Shopping for an artist can mean choosing something they can use at a desk, take outdoors, or try as a new medium. These Christmas picks range from compact supplies to larger workspace tools, so check the recipient’s interests and available space.
Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Artists
1. XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro V2 Drawing Tablet
A Screen for Digital Sketching
XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro V2 Drawing Tablet
- 13.3-inch full-laminated display with anti-glare film and Full HD resolution.
- Includes a battery-free stylus, adjustable stand, red dial, and eight customizable keys.
- Works with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Android with USB-C support, and Linux with driver support.
Best For: An aspiring digital illustrator or designer with a compatible computer.
2. Garvee Height Adjustable Drafting Table
A Flexible Art Desk
Garvee Height Adjustable Drafting Table
- Tilting tabletop adjusts from flat to 75 degrees, with height adjustable from 27.2 to 35.8 inches.
- Includes two drawers, side storage, a retractable board, and a stool.
- Designed for drawing, painting, crafts, or home office use.
Best For: An artist with room for a dedicated worktable.
3. Honeywell HJ1 Sunturalux LED Clamp Desk Lamp
4. A-Frame Beechwood Studio Easel
5. MEEDEN 72-Color Oil-Based Colored Pencils
A Tin of Drawing Colors
MEEDEN 72-Color Oil-Based Colored Pencils
- Set includes 72 oil-based colored pencils with named colors.
- High-density pigment cores are described as smooth-gliding and suitable for layering.
- Sturdy metal tin provides storage for studio work, classes, or sketching outdoors.
Best For: An illustrator or colorist who enjoys layered pencil work.
6. ARTIFY 25-Piece Synthetic Paint Brush Set
A Brush Roll for Painters
ARTIFY 25-Piece Synthetic Paint Brush Set
- Includes 25 brushes in varied shapes and sizes, plus a painting knife.
- Synthetic nylon bristles are intended for acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache.
- Nylon cloth roll stores the brushes and is described as waterproof and oil-proof.
Best For: A painter who uses several paint types or brush shapes.
7. Caliart 100-Color Alcohol Marker Set
Color for Illustration and Design
Caliart 100-Color Alcohol Marker Set
- Set includes 100 alcohol-based markers, including a colorless blender.
- Dual tips combine a fine point with a broad chisel nib.
- Color-coded caps and a carrying case help organize and transport the markers.
Best For: An illustrator or designer who works with alcohol markers.
8. Pagather 24-Color Travel Watercolor Set
A Pocket Kit for Painting on the Go
Pagather 24-Color Travel Watercolor Set
- Travel kit includes 24 watercolor pans, brushes, a water brush, mixing palette, and sketchbook.
- A zippered bag with interior elastic straps stores the kit components.
- The listing describes it for outdoor sketching, travel painting, or use at home.
Best For: A watercolor artist who likes to paint outdoors or while traveling.
9. Beechmore A4 Mixed-Media Sketchbook
A Gift-Boxed Sketching Journal
Beechmore A4 Mixed-Media Sketchbook
- Includes 156 pages of 160 GSM acid-free ivory paper in A4 size.
- Lay-flat binding and micro-perforated sheets support double-page work and removing pages.
- Vegan leather hardcover, elastic closure, ribbon bookmark, and back pocket.
Best For: An artist who keeps a sketchbook for drawing and light washes.
10. Bobblebro Linocut Printmaking Kit
A Starter Set for Handmade Prints
Bobblebro Linocut Printmaking Kit
- Includes four linoleum blocks, black water-soluble ink, brayer, baren, and ink plate.
- Carving tools come with six blade types and a handle with built-in storage.
- Transfer paper, rubbing paper, and an illustrated instruction manual are included.
Best For: A creative person curious about carving stamps and printing by hand.
11. 14-Piece Stretched Canvas Multipack
A Variety of Ready-to-Paint Surfaces
14-Piece Stretched Canvas Multipack
- Pack contains 14 blank canvases in multiple sizes and shapes.
- Wooden frames are covered with canvas pre-coated with acid-free acrylic gesso.
- The listing names acrylic, oil, watercolor, tempera, and gouache among compatible paints.
Best For: A painter who wants several surfaces for new projects.
12. JJRING Large Art Portfolio Tote
A Carrier for Oversize Artwork
JJRING Large Art Portfolio Tote
- Measures 25 by 37 inches and is intended for most 24 by 36 inch artwork.
- Made with 600D Oxford fabric and a waterproof interior, according to the listing.
- Includes a front pocket for a sketchbook, brushes, or other small supplies.
Best For: An artist or student who transports large drawings or canvases.
13. National Geographic Hobby Pottery Wheel Kit
A Tabletop Introduction to Clay
National Geographic Hobby Pottery Wheel Kit
- Includes an 8-inch pottery wheel with variable speed and two-way rotation.
- Kit comes with three pounds of air-dry clay, sculpting tools, a cut-off tool, and sponge.
- Instructions and links to video lessons are included for getting started.
Best For: An artist interested in trying small-scale clay work at home.
14. 14-Drawer Rolling Craft Storage Cart
Mobile Storage for Studio Supplies
14-Drawer Rolling Craft Storage Cart
- Features 14 drawers in two sizes, a tabletop, pegboards with hooks, and a hanging basket.
- Locking 360-degree wheels allow the cart to move and stay in place.
- Metal and plastic construction; assembly is required.
Best For: An artist who wants to organize supplies near a shared or busy workspace.
15. SINGER 4452 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
16. Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
A Camera for Artwork and Process Photos
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
- Mirrorless camera listing includes an E-mount 16–50mm lens and a tilting LCD screen.
- Supports still photography and 4K video recording.
- In-box items listed include a rechargeable battery, shoulder strap, AC adaptor, and micro USB cable.
Best For: An artist who photographs finished work or records their process.
Choosing a Secret Santa Gift for an Artist
Start with the kind of work the recipient already does. A maker who draws every day may appreciate a sketchbook, colored pencils, markers, or a fresh set of brushes. These are easier to fit into an existing routine than a large tool, and the artist can use them without rearranging a room. For a painter, canvases or a travel watercolor kit add useful surfaces and materials. A linocut set or pottery wheel can be a more exploratory gift for someone who enjoys learning a new process.
If you know the person well, consider what part of their creative routine causes friction. A clamp lamp can make desk lighting easier to adjust; a portfolio bag can help protect large work in transit; a rolling cart can keep supplies close at hand. Larger pieces such as the drafting table, easel, sewing machine, or pottery wheel make the most sense when you know the recipient has space and interest. For a workplace Secret Santa or a newer acquaintance, compact supplies are usually simpler to choose.
Match the Gift to Your Budget
A modest budget can still cover an artful, useful present. A sketchbook, brush set, or selection of canvases gives the recipient materials they can put to work. If the group budget allows a larger present, a marker set, colored-pencil tin, or portable watercolor kit offers a broader palette or a way to take materials on the go. Treat the budget as a guide to scale, not as a reason to choose a novelty item; practical supplies suit the occasion without needing Christmas-specific decoration.
For bigger studio gear, make sure the expected cost aligns with your group’s rules before choosing. A substantial item may be better suited to a close friend or family member than a casual exchange. Gift presentation can stay simple: the sketchbook is listed with a gift box, while the other items can be wrapped or placed in a reusable bag.
Check Compatibility and Room for Personalization
Digital and mechanical tools have extra considerations. The drawing tablet is not standalone: it needs a computer or laptop, and the recipient’s operating system and connection should match the listed compatibility. For the camera, consider whether the recipient uses Sony E-mount lenses if they may want to expand their setup. A sewing machine suits textile projects, while the pottery wheel kit uses air-dry clay; check that those are interests they actually have before choosing either.
Art supplies also have personal preferences. Painters may prefer a certain medium, brush shape, paper texture, or canvas size. If you are unsure, choose versatile materials: mixed-media paper, an assortment of canvases, or brushes described for multiple paint types. A personal note can make even a practical gift warmer: mention the kind of project you hope it inspires, or include a blank card for the recipient to sketch on. Avoid adding materials they cannot use with their preferred medium unless you know they want to experiment.
Plan Timing and Last-Minute Choices
For Christmas, factor in setup and space as well as the day you exchange gifts. Furniture and studio equipment need a suitable place, and the recipient may need time to assemble or configure them. Smaller items such as pencils, brushes, a sketchbook, or a marker case are easier to store and can be opened and used with little setup. The travel watercolor set and linocut kit include multiple components, so checking the supplied contents helps you understand what the recipient will have to unpack.
When buying close to the holiday, check current delivery estimates and local availability directly with the retailer; timing can change. If delivery is uncertain, a printed note explaining the intended gift can preserve the Christmas surprise, but only promise an arrival date after confirming it. For a quick decision, choose based on a clear match: drawing materials for a sketcher, paint supplies for a painter, or a carrier for someone who regularly transports finished work. That small bit of thought makes a Secret Santa gift for an artist feel considered, even when the object is an everyday studio essential.