As part of my strategy to focus on small gifts to make Christmas shopping easier and cheaper, I’m compiling the ultimate lists of gifts for under $20.

Buying hobby-related gifts can be harder than one might expect, unless you share the same interests. There’s one hobby area that’s usually pretty safe when it comes to gift buying.

Art supplies make good gifts for budding artists of all ages. While the professional artist might get very picky, there are a lot of people who enjoy creating art as an amateur hobby and they’re a lot easier to shop for.

Colors galore

Don’t be intimidated by the wide variety of media and colors available. If your artist is younger, they’re probably going to be just as happy with a 150-count Crayola Crayon tower ($15.99) as with more expensive (and messier paints).

Still, there are a lot of great choices should your budding artist want to explore other options like:

• art pencils - 24 colors for $13.32
• oil pastel crayons - 36 colors for $4.29
• watercolor paint - 16 colors for $3
• oil paints - 6 colors for $14.34

For the sketcher

For those who like to sketch, check out this sketch folio kit for $9.99. The folio comes with a sketch pad and an assortment of pencils.

The Cretacolor sketching set also comes with a variety of pencils, as well as a coal stick, kneaded eraser, and paper blending stump — all in a nice tin box for just $18.

Art surfaces

What would a painting or drawing be without the material it’s done on?

Strathmore makes nice pads of drawing paper ($3.99 for an 8×10″ pad) and canvas paper ($10.30 for an 12″x16″ pad).

Also, check out these multimedia canvas panes. They’re 16″x20″ and just $16 for three.

Other tools

What would a painter be without their brushes? Well, a finger painter maybe, but for those who don’t want to get quite that messy there is this 12-brush set. It comes with a roll-up brush holder for just $19.99.

Don’t underestimate the power of good easel. They make it easier to get a bird’s eye view of your work and help prevent the back ache that accompanies leaning over your work. This wood sketch box easel makes a great tabletop easel and has a drawer for art supplies — and it’s just $19.99!

How-to books

Sure, some people may have a lot of natural talent, but a nudge in the right direction can save a lot of time. Consider giving a how-to art book along with supplies. How to Draw 101 Funny People is just $4.99 and Let’s Get Started: Watercolor Basics is just $13.59.

Plus, unlike most art supplies, the books ship worldwide.

Don’t forget, there are lots more gifts under $20 here at The Bargain Queen. Happy shopping!

You might also like...

Cheap gift ideas: Homemade goodies
As part of my strategy to focus on small gifts to make...

Cheap gift ideas: For music lovers
As part of my strategy to focus on small gifts to make...

Cheap gift ideas: For the traveler
As part of my strategy to focus on small gifts to make...

Cheap gift ideas: Wallets for him & her
As part of my strategy to focus on small gifts to make...

Cheap gift ideas: Treat their feet
As part of my strategy to focus on small gifts to make...