12 Gifts for Artistic Tweens
Finding thoughtful gifts for artistic tweens can feel overwhelming, especially if they already love to draw, paint, and create. The key is choosing supplies that are inspiring, easy to use, and open-ended so they can explore their creativity in different ways.
Below is a list of creative, hands-on gift ideas that are perfect for artist tweens—whether they enjoy drawing, crafting, or trying something new. These are quality supplies that will prepare them to become future artists.
12 Gifts for Artistic Tweens
Why Creative Gifts Are Perfect For Tweens
Artist tweens are at a stage where their skills are growing quickly, and they’re starting to develop their own style and interests. The right materials can:
Build confidence
Encourage independence
Provide screen-free creative time
Help them explore new artistic mediums
Gifts that allow for experimentation and play tend to be the most meaningful and long-lasting.
Drawing And Sketching Gifts for Tweens
Symmetry drawing books
Symmetry drawing books are a fun and calming way for tweens to build drawing skills. They help with focus, observation, and pattern recognition while still feeling creative and relaxing. These make a great screen-free activity and are perfect for quiet time, travel, or winding down at the end of the day.
animal symmetry
mandala symmetry
nature symmetry
portrait symmetry
christmas symmetry
sports symmetry
food symmetry
flower symmetry
Extra fine POSCA pens
These pens are a favourite for a reason. The extra fine tips allow for detailed drawing, doodling, and outlining. They work on a variety of surfaces and are great for adding bold, clean lines to artwork.
Canson XL mixed media sketchbook (travel size)
A travel-size sketchbook is perfect for taking creativity on the go. Whether it’s for road trips, waiting rooms, or outdoor sketching, this size makes it easy to draw anywhere. The mixed media paper can handle both dry and light wet materials, making it very versatile.
Painting And Colour Exploration Gifts
Watercolour paint set
Watercolour is a great medium for tweens because it’s expressive and forgiving. It encourages experimentation with colour blending, layering, and texture without feeling too rigid or intimidating.
Pastel set
Pastels are perfect for bold colour exploration. They allow tweens to blend easily with their fingers and create soft, vibrant effects. This is a great option for kids who enjoy hands-on, tactile art experiences.
Hands-On Craft Kits
Wool felt set
A wool felt set is perfect for tweens who enjoy crafting and working with texture. They can create small projects like ornaments, animals, or decorative pieces while developing fine motor skills.
Embroidery set
Embroidery is a relaxing and rewarding craft that teaches patience and focus. It’s a great introduction to fibre art and allows tweens to create something they can keep or gift.
Crochet set
Crochet is another excellent skill-building craft. Starter kits make it easy to learn basic stitches, and tweens can create small projects as they practise.
Thick knitting needles for blankets
Large knitting needles paired with chunky yarn make knitting feel more approachable and fun. Tweens can create simple blankets or scarves quickly, which builds confidence and keeps them motivated.
Sculpting And Building Gifts
Air dry clay
Air dry clay is easy to use and doesn’t require a kiln or oven. Tweens can sculpt, build, and experiment freely, making it a great introduction to three-dimensional art.
Polymer clay set
Polymer clay allows for more detailed and durable creations. Once baked, the pieces become long-lasting, making it ideal for jewellery, mini sculptures, or small decorative items.
Wood burning tool
For more advanced or closely supervised tweens, a wood burning tool offers a unique way to draw and design on wood surfaces. It’s a great option for kids who enjoy detail work and want to try something different.
Why These Gifts Work So Well
All of these gift ideas for artist tweens are designed to encourage creativity without pressure. They:
Offer a variety of materials and techniques
Support both beginners and more experienced young artists
Provide hands-on, screen-free activities
Allow tweens to explore their interests at their own pace
By giving a mix of drawing, painting, and crafting supplies, you’re helping them discover what they enjoy most.
Affiliate Link Note:
Some of the products mentioned may be shared through affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase through those links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend supplies that are engaging, practical, and well-suited for young artists.
Creative gifts don’t just fill time—they build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of making art.
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Figure Drawing Class or Still Life Drawing Class
FREE 10 Tips to Make an Art Portfolio Application Stand Out!
Looking for something fun for your creative teen to do?
Join me (Jackie- artist and teacher) to learn about still life drawing.
In this hour and a half recorded class, students will learn how to create and draw a still life of a seashell and fabric. Learn about drawing details, creating contrast and texture, adding highlights, and shadows to a drawing and more!
See examples from art history to inspire your teen. Being able to draw objects or a still life realistically is a great skill to have and will help improve drawing. Whether your teen is interested in painting, drawing, or digital art this knowledge can be applied to their artwork.
Bonus: this class is perfect for teens wanting to go to art school as they will be able to create an amazing work for their portfolio!
Class is great for teens 12-17 years old.
You will receive a PDF with a link to the recorded class that your teen can watch anytime - as many times as they would like!
Just click Purchase and enter in your payment Info.
You will receive a PDF with a link to the class after purchase.
Your teen can watch the class anytime that is convenient to them!
You can pay with PayPal or Stripe (credit cards) Tax is included in the price!
$35 CAD is about $25 USD
Materials Needed:
Just paper, a pencil and an eraser - if your child would like to use other materials they can!