How to Make Gift Baskets for an Artist

Think like a painter when you are deciding how to make gift baskets for artists. Treat an artist to a gift basket filled with paint, paintbrushes and everything else they need to create their next masterpiece.

Think like a painter when you are deciding how to make gift baskets for artists. Keep in mind that paints and paintbrushes are only the beginning when it comes to what an artist would and could use as the creative juices begin to flow. When putting together a gift basket for an artist, you need to be as creative as your artist is.

Containers for an Artist Gift Basket

• Easel
• Picnic basket
• Suitcase on wheels
• Backpack

If Using an Easel As Your Gift Basket Container

• Oil paint
• Acrylics
• Paintbrushes
• Art palette and smock
• A cup for rinsing/washing paintbrushes (make sure cup fits the shelf on the easel)
• Large canvas or a tablet of sketching paper

Stand the easel up, and clip the tablet of paper or canvas to the board. Set the paints and the cup on the easel shelf. If the easel will be used at a cottage or near another outdoor scene, you might want to include something in the gift that would say "cottage" to the recipient of the gift, such as a wind sock or chime with a lighthouse on it.

If Using a Picnic Basket As Your Gift Basket Container

• Colored pencils
• Watercolors
• Paintbrushes
• Art palette and smock
• One bottle of water for cleaning brushes
• Rinsing cup, tissues and/or a soft cloth for cleaning
• Cleaning supplies and several plastic bags (to store wet brushes, and other small items)
• A tablet or packet of cardstock paper
• Picnic blanket
• A bottle of wine
• Cheese and crackers

When we think of picnic baskets, we tend to think in terms of romance, so let's assume this artist will have company. Maybe the artist will paint while his/her lover naps or reads. Gift baskets that include a picnic basket means there probably will be company along on this excursion, so include something to keep both parties busy.

If Using a Suitcase on Wheels As Your Gift Basket Container

• Colored pencils
• Watercolor paints
• Paintbrushes
• Art palette and smock
• One bottle of water for cleaning brushes
• Cleaning supplies and several plastic bags (to store wet brushes and other small items)
• Sketch pads of several different sizes

One can assume that if a suitcase on wheels is used, then the recipient will be on the move. That could mean a visit to the zoo, a trip to the airport, a jaunt down the street to the park or any other trek that would include roads, sidewalks and/or other hard surfaces where wheels would have smooth sailing.

If Using a Backpack As Your Gift Basket Container

• Paintbrushes
• Art palette and smock
• Colored Pencils
• Disposable camera (to capture scenes to be painted later)
• Several different sizes of sketch pads and/or a small canvas (already stretched)
• Cleaning supplies and several plastic bags (to store wet brushes and other small items)
• A bottle of water (for cleaning brushes)
• Small fold-up chair or cushion
• Raincoat or poncho and sunglasses

Assuming the backpack is chosen because your artist is planning on moving on foot, perhaps into remote areas, there are a few additional things to keep in mind such as mountains, meadows, forests and what they entail. This artist will need rain gear and sunglasses.

Last Reminders

If your artist is a watercolor-only artist, forget the oils and acrylics and stick to watercolors. Knowing your artist and what his or her habits and/or likes and dislikes include will go a long way in helping you create the perfect masterpiece gift basket, whether you use an easel, a suitcase on wheels, a picnic basket or a backpack. For this gift basket, however, paints and paintbrushes are a must.