed, it combines classic mixology with an individual touch: The recipient's name is creatively integrated into each cocktail name, from the refreshing "Lisa Fizz" to the velvety "Max Hattan".

A perfect gift for people with a sense of enjoyment and humor who like to experiment and surprise their guests with original creations.

46 Pottery Kit for Home

This clever pottery kit brings the ancient art of ceramics directly into your living room – no complicated workshop equipment or prior knowledge required! The high-quality kit contains everything aspiring potters need to get started: velvety-smooth, natural clay, precise tools, and easy-to-understand instructions for taking your first steps into the world of ceramics.

The special appeal lies in the sensory experience: the cool earth between your fingers, the emerging form beneath your hands, the meditative tranquility of the creative process. A wonderful gift for people who love handmade items and are looking for new forms of creative expression.