Looking for must-have art supplies? These also work well as presents!

Whether you're shopping for an artist friend or a child in art school, these dozen tools are great to have on hand. Both traditional and unconventional artists will appreciate these must-have items. Many affordable options could be combined into a useful gift kit. Prices are current but art supplies see widespread use. Consider the individual's medium before choosing. These recommendations aim to benefit artists generally while also making thoughtful presents.

Our goal is to recommend the most suitable art tools and materials for your individual needs. Whether you require professional-grade items or beginner basics, we ensure you get good value through our research. We scour the internet for usage guides, read real customer reviews, consult experts, and rely on our own experience as artists.

1. Paper
There are countless paper options for artists. Smooth papers work well for pencil or pen sketches. A versatile mixed-media pad proves handy for many uses.

2. Pencils

Whether wooden or mechanical, are essential tools for artists. This set from Japanese brand Tombow features precisely cut lead cores adhered to smooth cedar barrels. Cedar's hardness allows for sharp points with each sharpener. Nothing matches the frustration of an unevenly sharpening pencil or the satisfaction of one that works perfectly. This set of 12 pencils ranges from soft 6B to hard 4H for versatility. Both precision and quality guarantee a smooth experience each time the artist reaches for a pencil. Along with a sharpener and eraser, these pencils ensure easy creation free from mechanical distractions.

3. Pens

For versatility, pens featuring pigment-based inks excel since they prevent bleeding or running even with added watercolors or paints. Artist pens often include different tip sizes for variation. Sakura's Pigma Micron, with its iconic beige barrel and gear top, has long remained the top choice for its affordable yet archival ink. This Japanese brand designed the Micron in the 1980s using their patented ink allowing permanence without fading. The pigment resists chemical damage while keeping lines crisp with no bleeding or feathering once dried. Artists and creators concerned with archival work rely on the Micron. This three-pen gift set provides fine to medium tips letting the user choose the perfect size for each project.

4. Light

For any craft, ideal lighting allows controlling brightness and where illumination falls. Some LED lights enable adjusting the warmth of light. A highly rated option is the classic Luxo Combination Task Lamp. It holds two bulbs, a 22W circular fluorescent and a 14W compact fluorescent, switchable or usable together. The spring arm extends a versatile 45 inches while the head smoothly adjusts every which way. This ensures artists find the perfect direction and quality of light for each project. The brand's original design remains a top choice amongst professionals for precisely illuminating work areas.

5. Brushes

Brushes divide based on use - for lines, coloring, and shading. A mix yields versatility. Excellent synthetic fibers mimic animal hair across mediums. Princeton produces truly versatile synthetic brushes that handle acrylics, oils, and watercolors with equal ease. This four-brush gift set provides options for projects with a #4 and #8 round, angle shader, and wash brush. Ranging in shapes and sizes, the brushes meet different artistic needs while maintaining quality where natural fibers once reigned alone. A starter set laying a foundation for budding talents or supplementing veteran's kits.

6. Notebook

Notebooks prove handy for notes, sketches, and more. With many sizes and styles, finding the right one aids and creative. Rhodia consistently earns praise for smooth European paper excelling with fountain pens. Founded in 1934, their notebooks suit varied needs like this hardcover journal. Featuring a dedicated pocket and rigid faux leather, the journal invites inspiration wherever ideas may strike. Artists traveling or working in diverse settings appreciate the option to capture fleeting thoughts. A staple for any profession reliant on continuous imagination, Rhodia delivers dependable quality through generations of notebooks.