drawing ideas for your boyfriend

amazon, etsy

When coming up with the perfect gift for your budding or accomplished artist, it can sometimes feel like your mind is a blank canvas. While picking up a gift card to their favorite art supplies store seems like the safest gifting option to do sometimes, we have another idea. Instead, select from one of these super thoughtful gifts for artists that show that you took the extra time and thought to find something they'll actually love.

Unless you're an artist yourself, it can be hard to know what to get the painter, illustrator, photographer, knitter or crafting wizard in your life. Let's say they're just getting started: practical items like tracing pads and paintbrush cleaners may be the best idea of all. On the other hand, more experienced artists may prefer to receive something that'll bring a pop of inspiration to their space (like a cool brush holder) or help them dress like the pros they admire (a linen apron).

This list of gift ideas for artists includes all the basics — brush cleaner and paint sets — while still mixing in some more unconventional finds that are practical enough for everyday use (think: a mini foam roller that works out any kinks after a long day of painting). No matter who you're shopping for, these "palette pleasers" cover a range of skill levels and aesthetics — perfect for any type of artist or hobbyist. All you have to do is press "add to cart," and the title of best gift-giver is yours.

Amazon

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Something Creative for Artists of All Types

Inkless Drawing Board

Buddha Board amazon.com

$37.95

When they're trying to come up with their next big idea, they can use this water brush to let their creative juices flow without wasting ink, paint or paper. Just dip the bamboo brush in water and drag it across the board for a mindfulness practice-turned-art piece.

Amazon

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If They're New to Sketching

Tracing LED Light Box

LitEnergy amazon.com

$16.98

In some cases, it takes tracing someone else's work to enhance the artistic skills you already have. This tracing pad makes it easy — give it a quick tap to turn on the light and adjust the brightness as needed.

Masterclass

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Annual Membership

Master Class masterclass.com

Amateurs and accomplished artists alike will get something out of Master Class's annual membership. They can pick and choose from dozens of online classes taught by the best in art, including Annie Leibovitz, the famed photographer known for her iconic work with celebrities.

RELATED: What You Need to Know About Master Class

Etsy

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Looks and Feels Like Luxury

Leather Paint Brush Roll

DarrellStanding etsy.com

$49.00

Great for the painter on the go, this waxed leather case can keep up to 21 of their favorite brushes organized and in tip-top shape. For an extra $4, get the outside stamped with their name, initials or a short phrase.

Amazon

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Made for Anyone Who Paints

Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver

General Pencil amazon.com

$8.96

Make old paintbrushes look and feel new again with this citrus-scented cleaner. Nearly 4,000 artists swear by it on Amazon, even going so far as to say that "it could have saved" so many of their old brushes if they knew about it sooner.

Get Creative 6

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Encourage Their Artistic Journey

Imagine Out Loud: A Journal of Creative Discovery

Jane Davenport amazon.com

$16.11

Within these pages,artist and author Jane Davenport encourages introspection and self-discovery through doodling, drawing prompts and list-making exercises.

RELATED: Unique Christmas Gifts to Buy

Amazon

7 of 25

Inspire Your Teenage Artist

Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World

Ten Speed Press amazon.com

She may know about Georgia O'Keefe and Frida Kahlo, but there are so many other incredible women who shaped the art world. This book highlights 50 of the most daring, everyone from quilter Harriet Powers to sculptor Mary Edmonia Lewis.

Uncommon Goods

8 of 25

Doubles as a Self-Care Gift

Therapy Dough

Uncommon Goods uncommongoods.com

$15.00

Painting, drawing and stitching may bring comfort and release, but molding clay is loved by art therapists for known stress relief benefits. This colorful putty lets them squish, shape, and play, all while taking in the mood-boosting scents of orange, lavender, or eucalyptus.

Magic Linen

9 of 25

Linen Apron

MagicLinen etsy.com

$55.00

Protects clothing and totally lends an air of credibility to her "studio artist" look with its chic, pinafore-style cross-back construction.

The Unemployed Philosophers Guild

10 of 25

Bob Ross Heat Changing Mug

The Unemployed Philosophers Guild amazon.com

$16.95

Any artist who starts the day with the famous painter and PBS personality is clearly destined for greatness. Cool feature: When empty, the mug's background is black; fill with hot coffee and a Ross-ian masterpiece comes into full view.

Amazon

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What Would Frida Do?: A Guide to Living Boldly

It goes without saying that Frida Kahlo is one of the most iconic artists in history. This book takes everything we know about her and helps your artist live the Frida way — bold, fearless, and way ahead of her time.

Etsy/kcrookdesign

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Statement Oysters

kcrookdesign etsy.com

$39.00

Harvested straight from the beaches of North Carolina, these gilded oyster shells can be decorated with personal artwork (just send a digital file to the maker) to become home accents, trinket trays, you name it.

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Personalized Paintbrush Holder

GiftWoods etsy.com

$24.30

By personalizing this wooden brush or supplies holder with their name and yours, it'll serve as a daily reminder that you cosign their greatest passion.

Uncommon Goods

14 of 25

Mini Hand and Wrist Foam Roller

Uncommon Goods uncommongoods.com

$15.00

After a long day of painting, drawing, or sculpting, they can alleviate any built-up tension in their palms, wrists, or forearms with this mini foam roller. It's only 6" long, so it's small enough to tuck inside a desk drawer, backpack or purse.

MagnaFrame

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Magnetic Picture Frame Gallery

Is their Instagram a work of art unto itself? This Magnaframe set invites them to display up to six printed pics in a variety of gallery-like grid configurations.

Amazon

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For the Painter With a Sense of Humor

"Let It Gogh" Shirt

Artist Shirts Co. amazon.com

$19.99

Even the most serious artist will get a laugh when they read the pun on this t-shirt ... especially if they're a Frozen fan, too.

Amazon

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If They Prefer to Keep Things Digital

Stylus Pen for iPad

JAMJAKE amazon.com

$31.99

If they use their iPad to sketch designs, draw landscapes, or dream up future art pieces, then a stylus pen is a must. This one is compatible with all recent iPad models (minus the Pro), and it's precise tip gives way more control than their finger ever could.

RELATED: The Best Tech Gifts You Can Buy

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Watercolor Paint Set

Marie's amazon.com

$16.99

You don't have to be a fine arts expert to recognize that these richly pigmented, professional-quality paints make a great gift, in part because of the lovely packaging. Each set includes 12 tubes.

Arteza

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Watercolor Paper (Pack of 2)

Every artist needs a solid foundation to work with, and this two-pack of high-quality paper is the best of the best. It's thick and strong enough to withstand many washes and layers without any warping or bleeding.

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Brush Rest

NadaGCalligraphy etsy.com

$4.45

Their painting skills are on par with the pros, and now their workbench can reflect it. The next time they're working with watercolors, acrylics, or another medium, they can rest their brushes with this clay holder.

Anthropologie

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Puzzle and Glue Set

Jiggy Puzzles Anthropologie anthropologie.com

$29.95

With the help of their family and friends, they can arrange all 450 puzzle pieces and then glue them together for display-worthy wall art. Bonus: Each design highlights an up-and-coming female artist, which you know your budding artist will appreciate.

airbnb

22 of 25

Awesome Athens Street Art Virtual Walk

They don't even have to hop on a plane to experience all of the artistic beauty that Athens has to offer. Sign them up for an hour-long virtual walk, so they can get a glimpse of the street art in six different neighborhoods.

Minted

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Framed Personal Artwork

Is the artist in your life a child? Gift them (or someone who loves them) a framed print of their work. Choose from a variety of colors and printing methods, including flat, foil, or letterpress.

Society6

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iPhone Case

alyissaj society6.com

$35.99

An abstract painting in miniature, this colorful case is one of a gazillion gift ideas waiting to be discovered on Society6, an international marketplace full of work by independent artists.

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2022 Live Life Beautifully Planner

goodhousekeeping.com

$19.76

A clear mind gives artists a blank canvas. By filling this daily planner with their to-do lists, weekly plans, and day-to-day musings, they'll be able to focus on what they care about most: their art. The pages, which are full of beautiful photographs and nuggets of wisdom, may even offer some inspiration for their next piece.