55 Best Gifts For Graphic Designers That Will Make Them Say “Wow! (2023)

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As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift for the graphic designer in your life can be a daunting task. Whether they are a professional designer or a student, graphic designers are always in need of new tools and resources to fuel their creativity. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and thoughtful gifts that will help them produce their best work yet.

From innovative software to stylish office accessories, there is no shortage of gift ideas for graphic designers. Consider getting them a high-quality stylus or a new design book for inspiration. Or, you can opt for something practical like a new monitor or a comfortable chair for their workspace.

Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with their interests and design style. With so many options available, there is no doubt that you can find the perfect gift to make their day.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 55 best gifts for graphic designers. With options at every price point, you’re sure to find something that your favorite designer will love. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of gifts for graphic designers!

    • Camera Lens Coffee Mug

      Among the gifts for graphic designers is this camera lens coffee mug. It is an excellent companion on business trips. Regardless of the event, the travel mug is a great conversation starter. The non-spill lid closes the cup like a thermos. It is made of food-grade stainless steel and is insulated to prevent sweating.

      +Leak proof
      -Must remove lid to drink
      Buy from Amazon
      • Full-Laminated Pen Display

        Gifts for designers that allow them to share their work are valuable. You can use the full-laminated pen display for online education or remote meetings. It works with online programs, such as Zoom. A battery-free pen and the tilt support function allow the creation of remarkable pieces with stunning fluidity and superior control.

        +Eight replacement nibs
        -May not be in the gift price range
        Buy from Amazon
        • our favorite
        Travel Laptop Backpack

        Cellphones, pencils, pens, journals, tablets, and water bottles are all graphic design gifts for someone you know in that line of work. This laptop backpack provides a place to store them as the user travels. It has a spacious compartment for storing accessories and daily necessities.

        +Multiple pockets on the front compartment
        -Little padding
        Buy from Amazon
        • Large 40-Page Drawing Pad

          This drawing pad is among the best gifts for designers. It comes in various perspective grids that allow drawing realistic, three-dimensional, proportional sketches. You can draw incredible interior and architectural designs, manga drawings, and comics. There are two sizes to choose from, 9 x 12 inches and 11 x 17 inches.

          +Non-intrusive, thin lines
          -Technical ink feathers on the paper
          Buy from Amazon
          • Furniture and Interior Design Templates

            The graphic design presents like this help place furniture without physically moving the pieces, which is perfect for creative and professional design. You can create awesome pictures and cool designs easily with the help of drawing templates. The three-piece set includes a house plan template, furniture template, and kitchen, bed, and bath template.

            +Flexible and sturdy
            -Lacks modern sizes and shapes
            Buy from Amazon
            • our favorite
            Short-Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt

            Hanes crew neck T-shirts have been American classics for more than a century. They are synonymous with fit, style, and comfort. This one belongs on the list of gifts for a graphic designer. It is available in men’s sizes from Small to 3X-Large. There is double stitching at the sleeves and hem.

            +Lay flat collar
            -Runs small
            Bonus Tips: The t-shirt has a tag-free label

            Buy from Amazon
            • Castle Art Supplies

              The best design gifts are those with a carry-anywhere function. This is the ultimate drawing set. It comes in an attractive zipper case that unfolds into organized sections. The collection has tools, blenders, graphite and charcoal sticks, pastel and charcoal pencils. An easy-to-follow 20-page book includes tips for making the most of the supplies.

              +Money-back Plus guarantee
              -Pencils have little range from light to dark or hard to soft
              Buy from Amazon
              • Prank Gift Box

                Add some laughter to graphic design gifts with this prank gift box. The recipient of this gag gift will be convinced you gave them a bizarre gift. It puts a fun, quirky twist on gift-giving. Wrapping any gift inside the box adds a layer of enjoyment to the present.

                +Made from 100 percent recyclable cardboard
                -Empty box
                Buy from Amazon
                • How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul

                  If you are searching for graphic gift design gift ideas, consider this book, which is a trusted source for graphic designers. It combines philosophical guidance with practical advice for young professionals in graphic design careers. Topics discussed include global trends, such as the rise of digital culture, ethics, and social responsibility.

                  +Includes interviews with leading designers
                  -Gives more opinions than advice
                  Buy from Amazon
                  • Fineliner Pens

                    Go-to tools for play, work, and art like these fineliner pens are among the best gifts for graphic designers. They create precision marks that last forever. There are six pens in the set with assorted point sizes. The ink is pH neutral, quick-drying, bleed-free, fade-resistant, and waterproof.

                    +Consistent results
                    -Pens dry out quickly
                    Buy from Amazon
                    • XP-PEN Drawing Monitor Pen Display

                      Because display graphic monitors are popular gift ideas for graphic designers, there are several mentioned in this article. They differ in size and price. This one seamlessly combines the screen and glass to create a distraction-free working environment with virtually no parallax. It supports a tilt function up to 60 degrees.

                      +Superb color acuity
                      -Limited instructions
                      Buy from Amazon
                      • Small Graphic Drawing Table

                        Gift ideas for designers bring creativity and vision to life. This graphics drawing table is compatible with Windows, MAC, and Chromebook. It is simple to set up and put to use for any project. Pen technology that matches movement control and accuracy makes for precise presentations. An ergonomic 2048 pressure-sensitive pen is included.

                        +Pen needs no batteries
                        -No Bluetooth connection
                        Bonus Tips: The graphic drawing tablet is excellent for photo editing.

                        Buy from Amazon
                        • Grid Paper Notebook

                          The hardcover journal and pen holder are excellent gifts for graphic artists. The notebook has a sturdy cover that protects artwork for years, and the elastic pen look keeps a pen available at all times. This gift is ideal for designers and engineers. High-quality, recyclable writing paper is 20 to 54 percent thicker than most.

                          +Timeless style and versatility
                          -Some complaints about the binding
                          Buy from Amazon
                          • Watercolor Brush Pens

                            This gift for graphic designer is a set of brush pens filled with premium watercolor ink ideal for coloring, blending, and other watercolor techniques. A refillable brush pen is included. The flexible nylon brush tips allow for fine and broad strokes. These pens are suitable for any skill level.

                            +Convenient storage case
                            -Dry out quickly
                            Buy from Amazon
                            • Graphic Artists Guild Handbook

                              Presents for graphic designers may be gifts that help them make a sustainable living, price their work, and plan for uncertain economic times. This book is an industry reference for communication illustration and design professionals. It is a comprehensive guide that helps graphic artists create a rewarding and sustainable career.

                              +Includes interviews with self-employed graphic artists
                              -Complaints about arrival condition
                              Buy from Amazon
                              • Artist Gloves

                                These gloves are excellent Christmas gifts for digital artists. You can use them for digital drawing on a tracing light pad, light box, tablet, or graphic monitor. The fabric is made of high-elastic fiber with a soft texture, strong tensile strength, and air permeability. They are soil resistant and do not have to be washed frequently.

                                +Work on either hand
                                -Must close a built-in palm detection function before using
                                Buy from Amazon
                                • How to Draw Cool Stuff

                                  As the title suggests, this book is among the cool gifts for designers. It provides simple step-by-step instructions that make it easy to draw with precision and confidence. The book guides you through the basic illustration principles by concentrating on shapes that are easy to learn and build into complex drawings.

                                  +Hands-on exercises to help see lines, shapes, and space in everyday items
                                  -Lack information about shading and finishing
                                  Buy from Amazon
                                  • Digital Christmas Tree Ornament

                                    This is an example of graphic design gift ideas that are a unique addition to a Christmas tree or holiday decor. The set features a black digital camera and classic black and silver camera. They are beautifully detailed. Dimensions are approximately 3 x2 x 2 inches. They are made of resin.

                                    +Sturdy
                                    -A bit heavy
                                    Bonus Tips: The classic camera has a brown case.

                                    Buy from Amazon
                                    • Apple Pencil

                                      Among other suitable gifts for graphic designers is this Apple pencil. It features the natural fluidity, responsiveness, and precision of traditional writing instruments and the versatility to become much more. You can turn an iPad into a canvas, notepad, or anything imaginable. A lithium polymer battery is required.

                                      +Easy to use and charge
                                      -Expensive
                                      Buy from Amazon
                                      • Handmade Leather Journal

                                        The best gift for graphic designer may be something crafted by another artisan. This leather journal was made by artisans who have worked with leather for years. Paper made from recycled cotton is used in the notebook. It is wood and acid-free. The notebook is a perfect alternative sketchbook or photo album.

                                        +Classy string closure
                                        -Paper is unrefillable
                                        Buy from Amazon
                                        • Funny Art Graphic Shirt

                                          Gifts for graphic design students that add a bit of humor include this colorful graphic design T-shirt for art lovers. It is available in five colors and sizes for youth, women, and men. The shirt draws attention to the wearer and is an excellent conversation starter. It is lightweight with a custom fit.

                                          +Machine washable
                                          -Runs small
                                          Buy from Amazon
                                          • The Animator's Survival Guide

                                            Here is another option for those who think books are among the best gifts for a graphic designer. The book is based on Richard Williams/ sold-out Masterclasses in the U.S. and Europe. It provides principles of animation that animators, from experts to beginners and computer to classic animators, need. Williams distills the secrets of masters into a working system.

                                            +Includes sophisticated animation examples
                                            -Nudity may be too explicit for children
                                            Buy from Amazon
                                            • Colorstrology

                                              Birthday gifts for graphic designers may speak to their use of color. This insightful guide to birthdays colors is a blend of color theory, numerology, and astrology that offers insights into the relationships and lives of people. It features 366 birthday colors that may illustrate why people behave as they do.

                                              +A birthday color for any date of the year
                                              -Not for unbelievers of astrology or numerology
                                              Buy from Amazon
                                              • Tracking Light Box

                                                Tracing light boxes are cool gifts for graphic designers. Even though this one is lightweight and ultra-thin, it is made with solid workmanship and material that make it sturdy. Two magnetic pins hold the paper on the surface to prevent moving. There are three light adjustment levels that are flicker-free and protect the eyes.

                                                +Has a wide range of applications
                                                -Not portable
                                                Bonus Tips: The tracing pad is perfect for streaming, drawing, sketching, tattoo transferring, scrapbooking, embossing, calligraphy, 2D animation, and stenciling.

                                                Buy from Amazon
                                                • Design Thinking Tool Box

                                                  The Design Thinking Toolbar explains the essential methods and tools to implement design thinking. It is based on an international survey on using design thinking. Those involved with design, leadership, and innovation need these tools. The book includes images, templates, expert tips, and simple instructions to help implement each method or tool.

                                                  +Available in paperback or Kindle format
                                                  -Minor complaint about print quality
                                                  Buy from Amazon
                                                  • Pantone Color Guide

                                                    Graphic design gift ideas that allow artists to work from home and have the tools provided in an office make life easier. This set of Pantone Spot colors is a compact format that helps select and specifies colors when working outside an office. You can use it for video, animation, web, digital design, and print graphics.

                                                    +Printed on coated paper stock
                                                    -Expensive
                                                    Buy from Amazon
                                                    • most popular
                                                    Office Lap Desk

                                                    Another item for working outside an office is this home office lap desk. It is the ideal size for laptops that measure up to 15.6 inches. There is ample space for accessories and devices. A built-in device ledge prevents a notepad, tablet, or laptop from slipping. It has a phone slot built into the mousepad.

                                                    +Available for right or left-handed users
                                                    -Issues with mousepad design
                                                    Buy from Amazon
                                                    • Pantone Mug

                                                      Add a creative spark to a meeting with this coffee mug displaying a specific Pantone color and logo. It is ideal for hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. The cup is made from ceramic. It is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Pantone products celebrate the joy of color and inspire self-expression and creativity.

                                                      +Stylish
                                                      -May fade
                                                      Buy from Amazon
                                                      • Spirograph Art Set

                                                        Create countless unique designs with this Spirograph art set. The kit features a durable, high-quality carrying case with a built-in drawing surface and snap-in storage. Three design pens are included that work with the precision-engineered Spirograph gears. You can also use most standard pencils, markers, and pens with the set.

                                                        +20 sheets of designer paper included
                                                        -Lowest reviews in ease of use
                                                        Buy from Amazon
                                                        • Blue Light Blocking Glasses

                                                          These blue light blocking glasses are for men or women. They are extremely comfortable and durable. Not all blue light glasses are created equal. this pair may not be the lowest priced but is among the best. They have been third-party tested and provide immediate and lasting relief.

                                                          +Seven layers of protection
                                                          -Complaints about the quality of the frames
                                                          Bonus Tips: The glasses help relieve dry eyes, eye strain, and migranes.

                                                          Buy from Amazon
                                                          • Set of Acrylic Paint Pens

                                                            Reversible bullet tips allow these markers to last two times longer than other markers. They are non-toxic, alcohol-free, and waterproof. The markers are designed for the creative mind. They can be used for embellishing caps, rock painting, coloring potted plants, T-shirt design, skateboarding, glass writing, and decorating photos.

                                                            +Usable on more than 50 surfaces
                                                            -Priming pens has a learning curve
                                                            Buy from Amazon
                                                            • Bellroy Classic Pouch

                                                              This is an everyday pouch to keep daily essentials, such as tools, toiletries, cosmetics, and cables in one place. It has mesh pockets on the inside for organizing and water-resistant backing. The pouch has a folding wide access opening and a discreet pocket that has a magnetic closure. The dimensions are 8.8 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches.

                                                              +Three-year warrantly
                                                              -Pricey
                                                              Buy from Amazon
                                                              • Four-Bay DiskStation

                                                                Extra storage is among the best gifts for graphic designers. This is an excellent backup storage gadget. It has dual 1GbE ports and Link Aggregation and failover support. The DiskStation has raw single volume capaciy of more than 40TB. There is a control panel for different settings.

                                                                +Also available in one or two-bay versions
                                                                -Tech skills are required
                                                                Buy from Amazon
                                                                • Creative Workshop

                                                                  For those who struggle to complete design projects on time or feel deadlines stifle creativity, this book is an excellent resource. It contains 80 creative challenges to help achieve stronger design solutions in a variety of media within a set amount of time. Examples of exercises include designing a paper robot and creating a typeface in a specific time allotment.

                                                                  +Includes useful brainstorming techniques
                                                                  -Does not address specific technicalities
                                                                  Buy from Amazon
                                                                  • Graphic Designer Mug

                                                                    The ceramic mug is available in all white or white with a black, pink, red, blue, green, orange, or yellow handle. It is available in either an 11 or 15-ounce size. You can upgrade the order to include gift wrapping, a ribbon, and a gift note. The cup is a beautiful gift for graphic designers.

                                                                    +Printed on both sides
                                                                    -No returns or exchanges accepted
                                                                    Buy from Etsy
                                                                    • Graphic Designer Hourly Rate Mug

                                                                      A large easy grip handle adds to the sturdiness of this mug. It comes in two sized perfect for coffee – 11-ounce and 16-ounce. the cup is a cool gift for graphic designers who are tea or coffee lovers. It is a humorous gift for any graphic artist you know.

                                                                      +Microwave and dishwasher safe
                                                                      -Pricey
                                                                      Bonus Tips: The cup can be personalized with a slogan or job title.

                                                                      Buy from Etsy
                                                                      • Graphic Designer Necklace

                                                                        A graphic designer who is moving or planning to retire will appreciate the sentiment printed on the packaging of this necklace. The necklace is available in sterling silver, gold vermeil, or rose gold vermeil. Vermeil is thick 18 karate gold. Rose gold is layered onto 925 sterling silver. The necklace has a lobster clasp.

                                                                        +Length adjusts to 17, 18, and 19 inches
                                                                        -Keep from other jewelry to prevent scratching
                                                                        Buy from Etsy
                                                                        • Personalized Graphic Designer Tumbler for Men

                                                                          The tumbler is available in a 20 or 30-ounce size. It comes in your choice of ten colors. The gift for a graphic designer will bring a smile. It is a great Christmas or birthday gift. The ‘YOU’ on the tumbler can be customized with the graphic designer’s name.

                                                                          +Design will not peel
                                                                          -Returns and refunds not accepted
                                                                          Buy from Etsy
                                                                          • Graphic Designer Baby Gift

                                                                            Here is a gift for a gift designer that just became a new mom. the onesie is available in short or long sleeves in sizes from newborn to 3T. Choose from 14 colors of vinyl printing. The onesie is made of 100 percent cotton with heat transfer vinyl applied.

                                                                            +Can be personalized
                                                                            -Runs small
                                                                            Buy from Etsy
                                                                            • Graphic Designer Hoodie

                                                                              The graphic designer hood is available in sizes S to 3XL. You have six primary colors from which to choose. The artist pullover is made from 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester. It has an adjustable drawstring hood and ribbed hem and cuffs.

                                                                              +Custom made
                                                                              -No returns or exchanges accepted
                                                                              Buy from Etsy
                                                                              • Big Deal Designer Notebook

                                                                                The recipient will feel like a big deal with this designer notebook. There are 118 pages of rule-lined paper. It has a durable black printed front cover and a plain black cover on the back. An interior pocket on the back cover provides added storage. The metal spiral gives the notebook a fancy look.

                                                                                +Pages are easy to remove
                                                                                -Exchanges and returns not accepted
                                                                                Buy from Etsy
                                                                                • Shades of Sunset Keychain

                                                                                  An ideal gift for the color maven or graphic designer in your life, the acrylic keychain shows off gorgeous shades of reds, oranges, and pinks that make up incredible sunsets. Add some personality to a set of keys. The keychain has a double-sided design. It is 3.5 inches long.

                                                                                  +Lightweight
                                                                                  -Only one color spectrum choice
                                                                                  Bonus Tips: The original artwork is created by Holly Goodman.

                                                                                  Buy from Etsy
                                                                                  • Interactive Color Wheel Enamel Pin

                                                                                    You can choose black and silver or black and gold plating for this color wheel pin. It makes an ideal gift for artists. The pin features fun, vivid colors that creative people will enjoy; It is a two-inch double-sided layer of metal. The pin is heavier and larger than most enamel pins. Deluxe locking pin backs secure the pin.

                                                                                    +Stunning design
                                                                                    -Locking pin backs sold separately
                                                                                    Buy from Etsy
                                                                                    • Office Wall Decal

                                                                                      This office wall decal is available in three sizes – 22 x 13 inches, 30 x 16 inches, and 38 x 22 inches. It is a whimsical addition to office decor. The motivational message is an excellent way to inspire a graphic designer. It is available in 19 colors. Instructions on how to install the decal are included.

                                                                                      +Appropriate for a variety of locations
                                                                                      -Wall surface must have a reasonably smooth texture
                                                                                      Buy from Etsy

                                                                                    Frequently Asked Questions

                                                                                    What are some unique gift ideas for graphic designers?

                                                                                    Some unique gift ideas for graphic designers include custom art prints, design-themed socks, a personalized sketchbook, a subscription to design magazines or software, or even a fun desk toy to inspire creativity.

                                                                                    What are some essential tools that graphic designers need as gifts?

                                                                                    To make their work easier and more productive, graphic artists frequently need essential gear including a high-quality graphics tablet, a high-resolution monitor, a laptop or desktop computer with powerful specs, design software, and a Wacom pen.

                                                                                    What are some good gift ideas for graphic designers who love typography?

                                                                                    There are many of creative gift ideas you can come up with if you want to surprise a graphic designer who loves typography. You might give them a book on typography to add to their design collection or a customized letterpress that they can use for their own work.  A fun touch to their workstation can also be added by a wall piece or mug with an inspirational typography theme. A personalized typographic necklace or bracelet would also make a thoughtful gift that any designer would appreciate.

                                                                                    What are some affordable gift ideas for graphic designers?

                                                                                    A set of premium markers or pens for sketching, a colorful and inventive coffee cup, a graphic design t-shirt, or a notepad or sketchbook with a design theme are all affordable gift ideas for graphic designers.

                                                                                    What are some fun and quirky gift ideas for graphic designers?

                                                                                    A graphic design-themed board game, a vibrant Pantone mug or phone cover, a hilarious design-themed t-shirt, or even a customized Lego minifigure with a graphic design theme are all fun and unique gift ideas.

                                                                                    What are some unique and memorable graduation gift ideas for graphic designers?

                                                                                    Unique and memorable graduation gift ideas for graphic designers could include a personalized leather portfolio, a new high-quality camera for photography, a digital drawing pad, or even a subscription to a design software service for the next year.

                                                                                    Conclusion

                                                                                    Graphic designers are a tricky bunch of people for whom to buy gifts, especially on special occasions when they expect a gift from you. Chocolates and photo frames are often the go-to options. The items in this list provide some of the best gifts for graphic designer that are as creative as they are.