Artists are particular about their tools, which makes them harder to shop for than they look. A generic craft kit often ends up unused, while a well-known brand they already trust gets opened right away. The safest gifts are the classic supplies working artists recommend to each other: good pencils, a portable paint set, a sketchbook with heavy paper and reliable pens. These 5 picks are all established artist brands sold at art supply stores as well as online.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for anyone shopping for a painter, illustrator, sketcher, art student or a teen who draws constantly. It is also useful for adults picking up drawing or painting as a hobby, since these are the same supplies art teachers suggest for beginners. If the artist is also a big reader, our unique gifts for book lovers guide has more ideas.
The Picks
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, 48 Count
Best for Illustrators, colored pencil artists and adult colorers
Prismacolor Premier pencils have thick, soft cores that lay down rich color and blend smoothly, which is why they are a standard in illustration classes.
The 48 count set gives a full range of colors in a tin without the bulk of the larger sets. Many artists start with this set and add individual colors as they use them up.
Check before buying: the soft cores can break if dropped, so suggest a good sharpener, and check whether they already own a large Prismacolor set.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Sketchers' Pocket Box
Best for Watercolor painters and travel sketchers
This compact plastic box holds 12 half pans of Cotman watercolor, a small pocket brush and a mixing palette in the lid.
Cotman is Winsor and Newton's student range, and reviewers praise its transparency and how easily the pans rewet. It is small enough for a coat pocket, which makes it ideal for painting outdoors or on trips.
Check before buying: the included brush is basic, so pair the box with a better brush or a water brush pen if your budget allows.
Moleskine Art Sketchbook, Large, Plain, Black
Best for Anyone who sketches on the go
The Moleskine Art Sketchbook has heavy, acid-free 165 gsm paper that handles pencil, charcoal, ink and light washes, inside a hardcover with an elastic closure and a back pocket.
It opens flat to 180 degrees, so artists can draw across the full spread. It is the sketchbook many artists carry daily.
Check before buying: the paper is not made for heavy watercolor, so choose a Moleskine watercolor album for a dedicated painter.
Sakura Pigma Micron 6 Pen Set, Black
Best for Ink artists, comic artists and journalers
Micron pens are the classic archival fineliner, with pigment ink that is waterproof, fade resistant and safe to paint over once dry.
This set includes six black pens in point sizes 005, 01, 02, 03, 05 and 08, from hairline detail to bolder outlines. Artists go through them quickly, so they are always welcome.
Check before buying: several similar sets exist, so confirm the listing shows the 005 to 08 sizes.
uni POSCA PC-5M Paint Markers, 8 Color Set
Best for Mixed media artists, crafters and teens
POSCA markers use water-based paint that works on paper, wood, canvas, stone, glass and more, with a medium reversible tip.
This basic set includes black, white, pink, red, yellow, green, blue and light blue, and the opaque white is a favorite for highlights over other media. They are a fun gift for anyone who customizes shoes, phone cases or ornaments.
Check before buying: shake and prime the markers before first use, and seal work on non-porous surfaces if it needs to last.
How to Choose a Gift for an Artist
Start with their medium. Look at what they make, or ask a friend or parent what supplies are on their desk. Pencil artists get the most from the Prismacolor set, painters from the Cotman box, and ink artists from the Microns. If you cannot tell, the sketchbook and POSCA markers suit almost any artist.
Avoid replacing something they already love. If they use a premium brand, a student set may feel like a step down, so choose the sketchbook or markers instead, which complement rather than replace their main tools.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Their main medium: pencil, watercolor, ink or mixed media.
- Whether they already own the same set.
- Exact set contents, since similar listings vary.
- Age suitability for young artists, especially with paint markers.
How We Chose
Shelzy Perkins compared retailer listings, art supply store listings, manufacturer specifications and reviews from artists, and confirmed each product is sold under the same name by an art supply retailer or the brand. We did not physically test these products. Read our editorial policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good gift for an artist?
A Prismacolor Premier 48 count colored pencil set is a good gift for most artists because it is a trusted, versatile set.
What is a good gift for a beginner painter?
The Winsor and Newton Cotman Sketchers' Pocket Box is a good gift for a beginner painter because it is affordable, portable and well reviewed.
What sketchbook do artists like?
Many artists like the Moleskine Art Sketchbook for its heavy paper, durable cover and lay-flat binding.
Are POSCA markers good for artists?
Yes, POSCA markers are popular with artists because their opaque paint works on almost any surface.
Shopping for more people this season? Start at the Christmas Gift Finder 2026, which links every holiday guide by recipient, budget and gift exchange.
