Christmas is my favorite time of year and it can be stressful shopping for everyone in your life. I’m here to share with you some helpful gift ideas for the artistic ones in your life. Whether that’s a graphic designer, social media manager, an artist, or a college student going to school!
I received most of these gifts throughout the years and as an art major, let me tell you how helpful they are! Some of these things made homework and dealing with classes so much easier for me.
The first gift would be an Amazon Echo Dot. It’s so great to just say “Hey Alexa, tell me the weather for today” while i’m running out the door instead of wasting a minute checking. It’s quick, has really no issues regarding software or performance-wise. I tend to use mine, now that I graduated, for music while getting ready or listening to some podcasts.
The second gift idea I HIGHLY recommend is a second computer monitor. No, not a whole new computer but a simple screen where it can hook up to your laptop or current desktop. I purchased one a couple months ago and it’s seriously the best thing ever. I don’t feel like I’m trapped on one just screen or I have no room, I like that I can look back and forth to the two monitors. It’s super annoying if you’re constantly just switching back and forth between tabs on one screen but with a second monitor – it’s easier to move things how you want AND it’s an easy set-up too. I purchased mine through Staples for under $100. It’s a HP N223. It’s honestly the greatest thing ever.
Another gift the artist in your life may love is a digital tablet! I used one for my graphic design classes and it was nice because it allows you to actually write or draw on your computer for times you can’t rely on just your mouse pad. I like that it connects to your computer with a chord and it comes with a pen/stylus. This is great if you’re working on a project and want to get as detailed as possible. I love this one from Parblo – it’s the A610 Graphic Tablet!
When you’re working on your computer for long periods of times, it might overheat and might stop working because how hot it might get (I would know from personal experience). I have the perfect solution – a computer fan! I’ve been using one for over 4 or 5 years religiously everyday. This helps if I’m working on a project and have to use a lot of tabs or data. It cools my computer down while working. The only issue is the noise – it’s not too loud but you know it’s on because you can hear the fan spinning. Other than the sound, this is a really good gift especially to graphic designers because we’re always on our computers. I have to say – this does work (I think only for laptops). I have a fan from Belkin. It’s the CoolSpot F5L055 Cooling Pad.
Gift cards are extremely helpful too. If you’re not sure you want to spend too much money or not sure if they have something or not, you can get them a gift card and they can basically pick out their own gift. Gift cards to printing shops (support your local print shops!!), art supplies stores, technology stores, and Adobe services can be put to great use too.
Gifts such as cute large tote bags for art supplies or technology and art books are a great idea too. You can never go wrong with a good backpack or bag to carry your stuff in between art classes, work, or anywhere else. Also, art books not only give the person more knowledge about the topic but they can make cute decor for their coffee table or desk too!
My last gift idea to mention is backup drives!! Such an essential tool to have if you’re entire life is on the computer. People should be backing up their computers daily. It would be considered super thoughtful and it’s personable in a way too. I bought mine from Staples for under $100 – it’s the Seagate (great brand) Backup Plus Portable, 4 TB.
I hope you gained some great ideas and if you ended up buying something from this blog – let me know through Instagram @kaelabrandi! I would love to hear all about it!
Wishing you and your family a happy holidays!! 🎄🎅🏻🍪
Kaela Brandi 