If you have an artist friend, trust me, practical gifts are the way to go. Sure, you can get them art supplies or a gift card to their favorite art store. But I can almost guarantee you that they’ll spend it on more art supplies that are going to be sitting on the shelf. So, why not get them practical gifts to fuel their inspiration, help keep their space organized, and store their work? These are also items that I have in my own studio so I know what your friend would like!
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10 Practical Gifts for Your Artist Friend
1. Rolling Cart
If your artist friend is anything like me, I always need organization help. This particular cart comes in four different colors. The side cups and hooks maximize the usability of this cart. A super practical gift for your artist friend who has too many supplies in every corner of the house.
2. Diagonal pen organizer
Keep pens and markers from drying out with horizontal organizers! You’ll be surprised at how many pens actually fit in these. I bought four of the diagonal organizers and together, they fit perfectly – with space to spare – within a 13″x13″ space (the size of an IKEA Kallax bookshelf square cubby). I like the frosted sides so that you can still see what’s inside.
You can store more than just pens and markers, of course! You can also use the organizer standing up and place tools like scissors, rulers, etc. It could also hold your brushes.
3. Acrylic Lipstick Organizer (for paint tubes!)
This is one of my favorite finds in the past few years. As I was accumulating more paint tubes for gouache, acrylic gouache, and watercolor, I wanted a practical, but aesthetic solution. I didn’t have a lot of wall space, so I didn’t want to hang them like I’ve seen on Pinterest. When I realized that the tube paints fit perfectly in these lipstick holders, I was ecstatic! This link is a set of two and each organizer holds 40 paint tubes! I love it so much I bought it twice so now I have four of these organizers.
4. Portable SSD
Onto some practice, tech-y gifts. A portable SSD is like a flash drive on crack. Except this SSD has a much bigger capacity, is drop-resistant (up to 6′), and has a fast transfer rate. I use this to expand my computer’s hard drive. You can also use it to back up your stuff.
Samsung has four size options: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. If your friend takes lots of high-res photos or records video, they’re going to really appreciate this. It’s a higher price tag than the other practice gift ideas on this list, so many grab a few more friends and split up the cost.
Grab the case to keep the SSD even more secure.
5. Epson Scanner
A scanner is the perfect gift for the friend who wants to digitize their work. I work mostly on paper and I scan and digitize my work for a few reasons:
- Digital safekeeping
- I can edit digitally and repurpose my illustrations for products like I have in my shop
- Prevent original work from fading – sometimes I use fugitive colors that won’t stand up to sunlight exposure. Best way to preserve the original look is to scan it right away and tuck it away in a storage drawe
6. Cable Storage Box
If your artist friend has more than two things that need to be plugged in, keep those pesky cables in check with a cute storage box like this! No need to trip over a power strip or see the chaotic mess that comes with it. Tuck it away. No visible clutter makes way for a clutter free mind.
Pair it with a power strip like this that has plenty of outlets and space for USB ports.
7. Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
I will always add this item to any gift list. As an artist, you’re constantly erasing, and this little cleaner picks it all up! Let’s be honest, I also eat at my desk. So it’s helpful for sweeping up crumbs as well.
8. BruMate Era Water Bottle
Keep your artist friend hydrated! This was one of my favorite purchases of 2025. My friend introduced me to it and it is the best. It beats out any other brand because it’s 100% LEAK PROOF. I guarantee it. It has a locking mechanism that hasn’t ever failed me! Mine also came with a magnetic straw cap. The large 40oz fits perfectly in a cup holder (when other brands are too large for cup holders). And every piece comes apart for easy cleaning. It comes in so many different colors. Ideal, practical gift for anyone really, but especially for your artist friend.
9. Gold wire grid display
A Pinterest board is nice, but something tactile and tangible is always better. This gift will keep your artist friend inspired as they put up magazine clippings, photos, or their own artwork! The installation is super easy and will match any design aesthetic.
10. Annual membership to a local museum
This is a practical gift that you might not have thought of! Also, fun fact, did you know I have a masters in education with a focus on teaching in museums? That’s why I looove museums! If there’s a local museum, please consider gifting an annual membership. If it’s not an art museum, maybe a botanical garden, or the symphonic orchestra, or something else unique that they’ve always talked about going to, but don’t because of x, y, and z. Even if the museum is a bit farther away, perhaps they’ll think of it as a day trip to that area. Some memberships allow for free guest entry. So maybe you can go with your friend!
More ideas for practice gifts?
Did any of these practical gifts pique your interest? I hope this year, you’ll think of your artist friends, and instead of feeling stumped, you’ll refer to this list. 🙂 Let me know if the comments if you have other ideas!
