Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Culture

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Best Gifts for Artists, Painters, Writers, and Other Creatives

By
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’ve ever tried gift shopping for an artist, you know that it isn’t easy. Whether you’re looking for a product that will help spur their creativity or a specific work of art that you hope they’ll enjoy, choosing a gift that will suit their artsy tastes is a challenge—especially if you don’t want it to end up collecting dust. But never fear, as we’ve rounded up a slew of the best gifts for artists.

Related Guides

You can shop with confidence knowing that these recommendations have been personally reviewed by a writer and artist with verifiably pretentious artistic preferences. To put that another way, you can be sure that these are gifts that any artist, writer, or otherwise creative person will appreciate. Enough preamble. On to the best gifts for artists.

Recommended Videos

Lochby Field Journal

Lochby Field Journal.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are a lot of travel notebooks for writers and artists out there, but this notebook from Lochby is uniquely durable, usable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Related

Read more: The 22 Best Travel Gifts for Men

California Cowboy Gonzo Stripe American Dream High Sierra Shirt

California Cowboy Gonzo Stripe American Dream High Sierra Shirt.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Inspired by the great “gonzo” writer Hunter S. Thompson, this one-of-a-kind shirt is not only super comfortable, but it has a built-in pocket for holding a beer and a bottle opener.

Pilgrim Soul Creative Thinking Journal

Pilgrim Soul Creative Thinking Journal.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bearing the direction to “please use this journal while you are high,” this is a guided journal intended to help inspire creative thoughts. Feel free to check out some of their “inspirational” vape pens to go along with it.

George Saunders’ A Swim in a Pond in the Rain

George Saunders’ A Swim in a Pond in the Rain.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Here one of the greatest living American novelists provides an examination of the craft of writing through the lens of four of Russia’s greatest writers. It’s a great read that is both inspirational and full of practical information.

Diptyque Paris Limited Edition Scented Candle

Diptyque Paris Limited Edition Scented Candle.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What artist doesn’t wish they were living and working in the backstreets of Paris? With this candle from Diptyque, they can at least bring home some of the atmosphere.

Grovemade Wood Laptop Riser

Grovemade Wood Laptop Riser.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Grovemade makes a lot of slick, minimalist desk accouterments. This laptop riser is something that most creatives will use every day.

Memo A6 memobottle

Memo A6 memobottle.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Whether for water or something sterner, every artist could use a good flask. The A6 from memo offers a pleasantly modern, functional design.

BPN In Focus Cognitive Enhancer

BPN In Focus Cognitive Enhancer.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For the creative thinker who has trouble staying on task, this energy-inducing supplement drink will help keep things focused.

Whoop 4.0 Fitness Tracker

Whoop 4.0 Fitness Tracker.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While a fitness tracker might not seem ideal for every artist, what’s great about this one is that it does so much to support a healthy sleep cycle—something that every artist can use.

Muse S Meditation Headband

Muse S Meditation Headband.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This might sound like a weird one, but it’s surprisingly effective. Muse helps the user learn to quiet their mind and focus by “training” them to control their thought processes.

Steven Pressfield’s Do the Work

Steven Pressfield’s Do the Work.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This is a fantastic read for anyone who struggles with achievement, but it’s particularly geared toward artists who are hoping to overcome their own internal resistance.

Tribit Stormbox Pro

Tribit Stormbox Pro.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With full subwoofer sound, high volume, and IP67 water resistance, this little speaker packs a major audio punch.

Zen Life Artist Board Mini

Zen Life Artist Board Mini.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Artists constantly feel the pressure to create something lasting. This gives them a break by allowing them to do the exact opposite and create something impermanent.

Hide & Drink Canvas Paintbrush Roll

Hide & Drink Canvas Paintbrush Roll.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Give your favorite painter a classy, durable way to store their creative tools.

Manduka Van Gogh Pro Yoga Mat

Manduka Van Gogh Pro Yoga Mat.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Created in conjunction with the Van Gogh Museum, this yoga mat provides artists with the surface they need for some much-needed relief.

Sanuk Vagabond

Sanuk Vagabond shoes,
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Half slipper, half loafer, all comfortable, this is the perfect footwear for an artist working from home.

STM Goods Dux Backpack

STM Goods Dux Backpack.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ultra-protective and well organized, this is the ideal backpack for carrying camera gear, electronics, or anything else fragile.

Beyerdynamic M 90 Pro X Microphone

Beyerdynamic M 90 Pro X Microphone.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This brand-new mic delivers crystal-clear recording quality whether you’re playing music, singing, or creating a podcast.

Fluance Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Fluance Powered Bookshelf Speakers.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While they’re compact, these speakers bring a lot of power without the need for extra amplification.

Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 Record Player

Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 Record Player.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Not only does this all-in-one record player deliver sweet sound, it allows you to copy music from vinyl to MP3.

Editors’ Recommendations

Nick Hilden
Nick Hilden
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Hilden is a lifestyle and culture writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Afar…
Make shopping easy: The best Valentine’s Day gift baskets for him or her
These pre-made baskets are bursting with gifts for your Valentine
History of Valentine's Day

 

 

Read more
The best Valentine’s Day flowers you can buy (Don’t wait for the last minute)
Get these flowers for your loved ones this Valentine's Day
Man giving woman a bouquet of roses.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you’d like to buy something nice for someone special in your life, you can’t go wrong with Valentine’s Day flowers. The good news is that even if you don’t have time to make it to your local florist shop, or you want to send flowers to a loved one who's far away, you can buy anything from long-stemmed red roses to elegant and romantic floral arrangements for Valentine’s Day online.
There are several great sites to buy Valentine’s Day flowers online, but the choices of bouquets can be overwhelming. If you're not sure where to start, then you're in the right place. We've found some of the best flower bouquets and arrangements that you can get delivered, just in time for Valentine's Day! Surprise your sweetheart, friend, family member, or just treat yourself with one of these lovely options.

Best Valentine's Day Tulips: 1-800-Flowers Sweetest Love Tulips

Read more
The best last-minute Christmas gifts for everyone in your life
The holidays are approaching, whether you're ready or not. There's still time to get some quality gifts.

Once a procrastinator always a procrastinator. The holidays are upon us, whether you're ready or not. So, to give you a helpful nudge, we've assembled a nice list of last-minute gift ideas.
Whether you're shopping for a pet lover, a health nut, an avid traveler or sporty friend, we've got you covered. The best part? Well, these gifts don't seem very last-minute at all. They're thoughtful gifts that you came up with yourself and purchased long ago (wink, wink).
Don't beat yourself up, you probably have every good reason to be a little behind the 8-ball this year. But that does not mean you're out of luck. There's still time to grab some quality gifts, for all the folks on your list.
For the pet lover: expandable airline pet carrier

Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Expandable Airline Capable Pet Carrier is the perfect gift for any pet lover (and traveler) in your life. This tote easily fits under the seats of most modern aircraft. Whether you’re traveling Delta, Southwest, Jetblue, American, United, Alaska, or Frontier, this airline-approved pet carrier will allow you to travel in-cabin with your pet. Mr. Peanut’s primary emphasis is on pet safety and comfort which is very apparent by how sturdy the tote is and its plush pad. The coolest feature? It expands to give your pet ample room while under the seat in front of you.

Read more