The ONLY Creative Gift Guide You Need This Season
Gifts FOR artists, BY artists (and yes you can buy something for yourself!)
It’s the holiday season. Most of us have a creative person in our life that we might want to buy something for. Or…. maybe you’re the creative, and you could send this list to a loved one with a winky emoji.
These are all artists I know or small shops I’ve bought from and loved - no money going to Zuckerburg from this list, thank you very much. Without further ado, here is my Creative Holiday Gift Guide.
The post is likely too long to be read in your email! Click here to read on Substack to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Books
We Need Your Art, by Amie McNee.
There’s a blog post coming someday about how THIS BOOK is the one we should hand young creatives, rather than the big ask of The Artist’s Way.
If you’ve follow me, there’s a 99.9% chance you’ve heard of (and likely read) this book. But my suggestion? Buy it for the young artist in your life.
If you are shopping for an indie author, they might love getting a book by other indie authors! Look no further than The Substack Bookstore, which just put out an Ultimate Guide, organized by genre. Support Substack authors, support indie authors, and buy something great.
Cookbooks
Do you want the most gorgeous illustrated cookbook of all time? Look no further than Anna Lena Feunekes’ Hand-Illustrated Cookbook. (As of writing, there’s a 10% off code in the link above.)
Wrapping Paper
Collin Williams is someone I’ve ordered cards from before and they were DARLING. This year, I’m recommending his adorable wrapping paper! But check out his website, he also sells clay ornaments, greeting cards, sticker sheets, and calendars. I love everything this person makes.
Cards, Prints, and Stickers
The Cutest Fox Cards Ever, from Tiphaine Marie’s Whales + Wolves.
I bought a bunch of these and they are ADORABLE in person. The Artists’ Stickers, by Elizabeth Aman (that’s me!!) - available here. These make a great stocking stuffer for the artist in your life!
Get these adorable stickers for the artist in your life! The most incredible nature-inspired prints, stickers, and cards from Maria Overlay
My absolute FAVORITE thing from her shop is her wood slice paintings. (Anyone shopping for me for Christmas, that’s what I want!!)
I mean COME ON. These are so magical. She also sells Yoga Mats with her art printed on them and they are INCREDIBLE.
Embroidery
If you’re like me, you have a Granny Friend in your life - they might not be in their 80s literally, but they mayyyy have picked up embroidery. For that person, you should check out this incredible embroidery book, The Stitched Landscape.
(She also sells individual patterns on her shop if you’re looking to make something to give as a gift!)
Clothing
Urban Creative Clothing is incredible. I bought two of their shirts (a regular T and a cropped T) a few years ago and they are such high quality material, great cuts, and I would wear them every day if I could.
I love the “Create” design, as well as the “Small Steps” one. Dearest husband: if you’re reading this, I’ve always wanted one of their hoodies… size XL.
Anyways, I always feel like a badass artist when I wear their clothes.
BANGS shoes are the COOLEST high tops I’ve ever seen. They are embroidered with the most whimsical designs.
I bought their pair of SUN AND MOON shoes a few months ago and they are SO comfy, so well made, and I live in them. (I wear them to work, and I’m on my feet ALL day as a teacher.) Just make sure you know your friend’s shoe size.
An honorable mention goes to The Awesome Socks club - high quality socks, designed by independent artists, delivered to your door each month! And, 100% of the profit goes to charity. If you don’t want socks every month, they also do “mystery boxes” around the holidays! I get one every year and then match the patterns to my friends’ personalities. They are also my favorite socks to wear.
Calendars
One of my long-time favorite artists goes by the name of Tofu Goob, and she has released the most iconic calendars. She has one that is Famous Paintings, but make it Ducks - and a new one of iconic album covers, but make it ducks. Perfect of any Art History lovers, music divas, or duck-lovers.
I MEAN LOOK AT THIS. I NEED IT.
Spiritual & Outside the Box
Lindsay Nee’s incredible Sacred Candles. She says, “they are intended to help with a variety of things from focus, writers block, and creativity. Some pair with poems and stories I wrote!” So cool, please check her out.
My friend Elsie JUST LAUNCHED her intuitive pet poems! She says, “I write intuitively crafted pet poetry, where I combine my animal communication skills with my love for writing poetry to create custom, bespoke poems with pets for their people!” You guuuuys, this is the coolest thing I can imagine. I can already picture several people I’d love to give this as a gift to.
If you are a Christian and looking for an beautiful devotional for yourself or for a friend, I just bought “Wonder” by Alicia Hamilton. It is just as gorgeous in reality as it looks online. I’m not a huge “devotional” person, but it really spoke to my artistic side. I think it would make a terrific gift as well.
If you are an artist/creative who sells things online, leave a comment with a link to your work! I’d love to celebrate all of you.
This is an amazing list! I am really inspired for gift giving this holiday, what beautiful creations from all! Absolutely love everything!
What a fucking honour!!!