Top 20 Stocking Stuffers for Artists

One thing all artists have in common is we LOVE new tools! Big or small, expensive or cheap, funky or not, it doesn’t matter—we love them all. But, to help you zero in on the best stocking stuffer gifts for artists, I put together a quick-click shopping list to take some of the stress out of your holiday, particularly if you are not an artist.

This probably goes without saying, but I’ve made this mistake before because stockings come in such a wide variety of sizes, so I’ll say it anyway… be sure to measure the inside width capacity of the stocking you are filling to make sure the item will fit. ;)

Many of these items can be purchased as a single item or in sets, so BONUS, if you are also looking for a regular gift (that does not need to fit inside a stocking), get the set version.

Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. White Gel Pens

Most artists, regardless of their preferred medium, will use various types of pens. White gel pens are a fun one to have on hand. It may sound boring, but believe me, it’s not.

I like Arteza because the ink seems to flow well. White gel pens don’t usually last as long as regular pens (or maybe that’s just me), so pick up several or a box set like this one:

Arteza White Gel Pen Set

2. Micron Pens

Used by many artists, regardless of their preferred medium, and we can never have enough! They come in various nib sizes, are waterproof, archival, and can be purchased singularly or as a set. And if you want to earn extra points with your gift, put them in a fun pen bag. See #16 below.

Sukura Pigma Micron Pen Set - I like this set because it comes with a brush pen and will fit in most stockings.

3. Various Markers

Markers are great stocking stuffers. Most artists will be thrilled to get even one or two specialty markers in their stocking. This is another item we can not have enough of. Receiving even one in a stocking is a great way to try out new items without investing in a whole set, which can be expensive. Of course, a set would be a great large gift – check out my post on Gifts for Artists coming soon.

Prismacolor Double-Ended Marker, Green - these are listed separately by color on Amazon. This link takes you to the green one. They also come in sets.

Posca Acrylic Paint Markers - this is a good general stocking stuffer size set.

Liquid Chrome Mirror Markers - mirror markers are particularly fun and unusual. I couldn’t find a set with 1 silver and 1 gold, but here’s a set of 2 each if you want both colors.

4. Postcard Papers or Small Sketchbooks

A small book of postcards in the paper of choice (watercolor, sketch, or mixed media) is a great thing to have. They are handy for a large variety of uses.

Strathmore Blank Watercolor Postcards - suitable for watercolor, acrylic or gouache.

Strathmore Blank Mixed Media Postcards - mixed media (i.e., markers, pen & ink, acrylic, oils, watercolors, anything really)

Pentalic Travel Sketchbook (for pen & pencil art - not paints)

Or check out this collection of adorable mini sketchbooks & paint journals from various Etsy sellers!

5. Brushes

Instead of trying to pick out a common size or type, go for something to the extreme, either really large or really small. It’ll make for an unexpected surprise and it’s fun to get a less common brush size.

Note: many brushes & papers are suitable for both acrylic and oils, but some are not. The label should clearly distinguish if the item is appropriate for both or one or the other.

Here are two of my favorites that are lovely brushes for surprisingly low prices.

Royal & Langnickel, Jumbo Brush, Extra-Stiff Bone Taklon, Filber #50 - The description does not say if it is for mixed media or not, but I use it with watercolors and it holds the pigment just fine. I actually love this brush. I feel sure it would handle acrylic & oils great as well. And the price is fantastic for such a large brush!

Grabie 11 pc. Miniature Detail Brush Set - Best detail brushes I’ve ever used. Good for watercolor, gouache & acrylics. Note: Grabie is not in the U.S., so delivery time is longer if you live in the U.S. However, Amazon sells similar brands if you want it in the states faster. I haven’t tried those brands, so I can not compare the quality.

6. Travel Sets

What artist doesn’t want to paint or sketch on the go? These stocking size sets are perfect for a trip across town or across the globe.

Artistro Watercolor Set - Cute, lots of colors, comes with brushes and other accessories. Great travel kit that will probably fit in most average sized stockings. Check the dimensions against your stocking though.

Dyvici Watercolor Set - Smaller than the Artistro, because it doesn’t come with as many accessories.

Transom Paint Saver Storage Box - for acrylics. Box only - does not come with paints. This one could have been listed under #8 below as well.

7. A Collaspable Water Cup

One thing missing from most travel sets is a water cup. That’s likely because they are bulky and it’s easy enough to use a disposable cup. But, it’d be more planet-friendly to bring your own, right? Well, here’s a cute collapsable one that is even able to hold your brush! Perfect.

Faber-Castell Clic & Go Portable Water Cup

8. Empty palette/trays

There are a wide variety of these ranging in size & style.

Mr. Pen Airtight Watercolor Palette

Meeden Porcelain Watercolor Paint Palette

Etsy Cute Watercolor Palette from MeowCafeWatercolor

For Acylics:

Jucoci Wet Paint Palette - wet palette’s keep acrylic paints from drying out too quickly. Unlike watercolors and gouache, once acrylics dry they can not be reused.

9. Washi tape

Not just for scrapbooking! Washi tape has become a craze for good reason. It is useful for journaling (which many artists do), for temporarily tacking down paper while painting, for decorating Instagram photos, etc. Artists can’t get enough of it! Google Washi Tape and you will find pages and pages of designs, colors, and sellers.

10. Small Candles

If your artist is on Instagram, they likely go through a lot of candles for photo aesthetics. And even if your artist is not on Instagram, candles are a consumable enjoyed by many.

11. Paint Wedges & Scrapers

Add textures to acrylic and oil paintings. I’ve used them with watercolors, but they are most useful for heavier bodied paints like acrylics and oils.. Also useful for pottery. They come in many different sizes and shapes depending on the manufacturer.

PZRT 6 pc Plastic Scraper Set

12.Exacto Knife

Who doesn’t want one of these? :)

13. Palette Knives

Useful for acrylics & oils mostly, but I use them to add texture to watercolors, too. The basic set is more reasonably priced, but for only about twice the price, you can get a set that includes textured edges. Many artists have these already, but not to worry, artists tend to be rough on their palette knives (like doing things we shouldn’t with them - i.e. opening stuck-on tops) so a fresh set sure can be a nice gift.

Artist 5pc Paint Knives set

10 pc Palette Knife Set

14. Tube paints

Of course, it will help to know whether your artist uses acrylics, oils, or watercolors with this one, but when in doubt, go with either acrylic or gouache. Gouache is similar to watercolors in that it can be reactivated with water. But, it is like acrylics in that it is opaque and brushes on similarly (depending on how much it is thinned). It’s kind of a middle-of-the-road paint between acrylics and watercolors that has become quite popular in the recent years.

My other tip for buying paints for someone else is there are no bad colors! You can either take the approach of common colors will always have a use, or go wild and get something totally unexpected. It’s Christmas after all! Get something the artist may not would normally spend the money on themselves. Think metallic, florescent, bold, or some other specialty color you may wonder upon, if you dare.

I won’t link to any tube paints because the choices are just too great. I will list some of the top brands below to point you in the right direction. Try to get artist grade if given the choice. There really is a difference for most brands. There are other equally great manufacturers, I’m sure. These are just the ones I can personally say are of a high quality. Most of these names carry paints in watercolor, gouache, acrylic and oil varieties.

Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, Holbein, Da Vinci, Kuretak, Golden, Arteza, Daler-Rowney, & Liquitex.

15. Inks

Inks are another craze right now. Pouring inks are a very special and unique medium. You may can get a bottle of a pouring ink into a stocking, but I’m not sure. That may be best left for a larger wrapped gift.

The inks that will fit into a stocking are small bottle watercolor and acrylic inks. These are fun to use in a variety of ways. One or two of these in a stocking would make most artists happy.

I’ve never used a bad brand of these. I only supply a link here to give an example of this type of ink in case you are not familiar. They can be purchased in sets or in single jars. The ones with dropper style tops are particularly handy, although that would not prevent me from purchasing a great color if it did not have a dropper.

Ecoline Liquid Watercolor

Dr. Martin’s

16. Pencil/Marker Pouches

These are literally everywhere. I’ll venture to say, everyone uses these little pouches for something. They come in a wide variety of styles, patterns, sizes and price points. Many of them roll up nicely to fit inside a stocking.

Here’s a link to my Etsy shop where you’ll find a variety:

A stand up pouch can be pretty useful, too:

Friinder Pen Pencil Telescopic Holder Stationery Case

Or a hard case for travel is nice:

iDream365 Hardcase

17. Apple Pencil Hand Glove

For the iPad artist, a glove will help their hand glide smoothly across the surface and prevent unwanted stray marks.

Artika Drawing Glove

18. Chopstick Holders

Hear me out on this, ok. It’s nice to have a dedicated spot to temporarily place your paint brush without having to clean it first. Chopstick holders work great for this. They don’t take up much room, can be moved around easily, and they’re cute. If your artist takes a lot of pictures or videos of their work for Instagram or YouTube, they can also add to their aesthetics. Amazon and Etsy both carry a large variety to pick from.

Miufa Ceramic Cute Cat Chopsticks Rest

19. Cell Phone/Tablet Stand

Stable for phone and small tablets. Useful for anyone. Folds up small. This one is my fav because it allows the phone to be plugged in while using.

Nulaxy Dual Folding Cellphone Stand

20. Gifts Cards

Always great stocking stuffers. The only one I earn from is Amazon. I provide links to the others because I love them, too, and if you are not an artist, you may not know about them.