6 Tips for Buying Art Gifts for Kids

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a young artist this holiday season? And what if you’re not “artsy” yourself? Buying gifts for kids who love art could be a bit daunting. You might not know where to begin, but that’s okay. We do!

Whether they're a budding painter experimenting with different techniques, a blossoming sculptor learning about the greats, or a fledgling writer discovering their voice, there are plenty of ways to spark their creativity and make their artistic space more inspiring.

Tip 1: Consider Your Child’s Interests and Skill Level When Choosing Gifts

One way to encourage your child’s interest in art is to present them with gifts that make your child feel seen and heard. If your child likes to write Christmas lists, check it to see if they’ve added art-themed gifts. If not, explore why they didn’t. Be engaged with them, talk to them about their art, and understand what they like and don’t like, which will give you insight into which gifts might be a good choice for them.

Tip 2: Look for Gifts That Are Both Fun and Educational

Not all arts gifts for kids are created with education in mind. How do you know if a gift is educational? Educational toys and gifts are designed to target specific learning objectives. Most educational toys will state that it is educational on the box. To get the most educational bang for your buck, look for toys that were developed by educators.

Outside the Box Creation makes a great Christmas gift for your homeschooler because we pack an educational punch into each box. Our Art Box contains expertly designed art lessons and all supplies needed to explore a new art technique through video tutorials, illustrated guides, and a coordinating book that ties everything together. Each box is designed by an art teacher and contains four professionally designed art lessons, including high-quality art materials, skill level modifications, illustrated tutorials, a young artist’s guide, a digital art room, and an expertly selected children’s book.

Even better, your child may be eligible for state funding to pay for their art boxes!

Tip 3: Buy Gifts That Encourage Your Child to Experiment With Different Mediums and Techniques

Many of the great artists crossed into different mediums and blurred the lines between genres of art. Encourage your child to try out different types of art and respect when then decide one is not for them. There are endless techniques to try. If your child loves art but hasn’t found the right medium for them yet, don’t worry. Trial and experimentation are all part of the journey.

Are your child’s art supplies running low? It might be time to stock up. Fresh supplies are always a great gift because the point is to use them! Consumable gifts encourage use and won’t clutter up your home. Of course, make sure that all art supplies you buy are child-safe. Some great consumable art gifts include:

• Paint: acrylics, watercolors, and oils
• Chalk: Pastels and sidewalk chalk
• Pencils: colored and with varying softness of lead
• Stamps and ink pads
• Markers: Varying widths and colors
• Scissors with decorative edges
• Clay: Polymer, air-dry, and Play Doh

Tip 4: Choose Gifts That Help Make Your Child’s Art Studio a Safe and Well-Lit Space for Them To Create

The gift is only the beginning. Your child also needs a comfortable space to use it! You wouldn’t work without a quiet space or office. Play is the work of childhood, so make sure to provide space for your child to use their new art gifts where they can get messy.

An artist needs a studio. Accessories for your child’s art space can make them feel confident in their skills, that their artistic contributions are valued within your family, and encouraged to learn and create even more.

Brush or Pen Holders

Corral your child’s artistic implements with brush or pen holders! An organizational necessity, these can be a fun and functional addition to any artist's workspace. Look for holders that are unique and eye-catching, like those made from recycled materials or with whimsical designs. Check out your local art or office supply store for holders of all shapes and sizes.

Clips or Frames to Display Their Work

Help your child showcase their artwork with clips or frames and boost their confidence while you’re at it! Clips, frames, bulletin boards, floating shelves, pocket charts, and other display methods will give them a sense of pride in their work and encourage them to keep learning more.

Tip 6: Support Your Child’s Interest in Art Holistically

Buying gifts for an artistic child doesn’t always mean that you have to buy a sketchbook or paints. Because art helps children develop in many ways, you can nurture your child’s interest in art with puzzles, experiences, and even baking supplies.

Support your young artist holistically with books about art, which can introduce kids to different art styles, techniques, and artists. You can also gift books about specific artists to inspire kids to learn more about their favorite artists’s life and challenges, inspiration, work, and art history at large.

No matter what you choose to give, the most important thing is to encourage your child's creativity and help them develop their artistic skills. Supporting your child’s artistic journey and helping them develop a lifelong love of art (and all the skills that come with it!) is a wonderful gift in itself.