27 Unique Gifts for Creatives
I’ve always loved finding the right gift; something thoughtful, useful, or just plain beautiful. This list is full of gifts for creatives: things I’ve given, received, or kept in my cart for far too long. Some are aesthetic, some are functional, and most are a little bit of both.
You’ll find a mix of local makers, small businesses, and a few practical favorites from Amazon. Everything here has a purpose, whether it’s to inspire, organize, comfort, or spark creativity. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, a coworker, or yourself, I hope you find something that feels right for this season.
1. Blue Beach Girl Incense Holder
A little coastal, a little whimsical… this hand-painted incense holder adds personality to any desk or nightstand. It’s functional art: cheerful, a bit irreverent, and perfect for the creative who loves small rituals and sunny moods.
2. One-of-a-Kind Upcycled Quilted Jackets
Handmade by Slater the Creator in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each piece is crafted from vintage quilts, so no two are alike. They’re cozy, bold, and full of personality, the kind of wearable art that tells a story. She releases new drops periodically (and they go fast), so keep an eye out if you spot one you love.
3. Sectioned Sculptural Stoneware Vase
A wavy, sculptural piece that looks good with or without flowers. The sectioned design adds texture and movement; perfect as a dining table centerpiece or a shelf accent. It’s one of those pieces that feels both artistic and grounding, like something you’d find in a well-loved creative home.
4. Solar-Powered Portable Power Bank
From Unite to Light in Santa Barbara, a nonprofit bringing solar light and power to communities without reliable electricity. Each purchase helps fund lights for students, midwives, and disaster relief efforts worldwide. A perfect gift for frequent travelers, campers, or anyone who loves a meaningful gadget that gives back. (I carry might with me on every trip).
5. Sculptural iPhone Case
A fun, wavy case that turns your phone into a little art object. Sleek, glossy, and tactile, it adds a playful touch to something you use every day. Comes in the best colors (I’m partial to the cream and wine red, personally, but there are more colors).
6. “No Inspiration Today, Sorry” Tee
For the creatives who get it. This shirt is equal parts funny and honest; a wearable reminder that rest (and a sense of humor) are part of the process. Perfect for studio days, coffee runs, or your next creative block.
7. Olive Green Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag
Because even lunch can have good design. This waxed canvas bag feels utilitarian in the best way; durable, weather-resistant, and softens beautifully over time. It’s one of those small, everyday upgrades that makes packing a meal (or carrying art supplies) feel a little more intentional.
8. One Line a Day Journal
A five-year memory book that turns reflection into a simple daily ritual. Write one sentence each night and watch your life unfold in small, beautiful snapshots. It’s one of those timeless gifts for creatives who love documenting life without pressure or perfection.
9. Sculptural Sterling Silver Ring
My favorite ring I own. I wear it every day. Minimal but distinctive, it has that perfect imperfect shape that makes it feel like something you picked up in a small studio abroad. A quiet statement piece that goes with everything.
10. Made-to-Order Footie Mug
Made by a local ceramicist in Chattanooga, TN, this handmade mug is equal parts cozy and cheerful. It’s one of those gifts for creatives that feels personal and joyful, handmade by a creative for another.
11. Maison Louis Marie Discovery Set
I did a lot of research to find a perfume with clean, nontoxic ingredients that I actually liked, and landed here. This set lets you try their signature scents before committing to a full bottle. Elegant, subtle, and the perfect little luxury for anyone who loves small sensory rituals.
12. “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin
One of the best presents for creative people; part philosophy, part permission slip. Rick Rubin’s reflections on creativity feel like a conversation with someone who deeply understands what it means to make things. It’s grounding, expansive, and worth rereading every year.
13. “Where Should We Begin?” Conversation Card Deck
Such a fun, thoughtful gift; I’ve given it to so many people. Created by Esther Perel, it’s designed to spark meaningful stories and real connection, whether you’re with close friends, new ones, or your partner. Every time you open it, you end up somewhere unexpected.
14. Fujifilm Disposable Camera
Even though now we all have cameras in our pockets, there’s something inherently creative about returning to the way things used to be; slowing down, taking one shot instead of ten, and seeing what develops. A thoughtful reminder that imperfection can be part of the art.
15. Small-Batch Matcha Made in Maine
From CHUH, a woman-founded company crafting organic matcha lattes with personality. This spiced vanilla flavor blends ceremonial-grade matcha with chai-inspired warmth: smooth, cozy, and crash-free. Perfect for slow mornings, creative work sessions, or gifting to the friend who always has a beverage in hand.
16. Coastal Boat and Tote
I couldn’t be from Maine and not include this one. The Lands’ End Boat and Tote is as classic as it gets: sturdy canvas, timeless design, and endlessly useful. Perfect for picnics, weekend trips, art supplies, or tossing in the back of your car. A reliable staple that somehow always feels a little bit coastal, no matter where you are.
17. How to Live With Objects Coffee Table Book
A cool, slightly meta coffee table book (it’s about objects and becomes one itself). Written by the founders of Sight Unseen, it explores how the things we live with shape our spaces, memories, and moods. It’s one of those timeless gifts for creatives who love design, curation, and the stories behind everyday things — plus, that green cover looks good anywhere.
18. A Masterclass Subscription
For the endlessly curious. A MasterClass subscription is one of the best gifts for creatives. Give the gift of access to world-class lessons from artists, writers, designers, and thinkers who’ve shaped their fields. It’s the kind of gift that keeps unfolding long after the holidays — inspiring new ideas, skills, and ways of seeing the world.
19. Natural History Stationary Set
A little wonder cabinet of paper goods. This set, with detailed prints and scientific sketches, feels like something you’d find in an old library, doesn’t it? Perfect for the friend who treasures design in the details.
20. Kinfolk Annual Magazine Subscription
For the friend who reads magazines like art books. Kinfolk is slow, beautiful, and endlessly inspiring. A subscription means new ideas arriving at their doorstep all year long.
21. Grandma Blue Light Glasses
Cute and practical, these oversized frames give vintage librarian energy while protecting your eyes from too much screen time. Perfect for workdays, creative sessions, or pretending you’re writing a novel at a café (all the better for seeing, my dear).
22. Mini Portable Watercolor Set
Compact, beautiful, and ready for anywhere inspiration strikes. This pocket-sized kit has everything you need for painting on the go. Complete with a a foldable palette, brushes, and rich pigments, it’s one of the best gifts for an artsy person who loves slowing down, noticing details, and creating wherever they are.
23. Tulip Block Printing Set
Everything you need to design your own hand-printed stationery: stamps, ink, and templates included. It’s tactile, meditative, and way more fun than another digital project. A perfect present for a designer (or anyone who loves getting their hands messy in the best way).
24. Hatch Sunrise Clock
Wake up naturally, without harsh alarms or morning scrolling. The Hatch mimics the colors of sunrise to help you fall asleep and wake up gently, syncing with your natural rhythm. A calm, phone-free way to start and end the day that feels like a genuine upgrade to your mornings.
25. Yuzu Planner (2026)
Minimal, structured, and beautifully made; this planner is both practical and design-forward. With thoughtful layouts and clean typography, it’s perfect for creatives who love form and function. One of those quietly satisfying cool gifts for designers who appreciate good paper and intentional planning.
26. REI National Parks Annual Pass
Nothing inspires creativity quite like getting outside. This pass covers entry to every U.S. National Park for a full year, spanning quiet trails to wide-open views that reset your perspective. A thoughtful gift for creatives who find their best ideas in fresh air and open spaces.
27. Planning Session Gift Card
For the friend with big ideas in need of a little structure. A one-on-one planning session helps bring clarity to whatever they’re building or navigating. A truly thoughtful gift for creatives, founders, or anyone in transition.
At the end of the day, the best gifts for creatives are invitations; to rest, to imagine, to make something new. They remind us that creativity doesn’t always come from a spontaneous burst of inspiration, but from the environments and rituals that support it.
I love gifts that carry a little story; a handmade detail, a local maker’s touch, or a purpose that ripples outward. Whether it’s an upcycled jacket stitched from old quilts, a solar light that powers someone’s education, or a ceramic piece that simply brings joy, these are the kinds of objects that add meaning to everyday life.
If you’re shopping this season, I hope this list helps you find something special — for the artists, planners, and dreamers in your circle (yourself included). Every thoughtful purchase is a small way of saying: I see your spark, and I want to help it grow.
Wishing you a cozy, creative end to the year, and plenty of inspiration for what’s next.
