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!
1. Wacom Intuos Pro Small Graphics Tablet
Price £159 - £191
Product Link
The Intuos graphic tablet is 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 can save working time, allow users to be more creative and open up more creative ideas. Perfect for anyone who loves creating digital artwork!
2. Pantone...well anything!
Website Link
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!
Website Link
(price from $19 - $670)
If you have a relative or close friend who is interested in becoming a graphic designer, 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!
4. iPad Pro (supports Apple Pencil)
Website Link
iPad from £349 (One of the most affordable iPad)
iPads 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 Vectornator, make it so much more fun and more comfortable to design on the go.
5. Phone Loop
Product Link
Price $6
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. Bang & Olufsen Wireless Headphones
Price from £129
Product Link
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!
7. Papergang Subscription
Product Page
Price varies per subscription option.
For the more crafty designers or anyone who want's a break from using the screen, a Papergang subscription is a gift which keeps on giving.
Created by ohhdear.com every month includes exclusive stationery and desk accessories designed in collaboration with different artists and creatives. So this gift provides a host of fantastic stationery to use as well as a source of monthly inspiration and way to discover a new artist. They are delivered right to the door!
8. DJI osmo Mobile 2 Handheld Smartphone Gimbal
Product Link
Price from £89
This one is a bit of a mouthful. It's a handheld smartphone gimbal. This device allows a user to attach/insert their smartphone and capture smooth and professional footage on the move.
It's perfect for any creative who loves exploring, taking video footage or who enjoys editing video footage. It can be used in both a professional and personal capacity.
It's lightweight and easy to chuck in a backpack for the day (and no complaints about wobbly footage.) However, be warned it might mean more time spent 'getting the right angle or shot.'
9. Versatile Laptop Backpack
Product Link
Price £37
For the more practical types, this waterproof bag doubles as a backpack and briefcase/laptop bag in the case of smarter meetings. It's packed full of little pockets for laptops, iPad, phones etc. So everything stays safe, and it proves much harder to lose tiny SD cards and memory sticks!
It is designed for comfort and to relieve the stress placed on the shoulders, perfect for longer commutes.
Price from £25-£100
Product Page
Giftcards.co.uk offer a variety of gift cards from Hobbycarft to Ryamans, perfect as a gift for any creative person!
11. Moleskine Sketchbook
Price from £13.00
Product Page
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
Product Page
Not only are plants proven to improve peoples mood and well being (so a perfect gift for keeping a good vibe in the workplace or home) but they are also the ideal way to personalise a space without cluttering it up!
The design of the website and branding for the company is also great! In case you want to check it out!
13. WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
Price £56.62
Product Link
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. 100 Movies Scratch Off Bucket List Poster
Price £13.50
Product Link
Designers can be workaholics, but this gift idea is a great way to tempt them away from client briefs and personal projects. This acts as a checklist, poster and even a mini project in itself. The idea is to reveal all the mini illustrations on the entire piece, scratch them off as you watch the films!
Its minimal and contemporary design means no need to worry about font or colour choices. It all looks good, and it would be a fun, interesting and creative gift.
15. Feild Notes
Price varies £12+
Page Link
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
Total price: £19.86
Page Link
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. Tablet Stand
Price £16.99
Product Link
It's becoming trendy to draw, edit and create new work on tablets like the iPad Pro. This handy gift can make that experience even more fun and enjoyable.
The material is durable and lightweight, meaning it can be easily moved from someones home to office or visa versa. It is compatible with 5-13 inch iPad and tablets like iPad 2018 Pro 9.7 / 10.5, iPad Air, iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, Surface Pro, Samsung Tablets.
18. T-shirts for Creatives
Price £18-25
Product Link
Finally, we have some fun T-shirts for creatives, designed by creatives!
Thanks for reading, Hopefully, this post has made gift buying just a little easier!
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