Gift idea for an artist?

[*Amy*]

Hello artists! I am trying to come up with a really nice gift for a friend of mine (a professional artist/graphic designer) who drew a beautiful charcoal sketch of me and my daughter nursing. Are there any art supplies or something of that nature that would make a good thank-you gift? Thanks for your suggestions!!

[beansricerevolt]

Any artist would love a gift card to Blicks

[bluebird68]

I second the idea of a gift card! Blick's is a great idea. Blank books (no lines) may be a good idea, too. I don't think you can go wrong with a gift card, though. Kind of you to share something back with her!

[Dreaming]

Book store gift cards are nice, too.
I always want books by and about artists.

[Sali]

My valentine's day gift from DH was a big, blank canvas. BEST GIFT EVER. Though a gift card would have rocked as well--or tickets to a museum could be nice.

[AllisonR]

I also suggest tickets to a museum or cultural event. Buying art gifts for kids is pretty easy, you can't go wrong with crayons or clay. Buying art products for a professional artist is really tough. It is personal. (Like telling someone they must have xyz shade of lipstick, or use xyz hand cream.) Artists have specific tools, types of medium.... they will use, and it would be a shame to waste your money on something she doesn't really want. A pp mentioned a blank canvas as a great idea. Another artist might like to stretch their own canvas, or feel compelled to use a size format they don't want to, in which case your present will only gather dust. I have several friends and a bio mom who buy me nice oil pastels, india inks... and I feel like what a shame that is to spend sooo much money on something I can't really use.

[thebarkingbird]

tickets etc are a great idea! also gift certificates or a small piece done by a local artist you know your friend likes. i discourage giving gifts of supplies because we tend to get so attached to our techniques and have quirky preferences. it can be uncomfortable if a well meaning friend gives you something you can't use.

[GuavaGirl]

Gift certificate from...

I'm an artist and I would definitely love a gift certificate from a local art supply store.

-Alisha