Best Gifts For Creative People

As Frame Destination’s official ambassador, I get to celebrate artists and photographers through my monthly Artie’s Eight Q&A. For the moment, my mind is on holiday gift giving, so I volunteered to gather some fun ideas for the people in your life who are creative in some way, shape, or form. Like the sister-in-law who makes a to-die-for cheesecake from scratch. Or the DIY neighbor who wins the house decoration contest every holiday. Or the coworker who cracks you up daily with his sly wit. Scroll down and see a few ideas that I hope inspire you and your holiday recipient.

(1) Monthly Postcard Club

Champions of artists with and without disabilities, Summertime is a nonprofit 501c3 studio and gallery in Brooklyn. When you purchase a postcard subscription, you’re helping support neurodiverse artists who create limited-edition artworks in postcard form. Plus your friend or loved one receives a postal surprise — by a different artist each month — that will surely brighten their day and fire up their own creativity. Buy here. 

(2) Laptop Sleeves

“Bubble Gum Gang,” “Find Joy,” “Saturn  Disco II,” and “Nudo in Rust” are just a few of the original designs for laptop sleeves that make a statement while making you smile. Society6 is a global marketplace for independent artists and their creations of all kinds, from duvet covers to duffle bags. Their laptop sleeves feature a huge range of styles and patterns, from whimsical to geometrical to nature. Buy here. 

(3) 3D Printing Pen

For the creative person who has everything, wrap up something they never saw coming — the ability to “draw in the air.” This 3D pen is designed for kids ages 14+, but it’s equally perfect for adults. Your creative friend can make custom items like coasters and bookends — anything their imagination inspires. Kit includes access to a webinar series and online library with hundreds of hours of how-to videos. Buy here.

(4) Show Me the Monet Card Game

Poker meets Go Fish in this card game for art lovers. The goal is to build a collection of cards by the same artist, by artists from the same country, or by artists of the same genre, etc. The winner is the player with the most valuable collection. Bluffing and wild cards are involved, so keep your poker face!

(5) Hand Lettering 101

This introduction to calligraphy claims to be the world’s No. 1 best seller. We can understand why, given liberating instructions like, “dip your tails” and “throw in some loops.” There’s plenty of space to practice, and the spiral design lets your pages stay flat. Buy here.

(6) Wireless Headphones

For your creative friend who loves music — and needs to focus without the noise of the world — Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones are a spot-on gift. Now owned by Apple, Beats by Dr. Dre offers premium playback, all-day play, Bluetooth wireless freedom, and more. Available in Rose Gold, Black, and a very vivid Red. Buy here. 

(7) Hive Waterproof Notebooks

Pages made from crushed stone? That’s what makes these notebooks so special — and durable. No trees, water, bleach, or acid is used in the production process, which makes the “paper” brighter, whiter, and even smoother than the paper we’re used to. Covers are crafted from vegan leather. Created for people in the design and woodworking industries, these unique books are available with lined or grid pages. Buy here. 

(8) Shadow Box Collections

Creative people have multiple outlets for their imaginations. You may know an artist who loves attending live concerts. Or a crafter who travels and brings home small souvenirs from every adventure. Inspire your creative friend or family member to display their treasures by giving them a shadow box frame. Our Nielsen Shadow Box Frame 100 (below) comes in Matte Black and German Silver. Kit includes glazing, backing, and hanging kit. Buy here. 

(9) Frame Destination Ar-Tee

At the risk of shameless self-promotion, I would be remiss not to mention my ultra-soft heritage T-shirts featuring myself, Artie the Panda, proud Frame Destination mascot. Choose our photo-inspired Ar-Tee, our artist-oriented Ar-Tee, or our Limited Edition True Blue version. Buy here. 

(10) Art Is Life Gift Card

We can’t help but sing the praises of our e-gift card. It’s delivered by email, so no gift wrapping required. Your recipients get to choose exactly what they want from our array of ready-made picture frames and other framing supplies. Plus, it’s a great add-on to the gift of original art: your recipient gets to choose how to frame it. Buy here.

Please feel free to share your own gift ideas in the comments below. Wishing you a joyful and creative holiday season ahead! 

NOTE: You may also enjoy Best Gifts for Artists and Best Gifts for Photographers.

Last Updated October 4, 2023