Your Artist’s Wish List: How to ask for (and give) the Perfect Creative Gifts

Christmas is over and normality should start to resume. I am writing this week’s blog in response to gifts I received (which were perfect, thank you friends and family) and gifts I know some of my friends received and were slightly irritated by. I hope you will keep this blog as a reminder about what to buy and what not to buy over the coming months for gifts you need to buy this year.

Whilst the giver is well-meaning, gifts to artists can sometimes miss the mark. How many of us have received a novelty “painting set” that never gets opened? This year let’s make it easy for our loved ones – and ourselves – to give and receive gifts that truly support our creative journey.

The secret is to be specific. Vague hints lead to generic gifts. A detailed list guides people to a present you’ll genuinely cherish and use. My family no longer buys me art materials as there have been far too many misses, which is upsetting for everyone, particularly when they see I don’t use the item. I have been caught giving it away and once – horror of horrors – throwing it in the bin unused. This year was different. I received wonderful items which not only are perfect but are things I didn’t even know I needed.

Curating Your Own Artist’s Wish List

Think beyond the big-ticket items. Break your list into categories to give people options.

• The Consumable Luxuries: These are perfect gifts, as they’re things we often hesitate to buy for ourselves.
• A tube of my favourite professional-grade cadmium red hue.
• A pack of that beautiful 300gsm rough watercolour paper I love.
• A set of high-quality pastel pencils in earth tones.
• The Tools & Upgrades:
• A really good, ergonomic palette knife.
• A set of synthetic sable brushes for fine detail work.
• A gift card for [name of your favourite local art shop].
• A china mixing pallet

• The Experience Gifts (Often the Best Kind):
• A voucher for a one-day printmaking workshop.
• A membership to the local art gallery or museum.
• The promise of a ‘studio day’ – you handle lunch and run errands so I can paint undisturbed!

How to Share Your List Gently

A simple, cheerful message works wonders. “I’m so touched you’re thinking of me! I’ve put together a little list of art things I’m dreaming about this year, if you’re looking for ideas. Mostly, I’m just looking forward to seeing you!”

And When You’re the Giver…
 If you’re buying for a creative friend, apply the same principle. If you are creative yourself, hopefully you understand a lot about how your friend makes work. If so, look for gaps in what they have to hand in their studio or seek out products which you can see will help to enhance their work. Listen for their specific passions. Do they talk about needing better lighting? A daylight lamp could be a perfect solution. A new apron? You could even make one for them if you are so inclined. A book on a specific artist? There are so many to choose from. A gift that shows you see and support their specific craft is a gift they will never forget.

Here’s to a holiday season filled with thoughtful support for our creative lives.

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