The best gift for an artist is something they will actually use every day, not something that sits in a drawer. That usually means a good set of markers, a complete sketch kit, or a paint set with enough colors to experiment. Below are our picks for every budget, from stocking stuffers under $25 to full professional marker sets under $100.
Looking for gift ideas by occasion instead? See our guide to the best art gift sets for every occasion.
Quick picks
| Who it's for | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Stocking stuffer | 18-Color Dual Tip Alcohol Markers | $9.99 |
| Teen who loves anime | 41-Color Brush & Fine Tip Markers | $24.99 |
| Beginner who wants to learn to draw | 176-Piece Sketching Kit | from $25.99 |
| Someone who colors or illustrates | 121-Color Dual Tip Alcohol Markers | from $46.99 |
| Kids and families | 153-Piece Deluxe Art Set in Wooden Case | $37.99 |
| Serious colorist | 180-Color Dual Tip Alcohol Markers | $65.99 |
How to choose an art gift (3 quick questions)
- What do they make? Coloring books and illustration point to alcohol markers. Sketching points to a pencil kit. Canvas, rocks or crafts point to acrylic paint.
- How experienced are they? Beginners do best with a mid-size set (50 to 100 colors). Experienced artists appreciate a wider range of shades for smoother blending.
- Do they already own markers? If so, give them more colors rather than a duplicate. Our color guide shows which Caliart set adds the most new colors to what they have.
Best art gifts under $25
Caliart 18-Color Dual Tip Alcohol Markers ($9.99). A compact starter set with brush and chisel tips and a carrying case. It is an easy way for someone to try alcohol markers before committing to a larger set. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Caliart 41-Color Brush & Fine Tip Markers ($24.99). A focused palette built for anime, character art and illustration. The brush tip handles skin tones and shading, and the fine tip handles line work. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Caliart 61-Color Pastel Markers with Carrying Case ($23.99). Soft pastel shades with fine and chisel tips. A great fit for journaling, hand lettering and cute illustrations.
Caliart 24-Color Outline Glitter Markers ($13.99). Each stroke draws a shimmering outline around the color. They are fun for holiday cards, doodles and scrapbooks, and a crowd-pleaser for kids and crafters.
Caliart 128-Color Watercolor Paint Set ($21.99). A huge range of colors in a portable palette with a brush. A thoughtful gift for anyone curious about watercolor.
Caliart 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes ($24.99). Everything needed to start painting canvases, rocks, wood or ceramics, with 2 oz bottles and a full brush set.
Best art gifts under $50
Caliart 176-Piece Sketching Kit ($25.99 to $33.99, depending on case color). A complete drawing kit in a portable case with a sketchbook included. It is the gift we recommend most for teens and adults who want to learn to draw. See what's inside a complete sketch and drawing kit.
Caliart 121-Color Dual Tip Alcohol Markers ($46.99 to $52.99). Our best-selling set: 120 colors plus a colorless blender, in a carrying case. It comes in three tip styles, so you can match it to how they draw:
- Brush & Fine for soft blending and detail work
- Brush & Chisel for coloring large areas quickly
- Fine & Chisel for crisp line work and bold fills
Caliart 100-Color Dual Tip Alcohol Markers ($39.99). 99 colors plus a blender, with a 0.7mm fine tip and a 1 to 7mm chisel tip. It comes with a carrying case and a plastic sheet to protect the work surface.
Caliart 100-Color Pastel Alcohol Markers ($39.99). The pastel version, with brush and chisel tips. Perfect for anyone whose style leans soft, dreamy or kawaii.
Caliart 153-Piece Deluxe Art Set in Wooden Case ($37.99). A wooden case packed with drawing and painting supplies for kids and families. It is also available in pink ($39.99).
Caliart 51-Color Alcohol Markers & 34 Brush Pens Set ($36.99). Two tools in one gift: alcohol markers for blending and water-based brush pens for lettering and cards.
Caliart 80-Color Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes ($49.99). A big step up for painters who want more color without mixing everything by hand.
Best art gifts under $100
Caliart 168-Color Alcohol Markers, Chisel & Fine ($59.99). 167 colors plus a blender, a carrying case, an anti-bleed plastic sheet and an internal organizer. A favorite with adult coloring book fans.
Caliart 180-Color Alcohol Markers, Fine & Chisel ($65.99). Our widest color range in a single set: 179 colors plus a blender. Ideal for someone who already loves markers and keeps running out of shades.
Caliart 180-Color Brush & Fine Tip Markers ($84.99). The same wide range with a flexible brush tip. Illustrators and comic artists will appreciate the expressive strokes.
Caliart Dual Tip Alcohol Markers Set, 100 & 121 Colors ($86.99). 221 markers across two sets, with two tip styles and carrying cases for both. The ultimate gift for a serious colorist.
Gift tips from our team
- Add good paper. Alcohol ink can bleed through thin paper, so a pad of thick marker paper makes any marker gift better.
- Include a quick guide. New marker owners love learning how to blend alcohol markers like a pro. Print it out or send the link with the gift.
- Think about storage. Every Caliart marker set comes with a carrying case. Share our tips on how to store and care for alcohol markers so the gift lasts for years.
- Check the age. Most Caliart alcohol marker sets are recommended for teens and adults. Check each product page before buying for a younger child.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good gift for an artist who already has everything?
More colors. Artists rarely say no to a wider palette. A new tip style also helps, such as a brush tip set for someone who only owns chisel markers. Use our color guide to pick a set that adds new shades.
Are alcohol markers a good gift for beginners?
Yes. They blend smoothly, dry quickly and need no water or setup. A 50 to 100 color set gives a beginner enough range to learn shading without feeling overwhelmed.
What age are alcohol markers suitable for?
Most Caliart alcohol marker sets are recommended for ages 12 or 13 and up. For younger kids, a wooden art set or glitter outline markers are a better fit.
What is the best art gift for kids?
An all-in-one set like the 153-Piece Deluxe Art Set lets kids try several mediums in one box, and the wooden case keeps everything organized.
Holiday deals at Caliart
- Early Black Friday: 10% off sitewide, applied automatically at checkout.
- Spend $89, save an extra $10, stacked on top of the 10% off.
- Black Friday price guarantee: if our price drops before December 1, we refund the difference.
- Free shipping on every US order, shipped from our US warehouse.
0 comments