Gift Basket for an Artist
By: Helen Kay Polaski
Think like a painter when preparing gift baskets for artists. Keep in mind that paints and paintbrushes are only the beginning 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, you need to be as creative as your artist is.
Containers for an Artist Gift Basket
Easel
Picnic basket
Suitcase on wheels
Backpack
If Using an Easel As Your Gift Basket Container
Oil paint
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 a cottage or near another outdoor scene, you might want to include something in the gift that would say “cottage” to the recipient of the gift, such as a wind sock or chime with a lighthouse on it.
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, and other small items)
A tablet or packet of cardstock paper
Picnic blanket
A bottle of wine
Cheese and crackers
When we think of picnic baskets, we tend to think in terms of romance, so let’s assume this artist will have company. Maybe the artist will paint while his/her lover naps or reads. Gift baskets that include a picnic basket means there probably will be company along on this excursion, so include something to keep both parties busy.