Care Package GIFT Ideas for ART & DESIGN STUDENTS 2023
This article may contain affilate links. To learn more, view the disclosure policy .
Unlock an experienced graphic designer's curated list of practical and thoughtful gadgets, supplies & gifts to include in your next college care package. Going to school for graphic design, illustration, art, interior design, or architecture can be really grueling! On top of trying to adjust to college life, the studio hours can be long and lonely. Let the creative in your life know you're cheering them on by sending them some gifts that they'll actually find useful. Some of these items might even spark joy and make their lives easier. Let's get to shopping!
WELLNESS & ANXIETY-RELIEF
• Vitruvi Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser - Gorgeous design details and color options
• Kanjo Acupressure Mat - targets mind & body tension
• VIVO Desk Sit/Stand Riser - Dual Monitor and Laptop Workstation, 32" with Wide Keyboard Tray, Black
• Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Mat - For comfort during a sit/stand work day
• RumberRoller - AMAZING at working out all those deep knots caused by professors and deadlines
• Beastie Massage Ball - the RumberRoller mini-me, compact & powerful
• Neck & Shoulder Heat Wrap - lavender-scented and microwavable
• Shower Steamers - Aromatherapy 18 Pack
• Kanjo Acupressure Mat - targets mind & body tension
• VIVO Desk Sit/Stand Riser - Dual Monitor and Laptop Workstation, 32" with Wide Keyboard Tray, Black
• Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Mat - For comfort during a sit/stand work day
• RumberRoller - AMAZING at working out all those deep knots caused by professors and deadlines
• Beastie Massage Ball - the RumberRoller mini-me, compact & powerful
• Neck & Shoulder Heat Wrap - lavender-scented and microwavable
• Shower Steamers - Aromatherapy 18 Pack
TECH TIME-SAVERS
• Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 – macro keypad, great for super-productivity and time-saving workflow
• Mini 5TB External Hard Drive - Guaranteed practical and useful gift. Portable, Rugged, Shock Resistant.
• Docking Station - Perfect for MacBook users with auxiliary hardware like drawing pads, macro keypads, & external hard drives
• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop - The go-to, high capacity laptop for anyone working in graphic designer, compatible with all the best design software. M2 Pro chip, 16.2" display, 16GB memory, 512GB storage.
• Nix Mini 2 - Sensor Colorimeter. User-friendly, Portable Color Matching Gadget
• Airpods Carbon Fiber Case with Fingerprint Lock - Keep your AirPods safe in backpack, dorm, or studio
• Soundcore Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Fast Wireless Charging, Big Bass, Multi-Mode Noise Cancelling & Enhanced Calls, App Control, Bluetooth
• Blue Light Blocking Glasses - Protect your eyes during those long designing & studying sessions
• Apple AirTag 4-Pack - Attach to backpack, keys, wallet to track if lost using apple devices
• Mini 5TB External Hard Drive - Guaranteed practical and useful gift. Portable, Rugged, Shock Resistant.
• Docking Station - Perfect for MacBook users with auxiliary hardware like drawing pads, macro keypads, & external hard drives
• Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop - The go-to, high capacity laptop for anyone working in graphic designer, compatible with all the best design software. M2 Pro chip, 16.2" display, 16GB memory, 512GB storage.
• Nix Mini 2 - Sensor Colorimeter. User-friendly, Portable Color Matching Gadget
• Airpods Carbon Fiber Case with Fingerprint Lock - Keep your AirPods safe in backpack, dorm, or studio
• Soundcore Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Fast Wireless Charging, Big Bass, Multi-Mode Noise Cancelling & Enhanced Calls, App Control, Bluetooth
• Blue Light Blocking Glasses - Protect your eyes during those long designing & studying sessions
• Apple AirTag 4-Pack - Attach to backpack, keys, wallet to track if lost using apple devices
ART & DESIGN SUPPLIES
• Moleskine Classic XXL Notebook, grid, 192-pages - Super-practical, special gift for those serious about their craft.
• Prismacolor Pencils - Essential art tool for pros
• SAKURA Pigma Micron - Black and Colored Pens
• Hardcover Artist's Sketchbook - Oversized with very thick paper for the serious artist
• Pantone Formula Guide - Color Guide System for the Pros
• Field Notes: Streetscapes Edition - Compact Memo Book with Covers for Coloring. A fun, unique and useful gift.
• Leather Field Notes Cover - Handmade Vintage Leather cover, perfect for use with Field Notes & Moleskin notebooks popular with designers everywhere.
• Cube Timer - Simple & effective for time management
• Index Cards 3x5 Inch - 600PCS Flash Cards with Rings 8 Colors Ruled
• Prismacolor Pencils - Essential art tool for pros
• SAKURA Pigma Micron - Black and Colored Pens
• Hardcover Artist's Sketchbook - Oversized with very thick paper for the serious artist
• Pantone Formula Guide - Color Guide System for the Pros
• Field Notes: Streetscapes Edition - Compact Memo Book with Covers for Coloring. A fun, unique and useful gift.
• Leather Field Notes Cover - Handmade Vintage Leather cover, perfect for use with Field Notes & Moleskin notebooks popular with designers everywhere.
• Cube Timer - Simple & effective for time management
• Index Cards 3x5 Inch - 600PCS Flash Cards with Rings 8 Colors Ruled
ESSENTIALS FOR DORM & COLLEGE LIFE
• Yeti Rambler 30oz Mug - for all those much needed coffee breaks
• Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug - 80 Min Battery Life 14 oz Mug
• 2 Pack Surge Protector - 6 Outlets 2 USB Ports 5-Foot Cord
• Aeropress Coffee Press - 3 in 1 French Press, Pourover, Espresso. Compact for small-batch, perfect for dorm & studio
• Corkcicle Tumbler - Versatile, practical and matte black to make any designer swoon
• Portable Electric Espresso Machine - Perfect for Dorm, Studio, and Outdoors
• Portable Hand Vacuum - Lightweight, Easy to Use, Compact, USB-C
• Telena Fanny Pack, Crossbody
• Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets - Lightweight, compact, eco-friendly
• Wall Outlet Extender with Shelf and Night Light
• JBL Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
• Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug - 80 Min Battery Life 14 oz Mug
• 2 Pack Surge Protector - 6 Outlets 2 USB Ports 5-Foot Cord
• Aeropress Coffee Press - 3 in 1 French Press, Pourover, Espresso. Compact for small-batch, perfect for dorm & studio
• Corkcicle Tumbler - Versatile, practical and matte black to make any designer swoon
• Portable Electric Espresso Machine - Perfect for Dorm, Studio, and Outdoors
• Portable Hand Vacuum - Lightweight, Easy to Use, Compact, USB-C
• Telena Fanny Pack, Crossbody
• Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets - Lightweight, compact, eco-friendly
• Wall Outlet Extender with Shelf and Night Light
• JBL Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
FUN & THOUGHTFUL
• Cricut Joy - A mini version of the standard Cricut
• Pillow Slides - who doesn't love a cloud under their feet while putting in the long hours
• Build on Brick Coffee Mugs - Fun and unique DIY gift lego mug. A conversation-starter for any studio desk
• The History of Graphic Design book by Jens Müller
• The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, book by Steven Pressfield
• Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp - Smart LED Modern Corner Lamp with Music Sync & Alexa pairing. Great for dorm vibes.
• Burritos Tortilla Throw Blanket - A unique and cozy gift sure to help with relaxation
• YETI Camino - Beautiful design details and color options for this utility cooler bag, perfect for tailgating or bringing energy drinks to the studio
• JBL Go 3 - Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
• Burt's Bees Dorm-Pack - The things you don't know you need until you don't have them
• Reading Pillow - Shredded Memory Foam, Washable Cover
• Pillow Slides - who doesn't love a cloud under their feet while putting in the long hours
• Build on Brick Coffee Mugs - Fun and unique DIY gift lego mug. A conversation-starter for any studio desk
• The History of Graphic Design book by Jens Müller
• The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, book by Steven Pressfield
• Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp - Smart LED Modern Corner Lamp with Music Sync & Alexa pairing. Great for dorm vibes.
• Burritos Tortilla Throw Blanket - A unique and cozy gift sure to help with relaxation
• YETI Camino - Beautiful design details and color options for this utility cooler bag, perfect for tailgating or bringing energy drinks to the studio
• JBL Go 3 - Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
• Burt's Bees Dorm-Pack - The things you don't know you need until you don't have them
• Reading Pillow - Shredded Memory Foam, Washable Cover
AUTHOR
Hi! I'm Tiffany Kelly, owner of The Honest Pixel, an independent graphic design studio in Winter Garden, FL. I've been a creative professional all my adult life. I have a Master's Degree in architecture from RISD and over a decade of experience in graphic design. I've learned so much about design, freelance, and owning a business since starting The Honest Pixel in 2022.
I aim to be a trusted and authentic coach for other graphic designers, freelancers, or owners of small studios. I share honest tips and wisdom about things I'm putting into practice within my own business. My goal is to encourage and build up other creatives in a real way that broadens your community and impacts your success.
I aim to be a trusted and authentic coach for other graphic designers, freelancers, or owners of small studios. I share honest tips and wisdom about things I'm putting into practice within my own business. My goal is to encourage and build up other creatives in a real way that broadens your community and impacts your success.