Image via Getty/Lucidio Studio, Inc.
They say that the holiday season is all about giving, and that it’s often harder to give than to receive. The root of this problem usually lies in what to give. “So-and-so has everything he or she could ever want,” the reasoning goes. “The gifts they want are too expensive,” goes another. These are all simply excuses for not looking or trying hard enough to bestow generosity on the special people in our lives.
These days, everyone fancies themselves a creative of some sort. Why not gift them accordingly, or at least inspire creativity in an artist, filmmaker, or writer you know? Here, we’ve compiled perfect gifts normally made for creative people or enthusiasts. There are books about travel, color theory, how to make things, or simply how to stay inspired. There are products that allow you to customize your apparel or home, products that give back to those in need, and products that give you an affordable version of your favorite artwork. There are tools to help you stay organized and even memberships to services that make sure you keep getting stuff past the holidays. There’s homeware like bowls you can mold yourself and a candle that melts into the Empire State Building. There’s a mini projector, the portable technology you never knew you needed, postcards (who needs envelopes?), and a key ring that makes it much less difficult to lose keys.
Let this list of ideas be not just for the creatives or those aspiring to create in your life. Don’t forget the need to fuel one’s own creativity; this list is a good place to start if you’re looking to buy for yourself, as well.
Here are the best gifts for creatives.
Dictionary of Color Combinations by Sanzo Wada
Vitra Toolbox
OMONDI Custom Pullover
The Mini Suitcase
Where to buy: Away
Price: $35
Recently, Away — the suitcase makers known for adding USB charging ports to luggage — began selling gift sets, with themes like “Wellness,” “Beauty,” “Field,” and “Amusement.” While the sets sold out quickly, the mini suitcase that they come in, sized to fit in-flight essentials, is still available in select colors. For anyone on the go, durable cases like these can be super helpful and a reminder to bring stuff like sanitizer, a notebook, and moisturizer on flights.
Seletti Linea Light
iskn Slate 2+ Digital Drawing Pad
Where to buy: MoMA Design Store
Price: $179
Though digital sketching isn’t anything new, the iskn Slate 2+ makes it easier for novices to catch on. Whether you consider yourself good at drawing or not, this pad makes it fun. It also maintains the look and texture of your chosen drawing tool, whether that’s pencil or pen.
