Thrifted Valentine’s Presents for Artists, Crafters, and Creatives

Valentine’s Day is right on the horizon, and if you’re panicking and clueless about what gifts to get your loved ones who have a creative side, you’re not alone. Creative people often have it all, or have high standards for what they use in their craft. 

We.Totally.Get.You.

A Valentine-related survey found that 44% of the respondents struggle with picking Valentine’s Day gifts. It’s not surprising since this celebration is loaded with feelings and gifts always has a meaning. 

We have come up with this guide to help you understand gift-giving for artists and creatives, what to know before choosing a gift, and of course, our favorite items from thrift shops that would cause any artist to swoon. Ready for V-day? Read on.

Why is it harder to give gifts to artistic people?

Gift-giving is hard enough on its own, especially if you don’t like giving generic gifts. People who are into art, music, or crafting are deeply passionate about what they do, and won’t settle for less. They may also have preferred brands to use.

Take, for example, a guitar pick may be a great gift for a musician, but choosing the wrong one may mess with their instrument. Or a cheaper watercolor brand may not be as pigmented as a painter wants it to be. These people already know what works for them and may be wary of trying something new.  

But on the other hand, giving gifts related to your loved one’s passions makes the receiver truly happy. You did not just give a gift: it’s also tells them you accept them for what they truly are, for what they love. Honoring their craft through a gift related to their art also gives you a sense of satisfaction that flowers or chocolates can’t (especially if your love language is giving gifts).

Know the receiver very well

Without thorough research on the person’s likes and dislikes, the gift might just end up in the bin (together with your feelings). Effort is key, too. You need to sort through Goodwill bins, visit a thrift store that solely resell art materials, or search items on Poshmark and eBay. You need to know the following:

• Whether the receiver is okay with thrifted gifts. You may have a limited-edition gift you found thrifting but when your receiver prefers brand-new items, expectations may not line up well. Check this early on. 
• What they like. You need sleuthing-level skills for this. Asking them outright “What do you like for Valentine’s Day” may seem too direct, not to mention losing the element of surprise. Observe them in their studio or work area and try to learn the tools and materials they prefer using, or maybe an item that they’re running out of stock. If you’re lucky to get ahold of their wishlist, you may start from there, too. 
• What they need right now. Maybe they’re working with a project that works best with a certain kind of material.This is your sign to thrift it, and help complete that project.

Top Thrifted Valentine Gifts for Artists and Creatives

For the graphic artist: a drawing tablet

Great for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Refurbished brands are often resold online  for a lower price. Don’t forget to check the compatible software for these items before purchasing, as certain brands work only with specific software.

Other recommended items:

• Design books from their favorite author
• A sketchbook (for drawing and sketching when they get tired of doing it digitally)
• A stylus pen for tablets and phones

For the journal enthusiast: a journal cover

Journal “ecosystems” are hot in Tiktok and other social media right now. But for the journal junkie who’s been doing it before social media, a journal cover to help protect against spills and dirt is a lovely complement.  A leather journal cover is ideal. If you can, throw in a journal  for cataloguing thoughts offline.

Other thrifted items to gift:

• Fountain pens
• Washi tapes
• Sticker books

For the painter: Acrylics and watercolors

You can get these stuff at garage and estate sales. When capped correctly, even used paints can still last up to three to five years. Be wary of buying paints that are too old, though: they might contain lead, which is harmful for the user. Check for signs of expiration like lumps, a rancid smell, or jelly-like consistency.

Other stuff to give:

• Blank canvas
• Easels
• Good-quality brushes

For the old soul performer: vinyl records

These records help them recapture the nuances of classic songs and draw from them in their own renditions. They also let them simply enjoy their old favorites and hear songs that say your feelings for them.

Other recommendations:

• Vinyl record player (very important)
• Sheet music
• A music practice journal 

For the dancer: dance practice wear

A lot of dancers go through many sets of practical dancewear, whatever their genre may be. These items don’t come as cheap because they have special functions, like flexibility, moisture wicking properties and support. Pick ones that fit the wearer well; too loose or too tight ones may hold them back from dancing properly. You can show your support for their craft by picking high-quality clothing. Don’t forget to wash and clean thoroughly before gifting.

Other gifts:

• A gym bag for their practice essentials
• In-ear headphones for effortless music when practicing
• A shoe bag to keep their shoes separate from their clothes

Related reading: Will Washing Thrifted Clothes Increase its Resell Value?

For the budding fashion designer: A dress form

A dress form is essential for any beginner fashion designer. It will help them translate their designs and measurements concretely, see how fabric drapes on the form, and have a general idea of how a dress will look once it’s sewn and worn.  Say “I believe in you” with such a piece.

Other ideas:

• Vintage sewing patterns for practice
• A fashion design book
• Alcohol markers for their designs

For the theater performer: a makeup case

Theater people need strong makeup in order to be seen from the stage, and most of the time, they do their own makeup. Why not give them a makeup case that would hold all essentials? This gift makes things easier for them, and they’ll feel your care.

Also consider:

• Busts/statues of their favorite playwright or character
• Script binder to keep all their scripts together
• Framed show posters

For the home cook: vintage/autographed cookbooks

For someone whose artistry is in the kitchen, an autographed cookbook from a famous chef or a vintage one containing nearly forgotten but still delicious recipes is hard to resist. 

Other gift ideas:

• A must-sought ingredient, packaged in thrifted mason jars
• Le Creuset or Pyrex bakeware
• A cast iron skillet

Related reading: Valentine Gifts for the Home Cook

Wrapping Valentine Gifts

Since we’re gifting artists at heart, it’s not only the gift they notice, but also the packaging. The presentation matters so why not thrift your packages, too? That way, both the gift and the wrap support sustainability. Here are our suggestions for gift wraps and packaging you can find in thrift shops (or even in your own household):

Use natural packaging. Burlap, twine, plain recyclable boxes hold their own appeal when used for gifting. 

Tins for small items.  Tins of all shapes and sizes are pretty abundant in thrift stores. Cute ones add to the gift’s overall appeal.

Baskets. Wicker ones are a gift by themselves, so why not place their paints and brushes in a basket tied with a pretty ribbon you’ve kept for the occasion?

Old magazines and newspapers. These gift wraps go along with vintage themes and look great even with no ribbons. 

The Bottomline

Gift-giving always means more than just handing things to people. Especially on Valentine’s Day, it becomes an emotionally charged experience, one that we want to stay positively happy.

With careful research on what our beloved artists at heart need and like, we can pick a gift that truly lets them know they are seen and loved. These gifts also support their craft, so it's a win. We hope our insights and suggestions helped you in choosing your Valentine’s Day gifts and made your loved ones smile.