Best Gifts for Beginner Painters
Shopping for a new painter — or someone getting back into painting after a break — can feel like navigating a very colorful maze. This guide reviews beginner-friendly gifts that take the guesswork out of starting a painting habit. We’ve picked sets and tools that actually help someone begin, not sit unused in a drawer. You’ll learn what makes each gift useful in terms of completeness, ease of use, and creative impact, plus tips for choosing a set that matches their medium and workflow. These gifts make the first brush stroke feel like the most exciting one.
Our Picks
PICK #1 — Best All-In-One Starter Painting Kit
Product: Caliart Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes (36 Colors)
This kit is the quintessential “open this and start painting” gift. It bundles vibrant acrylic paints with a selection of brushes so the beginner doesn’t need to track down supplies one by one. The smooth, richly pigmented paints are forgiving as you learn blending and layering — and the included brushes cover both bold strokes and detail work. It’s a classic starter set that jumps right into creative territory without admin overhead.
Best for: Absolute beginners and hobbyists just diving into acrylic painting
What we like: Wide color selection, included brushes, Amazon availability
What to know: You may want to add canvases separately if they don’t come with the set
PICK #3 — Best Mid-Size Portable Painting Kit
Product: 69-Piece Acrylic Painting Set with Wood Box Easel
When you want a gift that’s robust but not overwhelming, this kind of kit hits the sweet spot. It includes a sturdy wood box easel, vibrant acrylic paints, several brushes, and canvases — all packaged in a nice, tidy set. It’s portable enough to carry between rooms or to classes, but complete enough to handle real creative sessions.
Best for: Beginners who want mobility and organization
What we like: Wood box easel doubles as storage, vibrant paints, good balance of supplies
What to know: Smaller brush set than deluxe kits
PICK #2 — Best Comprehensive Paint & Easel Gift Set
Product: 149-Piece Deluxe Painting Set with Easel
This is the gift that feels big — not in a “too much stuff” way, but in a “wow, I’m ready to paint anything” way. It typically includes multiple paint types (acrylic, watercolor), brushes, canvases, palettes, and a tabletop easel, meaning a beginner can explore different techniques right away. Having an easel right there makes the experience feel more official — and more enjoyable.
Best for: New painters who want everything in one box
What we like: Multiple media included, fun variety, great for gifting
What to know: Larger footprint — more gear to store and experiment with
PICK #4 — Best Gift Add-On: Quality Brush Set
Product: ESRICH Acrylic Brush and Paint Kit
Great supplies don’t have to be huge kits. A high-quality brush set is something every beginner painter quickly realizes they need — and this set delivers multiple sizes and shapes so they can experiment with washes, textures, and detail work without struggling with cheap bristles. It’s a practical, thoughtful gift that really gets used.
Best for: Painters who already have paint but need better tools
What we like: Diverse brush sizes, easy to clean nylon bristles
What to know: Brushes alone aren’t a full kit — best paired with paints and canvas
Your Questions, Answered
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We looked for complete kits, well-reviewed Amazon products, and sets that get beginners actually painting without requiring extra purchases. The goal was to pick gifts that reduce friction and build confidence.
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If they’re truly just starting, a kit with paints and brushes included removes guesswork and lets them focus on painting right away. If they’ve already begun, quality add-ons like brushes or canvases can make a big difference.
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Yes — acrylic paints are forgiving, dry relatively fast, and clean up easily with water. A set like the ones above lets beginners explore color and technique without being intimidated by specialty mediums.
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Consider adding stretched canvas packs, palette knives, or a portable tabletop easel to round out the gift. Even a thoughtful sketchbook can elevate a beginner’s practice.