Gift Ideas for Art Students - 27 Unique Ideas
Art students are a unique and creative bunch, and finding the perfect gift for them can be a challenge.
However, with a little of knowledge about the tools and materials they use, you can give them a gift that they will truly appreciate.
When it comes to buying gifts for art students, it’s important to consider the student’s specific needs and interests.
For example, if the student is primarily a painter, then a set of high-quality paintbrushes or a new set of paints would be a great gift.
On the other hand, if the student is more interested in drawing, then a set of charcoal or a sketchpad would be more appropriate.
With these considerations in mind, we have compiled a list of 27 gift ideas that are suitable for art students.
Table of Contents
Gift Ideas for Art Students Under $20
Sketching is an essential skill for any artist, and a sketchpad is a great place to start.
A sketchpad provides a convenient surface for artists to create quick sketches and drawings.
Sketchpads come in a variety of sizes and are available in different paper textures, such as smooth or rough.
They are perfect for art students who want to practice their drawing skills.
Charcoal is a versatile medium that can be used to create drawings, sketches, and even paintings.
It is available in different forms, such as sticks, pencils, or powder, and can be used to create a wide range of textures and tones.
Charcoal is easy to use and is great for art students who are just starting to explore their artistic skills.
Pastels are a medium that is made up of pigments mixed with a binder, usually gum arabic.
They are available in different forms, such as sticks or pencils. Pastels are known for their rich and vibrant colors and are perfect for creating quick sketches and paintings.
They are also easy to blend, making them great for art students who are experimenting with different color combinations.
An artist’s mannequin is a small, articulated model that is used to study human anatomy and figure drawing.
It can help art students to understand the human form and improve their ability to draw the human body in different poses.
A palette is a small, flat surface that is used to mix paint colors.
They are usually made of plastic or wood and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
A palette allows art students to experiment with different color combinations, which can help them develop their color theory skills.
Colored pencils are a medium that is made up of pigments encased in a wooden or plastic barrel.
They are easy to use and are great for creating detailed drawings and illustrations.
Colored pencils are perfect for art students who are just starting to explore their artistic skills.
They are also great for students who are interested in working on smaller projects or for those who want to create more detailed works.
Markers are a medium that is made up of pigments mixed with a liquid or a paste. They are available in different forms, such as felt-tip or brush-tip.
Markers are great for creating bold and vibrant colors and are perfect for art students who are interested in working on illustrations or graphic design projects.
Acrylic paints are a medium that is made up of pigments mixed with a synthetic binder. They are water-based and dry quickly.
Acrylic paints are known for their bright and vibrant colors and are perfect for art students who are interested in working on abstract or modern art projects.
Watercolor paints are a medium that is made up of pigments mixed with a binder, usually gum arabic. They are available in different forms, such as tubes or pans.
Watercolor paints are known for their transparent and delicate effects and are perfect for art students who are interested in working on landscapes, portraits, or still life paintings.
Watercolor paper is a type of paper that is designed to hold watercolor paint without warping or bleeding. It comes in different weights and textures, such as cold press or hot press.
Watercolor paper is essential for art students who are working with watercolor paints.
It is a great way to create professional-looking works and achieve the desired effects.
Oil paints are a medium that is made up of pigments mixed with a drying oil, such as linseed or safflower oil.
They are known for their rich and vibrant colors and are perfect for art students who are interested in working on traditional or realistic paintings.
Pen and ink is a medium that is made up of ink that is applied with a pen or a brush.
It is perfect for art students who are interested in working on drawings, illustrations, or calligraphy.
Pen and ink can be used to create fine lines, detailed textures, and bold contrasts, which can greatly enhance an artist’s skills.
Erasers are a tool that is used to remove pencil or charcoal marks from a surface.
They come in different forms, such as kneaded or plastic erasers. Erasers are essential for art students who are working on drawings, sketches, or illustrations.
They can help students make corrections, refine their works, and achieve the desired effects.
Blending stumps are a tool that is used to blend and smooth out graphite or charcoal marks. They are made of compressed paper or felt and come in different sizes.
Blending stumps are perfect for art students who are working on realistic or detailed drawings.
They can help students achieve smooth and seamless transitions between shades and tones.
A paint palette knife is a tool that is used to mix and apply paint.
It can be used for spreading paint on the canvas, mixing colors and creating textured effects.
They come in different shapes and sizes, and can greatly enhance an art student’s painting skills.
An art portfolio is a great way for art students to keep, store and transport their artworks.
It is a protective case that can keep their works safe and secure.
It also allows them to show off their works to potential clients, teachers or galleries.
An art history book can provide art students with a deeper understanding of the history and context of different art movements and styles.
It can help them to appreciate the works of other artists and to develop their own artistic voice.
Drawing pencils are a versatile medium that can be used for creating drawings and sketches.
They come in a variety of grades, ranging from soft to hard, and can be used to create a wide range of tones and textures.
Drawing pencils are perfect for art students who are just starting to explore their artistic skills.
Gift Ideas for Art Students Under $50
A set of high-quality paintbrushes is a must-have for any painter, whether they are a beginner or an experienced artist.
These brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are designed to work with different types of paint, such as oil, acrylic, or watercolor.
They can help art students create fine lines, broad strokes, and textured effects, which can greatly enhance their painting skills.
Canvas is a popular medium for painting, and is made of woven fabric. It is available in different sizes and textures.
Canvas is perfect for art students who want to create more finished works, as it is a more durable surface than paper.
Sumi ink is a type of ink that is used for traditional Asian brush painting. It is a dense, black ink that is made from soot and animal glue.
Sumi ink is perfect for art students who are interested in working on traditional Asian art or calligraphy.
Gesso is a primer that is used to prepare surfaces for painting. It is made of a mixture of plaster of Paris and glue and is applied to surfaces such as canvas, wood or paper.
Gesso can provide a smooth, even surface for painting and is perfect for art students who are working with traditional mediums such as oil or acrylic paints.
Paint thinner is a solvent that is used to thin and clean oil paints, varnishes, and other oil-based mediums.
It is essential for art students who are working with oil paints, as it can help them create different effects and adjust the consistency of their paints.
A light box is a device that is used to create a backlit surface that is perfect for tracing or reviewing transparent materials such as slides or negatives.
It is perfect for art students who are working on illustrations, animations or graphic design projects.
An easel is a piece of equipment that is designed to hold a canvas or drawing board at an angle that is comfortable for the artist to work on.
Easels come in a variety of styles, such as table-top or floor-standing, and are perfect for art students who are working on larger projects.
They are also a great way to keep the artist’s work at the right angle for easy observation and critique.
Gift Ideas for Art Students Under $100
Art software is a program that is used to create digital artworks. It can be used for illustrations, animations, graphic design, or 3D modeling.
It’s perfect for art students who are interested in working with digital mediums and can help them to enhance their skills.
Gift Ideas for Art Students Over $100
Paints are the basic medium for any painter. A set of paints can include oil, acrylic, or watercolor.
Each type of paint has its own unique characteristics and can be used for different techniques.
Oil paints are known for their rich and vibrant colors, while acrylic paints are water-based and dry quickly.
Watercolor paints are also water-based and are known for their transparent and delicate effects.