ultimate list of gift ideas for graphic designers
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Graphic designers and creatives can be REALLY difficult to buy for! People with a strong artistic sense and a deep appreciation for good design are often very fickle when it comes to the finer details of the products they use, the specifications of their tech gadgets, the style of their decor, and the efficiency of their tools. Just like in any industry, graphic designers have some specialty products they love and some niche interests that only insiders would be savvy to.
Stop wading through the super tacky, unoriginal and unusable gift ideas from other mass-blogging sites. Take advice from someone with a Master's Degree in a creative field and more than a decade-long career in graphic design. Any designer would LOVE opening these gifts on Christmas, their Birthday, or an Anniversary. Here's your ultimate guide to the gifts that will spark joy and actually get used by the graphic designer in your life.
Stop wading through the super tacky, unoriginal and unusable gift ideas from other mass-blogging sites. Take advice from someone with a Master's Degree in a creative field and more than a decade-long career in graphic design. Any designer would LOVE opening these gifts on Christmas, their Birthday, or an Anniversary. Here's your ultimate guide to the gifts that will spark joy and actually get used by the graphic designer in your life.
TECH GIFTS
• Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 – macro keypad, great for super-productivity and time-saving workflow
• Apple Pencil - For iPad users, Perfect for drawing. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs magnetically.
• Mini 5TB External Hard Drive - Guaranteed practical and useful gift. Portable, Rugged, Shock Resistant.
• 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.
• Pantone CAPSURE - Color Matching gadget for the techy pro. Portable Spectrocolorimeter.
• Nix Mini 2 - Sensor Colorimeter. User-friendly, Portable Color Matching Gadget
• Airpods Carbon Fiber Case with Fingerprint Lock - An interesting gadget that most tech-lovers don't already have.
• Soundcore Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Fast Wireless Charging, Big Bass, Multi-Mode Noise Cancelling & Enhanced Calls, App Control, Bluetooth
CRAFTY GIFTS
• glowforge Plus - Powerful yet compact laser-cutter and engraver
• Prismacolor Pencils - Essential art tool for pros
• SAKURA Pigma Micron - Black and Colored Pens
• Vellum Grid Pad - Drawing pad for precise and technical drawings
• Hardcover Artist's Sketchbook - Oversized with very thick paper for the serious artist
• Handmade Leather Sketchbook Case with Shoulder Strap - Unique, hand-crafted and beautiful
• Field Notes: Streetscapes Edition - Blank Paper 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.
• Vintage Portable Typewriter - Designers with an appreciation for hand-crafted typography & nostalgic design will swoon hard over this one.
FOR WOMEN
• Cricut Maker 3 - User-friendly, electronic cutting machine for thin stock like fabric, paper and vinyl stickers
• Cricut Joy - A mini version of the standard Cricut
• Plant Propagation Station - Perfect for home office
• Pillow Slides - who doesn't love a cloud under their feet while putting in the hours at their standing desk
• Retro 3 in 1 Wall Clock, Thermometer & 60-Minute Timer - Complete with retro analog thermometer
• Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Tea Towel Set - For those who love architecture & mid-century modern patterns
• Acoustics 12-Pack Hex Panels - These high density panels look great & absorb sound for video & music recording
• Square Ceramic Vase, Set of 2 - The colors, texture and shape of these are unique and stunning
• SLATPANEL Wood Wall Slat Panels - Natural Oak, Soundproof Paneling, for Interior Wall Decor
• Modern Ceramic Black & White Vases - The graphic shape/texture & matte black & white will add vibes to any space.
• Light Up Word Clock - Quite the unique clock experience, great for typography lovers. Copper, rose gold, black, or silver.
FOR MEN
• Adhesive Acoustic Hexagon Panels - These high-density panels look great & absorb sound for video & music recording
• Retro Pixel Smart Wi-Fi Clock, Social Media Counter, Cinema Lightbox, Digital Alarm Clock with Weather, Bluetooth Speaker with LED Display
• Build on Brick Coffee Mugs - Fun and unique DIY gift lego mug
• Retro Old Telephone Wall Clock with Hidden Safe - Vintage, unique gift idea.
• The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet - This life-changer gets rave reviews for its innovative design. Go for a solid color.
• Govee Glide Y Lights - RGBIC LED Music Sync Home Decor Light Great for home office video backgrounds.
FOR THE COFFEE LOVER
• Glass Pour Over Coffee Maker with Leather Collar Holder - 37 oz, Double wall
• Yeti Rambler 14oz Mug - something about the feel of a mug handle make for a more enjoyable tumbler experience
• Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug - 80 Min Battery Life 14 oz Mug
• Aeropress Coffee Press - 3 in 1 French Press, Pourover, Espresso. Compact for small-batch, full bodied coffee without grit.
• Bodum Gooseneck Electric Kettle - The finer details on this cork handled, matte black kettle make it a super-special gift.
• Corkcicle Tumbler - versatile, practical and matte black to make any designer swoon
FOR THE DESIGN INFLUENCER
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone - A highly popular plug and play condenser mic for podcasters and influencers
• Blue Yeti Stand - Boom Arm Scissor with Windscreen and Double layered screen Pop Filter
• Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp - Smart LED Modern Corner Lamp with Music Sync & Alexa pairing. Great for video backgrounds.
• Govee Triangle Light Panels - Multicolor Effects, Music Sync, DIY Design, Smart APP Control. Great for video backgrounds.
• Mid Century Eames inspired Lounge Chair and Ottoman - This may be a knockoff (the original is 7K), but it's inspired by one of the most famous pieces of furniture of all time, the Eames lounge chair & ottoman, designed by architects
• Logitech Brio 4K Webcam Perfect for filming high-res social media content or great-looking podcast interviews
• Govee Glide LED Wall Lights - Music Sync Home Decor LED Light Bar. Great for home office video backgrounds.
HOME OFFICE
• Docking Station - Perfect for MacBook users who use auxiliary hardware like monitors, mics, drawing pads, & cameras
• Apple Magic Mouse - Wireless, Bluetooth, Rechargeable. Works with Mac or iPad
• Apple Magic Keyboard - Wireless, Bluetooth, Rechargeable. Works with Mac, iPad, or iPhone
• Custom Neon Sign - Perfect for the freelancer's logo, to add branding, vibes and color to their space
• Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Faux 6.5ft - Cozy little office plant for the cognitive, physical, & mental health benefits of biophilia
• 5-Tier Industrial Bookshelf - Good design meets an organized workspace
• Wireless LED Touch Table Lamp - sleek, minimal, matte black, what's not to love?
• Retro Vintage Flip Desk Clock - Retro flip clock for a satisfying, tactile vibe on any office desk
• Olive Wood Wall Clock-15″ Live Edge, Metal Frame - Gorgeous live edge, truly one-of a kind wood clock
WELLNESS & ERGONOMICS
• Under Desk Treadmill - Perfect for staying focussed and active while at the computer
• Vitruvi Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser - Gorgeous design details and color options
• Shakti Acupressure Mat - targets mind & body tension
• VIVO Stand Up Desk - Electric Height Adjustable 71 x 30 inch Memory. Great for wellness and ergonomics
• VIVO Desk Sit/Stand Riser - Dual Monitor and Laptop Workstation, 32" with Wide Keyboard Tray, Black
• Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Mat - For comfortable all-day standing
• Beastie Massage Ball - the RumberRoller mini-me
• Neck & Shoulder Heat Wrap - lavender-scented and microwavable
FOR THE DESIGN BEGINNER
• The History of Graphic Design book by Jens Müller
• Moleskine Classic XXL Notebook, grid, 192-pages - Super-practical, special gift for those serious about their craft.
• 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.
• Jollylook Pinhole Instant Film Camera DIY Kit - Wooden Craft Kits for Adults Teens 14+
• Pantone Essentials - Color Guide System for the Pros
• Pantone Formula Guide - Color Matching Tool Essentials
BOOKS
• Made by James: The Honest Guide to Creativity and Logo Design, book by James Martin
• Draplin Design Co.: Pretty Much Everything, book by Aaron James Draplin
• Logo Modernism, book by Jens Müller, published by TASCHEN
• Logos that Last: How to Create Iconic Visual Branding, book by Allan Peters
• Rebel Talent: Why it Pays to Break the Rules at Work and in Life, book by Francesca Gino
• The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
• The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, book by Steven Pressfield
• Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, book by Austin Kleon
• Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered, book by Austin Kleon
FOR THE OVER-WORKED DESIGNER
• Blue Light Blocking Glasses - A must-have item for anyone staring at a screen all day
• Cube Timer - Simple & effective for time management
• RumberRoller to work out all those knots caused by difficult clients and poor posture
• Ticktime Productivity Timer Hexagon - Magnetic Flip Focus Timer, Mute & Adjustable Sound Alert
• Burritos Tortilla Throw Blanket - A unique and funny gift sure to help with relaxation
• Square Silent 9-inch Mid Century Modern Wall Clock - Sweet little retro clock for all the vintage, colorful vibes
• Hourglass Sand Timer, 30 Minute - Stay focused and on-task with this satisfying & stylish time-management item
OUTDOORSY GIFTS
• YETI Camino - Beautiful design details and color options for this utility cooler bag
• Oru Foldable Kayak Lake & River - Collapsible & Lightweight, designers will swoon over the ingenuity of this kayak
• Field Notes: National Parks Series - Beautiful National Park cover designs. Graph paper memo books
• Field Notes: Waterproof Edition - Expedition with dot-graph Paper. A super practical and adventurous gift
• Weatherproof Durable Plastic Pen & Weatherproof Top Spiral Grid Notebook
• Portable Electric Espresso Machine - Perfect for Camping, Hiking & Office
• Magnetic Camping Utensil Set - Good product design meets rugged practicality
• Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 – macro keypad, great for super-productivity and time-saving workflow
• Apple Pencil - For iPad users, Perfect for drawing. Attaches, Charges, and Pairs magnetically.
• Mini 5TB External Hard Drive - Guaranteed practical and useful gift. Portable, Rugged, Shock Resistant.
• 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.
• Pantone CAPSURE - Color Matching gadget for the techy pro. Portable Spectrocolorimeter.
• Nix Mini 2 - Sensor Colorimeter. User-friendly, Portable Color Matching Gadget
• Airpods Carbon Fiber Case with Fingerprint Lock - An interesting gadget that most tech-lovers don't already have.
• Soundcore Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Fast Wireless Charging, Big Bass, Multi-Mode Noise Cancelling & Enhanced Calls, App Control, Bluetooth
CRAFTY GIFTS
• glowforge Plus - Powerful yet compact laser-cutter and engraver
• Prismacolor Pencils - Essential art tool for pros
• SAKURA Pigma Micron - Black and Colored Pens
• Vellum Grid Pad - Drawing pad for precise and technical drawings
• Hardcover Artist's Sketchbook - Oversized with very thick paper for the serious artist
• Handmade Leather Sketchbook Case with Shoulder Strap - Unique, hand-crafted and beautiful
• Field Notes: Streetscapes Edition - Blank Paper 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.
• Vintage Portable Typewriter - Designers with an appreciation for hand-crafted typography & nostalgic design will swoon hard over this one.
FOR WOMEN
• Cricut Maker 3 - User-friendly, electronic cutting machine for thin stock like fabric, paper and vinyl stickers
• Cricut Joy - A mini version of the standard Cricut
• Plant Propagation Station - Perfect for home office
• Pillow Slides - who doesn't love a cloud under their feet while putting in the hours at their standing desk
• Retro 3 in 1 Wall Clock, Thermometer & 60-Minute Timer - Complete with retro analog thermometer
• Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Tea Towel Set - For those who love architecture & mid-century modern patterns
• Acoustics 12-Pack Hex Panels - These high density panels look great & absorb sound for video & music recording
• Square Ceramic Vase, Set of 2 - The colors, texture and shape of these are unique and stunning
• SLATPANEL Wood Wall Slat Panels - Natural Oak, Soundproof Paneling, for Interior Wall Decor
• Modern Ceramic Black & White Vases - The graphic shape/texture & matte black & white will add vibes to any space.
• Light Up Word Clock - Quite the unique clock experience, great for typography lovers. Copper, rose gold, black, or silver.
FOR MEN
• Adhesive Acoustic Hexagon Panels - These high-density panels look great & absorb sound for video & music recording
• Retro Pixel Smart Wi-Fi Clock, Social Media Counter, Cinema Lightbox, Digital Alarm Clock with Weather, Bluetooth Speaker with LED Display
• Build on Brick Coffee Mugs - Fun and unique DIY gift lego mug
• Retro Old Telephone Wall Clock with Hidden Safe - Vintage, unique gift idea.
• The Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet - This life-changer gets rave reviews for its innovative design. Go for a solid color.
• Govee Glide Y Lights - RGBIC LED Music Sync Home Decor Light Great for home office video backgrounds.
FOR THE COFFEE LOVER
• Glass Pour Over Coffee Maker with Leather Collar Holder - 37 oz, Double wall
• Yeti Rambler 14oz Mug - something about the feel of a mug handle make for a more enjoyable tumbler experience
• Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug - 80 Min Battery Life 14 oz Mug
• Aeropress Coffee Press - 3 in 1 French Press, Pourover, Espresso. Compact for small-batch, full bodied coffee without grit.
• Bodum Gooseneck Electric Kettle - The finer details on this cork handled, matte black kettle make it a super-special gift.
• Corkcicle Tumbler - versatile, practical and matte black to make any designer swoon
FOR THE DESIGN INFLUENCER
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone - A highly popular plug and play condenser mic for podcasters and influencers
• Blue Yeti Stand - Boom Arm Scissor with Windscreen and Double layered screen Pop Filter
• Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp - Smart LED Modern Corner Lamp with Music Sync & Alexa pairing. Great for video backgrounds.
• Govee Triangle Light Panels - Multicolor Effects, Music Sync, DIY Design, Smart APP Control. Great for video backgrounds.
• Mid Century Eames inspired Lounge Chair and Ottoman - This may be a knockoff (the original is 7K), but it's inspired by one of the most famous pieces of furniture of all time, the Eames lounge chair & ottoman, designed by architects
• Logitech Brio 4K Webcam Perfect for filming high-res social media content or great-looking podcast interviews
• Govee Glide LED Wall Lights - Music Sync Home Decor LED Light Bar. Great for home office video backgrounds.
HOME OFFICE
• Docking Station - Perfect for MacBook users who use auxiliary hardware like monitors, mics, drawing pads, & cameras
• Apple Magic Mouse - Wireless, Bluetooth, Rechargeable. Works with Mac or iPad
• Apple Magic Keyboard - Wireless, Bluetooth, Rechargeable. Works with Mac, iPad, or iPhone
• Custom Neon Sign - Perfect for the freelancer's logo, to add branding, vibes and color to their space
• Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, Faux 6.5ft - Cozy little office plant for the cognitive, physical, & mental health benefits of biophilia
• 5-Tier Industrial Bookshelf - Good design meets an organized workspace
• Wireless LED Touch Table Lamp - sleek, minimal, matte black, what's not to love?
• Retro Vintage Flip Desk Clock - Retro flip clock for a satisfying, tactile vibe on any office desk
• Olive Wood Wall Clock-15″ Live Edge, Metal Frame - Gorgeous live edge, truly one-of a kind wood clock
WELLNESS & ERGONOMICS
• Under Desk Treadmill - Perfect for staying focussed and active while at the computer
• Vitruvi Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser - Gorgeous design details and color options
• Shakti Acupressure Mat - targets mind & body tension
• VIVO Stand Up Desk - Electric Height Adjustable 71 x 30 inch Memory. Great for wellness and ergonomics
• VIVO Desk Sit/Stand Riser - Dual Monitor and Laptop Workstation, 32" with Wide Keyboard Tray, Black
• Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Mat - For comfortable all-day standing
• Beastie Massage Ball - the RumberRoller mini-me
• Neck & Shoulder Heat Wrap - lavender-scented and microwavable
FOR THE DESIGN BEGINNER
• The History of Graphic Design book by Jens Müller
• Moleskine Classic XXL Notebook, grid, 192-pages - Super-practical, special gift for those serious about their craft.
• 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.
• Jollylook Pinhole Instant Film Camera DIY Kit - Wooden Craft Kits for Adults Teens 14+
• Pantone Essentials - Color Guide System for the Pros
• Pantone Formula Guide - Color Matching Tool Essentials
BOOKS
• Made by James: The Honest Guide to Creativity and Logo Design, book by James Martin
• Draplin Design Co.: Pretty Much Everything, book by Aaron James Draplin
• Logo Modernism, book by Jens Müller, published by TASCHEN
• Logos that Last: How to Create Iconic Visual Branding, book by Allan Peters
• Rebel Talent: Why it Pays to Break the Rules at Work and in Life, book by Francesca Gino
• The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, book by Julia Cameron
• The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, book by Steven Pressfield
• Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, book by Austin Kleon
• Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered, book by Austin Kleon
FOR THE OVER-WORKED DESIGNER
• Blue Light Blocking Glasses - A must-have item for anyone staring at a screen all day
• Cube Timer - Simple & effective for time management
• RumberRoller to work out all those knots caused by difficult clients and poor posture
• Ticktime Productivity Timer Hexagon - Magnetic Flip Focus Timer, Mute & Adjustable Sound Alert
• Burritos Tortilla Throw Blanket - A unique and funny gift sure to help with relaxation
• Square Silent 9-inch Mid Century Modern Wall Clock - Sweet little retro clock for all the vintage, colorful vibes
• Hourglass Sand Timer, 30 Minute - Stay focused and on-task with this satisfying & stylish time-management item
OUTDOORSY GIFTS
• YETI Camino - Beautiful design details and color options for this utility cooler bag
• Oru Foldable Kayak Lake & River - Collapsible & Lightweight, designers will swoon over the ingenuity of this kayak
• Field Notes: National Parks Series - Beautiful National Park cover designs. Graph paper memo books
• Field Notes: Waterproof Edition - Expedition with dot-graph Paper. A super practical and adventurous gift
• Weatherproof Durable Plastic Pen & Weatherproof Top Spiral Grid Notebook
• Portable Electric Espresso Machine - Perfect for Camping, Hiking & Office
• Magnetic Camping Utensil Set - Good product design meets rugged practicality
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.