The Christmas season, with its festive atmosphere and cherished traditions, is widely considered the most ‘wonderful time of year’. During the holidays, it is customary to spread cheer through thoughtful gift-giving, a heartfelt practice that brings genuine smiles to our loved ones. To simplify your shopping experience, we have curated a list of gift ideas tailored for the creative souls in your life.
Creative Essentials
From the seasoned artist to the DIY lover, high-quality supplies would be appreciated and do wonders for their craft. This type of gift shows that you understand their passions and support their interests, which makes it extra special.
Consider gifting professional-grade tools that complement the recipient’s creative field. For example, for a painter or sketch-artist, this could be quality paint brushes or pencil sets or new canvas. A musician, on the other hand, might appreciate high-quality instrument accessories like guitar picks or drumsticks, music stands, songbooks, a digital tuner, recording equipment, or even a new musical instrument.
Think of your creative’s greatest passions and tailor your gift around this interest. If you believe they have everything they need to create, then consider items that could enhance their workstation such as comfortable seating or a height-adjustable desk; All creatives need a comfortable, inspiring workspace.
Examples include:
- Art supplies – paint brush set, professional-grade pencil collection, premium acrylic paints
- Digital tools – graphic drawing tablets, digital camera, external hard drive, smartpen, gaming mouse
- Music instruments – acoustic-electric guitar, piano, drum kit
- Photography equipment – DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses, tripod, external flash and lighting kit
- Sewing and textile tools – heavy-duty sewing machine, assorted fabric bundle, tailor’s cutting mat and rotary cutter set
- Culinary tools – chef’s knife set, high-end blender, cast iron dutch oven
- Writing supplies – ergonomic keyboard, chair pillow, unique mug, laptop stand
- Crafting tools for DIY enthusiasts – wood burning kit, multi-tool set, precision craft knife set
Personalised Tools
Adding a personal touch to your present can make it impactful and enhance its sentimental value. Consider personalising an item, like a pen or bag, with your creative’s name, initials or the name of their creative business. Having customised or branded material can be encouraging and boost their morale and excitement to pursue their goals.
Examples include a custom-designed:
- Leather notebook or journal
- Business card holder
- Tool set
- Bag or backpack
- Drinkware
- Tech accessories
- Apron for cooking or crafting
- Jewellery
Software and Tech Devices
It’s no secret that technology improves the efficiency of any creative endeavour. Digital tools help facilitate innovation, encouraging creatives to experiment and push the boundaries of their craft. For instance, creatives benefit from the precise control and attention to detail that are achievable with gifts like a suite of powerful creative software, writing or drawing software, noise-cancelling headphones, or a new laptop.
These gifts could contribute to better organisation and aid in professional development, while offering flexibility and mobility. For instance, artists might find digital drawing tablets useful since they offer an immersive canvas, allowing them to create their artistic vision with precision and ease; Writers can benefit from innovative writing software that enhances productivity; and musicians might enjoy digital audio workstations, enabling them to compose, produce, and refine their musical masterpieces.
Examples include:
- Digital drawing software
- Graphic design software
- Writing software
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Laptop for creative work
- Photography editing software
- Digital note-taking devices
- Online learning subscriptions
When it comes to gift shopping for creatives, you have loads of options. But while making your selection, remember that your gift does not have to be tangible – it can be an empowering opportunity such as a subscription to a creative platform, workshop, or class enrollment, or even a meaningful experience like a museum trip.
To learn more about what creatives might desire for the holidays, let’s take a look at what creatives Anita Frazer and Winslow Jordan have to say.
Anita Frazer
Anita is the 31-year-old founder of the fashion brand Naomi: Avec Amour, which pays homage to her mother, grandmother, and late aunt, who all helped to shape her career. The Jamaican designer, who has a passion for trends and interchangeable styles, was first inspired by her mom.
Anita said that as a girl, she would often watch her mother sew and would use leftover fabric to make clothes for her dolls:
“This early exposure to the art of designing ignited my creative journey and laid the foundation for my successful career as a fashion designer.”
When asked to state what she would like for Christmas, Anita shared:
All I want for Christmas is a black mannequin body torso (size small)! I believe that any designer needs one or more of these mannequins as it’s perfect for draping or drafting patterns. It’s also perfect for behind-the-scenes photos and these mannequins test how the clothing fits before client fittings or final delivery. As a bonus, they are a great decor for the sewing room!”
Winslow Jordan
Winslow is a versatile Barbadian creative, popularly known by the rap alias Rubytech. His many roles and talents include illustrator, writer, entrepreneur, hair technician, and recently, actor. He is the owner of the Razor’s Edge, which is known for men’s grooming and has now extended their repertoire to include urban casual wear for men. Winslow’s artistic prowess can be traced to his youth:
“Son of the late great artist Winston Jordan, I grew up in an artist-centric household and from young, participated in costuming, playing Mas and was included in most visual endeavours with my dad, leading to me having confidence in not only my artistic ability, but a keen eye for art and ear for sonic details,” he said.
Winslow, who is also an active member of Undaground Speech (UGS) and the Village Shop Creative group, said that he has two desires for the holidays:
On my artistic side, it’s to be able to stay creatively productive, having ample means to do so. On my sentimental side, it’s to see my grandma home for the holidays, as our family has placed her temporarily in a home, so that she could be greeted by her loved ones and have an awesome Christmas day.”
As you shop for the holidays, remember that the most meaningful gifts are those that resonate with the passions and aspirations of your loved ones. Whether it’s Creative Essentials, Personalised Tools, or cutting-edge Software and Tech Devices, your gift is sure to inspire and support the creatives in your life. You can also consider an intangible gift such as a workshop or educational course, which could be a practical and empowering option.
Whatever you decide, we know that your presence and thoughtfulness alone is enough to make your loved ones’ holiday special. We at Glamizine would like to take this time to wish you a very merry and memorable Christmas!
