Gifts for Sketchers and Illustrators
A sketchbook is only a useful gift when its paper suits the marks the artist makes. Ask whether they use graphite, ink, markers or paint and whether they work at a desk or outdoors. These ideas keep the focus on a manageable addition to an existing practice rather than a huge art set full of unfamiliar materials.
Ideas prepared by WantThis
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How we chose these gifts
These are editorial ideas, not tested products. “Plan up to” is a suggested spending allowance, not a retailer price or a promise that every version costs that amount. Check the exact fit, current price and delivery before buying.
What makes a good pick
- Match paper to the medium, including bleed-through and surface texture.
- Check preferred page size and binding before buying a sketchbook.
- Choose refills for known tools rather than assuming a large colour assortment is better.
The ideas
- 1
A sketchbook for their usual medium
Plan up to £30A good fit for: Artists who have named the paper they enjoy
A well-matched sketchbook gives familiar tools a surface that behaves as expected. Check paper weight, texture and binding, and choose a size the artist actually carries or has room to open at their desk.
Before you buy: Marker, watercolour and pencil papers are not interchangeable.
- 2
A refill of favourite drawing pencils
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Sketchers wearing down a familiar set
Replacing the grades they use most is a thoughtful consumable gift. Ask for the brand and hardness range rather than buying every grade, and check whether they prefer wood-cased or mechanical tools.
Before you buy: Refills for mechanical pencils need the correct lead diameter.
- 3
A portable pencil roll
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Artists taking a small kit outside
A roll can make a chosen set easy to carry and see at once when opened. Measure pens and pencils with caps or extenders fitted, and check the fastening does not press on delicate points.
Before you buy: Do not overfill it or assume fabric alone protects uncapped sharp tools.
- 4
A small drawing board
Plan up to £30A good fit for: Sketchers working away from a desk
A light board gives paper a stable surface on a lap or bench. Choose dimensions around the artist’s usual sheet size and bag, with clips that hold the paper without covering too much of the drawing area.
Before you buy: Check weight and edge comfort; the biggest board is not the easiest to carry.
- 5
A reference book in their chosen subject
Plan up to £35A good fit for: Artists exploring architecture, plants, people or animals
A focused reference can connect directly to what the artist likes drawing. Look inside to judge image quality and teaching style, then choose a book they can use alongside their own observations.
Before you buy: Check whether they want reference imagery, exercises or an artist’s finished work.
- 6
A local drawing-session contribution
Plan up to £60A good fit for: Artists who enjoy learning or working with others
A session can provide time, a subject and company without adding materials to a crowded studio. Let the recipient choose the format and level, especially where sessions have specific content or model arrangements.
Before you buy: Confirm age suitability, accessibility and whether materials are supplied.
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Create your free listFAQs
What is a safe art gift without knowing their tools?
Ask about a book or class they want, or contribute to their preferred art shop. Paper and pens are best chosen with some knowledge of the medium.
Should I buy a large beginner art set?
A small set for one intended medium is easier to use well. Check that the paper, tools and instructions work together for the first project.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.