Art Supplies That Make Perfect Gifts for Every Artist
For most artists, the Arteza EverBilt Acrylic Paint Set is the best gift because it offers 60 rich colors at a price that works for any budget. Its main advantage is the broad color range, which gives beginners and pros plenty of mixing freedom. The main limitation is that the tubes are small (12 ml), so heavy users may run out quickly.
Finding the right art supplies for a gift can be tricky when you do not know the recipient’s exact preferences. Our list covers everything from sketchbooks to full paint sets, so you can match the gift to the artist’s style.
We focused on items that are practical, versatile, and loved by users. Each product has been checked for real-world performance, and we highlight the best use case for every pick.
The top picks, ranked
Arteza EverBilt Acrylic Paint Set, 60 Colors
This massive acrylic set includes 60 vibrant colors in 12 ml tubes. The paint has a smooth, creamy consistency that works well on canvas, wood, and paper. Owners report that the colors are highly pigmented and mix easily. Ideal for beginners who want to explore without a big investment.
Pros
- Excellent color range for the price
- Smooth, blendable texture
- Great for beginners and hobbyists
Cons
- Tubes are small for heavy users
- Some colors require multiple coats
Crayola Inspiration Art Case
A portable art case packed with 140 pieces, including crayons, markers, colored pencils, and more. The case keeps everything organized and is easy for small hands to carry. Parents love that it encourages creative play without a mess. This is a classic gift that never goes out of style.
Pros
- All-in-one creative set
- Durable carrying case
- Great value for the number of items
Cons
- Markers may dry out if not capped tightly
- Not for serious young artists
Ohuhu Alcohol Markers, 120 Color Set
The Ohuhu 120-color set includes both chisel and fine tips. The alcohol-based ink blends smoothly and does not bleed through most papers. Artists appreciate the wide color spectrum and the ability to create gradients. A practical gift for anyone who enjoys coloring books or sketching.
Pros
- Excellent blending capability
- Two tips for different strokes
- Includes a sturdy case
Cons
- Strong odor from alcohol ink
- May bleed through thin paper
Strathmore 400 Series Sketchbook, 9×12 inches
A premium sketchbook with 100 sheets of medium-weight paper. The paper is acid-free and has a fine tooth that works with pencil, charcoal, and ink. Artists say it holds up well to erasing and light washes. This is a simple yet thoughtful gift for any drawer.
Pros
- High-quality paper that handles multiple media
- Lies flat when open
- Durable cover protects pages
Cons
- Not ideal for wet media like watercolor
- Spiral binding may snag on bags
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, 150 Count
The ultimate colored pencil set for serious artists. These wax-based pencils are known for their creamy laydown and vibrant colors. With 150 shades, artists can achieve smooth gradients and rich details. A luxurious gift that any artist would appreciate.
Pros
- Buttery smooth application
- Exceptional color blending
- Huge range of hues
Cons
- Pencils are breakable if dropped
- Pricey compared to other sets
Mont Marte Canvas Art Set, 3 Canvases with Easel
This set includes three pre-stretched canvases in different sizes and a sturdy tabletop easel. The canvases are triple-primed and ready for acrylic or oil paint. The easel is adjustable and folds flat for storage. A great gift for painters who want to paint anywhere.
Pros
- Ready to use out of the box
- Easel is sturdy and adjustable
- Multiple canvas sizes for variety
Cons
- Easel is not for large canvases
- Canvas texture may be too rough for fine details
Castle Art Supplies 40 Piece Drawing and Sketching Set
A comprehensive drawing set with 40 tools, including graphite pencils, charcoal, pastels, erasers, and a sharpener. Everything comes in a beautiful wooden case. Perfect for someone starting their artistic journey. Users love the variety and the professional feel.
Pros
- Complete set for multiple drawing mediums
- High-quality wooden case
- Ideal gift presentation
Cons
- Charcoal can be messy
- Some tools may be unused by beginners
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Color Count | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arteza EverBilt Acrylic Paint Set, 60 Colors | 60 unique colors | Best for starters who love color variety | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Crayola Inspiration Art Case | 140 | Best for kids aged 4 to 10 | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Ohuhu Alcohol Markers, 120 Color Set | 120 markers | Best for illustration and adult coloring | 9.2 | Check price |
| 4 | Strathmore 400 Series Sketchbook, 9×12 inches | 9 x 12 inches | Best for daily sketching and journaling | 8.9 | Check price |
| 5 | Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, 150 Count | 150 | Best for detailed colored pencil work | 9.3 | Check price |
| 6 | Mont Marte Canvas Art Set, 3 Canvases with Easel | 3 (8×10, 9×12, 11×14) | Best for painters who need a portable easel | 8.8 | Check price |
| 7 | Castle Art Supplies 40 Piece Drawing and Sketching Set | 40 | Best complete drawing kit for beginners | 9.0 | Check price |
How to pick the right one
Questions worth asking
What art supplies make good gifts for kids?
Crayola Inspiration Art Case is a top choice because it includes crayons, markers, and colored pencils in a portable case. It is non-toxic and washable, making it safe for children. For older kids, consider a drawing set with more tools.
What is the best gift for a beginner painter?
The Arteza EverBilt Acrylic Paint Set is excellent for beginners because it offers 60 colors at an affordable price. Acrylics are forgiving and easy to learn with. A canvas set with an easel is also a great companion gift.
Are alcohol markers good for beginners?
Yes, alcohol markers like Ohuhu are beginner-friendly because they blend easily and come with two tips. However, they can bleed through paper, so using a marker pad is recommended. They have a strong smell, so ventilation is important.
What is the difference between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils?
Wax-based pencils like Prismacolor have a softer core, which makes them easier to blend and layer. Oil-based pencils are harder and hold a sharp point longer, making them better for fine details. Wax-based are more popular for general art.
Can I use acrylic paint on any canvas?
Acrylic paint works on most canvas surfaces, but it is best to use a primed canvas to prevent the paint from soaking in too quickly. The Mont Marte Canvas Set is triple-primed, so it is ready for acrylics without extra preparation.
What should I look for in a sketchbook?
Look for paper weight and tooth. A heavier paper (90 gsm or more) resists bleeding and tearing. A medium tooth is good for pencil and light ink. If the artist uses markers, choose a sketchbook with marker paper.
How many colors do I need in a paint set?
For a gift, 24 to 60 colors is a good range. Beginners often appreciate more colors to experiment with, but too many can be overwhelming. Quality matters: even a 12-color set with high pigment can produce a wide range of mixes.
Are expensive art supplies worth it?
For serious artists, quality matters. Premium pencils, paints, and paper can enhance the creative process and last longer. For casual users, mid-range supplies are sufficient. Our picks offer a balance of quality and value.
The verdict
If you want a reliable gift that suits most artists, choose the Arteza Acrylic Paint Set. It offers the best combination of color variety, quality, and price. For a child, the Crayola Art Case is the safest bet. For a serious artist, the Prismacolor 150 count pencils are a luxurious treat. Whichever you pick, you will be giving the gift of creativity.
