Inspiration

Perfect Christmas gifts for designers

Find the perfect gift for graphic designers! Explore everything from ergonomic tools to creative resources, in our holiday guide.

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for a designer can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not part of the creative world. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Your designer friend, family member, or colleague will appreciate thoughtful gifts that spark creativity or make their work easier.

From budget-friendly essentials to high-end investments, here are designer-approved gifts for every price range.

Table of contents

  1. Christmas gifts for designers up to $100
  2. Christmas gifts for designers up to $300
  3. Christmas gifts for designers above $300

Christmas gifts for designers up to $100

Notebooks and sketchbooks

Designers never stop sketching ideas or jotting down inspiration, which makes high-quality notebooks a great gift. Go for something sturdy with smooth, bleed-resistant pages. Every new sketchbook is a blank canvas for their next big project.

Pens and pencils

A reliable set of pens or mechanical pencils can make all the difference for detailed sketches and quick doodles. Look for precision and comfort—favorites like the Rotring mechanical pencil are a solid choice.

Inspirational design books

Design books are more than just page-turners; they’re portals to new ideas and approaches. Consider gifting a Taschen gift card so they can pick from an incredible collection of design, art, and photography books.

Accessories

A hip pack is a practical yet stylish gift for graphic designers on the move. Compact and convenient, it’s perfect for carrying essentials like sketchbooks, pens, or small devices. More than just a utility item, it doubles as a fashion statement, combining function with a touch of personal style—an ideal pick for any creative.

Ergonomic cushion

Designers often spend long hours at their desks. An ergonomic cushion isn’t just practical—it’s a caring way to help them stay comfortable and focused.

Music sampler

For a graphic designer who enjoys music while working, a sampler can be a unique and thoughtful gift. It enhances creative flow by offering a curated selection of tunes that inspire and energize the design process. Music has a powerful impact on mood and productivity, making this gift both enjoyable and practical for fueling creativity.

Christmas gifts for designers up to $300

Icons8 subscription

Give the gift of creativity with an Icons8 subscription, a must-have for designers looking to enhance their projects with top-quality assets. Choose from:

Icons + Illustrations plan

  • 1.3M+ pixel-perfect icons. Available in static and animated formats.
  • 300+ illustration styles. Including static, animated, and 3D options.

Graphics + Music plan

  • Icons and illustrations. A complete library of design essentials.
  • Photos. Realistic images of people, objects, and textures.
  • Music. Thousands of copyright-free tracks for projects.

This subscription isn’t just a toolset—it’s a game-changer for workflows, making it the perfect gift for any designer’s toolkit.

Custom font licenses

Typography enthusiasts will love experimenting with custom fonts. A license lets them go beyond standard typefaces to craft unique designs.

Earphones

Noise-canceling earphones are a must-have for designers who need to focus. A good pair transforms their workspace into a haven of creativity.

Portable hard drives

A portable hard drive ensures their projects are always backed up and safe. It’s a practical yet invaluable gift for managing large design files.

Creator keyboard

A creator keyboard with programmable keys is perfect for navigating design software efficiently. It’s a productivity boost they’ll thank you for every day.

Film camera

A film camera is a unique gift for designers, offering fresh perspectives, a chance to experiment with techniques, and a creative escape from the digital grind.

Christmas gifts for designers above $300

Ergonomic office chair

An ergonomic chair is a top-tier gift for designers who spend long hours at their desks. Comfort, support, and style all in one—this is an investment in their health and productivity.

Headphones

For immersive focus, a pair of noise-canceling headphones is unbeatable. The sound quality makes a big difference in helping them concentrate or unwind.

Online course

Offering an online course as a gift is a thoughtful way to invest in a designer’s career, providing new skills and techniques in graphic design. This gift shows that you value their professional development and will support their journey to staying relevant and skilled in a rapidly evolving field.

Final thoughts

The best gifts for designers aren’t just about utility—they’re about inspiration, comfort, and showing you understand their creative passion. A gift from a simple sketchbook to a game-changing subscription will make any designer’s holiday brighter.

Pair your gift with a handwritten note to add a personal touch—it’s a small gesture that can mean a lot to the creative minds in your life.

Adeline Knight

Content writer at Icons8. Vinyl record collector, amateur photographer

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