Creative Christmas Gifts for Artists: The Best Watercolour Gift Ideas for Creative People
- Kerry Slack Art
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
🎨 If you’re hunting for creative Christmas gifts for artists, especially those who adore watercolour, you’re in the right place. This guide is packed with unique watercolour gift ideas, from paint sets and sketchbooks to tools and creative experiences — including my own watercolour workshops in London, which make a brilliant gift for beginners and seasoned creatives alike. 🖌️💧
I often get asked for recommendations during my workshops, so this is a great list of what artists are already interested in (and are wishing for)🌟
🎨 Watercolour Paint Sets That Make Brilliant Creative Christmas Gifts for artists
Kuretake Gansai Tambi 26-Colour Set – A vibrant set of rich, jewel-like paints that feel like unwrapping a rainbow. Perfect for artists who love bold, luminous washes.
Dr. Ph. Martin’s Hydrus Fine Art Watercolours – High-quality, intense pigments that glide effortlessly on paper, ideal for artists wanting to experiment with layering and depth and making their artwork pop. The ones I use are artist quality Dr. Ph. Martin’s Hydrus Fine Art Watercolours. However, there are student-grade versions available.
If you're looking for a more affordable starter kit that has everything you need to get going, then I can recommend the Nicpro watercolour set. It comes with 24 vibrant colours, good paper, 8 brushes, and a plastic palette. Currently £19.99 on Amazon.
Are they ready to put these supplies to use? Gift them a *Beginner Watercolour Workshop and start their artistic journey in January
📓 Perfect Paper Gifts for Watercolour Artists
Meeden Watercolour Pad – Thick, absorbent, and perfect for layering washes and textures. A luxurious, practical gift any artist will appreciate. Choose the 300lb, NOT (cold) pressed pads
Moleskine Pocket Watercolour Album (Cass Art) – Portable, stylish, and perfect for capturing inspiration on the go. Concertina Sketchbook - A fabulous, unfolding sketchbook, where one artwork can run into the next. Great for capturing a lovely coastline. I used mine to capture a fox and some cubs she raised in our garden. Sennelier is a great luxury option too.
💡 Gift Tip: Pair paper with a set of paints for a complete starter kit.
✏️ Brushes Every Creative Person Will Love (& animal friendly too)
Jackson’s Art Raven & Quill Brushes – Soft, responsive, and versatile. They make painting feel like a treat every time.
There are lots of excellent synthetic brushes that hold more water, such as DaVinci Casaneo, Escoda Versatil Sintetico, and Silver Ruby Satin.
✨ ✨ Stocking Fillers for Creative People
Schmincke Aqua Bronze – This is a bit hit in my classes. It adds a touch of metallic shimmer to paintings for a little festive magic.
Sneha's Ceramic Palettes – Elegant, practical, and beautiful to display — I have two myself, a gift that’s both useful and luxurious. Sneha is a local Harrow ceramicist, and supporting local artists is always a plus!
Caran d’Ache Neopastel Pastels (CassArt) – Perfect for artists who like to travel and paint, as these are a lightweight alternative to a watercolour kit
Dorlands Wax – I don't know why I've left this till last. This is a fab little extra, that quickly protects all those gorgeous, handpainted artworks from damage.
💡 Gift Tip: These extras work beautifully as stocking fillers or thoughtful add-ons to a larger gift bundle.
🎁 Give the Gift of a Watercolour Workshop (Perfect for Beginners!)
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t just things, but experiences. My watercolour workshops are the perfect creative escape — a chance to learn new techniques, meet other creatives, and enjoy a few hours of relaxing, inspiring art-making.
✨ Want to wrap up creativity this Christmas? Gift a spot at one of my watercolour workshops at Harrow Arts Centre or The Art Park Harrow.
Perfect for beginners and improvers
Looking for a smaller gift idea? Try one of my free beginner tutorials, like my robin painting lesson or textured pebbles guide.
💡 Gift Tip: Pair a workshop with a small starter kit of paints and paper for a truly memorable Christmas present and wonderful start to the New Year.
✨ Wrapping Ideas
Wrap brushes and small items in kraft paper, and tie with colourful ribbon for a personal touch.
If you're creative, add a hand painted watercolour tag, little details make the gift extra special.
FAQs
What is a good Christmas gift for an artist? Watercolour sets, sketchbooks, brushes, palettes, and workshops are thoughtful, practical options artists love.
Where can I buy gifts for watercolour artists in the UK? You’ll find my favourite supplies listed in this guide, plus you can gift one of my watercolour workshops held in Harrow, North West London. Jackson’s Art Supplies, Bromley’s Art Supplies, and Cass Art all supply an incredible range of art materials. Hobby Craft and Amazon are good for some of the common mid-range supplies, but check prices as often the art shops are better value.
Are watercolour workshops a good gift?Absolutely — they offer a relaxing, inspiring creative experience and are perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to refresh their skills.
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