Gift Basket for an Artist

    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.