Gifts for illustrators: ideas they’ll actually use

October 15, 2026

The best gifts for illustrators are the ones they will actually use: a good sketchbook, quality markers or pencils, a book that teaches them something new or, if you want to give a big present, a drawing tablet. The key is to look at how that person draws (paper or digital, line or colour) and at their level, so you do not give them something they already have or that does not fit the way they work.

To make it easy for you, I have grouped the ideas into three types of gift, from small treats to special presents, and at the end you will find a table by the recipient’s level.

Before choosing gifts for illustrators: three questions

Artists tend to be very particular about their supplies. Before you buy, try to find out (discreetly):

1. Do they draw on paper, digitally or both? This shapes the gift more than anything else.
2. Which technique do they use most? Pencil, ink, watercolour, markers, digital colour…
3. Are they just starting out or already experienced? A beginner will appreciate versatile supplies; someone experienced, a quality piece or something they would not buy for themselves.

If you cannot find out, go for “universal” gifts: a good sketchbook, an inspiring book or a practical accessory.

Small gifts for people who draw: little but very useful

These are gift ideas for artists that are perfect for Secret Santa, a birthday or “just because”. Supplies that get used up, lost or are always handy to have spares of.

• Fineliners: a set of Sakura Pigma Micron in several sizes is an almost guaranteed hit for anyone who inks or sketches.
• Precision eraser: the Tombow MONO Zero is one of those tools you never give up once you have tried it.
• Water brush: the Pentel Aquash is perfect for anyone who paints with watercolour outdoors.
• Drawing glove: if they use a drawing tablet, it stops the hand rubbing against the surface and dragging or leaving marks.
• A book on creativity: Steal Like an Artist or Keep Going, by Austin Kleon, are short, inspiring reads that almost any creative will love.

Mid-range gifts: supplies that make a difference

This is where those products many artists want but keep putting off come in. It is a good level for birthdays, Christmas or Three Kings’ Day.

A quality sketchbook

A beautiful sketchbook with good paper is one of the most appreciated gifts for artists. The Moleskine Art Sketchbook is a classic to carry around; if they draw with wet media, a sketchbook with heavier paper such as the Stillman & Birn Beta is a better choice. You will find more ideas in our guide to the best sketchbooks for drawing.

Markers, pencils or watercolours

If you know which technique they use, you can get it spot on: a Copic Ciao set for someone who colours with markers, Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils for someone who works in coloured pencil, or a box of Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolours for someone who paints. If in doubt, casually ask which brand they use and add to their collection.

An illustration or technique book

Books are a gift that lasts for years. Color and Light, by James Gurney, or Framed Ink, on composition and visual storytelling, are highly regarded titles among illustrators with some experience. For beginners, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is a safe bet. You will find more options in our list of books to learn to draw.

Big gifts for someone who draws

If you want to give someone who draws a gift they will remember for years, think about tools that change the way they work.

A drawing tablet

For anyone wanting to make the leap to digital drawing, a tablet is the star gift. A screenless tablet, such as the Wacom Intuos M Bluetooth, is a good entry point. If you want something more special, a pen display such as the HUION Kamvas 16 Gen3 lets you draw directly on the image, which feels much more like drawing on paper.

An iPad for drawing

The iPad Air with Apple Pencil Pro is a very popular option among illustrators who want to draw anywhere. Before deciding, it is worth reading our comparison on whether an iPad or a drawing tablet is better for drawing, because it depends a lot on the software they use.

A light box

Less well known, but very useful for anyone who inks, traces sketches or makes comics: Huion’s A4 light box lets you trace a clean version of a sketch onto another sheet without needing to erase.

Gifts for illustrators by level

If the gift is a tablet and you are not sure which one, our guide to the best drawing tablets for beginners will help.

Mistakes when choosing a gift for someone who draws

• Huge “artist” kits with hundreds of pieces: they look impressive in the box, but the quality is usually uneven. A few good pieces are better.
• Giving something they already have: if possible, take a discreet look in their pencil case or ask someone close to them.
• Choosing for looks rather than use: a beautiful sketchbook with thin paper will be no use to someone who paints in watercolour.

Frequently asked questions

What should I give someone who is starting to draw?

A good set of graphite pencils, a kneaded eraser, a sketchbook and a book on fundamentals. It is a gift that is useful from day one.

What gift should I give a digital illustrator?

A drawing glove as a small gift, a book on colour or composition as a mid-range gift, or a pen display or an iPad if you want to give a big present.

Is a sketchbook a good gift idea?

Yes, it is one of the most appreciated gifts, as long as the paper suits their technique: smooth for ink, heavier and with some tooth for watercolour.

What should I give an illustrator who has everything?

An inspiring book, a supply they would not buy for themselves (such as a real-hair brush pen or professional-grade pencils) or something practical for their workspace, such as a light box.