Updated November 2024
Designers are a picky bunch, and we can be very tricky to buy for (sorry about that.) There's just so much to worry about, who was it designed by, what if it's the wrong colour, what if the typeface isn't quite right or just not 'on trend' enough.
If you are a designer or looking to buy a gift for a designer friend, here are some of our top gift ideas. This list isn't in any particular order and varies in prices and products, so hopefully, you will find what you need!
Price range from $55.99 - $729.98
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Wacom Screens and Tablets are perfect for digital sketching, illustrating, retouching and creating graphics. It's a great all-rounder to help creatives work more precisely and naturally compared to using a mouse.
It's the perfect gift for any creative who enjoys creating digital artwork. Depending on your needs and budget, a variety of products are available.
2. Pantone...well anything!
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Price varies $15 - $40
If you aren't a designer, you may not have heard of Pantone or think they sell some paint here and there, BUT to designers, they are the company to look to for colour trends and the ultimate way to print projects!
They also sell a lot of lifestyle products, using their famous (to designers) colour references, again these products are 100% colour accurate, we can't help but love them!
We suggest maybe a mug or notebook set, but there are loads of other great gift ideas, they even sell holiday ornaments!
3. Graphic Design Online Creative Course!
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(price from $19 - $670)
If you have a relative or close friend who is interested in becoming a graphic designer or illustrator, this would make a great gift and set them up for success. Our online courses are perfect for anyone looking to take their design career to the next level! Enquire now and save 25% on any membership!
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iPad from $999 (Expensive but worth it for designers and artists)
The new iPads Pro with Apple Pencil are not cheap but an investment for all designers and Illustrators. There has been a massive growth in the number of artists using the iPad to improve their design process and workflow. Creative apps for the iPad, such as Procreate and Linearity, make it so much more fun and more comfortable to design on the go.
5. Phone Loop and straps
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Price $8.74
We are pretty much attached to our phones, trying to get the 'right angle' for a picture or just quickly checking Instagram at the wrong time! This handy invention means users can always have a secure, relaxed grip on their phone while avoiding drops and damage accidentally. So our precious phones stay safe and even better the 'Loop' comes in all sorts of designs so it will look great no matter what case is on the phone already!
6. AirPods
Price from $129+
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Great for maintaining concentration at work or for use whilst commuting in to the office or studio.
Plus they are wireless so no faffing around with yet another cable on top of our countless chargers, external hard Drive's, graphics tablets etc etc.
The sound quality of these headphone is amazing and most importantly...they look great!
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$19.99 (one-time purchase)
Procreate Dreams is an all-new animation app compatcable with iPad Pro is the best gift for anyone who wants to get started in illustration and animation!
8. The Design Deck: Playing Card Guide to Graphic Design
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Price from $13.95, excluding delivery
It's a perfect budget-friendly gift for creative people, in particular graphic designers who are interested in learning more about design theory.
9. A beautiful set of illustrated playing cards
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Price $16.00, excluding delivery
Another fun and budget friendly playing card gift for your creative friends. Perfect for those who enjoy colourful hand painted illustrations.
Price from £25 - £100
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A variety of e-gift cards are available from Giftcards.co.uk, from Hobbycraft, to Ryamans, perfect as a last-minute gift for creative people.
11. Moleskine Sketchbook
Price from £8.00
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A notebook is always a good idea! Especially by Moleskine, it's stylish but still professional and easy to use.
Some notebooks look amazing, but when it comes to using them, they are just impractical, and eventually, we abandon them for something more practical.
This gift is the best of both worlds!
12. Desk Plants
Price varies £6 - £70
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Plants not only improve people's mood and well-being (so are a perfect gift for keeping a good vibe at work or home), but they are also a great way to personalize a space without cluttering it!
13. WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
Price £58.99
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Designers, Photographers, and Video Editors often need a lot of storage space. Hard Drives perhaps not the most exciting gift in the world, but it is pretty dam useful and another one for anyone who is into practical presents they can use!
14. Calendars, notebooks & stationery
Price from £3.50 - £100
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Designers can be workaholics, often juggling multiple projects and clients. These gift idea are great for designers who want to organise in all areas of life, in style. We love these stationery, designed by creatives for creatives 🙂
15. Feild Notes
Price varies £12+
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This brand of note books has become very popular amongst creatives! As well as note books the company sell other stationary products, all with minimal, contemporary designs (these products would definitely look good next to a desk plant.)
Pick up a few different items and create a little stationary pack, they have great calendars! Perfect for marking those all important deadlines!
16. Essential Books by Austin Kleon
Price from £9.99
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These Three books by Austin Kleon is a personal favourite of mine and highly addictive to read and a perfect gift for all creatives.
Keep Going - How to stay motivated as Artists.
Show Your Work - Focuses on helping designers get discovered.
Steal Like An Artist - Encourages Artists to find their style
17. The Book of Gifts
Price £13.39
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These beautifully illustrated picture books are filled with positive inspirations, making them an ideal gift for anyone going through a tough time 🙁
18. T-shirts for Creatives
Price £18-25
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Finally, we have some fun T-shirts for creatives, designed by creatives!
Additional Gifts
19. BenQ PD3220U Monitor
Price £1019.99
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Its a pricey investment and makes a great gif for anyone who wants to own a professional colour-accurate monitor made for designers. You can read our review of the monitor here!
Thanks for reading, Hopefully, this post has made gift buying just a little easier! Happy Holidays!
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