We all probably have that artist friend who loves to paint and create art. Now, a special occasion is coming up, and you don’t know what to give them. What is a good gift for someone who loves painting? Well, in this guide, I’ve put together 25+ unique gift ideas for painters you can choose from! There’s something for watercolor painting, oil and acrylics, and even for those who enjoy gouache or soft pastels. Take a look and pick the perfect gift for your artsy friend!
Do you have an artist friend who is enthusiastic about painting? And now their birthday, Christmas, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day is coming up and you don’t know what to gift them?
It can be hard to choose the right gift for someone who loves to paint, especially if you’re not a creative yourself.
Worry not. I’m an artist myself, and I’d like to say that I know what my fellow creatives and I enjoy when it comes to painting.
To help you make the right choice, I’ve put together 25+ unique gift ideas for painters.
Whether they’re just starting out, are already seasoned artists or just want to try a new medium—I’ve included something for every creative need and skill level.
Here’s what I got for you:
25+ Gifts For Someone Who Loves To Paint
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25+ Gifts For Someone Who Loves To Paint
1. Gifts for Watercolor Painters
Let’s start with the best gift ideas for watercolor painters. Watercolor is a very popular medium among painters for a reason: it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys soft, transparent colors and loves to paint with the flow and blending that’s unique to this medium.
2. Gifts for Acrylic Painters
Another popular painting medium are acrylics. Acrylic paints deliver vibrant color, dry quickly, and can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, wood, ceramics, and more. They’re easy to clean with water and forgiving for mistakes, which makes acrylic painting supplies a wonderful gift for beginner and experienced artists alike!
3. Gifts for Oil Painters
Oil is one of the classic painting mediums. Already the great masters in history used oil to create their masterpieces. Just think of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, an Gogh, Monet, Picasso—to just name a few.
Oils produce deep, luminous tones that stay vivid for centuries. Unlike acrylics, oils dry slowly, allowing artists blend colors smoothly and make changes over time.
4. Gifts for Gouache Painters
Gouache is a water-based paint, similar to watercolor. Painters love it for its bright, solid colors and the smooth matte finish. Gouache dries to a soft, velvety look rather than staying shiny like acrylics. And even after it dries, you can reactivate it with water to adjust or blend. Here are some unique gift ideas for gouache painters:
5. Gifts for Pastel Painters
Last but not least, we have soft pastels. Soft pastels come in the form of sticks; you unpack them, take them in your hand, and start painting.
They’re made from pure powdered pigment mixed with a minimal binder. They deliver vibrant colors and velvety texture, can be easily smudged or layered, allowing you to create smooth gradients and subtle shading.
And finally, I have a bonus idea that makes a fun, unique gift for any painter! This candle, printed with “Smells like she’s painting again,” is a fantastic decorative item to put in your studio or on your painting desk. It creates a cozy atmosphere and is a playful way to show appreciation for anyone who loves to paint!
