Teen Artist Gift Ideas

• Artists are not particularly difficult to shop for if you know where to look. Do some research into what your gift recipient's craft is and build your gift around things that are specific to their artistic passion. Keep in mind that art has a spectrum that ranges from music, to the written word, to the visual kind. If you gather a good understanding of what your teen artist is interested in, finding the perfect gift can be a painless experience.

Classes

• Local community colleges and art schools often offer specialized classes. Consider giving the gift of education to your recipient. Look into local schools for classes offered to the public. Common classes include sculpture, pottery, music lessons, drawing and oil painting courses.

Supplies

• You may consider giving a few supplies specific to their craft as a gift. For example, if you're shopping for a musician, you can create a box with guitar picks, music books and an automatic tuner. For painters, consider a basket with an easel, new brushes and a smock.

Museum Membership

• For art buffs, a membership to a local museum or art gallery can be a meaningful present. Memberships often require a fee and their term length will vary. Choose a venue that mirrors your recipient's interests.

Portfolio

• Help your teen to create their own portfolio by providing them with the resources to do so. An impressive portfolio can be costly but is necessary if your recipient is interested in pursuing their craft as a way to make a living. Colleges and art schools all require samples and everyone knows that first impressions are everything.

Concert Tickets

• If your recipient is a musician, you may want to accompany them to a concert of some sort. This provides quality time for you to spend with them and allows you to grasp a better understanding of their passion. Find out what artists or musicians they draw their inspiration from and then surprise them with a night out to see them live and in person.

Gift Cards

• Gift cards are a great option when you're at a loss for what to give as a gift. However, gift cards from specialized stores rather than department stores or American Express cards are usually more personal. Find a local arts and crafts store or bookstore where your recipient can find something useful to apply toward their talent.

Books

• How-to books can be a useful gift to a novice artist. Consider creating a basket that includes literature relating to what they're pursuing. Look into biographies of people who have been successful in their craft in addition to how-to books.