Here are some of my top gift ideas for graphic designers, updated for 2024! These are all products that I have and use regularly.
Also, I do not claim to own any of the images. All image credit belongs to the brand that it's linked to.
2024 Gift Guide
1. RGB Lamp by Infinite Objects
This is the ultimate shelf treat for a designer: it rotates through different hex codes allllllll day. It’s great for color inspo and colorful movement in your space. I bought one for myself last year and it's been rotating colors non-stop since.
2. Hues & Cues Game
This is my go-to party game for designers and non-designers! Essentially, it comes with a big color spectrum and players take turns guessing which color a person is referencing, using 1-word and 2-word phrases. Like... what does 'Barney Purple' mean to YOU? So fun for parties & family gatherings.
3. Color Palette Builder
This is a great digital gift that you can send to a designer (perfect if you've forgotten to order in time for something to ship). This is a tool that lets designers build, test, and export their brand color palettes in 60 seconds. A must-have tool for over 1,000+ designers.
4. 'Steal Like an Artist'
This is one of those books that I think every creative person should read. It's easy to flip through (you can literally just read 1-2 pages a day and get a ton of value) and the graphics are beautifully simple. I will read all of Austin Kleon's books because he captures the creative journey SO well.
5. Pantone Color Formula Guides
Okay okay okay this one is a BIT pricey but if you want to get something super $$ for a graphic designer- this is a great gift. These color formula guides are super fun to flip through, but they're also helpful if the designer works in print packaging.
6. CMY Cube
This is a great inexpensive gift for a designer. You can rotate the cube to view the different combinations of Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. Great for understanding the basics of the CMY color model.
7. 'The Secret Lives of Color'
This is one of my favorite books to flip through- it lives on my desk at all times. Kassia St. Clair explores different shades and hues and explores the fun history behind some of our favorite colors. If you've ever wondered why we use bubblegum pink in visitor's locker rooms- this is the book for YOU!
8. 'Why Fonts Matter'
This book by Sarah Hyndman explores how fonts have different 'personalities' and trigger memories. It's FULL of great design inspo and font nerd trivia. This was one of my first design books and is a must-gift to any designer.
9. 'Color, Form, and Magic'
If you're a fan of the connection of the creative and magical worlds- this is a PERFECT book for you. This book explores the history and signifance behind some of the more common colors (like blue, green, etc.) and the meaning behind some of our most commonly used shapes and forms (like circles, squares, spirals, eyes, suns, etc.). It's a REALLY beautiful book with silver foil accents- this is one of the prettiest books on my shelf.
10. Fine Tipped Rainbow Pens
I found these pens at one of my favorite local toy stores and had a 'you're coming home with me' moment. These pens are vibrant and fun, and they are a great addition to a colorful designer's desk.
