From the garden to the kitchen to the bedroom, Amy can’t stop herself from constantly switching up the style in her living space. When she’s not working as a writer and editor, you can (try to) find her traveling the world, hibernating with a great book, and swimming with sea turtles.
If you’re like me, you probably have a few artists, DIYers or crafters on your Christmas list this year. You might also be running out of ideas for gifts to give these creative individuals, especially if they’ve been on your nice list for awhile. In an effort to make your gift shopping a little easier this holiday season, here are some ideas of gifts for artists.
Most artists have the basic materials needed for their particular art form, so the key is to either find something unique that will help them take their art a step further, or to buy them something that will help them expand their art knowledge into different mediums and techniques. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
Digital art on tablets and phones is becoming super popular… get the art lover on your list a stylus pen so they can create art on-the-go too. This would be a great gift idea for teenage artists who are, let’s face it, the most tech savvy age group out there. This one from Amazon comes with four different tips. $23
Photographers and nature-lovers alike will enjoy this unique kit that teaches you how to create prints using sunlight and found objects. Just place the special light-reactive material outside with an object on top and get ready to be amazed! Get it at Uncommon Goods. $15
Crafters and artists will find a self-healing cutting mat to be an invaluable item to have in their studio. They are great for cutting photo mats, paper, fabric, etc. I use mine all the time… it will protect your table or work surface, and it’s also the perfect material to use a rotary cutter on (see next item on the list). Blick has a variety of self-healing mats to choose from in different sizes from $7 to $69.
A rotary cutter is a great item to go along with the self-healing mat. You can cut paper, fabric and a number of other things with them, and they give you more control than a traditional pair of scissors or a utility knife. I can’t tell you how much faster it is to cut fabric with a rotary cutter… and it eliminates those little jagged edges too. Get this one from Gingher on Amazon. $40
For the artist in your life that loves to paint en-plein-air, consider one of these unique portable colorsheet booklets from Viviva. Vibrant watercolors are housed in small pocket-sized booklets that can be brought anywhere. It would be fun to pop one of these in your purse in case you’re inspired on-the-go. Buy them here. $20
A high quality set of brush pens or markers is one of my favorite gifts for artists. It’s the sort of thing that you might not splurge on for yourself, but I guarantee the recipient’s eyes will light up at the sight of all those beautiful colors. I just bought a few of these Faber-Castell PITT brush pens and they write like a dream. Buy this 60-piece set here. $94
A 3D printer pen is a super unique gift for artists of all ages. It can be used to create beautiful art and sculpture, but it’s also handy for making functional items too. I have the 3Doodler Create+ pictured above and it’s fantastic. And it’s really quite easy to control once you get the hang of it. Get the 3Doodler here. $80
This would be a great gift for young artists who are interested in trying a different medium. You can print posters, cards and even clothing using this beginner kit from Blick. I’ve always wanted one of these, and I don’t think I’m the only one! Get it here. $82
Most artists I know are willing to spend money on art supplies themselves, but not on storage or organizational items. This beautiful handmade waxed canvas brush roll will keep all of their paintbrushes and pencils organized and protected, and also provide an easy way to transport them to and from the studio. As an added bonus, it will stand up if you roll it inside out. Get it on Etsy. $42
This is a great book for the artist in your life who appreciates strong female artists who have made history using their creativity. Artemisia Gentileschi, Lee Krasner, Kara Walker and more top the list. It’s a great read, but also makes a wonderful coffee table book thanks to its bold red cover. Get it here. $10
If you know an artist who loves to visit their local art museum, give them the gift of a membership so they can visit more often. Perks sometimes include discounts on parking, special events and early access to exhibitions. Museum memberships also often provide opportunities to get more involved with the art community as an added bonus. Prices vary for this one… locate museums by state here.
This is one of the best gifts for artists that I’ve found. Each month, all the supplies for a new craft project are sent to the recipient… talk about a creative present! Adults & Crafts has monthly subscription boxes with some really interesting looking projects. You can do a three, six or twelve month subscription (and the more months you subscribe for, the less it costs each month). Check it out here. $30+
Do you have any gifts for artists that you’ve given in the past? Or something you’re thinking about giving this year? Be sure to share them in the comments section below!
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
I’m a big fan of gifting flowers — both to others and to myself. They instantly brighten any room and are a welcome contrast to screen life at a time when workspaces and living spaces are one and the same. And, thanks to modern online florists, ordering stunning, fresh blooms is easier than ever before. What you see on these websites and apps is exactly what you’re gifting (or getting for yourself), so you can choose the bud bundle that best fits the style you’re looking for. Below, you’ll find our favorite online florists to keep on your digital speed dial, plus some recommendations we love for holiday shopping.
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Where they deliver: Contactless delivery right to your doorstep in the 48 contiguous states. Select products can’t be shipped to California, Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Orders over $100 ship for free.
Pricing: Prices start as low as $29.99 for succulents and go up to $152.99 for larger potted plants.
Cool features: Whether you have pets at home or your apartment gets little to no sunlight, the expertly curated sections make plant shopping a whole lot easier.
Great for: Anyone looking to bring more greenery indoors, aspiring plant parents, and thoughtful “just because” gifts for loved ones who could do with a sweet pick-me-up.
Specializes in: Vibrant, stylish, cut-to-order bouquets and plants.
Where they deliver: Nationwide (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), with same-day delivery available in over 20 cities, like New York and Los Angeles.
Pricing: One-time purchases start under $45 for bouquets and plants. Three subscription plans are available starting at $55 with options to deliver weekly, biweekly, or monthly.
Cool features: Stems are sourced directly from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and cut fresh daily. UrbanStems also has a collaboration with Vogue, offering limited-edition arrangements designed by Vogue editors each season.
Great for: Everyday flower gifting for friends, family, and yourself.
Specializes in: Potted plants and succulent arrangements in design-forward containers. The Sill also now sells orchids!
Where they deliver: The lower 48 states. Same-day delivery is not available, but there is a 30-day return window in case your plant arrives damaged or dead. You can also shop directly in-store at locations in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.
Pricing: Starts at $34 for a Hoya Heart succulent and goes up to $240 for a Large ZZ.
Cool features: You can purchase starter collections around themes like beginner, pet-friendly, and low-light. The Sill also divides plants into helpful categories like size and light needs and offers users tons of information on plant care for newbies and gardeners who need a refresher.
Great for: Coworkers, friends who have recently moved, and people allergic to flowers.
Specializes in: Flowers, plants, and gourmet gift baskets for every holiday, life event, and occasion.
Where they deliver: ProFlowers ships nationwide, with same-day delivery available through partner florists in your area.
Pricing: Bouquets start at $50 for a small arrangement and go up to $225 for larger sizes.
Cool features: Gift sets that include chocolates, candles, and Mrs. Fields cookies.
Great for: Literally any occasion, from milestone birthdays to funeral sprays to Mardi Gras.
Specializes in: Stems from sustainably minded farms, which are shipped the day they’re cut to ensure freshness. They also offer same-day bouquet deliveries from local, approved florists in certain zip codes.
Where they deliver: Nationwide in all 50 states.
Pricing: Plants and one-time arrangements start at $44, with a delivery fee. Subscriptions start at $40 and can be delivered weekly, biweekly, monthly, or bimonthly.
Cool features: Transparent pricing and no cheesy up-sells (um, no thanks on the teddy bears). For more modern add-ons, check out their gift bundles.
Great for: Farmer’s market-style centerpieces, unfussy hostess gifts, and chic holiday accents.
Specializes in: Potted plants of all shapes and sizes, as well as propagation kits.
Where they deliver: The 48 contiguous states.
Pricing: Starts at $35 for most small-sized varieties and goes up to $450 for extra-large plants like fiddle leaf figs.
Cool features: Bloomscape offers a ton of plant parent support, including a shop for plant care and accessories, plant guides and tips, and expert advice from a Plant Mom and her team.
Great for: Plant beginners, longer-lasting gifts, and people allergic to flowers.
Specializes in: This digital shop specializes in fresh and preserved roses, as well as other small gifting elements, like chocolate and teddy bears.
Where they deliver: Same-day delivery is available in NYC and San Diego from Monday through Friday. Next-day delivery is available throughout the U.S. Tuesday through Saturday. International delivery is available in the U.K., Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Pricing: Gift boxes range from $49 for a box of six bright pink roses to $199 for a box of 50 red roses.
Cool features: Gift sets are also available, pairing roses with Godiva chocolates.
Great for: Gifts that impress and deliver on romance.
Specializes in: Arrangements for quite literally any occasion, as well as gourmet gift baskets.
Where they deliver: 1-800-Flowers ships nationwide, with same-day delivery available through partner florists in your area.
Pricing: Bouquets start at $24.99 for a small size, going up to $229.99 for larger arrangements.
Cool features: It’s not just flowers here — you can also send baskets full of gourmet food, wine, coffee, and even self-care products.
Great for: Those who want to pull out all the stops on a gorgeous arrangement, anyone who wants very specific options.
Specializes in: Gorgeous, burlap-wrapped seasonal blooms sourced from local farmers in your area, plus box deliveries so you can create your own arrangement.
Where they deliver: Farmgirl Flowers ships nationwide to the lower 48 states, with same-day delivery in the San Francisco Bay area.
Pricing: Arrangements start at $59 and can be purchased one time or as a subscription (delivered weekly, biweekly, or monthly).
Cool features: Gift sets that include sweets, candles, and other self-care goodies. The Big Box is a great option for someone who wants to flex their creative muscles and arrange the blooms themselves.
Great for: Gifting for special holidays and birthdays, the amateur floral arranger.
Specializes in: Hand-crafted floral arrangements that are available for same-day delivery, as well as gift baskets to celebrate special occasions and everyday moments.
Where they deliver: Nationwide and internationally.
Pricing: Small bouquets start at $35 and go up to $210 for larger sizes.
Cool features: Filters that make it easy to shop the extensive range of bouquets, plants, and gift baskets. Finding desk plants, pink flowers, and Kosher gift baskets has never been easier.
Great for: Those looking for the perfect gift to mark a special occasion or just let someone know you’re thinking of them.
Specializes in: Sophisticated, monochromatic bunches of 25 roses in a Parisian-inspired hatbox.
Where they deliver: Landeau doesn’t ship their bouquets, so delivery and pickup are only available in New York City, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Also in Vancouver, Kelowna, and Toronto at givelandeau.ca.
Pricing: Starts at $249 plus a delivery charge.
Cool features: They offer four curated bouquets, all roses. You won’t get bogged down with choices, so it’s easy to order.
Great for: Your most stylish or minimalistic friend.
Specializes in: Fresh succulents delivered in a simple gift box that doubles as a planter.
Where they deliver: Shipping nationwide (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), with hand-delivery available in Los Angeles. Square and premium gardens are only available in Los Angeles.
Pricing: Gardens start at $25, with premium gardens for $105-$135.
Cool features: The differently-sized gift box gardens can be customized with a paper sleeve to fit the occasion.
Great for: Thoughtful thank you gifts and “just because” occasions.
Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.
published about 4 hours ago
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Let’s all just admit it — there are some people in our inner circle, be it a picky sister or a Mom who has everything — that are just so difficult to shop for, they cause you to stress all season long. I’m a fan of keeping a running gift list throughout the year with ideas and still, there is one person on said list (who shall remain anonymous) that remains totally blank up until the week before Christmas, at which point true panic sets in. I often wish there was some helpful list out there that basically alerted me to great gift ideas for anyone and everyone — even the pickiest among us.
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Well, turns out there is. Allow me to introduce you to Amazon’s Most Wished For section, which curates a selection of the retailer’s most in-demand items for others to browse and get ideas from. These are well-loved items that have repeatedly (and frequently!) been added to registries and wishlists on Amazon’s site, so you know they make for great gifts. The picks range from cozy sheets and cool barware to one of our favorite items here at AT: Bissell’s Little Green Multipurpose Upholstery Cleaner.
To be honest, seeing this petite-yet-powerful machine on Amazon’s Most Wished For list wasn’t exactly a shock — after all, it has a wide-reaching fan club, both among our editors and on social media. Billed as a do-it-all upholstery spot cleaner, Little Green (as it’s affectionately known) has the ability to make quick work of all sorts of stains on your carpet, furniture, bedding, curtains, and more. It boasts a large 48-ounce tank capacity, which will carry you through tackling all of life’s little messes, from those cute (but crusty) paw prints in the entryway to the spilled smoothie on the armrest of your driver’s seat.
Little Green relies on a combination of powerful suction and a tough stain tool to help remove dirt and grime from the surface of almost any fabric. Simply spray on the cleaning solution and water combination, then scrub and suck it up into a separate chamber where you’ll get a first-hand look at just how much ick was hiding in your rug or couch (seriously, you may need to prepare yourself).
Reviewers love this little machine for its powerful results, especially when you consider just how small and easy to carry around it is. While many happy customers have pets or kids in their homes that contribute to the mess, we can promise you this: If you’re someone who has ever spilled a glass of wine or dropped a takeout dumpling on your couch, you could use this too. “I bought this originally because one of my dogs got sick a few months ago,” says one reviewer. “Unfortunately, my carpet is light gray so the stains were pretty prominent, despite scrubbing with a towel, hot soap, water, and vinegar at least five times. I thought the stains were “as good as they’re going to get,” so this device sat in my closet — unopened and unused — for almost two months. When I finally got it out to try last week, let me tell you… I’ve never been more excited to use a cleaning device in my life! I couldn’t just treat the stains, I did the ENTIRE bedroom carpet. (I know, when we turn 30 we suddenly know how to party!) The nasty brown/black water that was coming up with the carpet really put into perspective just how bad it was. You can’t even see the stains anymore — and this is after they sat on my carpet for over two months. This device is magical. Yes, it requires effort, but it’s fun!” Other happy customers called the device “a true lifesaver” and one even went as far as to say they get “giddy” any time they have to use it. Yes, we’re talking about cleaning here.
It may seem like an unconventional gift idea, but if you’re struggling to surprise the picky present critic in your life, this beloved cleaning device might be just the way to do so this holiday season. After all, if its #1 ranking on Amazon’s Most Wished For list is an indication, you won’t be the only one hiding one of these under the tree come December.
Blair is Apartment Therapy’s Style Shopping Editor, where she covers the latest brand launches, need-to-buys, and anything related to her two unofficial beats — cane and rattan. Whenever she’s not perusing for the latest home finds (a rarity), you’ll probably find her reading, watching a horror film, or on the hunt for the best tacos in New York (recs are encouraged).