Gifts for all the highly-creative people in your life
Shopping for a friend who is highly creative, whether they’re an illustrator, writer, photographer or designer, can seem challenging at first. You don’t want to get them a gift that comes across as too average, like a boring pair of socks or a packaged gift set of scented lotion. Once you start thinking in a creative way yourself, finding a present for that special person in your life can actually be easy and fun. You can pick up something that can aid in their work and projects or even inspire them to create.
Writers might covet something literary-themed while an artist can appreciate a good set of markers or paintbrushes. Or you can switch up your thinking! Authors aren’t the only ones that need to jot down ideas — an illustrator could use a notebook just the same. The right kind of art-themed gift can help get that creative spark going, even if it’s more on the practical side or highly unique. Whether your friend or loved one is a budding photographer, an aspiring musician or a well-seasoned writer, here are nine gift ideas that can satiate any kind of creative appetite.
Out of Print specializes in literary-themed clothing and accessories and any avid reader will appreciate this kitschy library card tote bag. It can be used to carry everything from groceries, their laptop, to library books! An added philanthropic bonus: every bag purchased sends one book to a community in need.
Library Card Natural Tote Bag, $20
With all the photo apps readily available via smartphone these days, it’s SO easy to take a rad-looking picture and edit it in any way you dream of. Still, nothing can compare to the old-school coolness of analog film, especially when you’re snapping pics using a really cute camera. This Lomo Diana Mini Double Rainbow is not only gorgeous with its pretty pink and pastel shades and imagery inspired by artist Tara Mcpherson; the cool half-frame or square format photos that will result from it are a work of art, too!
Diana Mini Double Rainbow, $109
Every creative mind needs a space to scribble down their brilliant ideas when the note app on a phone just won’t do. This stylish, leopard-print Nicole Miller notebook has both lined and grid pages perfect for both detailed note-taking and sketching up ideas for designs.
Nicole Miller Leopard Notebook, $5.99
Your talented illustrator friend will appreciate this sleek colored pencil set by Muji, a brand that boasts environmentally-friendly packaging using simple materials. The set comes with 36 pencils in total, ready for your friend to get to sketchin’.
Every writer you know should always keep a copy of Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style on hand. This updated, illustrated version makes this classic grammar and writing handbook even more cherished.
The Elements of Style Illustrated, $18
Dead Writers Perfume sounds like both the weirdest and coolest gift for a writer or someone who just appreciates classic literary. This unisex fragrance has notes containing black tea, vetiver, clove, musk, vanilla, heliotrope, and tobacco.
This ring not only works as an accessory, but a tool for helping you transpose musical notes into different keys. Perfect for any musician friend, but newbies will especially appreciate this ‘lil piece of jewelry.
Musical Transposition Ring, $17
Whether a fashion editor or blogger, your most stylish friend will drop their jaw at this gorgeous Kate Spade 12-month agenda.
Kate Spade Diary of a Young Lady of Fashion 12-Month Agenda, $40
This mug by Emily McDowell, creator of brilliant greeting cards and sassy totes, is a good reminder for every artist friend who has asked themselves at least once, “Why didn’t I just get some normal job like an accountant?”
