If you’re tired of gag gifts and want some practical goodies to spark creativity and to inspire the artist in your life, you’ve come to the right place. (Okay, I might also throw a gag gift in there every now and again…).

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Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set - 6 Graphite Pencils

My artist pals tell me that these pencils are among the best, and best-priced. Made with reforested wood and featuring break-resistant lead, this set includes 6 artist-quality graphite pencils in various degrees of lead hardness: 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B.

Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Color Watercolor Paint Set

Gansai is traditional Japanese watercolor, utilizing colors that are based off those seen in nature, meaning they are vivid and opaque. Pans are carefully filled with paint that is smooth, not granulated, and dries with a slight shiny finish. Within each Gansai Tambi set is a protective sheet that not only keeps your pans from shifting but can be used as a palette mixer. Each box also includes a color chart so you can swatch the colors yourself and distinguish between them quickly.

Rustic Genuine Leather Pencil Roll

Perfect for the artist (or writer!) on the go, this real leather pencil roll can can also be used for pens, markers, and potentially even paintbrushes. Know a sketcher who likes to draw en plein air? This will add a little bit of delicious luxury to their experience.

The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver

Cleaning your brushes are important, y’all… [rifles through old watercolor brushes and looks at them sadly] Keep them looking fresh and new—and reinvigorate old ones— with this non-toxic, water-soluble cleaning compound. It works safely on oils, acrylics, or watercolors

Shinhan Art Touch Twin 60 Marker Set

I am not an artist myself, but even I am absolutely drooling over this marker set. Yep, it’s on the pricier side, but wow. These are amazing. Like many brush marker sets, these are double-tipped (one with a broad end, and one with a fine nib). All the ink is odorless, and both the ink and the nibs are refillable/replaceable! A good “buy once, use forever” kind of gift.

Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker - Classic Series - 8-Cup

Okay, this isn’t artist-specific, but my guess is that it doesn’t hurt to provide a little perk to your favorite creative. This classic pour-over carafe allows coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor. Filters not included, FYI.

Old Holland Classic Oil Colors (Set of 10)

Manufacturing pigments since 1664, Old Holland Classic Oil Colors are still considered today as one of the top oil paints in the world. Their paints are a bit on the pricey side, but this introductory package gives you a nice look at one of the best paints out there so you can give it a try.

Strathmore 500 Series Heavyweight Mixed Media Pad 9"X12"-12 Sheets

You always need paper, right? Whether you are sketching, using watercolors, or more, this one right here is guaranteed to be the most versatile and will hold up to even the best kind of artsy abuse.

Luxo LC1AWT LC 22W Circline Fluorescent with 14W CFL Task Light, 45" Powder-Coated Arm with External Springs

Take it from an art historian who spent literal years sitting in the dark, staring at slides. YOU NEED GOOD LIGHT. This one is sure to help on those late night drawing sessions, with its adjustable arm, desk clamp, and super-bright bulb. White tone not your thing? They’ve got you covered with a black lamp, too.

Friday Collective Late Nights Candle

Sometimes you need a little something to set the mood (or to help you unwind after a long day). I’m smitten with these candles by Friday Collective, with their great names, fun designs, and delicious scents. I think Late Nights, shown here, seems like a good move, but I’m also interested in 3 Day Wknd and Flying Solo, too.