By Gabé Hirschowitz

The holidays are always so full of wonderful opportunities to share good times with our loved ones and create fond memories that will last a lifetime; for my own part, I cherish my annual trip to visit family abroad, and among the most memorable experiences are the times everyone has gotten together to create side-by-side. So for me there’s nothing better than thoughtful gifts that create fun, creative experiences–and, of course, as a result, I love giving such gifts, too. That’s why this year I decided to do a little digging for some truly amazing artistic gifts that readers of “The Good Life” may enjoy. These twelve gift ideas are pulled straight from my own personal gift list, which exclusively includes products and services sure to spark the creativity of young and old alike. 

12. Mini Polaroid Camera

Yes, we might all have our phones now, but when was the last time you could hang your favorite travel and holiday photos on a physical wall? Best of all, Polaroids are just as instant and, who knows, might inspire one of your little ones to be the next Ansel Adams!

11. Watercolor Paint Set

Great for introducing little ones to painting, some astonishing works of art have also been created with these unassuming paints. In fact, Georgia O’Keeffe loved them so much there’s an entire book filled with her World War I-era work in watercolors.

10. The Buddha Board

Perfect for young creatives as well as well as high-powered adult art lovers who need their own time-out, this set features everything needed for a mindful personal retreat into water-painting and drawing, including a bamboo brush, stand and ink-less drawing board.

9. 3Doodler Create + 3D Printing Pen

Who ever said STEM and art can’t work together? With this nifty tool, creatives of any age can explore the next frontier in sculpture while also learning about a cutting-edge technology that’s reshaping our world–literally.

8. Assouline’s Complete Travel Book Set

As beautiful as they are informative, Assouline’s travel book covers and contents provide the perfect coffee-table or bookshelf color pop for any décor.

7. MasterClass Subscription

Whether it’s learning to paint a masterpiece or play a jaw-dropping guitar solo, anyone can learn almost anything from MasterClass’s exclusive courses, all of which are taught by some of the most profound and influential creatives of our time.

6. Flour Shop Rainbow Pop-Up Cake Kit

The culinary arts are as dear to my heart as painting and sculpture. Treat the budding chef in your life with one of these Flour Shop confectionery kits and you’re sure to taste some sweet returns into the bargain.

5. Super Smalls Craft Kits

Super Smalls‘ line of compact kits include everything a kid needs for jewelry making, scrap booking, DIY bead creation, gem makeup, nail painting and more! Have fun with these super cute, feel-good kid accessories and creative craft gifts the whole family will enjoy! Bonus: Our friends at Super Smalls have kindly shared a 10% discount code. Enter “GALERIE10” at checkout for 10% off your purchase (limited to one per person, offer excludes bundles).

4. Keith Haring Designs

MOMA’s introduction of a full line of gifts based on Keith Haring’s artwork brings art to life in all sorts of fun new ways. Take their Keith Haring chess set, for instance: who wouldn’t want to play a friendly game or two with these delightful figurines?

3. Kenny Scharf Surf Boards

Ever the innovator, Kenny Scharf has partnered with Parley’s Global Cleanup Network this season to produce a limited-edition series of individually painted, one-of-a-kind surf-boards. Talk about art that moves you, the best part is that proceeds from the project go to a great cause: environmental protection in Mexico!

2. Sculpd Pottery Bundle Kit

Sculpd’s Pottery Starter Bundle comes with all the materials, tools and guidance you need to create functional and decorative pottery at home. Popular creations include plant and cactus pots, trinket dishes, dried-flower vases, animal and body sculptures and everything in between. Every kit comes with 2 kg of air-dry clay – enough for two people to create two pots or pieces each. Indeed, with a Sculpd kit and paint set of your choice you can create almost anything, so as the company claims, “If you can dream it, you can Sculpd it.”

1. Art Club Membership

Still looking for more creative gift ideas? Why not give the gift of an annual art-club membership. Enjoy exclusive in-person events such as studio visits, after-hours museum tours, and private dinners. A few of my own favorite membership groups include those offered by LACMA, MoMA and The Cultivist.

Click here to read more on the Art & Lifestyle blog “The Good Life”