Curated by the Visual Artists Association Team
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the artist in your life can feel like an art form in itself. Whether they love experimenting with materials, expanding their creative practice, or immersing themselves in culture, we’ve curated the ultimate gift guide to inspire your festive shopping (or add to your own wish list).
From VAA publications and membership gift cards to inspiring experiences, practical tools, and creative reads, here’s everything you need to make an artist’s Christmas truly magical.
- Good Art Does Not Sell Itself, and Securing Representation by the VAA
Artists love Good Art Does Not Sell Itself because the book goes beyond motivation and dives into the real, actionable strategies behind building a successful art business. It’s empowering, practical and full of insights artists can apply immediately.
Securing Representation is the second book from Shirley-Ann O’Neill and Laura O’Hare – a guide that gives artists the confidence and clarity they need to approach galleries and agents professionally. It turns an often intimidating process into a structured path, making it a hugely valuable gift for those looking to take the next step in their career.
Purchase Good Art Does Not Sell Itself and Securing Representation from Amazon.
2. VAA Membership Gift Cards
This year, give the gift of creativity this season with a VAA Gift Voucher – a thoughtful way to inspire and support artistic growth. This year, we are offering a range of gift vouchers including:
- 1 Year Premium Membership: the gift that supports their creativity, every step of the way – £100
- 1 Year Premium Membership & Three Months of Mentorship: a meaningful gift that combined of year of VAA Premium Membership and 3 months of one-to-one guidance from an artist mentor to help them grow, refine their goals, and reach the next stage of their creative journey. – £450 (+VAT)
- 1 Year Premium Membership & VAA Short Course of their Choice: the perfect gift for artists who are eager to grow. Our short courses are designed specifically for artists and cover key topics such as curation, preparing for galleries, art sales, social media, and more. – £200
- Three Short Courses: For artists who are already part of the VAA Community, this bundle includes three expertly designed courses covering key aspect of professional development, from presenting and promoting your work to navigating galleries, marketing, and art sales with confidence. – £300
- Three Months Mentorship, Portfolio Review & Short Course: designed for VAA Members who want to deepen their practice and expand their opportunities – this gift voucher will offer tailored guidance, expert feedback, and the tools to strengthen artistic direction and visibility. – £450 (+ VAT)
- Give a Gift, Get a Reward: because good art (and good karma) should always come full circle. If you are already a VAA Member, share the gift of creativity and connection, gift a fellow artist a Premium VAA Membership, and as a thank you, you’ll receive 20% off your next renewal. – £100
All gift vouchers can be purchased through the VAA Team, contact events@visual-artists.org to purchase.
3. Art Fair Tickets
Art fairs immerse artists in contemporary trends and introduce them to new materials, styles, and professional opportunities. It’s both an inspiring and energising gift. If you know they will love to engage themselves with the art community, this could be the best gift for them.
Where to buy:
4. Posca Paint Marker Set
Posca Pens are ultra-pigmented, opaque markets that work on nearly any surface – paper, canvas, wood, ceramics, glass, even textiles. Artists love using them for bold illustrations, customising objects, or adding punchy details to mixed-media work.
Purchase from the Posca Website
5. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Pocket Set
This compact, travel-friendly set lets artists paint anywhere; on trains, outdoors, travelling, or at home. The colours are vibrant and reliable, and the size makes it easy to keep creativity flowing on the go.
Purchase from the Winsor & Newton website or Amazon
6. A visit to a National Trust Special Exhibition
Special Exhibitions take place throughout the year at National Trust sites around the UK, to showcase contemporary artwork and share items from the collections they look after.
Purchase Tickets for Events from the National Trust Website
7. Sculpd Abstract Painting Kit
A standout gift for artists, this kit includes access to painting masterclass collection hosted by professional abstract artists, interactive activities, and everything needed to create a 60x80cm piece.
Purchase from the Sculpd website
8. Artists & Illustrators Magazine Subscription
This gift is a monthly source of creative ideas and inspiration, offering artists expert advice to satisfy both professionally established artists and emerging artists. So whatever medium, this magazine brings a refreshing blend of creativity and advice throughout the year.
Purchase from the Artists and Illustrators Website
From inspiring experiences to high-quality tools and VAA career resources, these curated gifts are sure to delight the artists in your life. Whether you’re helping them grow professionally or supporting their creative play, each option brings joy long after the holidays are over.