Congratulations! You’ve raised a talented and creative child. Now, the hard part: finding just the right gift to mark their graduation from high school or college.
If you want to give them something with meaning, try one of these gifts that will inspire your artistically-inclined graduate.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Create customized and personalized graduation gifts that show you care. |
| Consider practical gifts that will help grads succeed in their post-grad life. |
| Entrepreneurship-focused gifts can be great for grads with their eye on starting their own business. |
| Retirement gifts should be thoughtful and geared towards helping women enjoy their golden years. |
| Unique, personalized wedding gifts can make a happy couple feel extra special. |
A Sketchbook
A sketchbook is a great gift for any artist, whether they’re just getting started or have been working for years.
They’re useful because they allow artists to keep track of their ideas and notes about their work, as well as practice drawing new things.
Sketchbooks are also great for keeping a record of the work that you’ve created, so if you have limited space in your home or studio, this can help you display some of your best pieces without needing too many separate frames!
If you want to get really fancy with it (and if money isn’t an issue), consider gifting them a blank book from an artist-oriented publisher like Chronicle Books’ Artisan series these books come with unique cover designs by different artists each year and are printed on special paper stock that makes them more durable than standard sketchbooks.
For a unique and customized graduation gift, there’s no better option than personalized graduation gifts. Make sure your graduate feels special and valued with a gift that’s tailored just for them.
A Journal
A journal is a great gift for an artist, whether they’re a painter or sculptor or graphic designer. A journal can be used to record thoughts, ideas and inspirations. It can also be used to keep track of progress on a project.
If you are generous enough to purchase your graduate the perfect journal, they will thank you by filling it with colorful illustrations or meticulously laid out lettering.
A fitness-focused gift could include gym membership cards (they’re valid for six months) along with healthy snacks like nuts or fruit juice boxes.
You can also treat them to yoga classes at their local studio once every two weeks for an entire year
Best Journals for Every Purpose
| Purpose | Journal | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Journaling | Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal | Leuchtturm1917 |
| Art and Sketching | Moleskine Art Sketchbook | Moleskine |
| Gratitude Journaling | Dailygreatness Journal | Dailygreatness |
| Travel Journaling | Travel Journal | Peter Pauper Press |
| Productivity | Panda Planner | Panda Planner |
Note: I used brand names where it made sense, based on the products that I found to be popular and recommended for each purpose.
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Art Books.
One of the best things you can give someone who loves art is an art book. Art books can be about anything from a specific artist (like Picasso, Rembrandt, or Georgia O’Keeffe) to a movement or period in history (Impressionism or the Renaissance).
They can even be about styles of art like Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism.
If you know their favorite artist(s) then one of these illustrated biographies would be perfect for them!
Looking for a graduation gift that’s both practical and helpful? Check out our guide to practical graduation gifts to give your graduate a head start on their post-grad life.
Art Supplies
Artist supplies are an easy and inexpensive gift. They can be used for a variety of art projects, including painting, drawing, calligraphy and sculpting.
There are a few different types of supplies that you may want to consider:
- Paintbrushes
- Canvases
- Drawing paper
Best Art Supplies for Different Mediums
| Medium | Art Supply | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing | Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pens | Faber-Castell |
| Painting (Acrylic) | Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set | Liquitex |
| Painting (Watercolor) | Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set | Winsor & Newton |
| Pastels | Prismacolor Premier NuPastel Firm Pastel Color Sticks | Prismacolor |
| Colored Pencils | Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils | Faber-Castell |
Note: I used brand names where it made sense based on the most popular and highly recommended products for each medium.
A Paint-By-Numbers Set
A paint-by-numbers set is a great way to get started in art, especially for children and beginners. The sets are designed to show you exactly where to put each color, so it’s super simple and fun!
The best paint-by-number sets have durable canvases with thick brushes that make them easy to use even for young children who might not be strong enough yet for standard brushes.
If your graduate is more advanced, she may prefer an open-ended art project like an artist’s sketchbook or one of our favorite beginner watercolor kits. There are many options available online: just search “paint by numbers” or “open ended art.”
For the aspiring entrepreneur in your life, there’s no better gift than the perfect graduation gift. With tips, tricks, and practical advice, this guide will help your graduate get started on their entrepreneurial journey.
A Book About A Favorite Artist
One of the most exciting things about getting a degree or certificate is that you can now call yourself a graduate.
You may have spent your time in school nurturing your own artistic skills, but did you know that there are other artists out there whose work you can learn from?
If your graduate has an interest in art, a good way to start this conversation is by giving them a book about an artist they admire.
This doesn’t necessarily mean they want to become famous; maybe they just want to be better at their craft. So look for books on artists who are doing what they love right now this person could be someone who is active today or someone who passed away years ago.
And if the art world seems too intimidating (too many big words!), don’t worry you don’t need to dive into complicated texts!
There are plenty of simpler options with engaging illustrations and stories that will catch your graduate’s attention right away.
An Art House Movie Gift Card
For the artist whose interests run to the artsy, an art house movie gift card is a perfect way to give them a little something extra.
Art house movies are typically less mainstream and more creative, so your graduate will appreciate the opportunity to explore new realms of creativity with this gift.
And if your grad is like me and spends a lot of time watching trailers for Netflix original series, consider gifting them something else that’s not quite as mainstream: an indie-movie streaming service like Filmstruck or Fandor (which offers over 6,000 arthouse titles). The bonus? You can both watch all these interesting films together!
Help the women in your life enjoy their golden years with our guide to retirement gift ideas for women. From thoughtful trinkets to practical gifts, there’s something here to make every woman feel special.
A Subscription To An Art Magazine
Art magazines are an excellent gift for any artist, but they’re especially good for the artistic graduate.
A subscription to an art magazine is a great way to give the gift of art, and there are many different types of art magazines available. Some focus on specific artists or styles, while others cover more general topics such as technique or trends in the world at large.
Subscriptions give you ongoing access to all content published in that periodical, including features about artists and interviews with their subjects; tutorials on how to do things like paint landscapes or sculpt busts; galleries showcasing works from both new talents and established masters; articles on relevant topics such as current events affecting the field (such as funding cuts); and much more!
Choosing a magazine depends largely on what kind of experience you want your recipient’s relationship with art to have whether they’re interested in learning more about its history and culture, seeking inspiration for their own projects by seeing what other people are doing now or just looking forward into whatever comes next.”
Best Art Magazine Subscriptions
| Magazine | Description | Subscription Price |
|---|---|---|
| Juxtapoz | Covers contemporary art with a focus on underground and alternative culture. | $29.99/year |
| Artforum | Highly respected art magazine, covering contemporary art in all mediums and presenting reviews. | $49.95/year |
| Art in America | Covers art and culture in the US and internationally with focus on contemporary and modern art. | $39.95/year |
| Drawing Magazine | Each issue features in-depth tutorials, critiques, and coverage of various drawing techniques. | $29.95/year |
| Artist’s Magazine | Covers all media including acrylic, oil, watercolor, and pastel, with a focus on techniques, features, and artists’ portfolios. | $19.98/year |
Note: I chose these magazines based on popularity and reputation within the art community. The subscription prices listed were accurate as of the time of writing.
An Art Class Gift Card
What better way to say “I’m proud of you, now go explore your creative side!” than with an art class gift card. Art classes are fun, they can improve your skills and they can be a great way to meet new people.
They’re also a great way to relax and de-stress (and who doesn’t want that?). Well-rounded graduates will want to learn something new as well, so giving them a chance to do so through an art class is one of the best ways for you to show off how much you care about their future happiness.
Looking for the perfect gift for a happy couple? Look no further than our guide to personalized wedding gifts. With unique and thoughtful ideas for every couple, you’ll be sure to find something special.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve inspired you to give your favorite artist a gift that they can use and appreciate. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy just something to help them start out on the right foot with their new life’s work!
Further Reading
5 Graduation Gifts for Artists: This article provides five specific gift ideas geared toward artists who are graduating from school.
25 Graduation Gifts for Art Students: My Modern Met suggests 25 gifts — from art materials to art-inspired products — that could be the perfect gift for art graduates starting their careers.
Gift Ideas for Art Students: Artist Gifts has a wide range of options for graduation gifts including art sets, sketchbooks, and products specifically for the art student.
FAQs
How to choose the best graduation gift for an art student?
Consider what kind of artist your recipient is and what they will need to start their career. Useful products such as art sets, sketchbooks, or art prints are all great options. Alternatively, you can give them an experience such as a museum membership or an art-related workshop.
What are some unique graduation gift ideas for an art student?
Consider getting them a gift that will motivate them to continue their art career such as art books, an easel, or a professional portfolio. Customized gifts like art supplies with their name stamped on them or art prints made from their own work can also make for unique gifts.
What are some affordable graduation gifts for art students?
Art supplies such as sketchbooks, marker sets, and paintbrushes can all be purchased at affordable prices. Alternatively, you could offer them a personalized gift such as a handmade art print or a custom photo album.
Are there any unusual graduation gifts for art students?
Consider a unique art piece from a local artist or online art galleries that can inspire creativity. Personalized gifts like art-themed jewelry, a customized phone case featuring their artwork, or a custom painting of their pet can be a unique and thoughtful gift.
What should I consider when purchasing a graduation gift for an art student?
Make sure you consider your recipient’s art style, interests, and needs. Choosing a gift that is both practical and personal can show your recipient how much you value their hard work. Think about a gift that can help them take the next step in their artistic journey.
Hey there, I’m Hellen James, and I’m here to help you find the perfect gift for all your favorite people. I have been working in the retail industry for a little over ten years now, and I’ve seen a lot of people struggle to find the right gifts for their loved ones.
