The holiday season is the perfect time to bring a little joy and creativity into the lives of the artists and creative people you care about. Whether you’re picking out something for a talented painter, a new illustrator finding their style, or a friend who’s curious about diving into something artsy, the right gift can go a long way.

In this guide, we’ve gathered 20+ Christmas gift ideas for artists and crafters, all under $20. 

From stocking stuffers that spark creativity to thoughtful gifts that encourage your loved ones to dive into the art world, you’ll find something unique and creative here to slide under the tree!

I have also published Christmas lists for other budgets, including under $50, and $100. Be sure to check these out to complete your Christmas haul.

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you click them (at no cost to you).

365 Days of Creativity

By Lorna Scobie

365 Days of Creativity by Lorna Scobie is perfect for anyone looking to nurture their creativity. With inspiring prompts and activities designed to spark artistic exploration, it can be enjoyed daily or at your own pace. It’s an ideal way to develop new skills, discover fresh ideas, and cultivate a sense of calm and focus. This thoughtful gift is perfect for anyone seeking to bring more art and positivity into their life. 

For an added dose of relaxation and joy, Lorna’s 365 Days of Feel-good Art offers uplifting designs that promote happiness through art.

Prismacolor Premier Coloured Pencils – 12 Pack

Prismacolor pencils are an amazing gift for any creative friend. They are one of the most popular coloured pencils on the market, and a must-have in every collection!  They’re super smooth, easy to blend, and come in a huge range of vibrant colours. This set of 12 is a great starter set for an aspiring artist to get a taste of the buttery-smooth blending that makes Prismacolor famous. Even after trying over 90 brands of pencils, I still use Prismacolor more than any other coloured pencil I own! They are one of my top recommendations for the best coloured pencils.

Art Dice

When you don’t know what to draw next, roll the dice! The Two Tumbleweeds Art Dice makes a fun Christmas gift for any artist who’s up for a little creative adventure. Roll the dice to discover new prompts for style, subject, or technique—perfect for shaking off artist’s block or just having fun experimenting. These dice turn every project into a fun challenge and are perfect for finding fresh inspiration. They’re a great way to inspire fresh ideas and make art feel playful again!

Small Victories

by Johanna Basford

Know someone who could use a little extra joy this holiday season? Small Victories by Johanna Basford is a colouring book made for those moments when you just need to unwind. The designs are small and simple, perfect for quick, one-sitting projects that still feel super satisfying. With nature-inspired designs and uplifting themes, it’s a fun way to celebrate life’s little wins while sneaking in some relaxation. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer or a thoughtful gift to give a bit of calm and creativity to someone this Christmas!

Colouring Stickers

by Sarah Renae Clark

These aren’t just stickers – they are stickers you can colour in! Each sticker book features hand-drawn black and white stickers, ready to be coloured and added to your journal, notebook, planner, scrapbooking project, cards, and more. It’s a great gift for anyone who loves to colour and get creative. There are several books available, including Florals, Colouring Essentials, Nostalgia, Banquet, and more.

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Tombow Advanced Lettering Kit

The Tombow Advanced Lettering Kit is perfect for anyone wanting to kick their calligraphy skills up a notch. It comes with high-quality dual-tip brush pens that make it easy to create everything from fine details to bold lettering. Plus, it includes practice sheets and a guide to help you master different styles—from modern calligraphy to intricate lettering. It’s everything you need to add a personal touch to cards, invitations, or any creative project.

And if this advanced kit seems a bit much, no worries! Tombow also offers a beginner-friendly set—the Tombow Beginner Lettering Kit —that’s just as awesome but a little easier to dive into.

Hues and Cues Board Game

By Scott Brady

Hues and Cues is a fun and colourful board game that’s perfect for anyone who loves a creative challenge. Players take turns providing clues about a specific colour, and other players have to guess which one of 480 colours on the board is the closest to the description. It’s a great way to get everyone thinking creatively while exploring how we all experience colours differently.

Tombow Dual Brush Pens

Tombow’s Dual Brush Pens are a fantastic gift for artists and crafters. These are some of the best water-based markers you can buy. Being water-based makes them great for general colouring, cardmaking, journaling or calligraphy. Add some water and you’ll discover a whole different side to them as watercolours. The 10-Packs are designed to give a range of colours that blend well together.  

Each marker has a brush tip on one side, and a fine tip on the other. They are great for all skill levels, and are a favourite among many creatives!

Creative Inc. (The Expanded Edition)

by Ed Catmull

Creativity, Inc. is one of those books that every aspiring creative should read. It’s written by the co-founder of Pixar, Ed Catmull, and takes you behind the scenes of some of the most innovative moments in animation, sharing the lessons learned during the years of Toy Story and Finding Nemo, along with other Pixar classics. Full of practical advice on how to foster creativity and build strong, motivated teams, this book is a thoughtful and inspiring choice for artists, entrepreneurs, or just fans of Pixar.

A5 Lined and Dotted Journals

by Sarah Renae Clark

Journals are such a simple but thoughtful gift for any friend. Whether they’re someone who needs a break from their phone, or they’re constantly looking for one of a thousand scraps of paper with their important notes scribbled on it, a journal is a wonderful keepsake that can be used in so many ways. These A5 journals are particularly high quality, with premium paper and a beautiful hardcover. The dotted layout is perfect for bullet journaling—great for keeping track of goals, lists, or drawing —while the lined version is ideal for the quick note-taker or passionate writer. It’s hard to go wrong with a journal, and they’ll think of you every time they write!

Bob Ross Art Heat-Changing Mug

Start your day with a “happy little sip” from this Bob Ross Heat-Changing Mug! Pour in some hot tea or coffee, and Bob’s background transforms from a blank canvas into a full-on painting sensation! Watch in awe as Bob’s magical paintbrush powers reveal a breathtaking (and ever iconic) landscape, turning your ordinary coffee break into a masterpiece. Fill this mug, and you’re not just drinking coffee; you’re drinking a dose of Bob’s positive energy and artistic vibes . Fill your morning with a little creativity, a little zen, and a burst of inspiration! And if you’re nervous about buying a gift for an artist, you can’t go wrong with this charming cup of artistic magic! They’ll give you a happy little thank-you with every happy little brew. ☕️

Unofficial Taylor Swift Christmas Colouring book

by Chartwell Books

Shake off the stress and color your way to a holly jolly Swiftmas! Taylor Swift’s Christmas Colouring Book is a fun way for Swifties to get into the holiday spirit with a creative twist. Packed with festive designs inspired by Taylor’s music and charm, this book lets you colour scenes that capture the magic of Christmas—like snow on the beach, twinkling lights, and cozy winter moments. Skip the stress and holiday shopping traffic and grab this perfect gift for the Swiftie in your life. It’s a great way to mix the magic of Christmas with the magic of music!

Johanna’s Christmas Colouring Book

by Johanna Basford

From the same artist behind Small Victories, Johanna’s Christmas by Johanna Basford is a colouring book bursting with festive holiday cheer. Inside, you’ll find everything from beautifully decorated Christmas trees to charming winter scenes, each packed with exciting seasonal details. Perfect for quiet, creative moments, this book invites colourists to soak in the cosy spirit of Christmas while crafting something special. It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys getting creative during the holidays.

Artist Socks

by John’s Crazy Socks

Add a sneaky pop of colour and culture to your wardrobe! These cute and cosy Artist Socks are the perfect way to show off your creative spirit. They’re soft, comfortable, and a little silly, bringing a colourful piece of whimsy to any wardrobe. Whether for lounging at home or adding a creative pop to your day, these socks are both practical and playful. They make a thoughtful gift for artists, art lovers, or anyone who enjoys expressing themselves in unexpected ways.

Origami Kit

by Yasutomo

The Yasutomo Origami Kit makes it easy to jump into the world of paper folding. It includes origami paper and step-by-step instructions to help you create beautiful origami –  from classic cranes to detailed animals and flowers. It’s beautifully packaged and includes everything you need, making it a thoughtful Christmas gift for anyone who loves exploring timeless art forms or picking up a new creative hobby.

Create This Book

by Moriah Elizabeth

Create This Book by Moriah Elizabeth offers a playful way for artists to let their imagination run wild. This book is filled with hands-on prompts, encouraging readers to sketch, colour, and create freely. From designing unique characters to personalising their own art challenges, this book makes it easy to tap into new ideas, explore different styles, and practise creative freedom. Ideal for all skill levels, Create This Book is the perfect Christmas gift for any artist looking to build confidence and enjoy some laid-back, self-paced art sessions.

This is the first of 3 books in Moriah Elizabeth’s Create This Book Series. Check out Create This Book 2 and Create This Book 3 for even more creative and engaging prompts.

Lindy’s Gang Starter Kit

Mixed media fans this one is for you! The Lindy’s Stamp Gang Starter Kit is a fantastic gift for anyone wanting to bring vibrant, unique colours to their crafting projects. Inside, you’ll find a high-quality, pigmented spray and some embossing powders that let you create stunning, one-of-a-kind effects on paper, fabric, and more. It’s perfect for crafters who want to play around with different textures and finishes. Whether they’re just starting with mixed media or already experienced creators, this kit gives them everything they need to try something new and get creative!

Bob Ross Magnetic Dress-Up Set

Looking for the perfect gift for someone who’s totally blissed out by Bob Ross and his happy little trees? Bring some of Bob’s iconic charm to their Christmas with the Bob Ross Magnetic Dress-up Set! This fun and quirky set lets you give Bob his iconic look—flannel shirt, fluffy afro, and all—so you can dress him up for any happy little occasion. Whether it’s gracing your fridge or adding a touch of zen to your desk, this playful set is all about spreading Bob’s positive vibes, one happy little outfit at a time. It’s the perfect way to add a little joyous paint stroke to anyone’s day! Not a fan of Bob Ross? You can also find a Frida Kahlo Magnetic Dress-up Set!

Disney Dreams Collection Colouring Poster Book

by Thomas Kinkade Studios

This Poster Book combines the magic of Disney with the beautiful artwork of Thomas Kinkade. Inside, you’ll find large colouring posters that can be transformed into stunning pieces of art—perfect for framing and showing off once they’re finished. Whether you’re after a relaxing colouring experience or a fun way to create some artwork to display, this collection makes a great gift for anyone who loves Disney or art. Thomas Kinkade Studios has also released smaller colouring book packed with more of Kinkade’s paintings, converted into colouring pages. I’ve coloured a few of these on my YouTube channel!

BiC Intensity Dual Tip Markers

I recently compared over 100 different brands of markers, and the BiC Intensity Dual Tip scored surprisingly well in almost every test! They’re a great starter set that are easy to use for kids and adults, without breaking the budget like some of the more ‘professional’ markers available. Each marker has two tips—a fine point for detailed lines and a broad tip for covering bigger areas—so they’re super versatile colouring, drawing and journaling. Whether for an artist, crafter, or someone just looking to get creative, this set is a practical and fun gift that’ll brighten up anyone’s holiday season.

Worlds Within Worlds

by Kerby Rosanes

The Worlds within Worlds Colouring Book is packed with intricate, mind-bending landscapes that mix fantasy and reality in the coolest ways. You’ll find castles perched on turtle shells, forests hiding inside whales, and everyday objects transformed into surreal worlds. It’s the kind of book that invites you to slow down and get lost in the tiniest details, making it perfect for anyone who loves to colour and explore. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that’s both creative and calming, this could be it—and if they’re a fan, Kerby has plenty of other amazing adult colouring books to dive into!

Looking for more ideas? why not try these:

  • Easel
  • Art Subscription box
  • Artistic Apron
  • Stamps
  • Stencils
  • Tracing Light Box
  • Art Class (Online or Physical)
  • Washi Tape
  • Shaped Hole Punches
  • High Quality Eraser
  • High Quality Sharpener
  • Sketchbooks or paper pads
  • History of Art books
  • Art Storage solutions
  • Gift Cards to craft stores
  • Subscription to Favourite Art YouTuber

The holiday season is a time for creativity, joy, and showing your loved ones how much they mean to you. With these affordable, creative gift ideas, you can slide a spark of inspiration and a touch of thoughtfulness under your Christmas tree or into a stocking this Christmas. 

I hope this list has made your Christmas gift shopping a little easier (and more fun!). Don’t forget to explore my other arty holiday gift guides for more fantastic Christmas gift ideas under $50 and $100. Happy gifting, and may your holidays be as colourful and creative as the presents you give!