Gift Basket for an Artist

Think like an artist when preparing a gift or “masterpiece” gift basket for an artist. Keep in mind that paints and paintbrushes are great additions to a masterpiece gift basket, but that that’s only the tip of the iceberg 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 the trick is to be as creative as your artist is.

Containers That Work Well as a “Masterpiece” Artist Gift Basket:

• Easel
• Picnic basket
• Suitcase on wheels
• Backpack

If Using an Easel as Your “Gift Basket” Container:

• Oil paints
• 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 the cottage, you might want to include something in the gift that would say “cottage” to the recipient of the gift. Perhaps a wind sock or chime with a lighthouse on it—the same as the lighthouse that can be seen from the cottage window. (You get the idea.)

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, etc.)
• A tablet or packet of cardstock paper (that could be used as greeting cards when the artist is finished)
• Picnic blanket
• A bottle of wine
• Cheese and crackers

Because when we think of picnic baskets, we tend to think in terms of romance, let’s assume this artist will have company. Perhaps they’re both artists and would like to paint portraits of one another as they dine—one could read poetry while one painted. (Now that’s romantic!) Or maybe the artist will paint while his/her lover naps. (That sounds more realistic.) Gift baskets that include a picnic basket means there “probably” will be company along on this excursion—include something to keep both parties busy.

If Using a Suitcase on Wheels as Your "Gift Basket" Container:

• Color 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, etc.)
• Sketch pads of several different sizes
• Small emergency kit, including a coin purse with $5 worth of change

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—or on an airplane—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. Add a couple of bottles of water or soda. (If your artist is a parent, the excursion might include children, so keep them in mind as well.) As for the emergency kit and change purse—you just never know when you’ll need to make a phone call or need a Band-aid.

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, etc.)
• A bottle of water (for cleaning brushes)
• Small fold-up chair or cushion
• Raincoat or poncho and sunglasses
• Small emergency kit

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, and forests and what they entail. This artist will need rain gear and sunglasses. Additionally, an emergency kit including a flashlight is necessary. You never know when your artist will step in a beehive, tromp through thorny bushes, encounter an angry snake, need sunburn relief, or overstay their visit. Nobody needs to be caught in a remote area unprepared.

Remember: Every Artist Gift Basket Should Be Flexible

If your artist is a watercolor only artist, forget the oils and acrylics…stick to watercolors. The same if the case is reversed. And remember also, that 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—pretty much—are a must.

TIPS:

• If the gift basket will be “traveling” keep in mind what might work best for different situations and locations.
   
• If the gift basket will remain in one place—you don’t need to include cleaning supplies or water as that should be available.
   
• Oh, and, no matter what type of artist you prepare a gift basket for, he or she is probably starving, so toss in a few snacks!
   
• Finally, tie a ribbon around your gift basket and add a huge bow. Add an artistic touch by inserting the paintbrushes haphazardly into the bow at odd angles.

~Helen Kay Polaski

Helen Kay Polaski is addicted to giving! She began surprising neighbors with unique and personally tailored gift baskets when her children were still young. Twenty-five years later “gift basket giving” is a family tradition. When it comes to creating the perfect gift basket, Helen knows her stuff!