15 Gift Ideas For The Artsy, Creative Person In Your Life

Check out the full Hunker Holiday Gift Guide for more ideas and inspo. Whether you're shopping for midcentury modern lovers, ceramic fiends, self-proclaimed foodies, or budding astrologers, we can help.

'Tis the season: the time to wonder if the gift you bought that one creative friend could possibly measure up to their level of cool. How do you buy a good present for someone who makes art?

We spent some time scouring the interweb and our favorite retailers for some ideas. Behold: a gift guide for the imaginative person in your life, whether they're a visual artist or just a really frickin' creative person.

1. East Fork Big Sky Oval Loop Vase, $140

East Fork

The makers at East Fork create all of their ceramic pieces in North Carolina using local materials. The brand's attention to material and color have made it a cult favorite (like, this mug literally had a 1,000-person waitlist). And co-founder Alex Matisse just so happens to be Henri Matisse's great-grandson, so that's always a cool fact to bring up at dinner parties.

2. Yayoi Kusama Snow Globe, $180

MOMA Design Store

Tired: snow globes that feature the same old landscape. Wired: artsy snow globes, like this Yayoi Kusama one featuring a pumpkin in her signature style. Each time you shake the globe, you feel a little more inspired.

3. Blackcard Playing Cards, $9.95

CB2

Give your artistic friends an excuse to take a break and play a little solitaire. These all-black playing cards feel classy in a Mad Men way but could also make a great addition to a playfully messy coffee table.

4. DOIY Design Xeria Table Mirror, $45.49

Trouva

Surely your creative friends don't settle for run-of-the-mill mirrors, so get them a small statement one instead. This DOIY Design number feels unique and creative — and would make a great prop for photos.

5. Sunbeam Candles Inc. Venus de Wellendorf Candle, $18

Otherwild

Take a trip into art history with this candle in the form of the Venus of Wellendorf, the statue made around 30,000 years ago. Sure to be a conversation starter and a reminder that the itch to create dates back to forever ago.

6. Sol LeWitt Cake/Cheese Platter, $280

Whitney Shop

Dinner parties look even better if you use artsy plates like this Sol LeWitt cake/cheese platter, modeled after the minimalist artist's work. Plus you can color-code each snack for the evening.

7. btw Ceramics Wacky Pitcher, $210

Urban Outfitters

This might look confusing in an art studio, where it might blend in with other paint-splattered objects. Nonetheless, it's a good reminder to stay hydrated, even in the midst of feverishly creating.

8. Areaware Goober Candle, $24

Urban Outfitters

Just a delightfully strange candle to make the creative person in your life smile. And it also vaguely reminds us of a Kenneth Price sculpture.

9. Frank Kerdil Mondri Vase, $100

MOMA Design Store

This Mondrian-esque vase is sure to keep your flowers (real or fake) looking chic. Also perfect for storing art supplies when the space gets too messy.

10. Roar + Rabbit™ Refracted Throw, $79

West Elm

This delightful color block blanket comes from West Elm's collaboration with Philadelphia-based design firm Roar + Rabbit, aka designers Mitzie Wong and Wendy Wurtzburger. Perfect for those chillier nights, or naps in between bursts of creativity.

11. Atelier Stella Double Face Vase (Small), $32

Anthropologie

Something about this two-faced vase strikes us as surreal, in the best way possible. We love the idea of using it for dried flowers or just as a standalone decor item.

12. Mickalene Thomas Puzzle, $28

MOCA Store

Encourage an artsy brain break with this Mickalene Thomas-themed puzzle. Great for hanging on the wall after you finish it, too.

13. O-M Ceramic Black Dots Mug, $54

ban.do

This mug can hopefully remind your artsy friend which mug houses the dirty paint water and which one holds the coffee. Los Angeles-based O-M Ceramic is the brainchild of ceramicist and artist Carrie Lau.

14. IKEA Slipsten Wall Clock, $12.99

IKEA

Slightly moody but with a pop of color here and there, this IKEA clock feels like the Scandi-cool addition a creative home might be missing. And it's a more pleasing way of watching the time go by as you procrastinate.

15. TramaiCeramics Hedgehog Brush Rest, $29.50

Etsy

This pick falls somewhere between the genius and downright adorable categories. A hedgehog-shaped brush rest always come in handy, right?

16. Dusen Dusen Throw Pillow Case, $64

ban.do

This Dusen Dusen pillow case is modern decor with an Op Art twist. It also personifies the mood you get in when that creative block hits.