Artsy Christmas Gift Ideas
If you have an artistic kid, and you are not an artistic parent, finding the right art materials can be a challenge. There are almost always art kits available around the holidays. I would be very leery of these. Most are poor quality supplies in a pretty package.
I have made a list of supplies, books, etc…,that I think any artsy kid would love. Most of these items I have tried personally or would buy for my own kids. I am not affiliated with any of these companies and do not receive any compensation for recommending them. I just want to see parents get the best value for their money and kids receive quality supplies that are fun and not frustrating.
I realize most of you do not welcome huge messes in your home, so I have tried to include many “no mess” materials. If things make a mess, I’ll mention it! : )
Yoga for Your Brain Kidz Cards
A few students really liked these. They would make a great stocking stuffer. Low mess factor. : ) I know it says for kids, but, most adults would find it challenging and relaxing. It would be a great thing to do together!
Artist Tiles 6X6
If your student really enjoys Zentangle, these cards are nice to have. They also come in a smaller size.
Prismacolor Colored Pencils
These are the gold standard for colored pencils. They are expensive, but the quality can’t be beat. I think these are best for age 8 and up. Low mess factor : )
Royal Langnickel Brushes
These are the brushes I use in class. I often even use them for my personal work. They are durable and of very high quality. Mess factor depends on the type of paint. : )
Portable Water Brush
This is an awesome thing. You pour water in the handle of the brush and squeeze it to release water. It’s great for traveling.
Derwent Inktense Pencils
These are a lot of fun. They look like a great colored pencil when dry. But add water and they produce an ink-like color. They also have a watercolor version that is nice. I can’t promise that these won’t make a mess. I would recommend for 8 and up, unless you want to supervise. These are so much fun, you may want to stay and play. : )
Caran D’Ache Neocolor II Pastels
These are fun to use and less messy than oil pastels. They are water soluble, so you can add water to blend the colors.
Pelikan Gouache Set
This is a great little portable paint set. Gouache is kind of a mix between watercolor and gouache. Gouache is slightly more opaque. I find it a little more forgiving than watercolor, and this set is less expensive than the watercolor version. My kids love this one. Colors are bright and having the Chinese white to make colors more opaque makes it quite versatile.
Art Journal
This is not your average sketchbook. It can take on watercolor, marker, etc… The pages won’t wrinkle, and the wire binding allows the paper to lie flat. You can’t rip pages out easily. Anything by Canson or Bienfang, or Strathmore is good. With paper, look for the weight. The Blick Mixed Media Pad is another great option.
Drawing pads
These are great, inexpensive drawing pads. They do ok with light water, but not heavy watercolor or paint. They work best with dry media or marker. Good value. If your child goes through a lot of paper, this is a better idea than the art journal.
Ultra-fine Sharpies and Fine Point Sharpies
These are the fine point and ultra fine point markers we use in class. Yes, they are permanent! However, that means you can add watercolor to them without loosing your lines. You might want exercise a little helicopter parenting on these. : )
TomBow Markers
I love these markers. They are awesome! One end is like a brush and the other end has a fine tip. You can add water and blend them like a watercolor. You can mix and blend colors. For younger kids, I think Crayola markers are fine. But, when your child is ready to move up, this is a great choice.
Ed Emberley Books
I grew up with Ed Emberley books and think his books are awesome. I haven’t seen these particular books, but they look like fun.
Usborne Drawing Book
This is another new one I haven’t yet seen but looks good. Usborne consistently puts out a good product.
The Color-Play Coloring Book
This is a fun book on color theory put out by The Museum of Modern Art.
What to Draw and How to Draw It
This is a reprint of an old drawing book that supposedly inspired Walt Disney to pursue animation. I don’t have this one yet but will probably get it for one of my girls.
If you are looking at making any large purchases in art supplies, please contact me first. I would be happy to give advice and steer you in the right direction. : )
