Affordable Gifts For Artists and Crafters

Many gift shoppers have artists and crafters on their gift-giving list. Although many arts and craft supplies can be expensive, most gifts suggested in this article will be under $30.

I will share some links to different places for you to find some very affordable and frugal gifts for your artist or crafter and help your shopping be a breeze.

I am an artist and crafter so I know firsthand the kinds of things that we want and need for our different projects. Then there are items that we just drool over and dream of one day having. I'll share some of those with you as well.

Mousepad From Original Art Painting by Itaya

Image above courtesy of victoria harjadi

When trying to decide what to get your crafty person, consider how they spend most of their creative time and what they use that time to create.

1. Storage Containers

   Most artists and crafters accumulate a large quantity of different supplies they use. Consider giving them different sized and unique storage containers to help them be more organized in their creative space. Many artists and crafters will eventually admit if hard pressed that they are secret hoarders and long to be more organized.

2. Supplies

   Many creative passions involve items that the artist or crafter uses repeatedly. Items such as canvas for painting and mixed media, specialty pens and pencils for drawing and sketching, sheets of pretty scrapbook papers for scrap bookers, paints for different artistic styles, brushes that need to be replaced, and different types of glues and mediums are just a few suggestions of things that will need replenishing.

3. Gift Cards

   If your crafter loves going shopping and the thrill of the hunt but has a hard time cutting loose and spending money on their passion, consider getting them a gift card to their favorite arts and craft store. Contrary to what you may have previously thought, most crafters LOVE gift cards as it gives them permission to spend money on their favorite pastime without feeling guilty! Plus, they can use a gift card when they need it throughout the year.

4. Work Surface

   If possible, look at their creative space and see if they can use a good sturdy crafting table or artist easel. Many surfaces can be used for crafting and creating without breaking the bank. A TV tray stand for instance can hold many crafting items while in use and then be easily folded and put away when it's time to make more room. Or you can look in thrift shops for different sturdy desks and tables to purchase for cheap and refinish yourself.

5. Displays

   Does their art or craft call for display? If so you could give them picture frames, shelves or stands that will hold their creations once complete. A nice free-standing shelving unit or set of shelves that you've refinished yourself will be a total hit.

6. Gift Certificate For Class Or Workshop

   A gift certificate to attend a class or workshop to help them learn more about their creative passion is a wonderful gift. Check with your local arts and craft stores and see what they have available for classes. Most classes are very reasonable. I used to work at a local JoAnns store and they had classes year round for all kinds of creative interests. Consider checking with local colleges and see what types of courses they offer and see if any apply to your crafter or artist.

7. Books

   Most creative types have a list of 'must have' books that inspire them and help them to stretch and grow. A book or two that will both inspire and teach is a thoughtful and wonderful gift for your artist or crafter. No matter what their specialty is, there is most assuredly a book or several that talks about different ways of doing their technique. Books can be costly if you buy several as most crafters want to do. Buying one or two would be inexpensive for you and very appreciated by them!

8. Tools

   Check to see if there is a special tool or set of tools that will help your artsy crafter do their creating more effectively. For painters it may be a special type of brush, scrap bookers may need a distressing tool, bookmakers may need a binding machine, etc. There is always that very coveted tool that artists and crafters long to have.

9. 'How-To' Videos

   Giving a 'How-To' video or set of videos is very helpful for most crafters. Many of us are quite visual and need to see something in order to understand it. Learning by viewing a workshop video could be exactly what your crafter needs.

10. Digital Design Tools

    If your creative person is a digital art designer, you might consider giving them a Wacom Tablet or a similar tool for them to create with. There are also books about creating digital art and different techniques such as for Paint Shop, Photoshop and other creative programs.

11. Computer Programs

    Most creatives these days need one or more design programs to help with their artistic process. I can easily use three different programs just to create one piece of artwork. Consider the programs Corel Draw, Photoshop, or Adobe Illustrator as a much needed gift to your creative person. If your creative isn't very computer savvy, you might also check on the internet for free versions of digital tools that can aid them in their design process. Inkscape, Paint, and Gimp are just a few examples of free yet very powerful design programs that have helped me immensely with my artwork designs over the years.

Just about every artist or crafter has a list of instructional and inspirational books they would love to have. Here are a few examples that you can gift to your creative person.

Don't see what you need? Click on one of the books and then you can search for the perfect one!

The more storage and organizational containers the better is my art and crafting experience. One can never have too many storage compartments to keep your paints, yarn, stamps, brushes, etc. organized. Any of these make wonderful gifts for the artist or crafter on your list.

I personally love my rolling cart organizers. The drawers help keep my paints and painting tools within easy reach and organized so I can find them quickly. Storage carts that allow me to stack and store vertically are a huge space saver!

Click for more items and options to choose from.

Consider Print On Demand Shops

Image right from Itayas Designs

Another wonderful way to gift your artsy crafter is by placing their creations on products in Print On Demand shops such as Zazzle.com. Here you will find some ideas of items to either purchase for your crafter or place images of their designs on at Zazzle.

The quality of products printed from there are exceptional and they have 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! They will place your artsy crafter's creations on over 200 items.

Many online stores have special offers on shipping. Some of these links have both online as well as physical stores. I have also placed a link to my Zazzle store below so that you can see more gift giving ideas.

Perhaps your artist or crafter could use a better and more natural light to work with. As an artist and a crafter, I know how important it is to have proper lighting when I am working on my artwork and designs.

If you don't see what you need, click on any item for more options!

Click On This Lovely Artwork To See More By AbundanceLoveTrip!