Artists don’t need gifts. Hand them a napkin and a pencil stub, and they’ll find a way to make something magical. But if you know someone who lives and breathes linework, graphite dust, and ink smudges, then you know how much joy they get from tools that help them do their thing a little better—or a little prettier.
The best gifts for drawing artists aren’t just practical. They’re the kind of over-the-top upgrades or clever little finds that make someone stop mid-sketch and say, “Oh wow, this is perfect.” Whether you’re shopping for a student, a hobbyist, or a pro illustrator with a packed sketchbook shelf, these gifts hit that sweet spot between useful and thoughtful. Below you’ll find items that I or someone else on our team has used (or wished someone would gift us already).
Gifts for Drawing Artists
1. Artist Sketchbook (Hardcover or Spiral)
A good sketchbook isn’t just paper—it’s a place where ideas take root and imagination runs wild. Whether your artist prefers hardcover for durability or spiral-bound for easy page-flipping, a quality sketchbook is always appreciated. Look for ones with thick, acid-free paper that handles pencil, pen, and even light watercolor. It’s a classic gift that gets used every single day.
2. Set of Graphite Pencils
A solid pencil set is the bread and butter of every drawing artist’s toolkit. We’re talking about the full range—everything from hard, precise H grades to buttery-smooth soft Bs. A nice upgrade set can inspire a fresh round of creativity or just make daily sketching feel that much more satisfying. This gift feels like handing someone a box of possibilities.
3. Drawing Glove
If your artist works digitally or smudges a lot on paper, this little invention is a game-changer. A drawing glove keeps the hand gliding smoothly across tablets and reduces friction (and mess) on traditional mediums too. It might seem like a small thing, but once they try it, they’ll wonder how they ever lived without it.
4. Adjustable Desktop Easel
Drawing flat is fine—until it isn’t. An adjustable easel brings better posture, less back pain, and more control over perspective. It’s perfect for desk artists who want to elevate their setup (literally). Some even fold flat for storage, which is a big win in small spaces. Great for graphite, ink, or colored pencil work
5. Eraser Set (Kneaded, Precision, and Block)
Most people think of erasers as an afterthought. Not artists. A solid eraser set with kneaded erasers for blending, precision-tip erasers for details, and block erasers for clean slates is a thing of beauty. Trust me, this is the kind of gift that earns a permanent spot on their desk.
6. Fineliner Pen Set
When an artist wants crisp, clean lines, fineliners are the go-to tool. A good set comes in multiple tip sizes, from ultra-fine to bold, perfect for everything from intricate illustrations to comic inking. Whether they’re outlining sketches or doing full ink work, these pens deliver the kind of control and consistency that elevates any drawing. A must-have for pen-and-ink lovers.
7. Electric Pencil Sharpener
Manually sharpening pencils is fine—until you’ve done it a hundred times. An electric pencil sharpener is one of those “why didn’t I get this sooner?” upgrades. It keeps pencils consistently sharp and saves serious time during long sketching sessions. Look for one that works with various pencil sizes and has an auto-stop feature to avoid over-sharpening.
8. Portable Art Supply Organizer
Artists tend to accumulate stuff—pencils, pens, markers, erasers, rulers… and that’s just what’s on the surface. A good organizer helps tame the chaos. Whether it’s a roll-up pencil wrap or a zippered case with compartments, this kind of gift makes it easy to grab their tools and sketch on the go. Especially great for students or artists who work in cafes and studios.
9. Light Box for Tracing
Tracing isn’t cheating—it’s a legitimate technique, especially in the early design phase. A light box lets artists cleanly transfer sketches, ink over pencil lines, or work through multiple layers of composition. Today’s versions are thin, portable, and USB-powered. If your artist doesn’t have one yet, this gift could seriously change their workflow.
10. Colored Pencil Set
Sometimes, black and white doesn’t cut it. A colored pencil set opens up a whole new dimension for drawing artists. Go for artist-grade pencils with rich pigments and smooth blending. Whether they’re creating full-color portraits or adding subtle hues to a sketch, this gift invites them to explore beyond the grayscale.
11. Drawing Reference Book
Even the most talented artists need a little inspiration—or help getting anatomy right. A great reference book is like a creative coach sitting on their shelf. From poses and facial expressions to nature and urban scenes, there’s a book for every style. It’s the kind of gift that keeps on giving every time they need a spark or study guide.
12. Alcohol-Based Markers
These aren’t your average markers. Alcohol-based markers blend beautifully, layer smoothly, and add depth and vibrancy to sketches. Artists use them for everything from fashion design to architectural concepts to vibrant portraits. A starter set makes an excellent gift for pencil purists who want to branch into color without jumping all the way to paint.
13. Drawing Mannequin (Wood or Poseable Figure)
Proportions are hard. That’s why a classic wooden mannequin—or a more modern poseable figure—is such a handy tool. These little models let artists experiment with poses, lighting, and anatomy before they commit to paper. They’re also one of those cool desk items that look good even when not in use.
14. Artist’s Desk Lamp with Adjustable Arm
Bad lighting can ruin the mood and the sketch. A quality desk lamp with an adjustable arm gives artists total control over brightness and angle, helping them see subtle shading and avoid eye strain. Look for one with a dimmer or daylight-mimicking LEDs. It’s a practical upgrade they’ll appreciate every single session.
15. Blending Stumps and Tortillons
Shading is where the magic happens—and blending stumps make that magic smoother. These little tools help artists soften lines, smudge graphite, and create depth without ruining their pencils or fingers. They’re cheap, useful, and usually the kind of thing artists forget to buy for themselves, making them a perfect low-key gift.
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