The very best gift ideas for graphic designers in 2023
Finding the best gifts for graphic designers can be overwhelming, and you’ll find a wide selection of tools online. It also depends on each person’s tastes and what’s available.
If you’re looking for new gadgets to create your designs on, you’ll want something with a high-resolution screen. And if you plan to travel, you’ll want a device that fits in your bag. You might also want to purchase accessories that keep your equipment safe while you’re out and about.
Of course, it’s also worth considering how you can motivate the graphic designer in your life. On top of that, you should think about how your gift can help them do their job easier.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for graphic designer gift ideas. In this guide, you’ll find 42 possible presents for graphic designers.
EDITORS CHOICE
9.7
- Adjustable Height
- Lumbar Support
- Back Mesh and Seat Mesh
- Tension Control
BUDGET PICK
9.5
- Personalize Your Creative Process
- Natural Pen Experience
- Certified Compatible with Chromebook
- Creative Software
PREMIUM PICK
9.1
- Apple Pay and Face ID for secure authentication
- 4K video recording
- 12.9‑inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- Works with Apple Pencil
The best gifts for a graphic designer: Our top picks
When picking the best gifts for a graphic designer, we aimed to look at all angles. As we mentioned in the introduction, not every person is the same. On top of that, you might not have a huge budget for the more expensive gifts on our list.
With this in mind, you will find a selection of graphic designer gifts in multiple categories. Some will focus on technological aspects and help to streamline workflows. Others, on the other hand, will be more practical for traveling – and some will cross more than one genre.
Now that we’ve got that out, let’s look at the best gifts for a graphic designer.
Herman Miller Aeron chair
When performing their jobs, graphic designers will likely spend a lot of time sitting down. But as humans, we weren’t designed to spend significant periods on a chair. What you sit on can have a massive impact on your joints, and people can encounter health-related issues over time.
Herman Miller is one of the most famous office brands on the planet, and its range of chairs is some of the most sought-after. If the graphic designer you’re buying gifts for works from home, this chair will be the perfect companion when working at their desk.
It’s comfortable and dynamic in equal measure.
EDITORS CHOICE
Apple AirPods Pro
Graphic design involves creative work and requires long periods without interruptions. When working around other people, distractions are everywhere. Colleagues, for example, might disrupt you to ask for help with tasks that – let’s face it – can almost always wait.
Whether you work from home or in an office, you’ll also need to deal with background noise. In all of these situations, having a good pair of headphones can help you block out what’s happening around you – allowing you to get in a flow state.
Moreover, it might give people the message that you’re very much in “Do Not Disturb” mode.
AirPods are some of the most popular headphones on the market. They’re portable and easy to connect and come with a MagSafe charging case.
RECOMMENDED
iPad Pro 12.9″
iPads are popular with creatives in multiple fields, and Apple’s tablets are some of the most sought-after graphic design presents. The 2022 iPad Pro has several handy features that graphic designers will love, including a USB-C connector and high-speed processing for complex programs.
You can buy the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with either a cellular plan included or just Wi-Fi. Either way, the graphic designer you’re buying it for will likely use their tablet significantly.
The 2022 iPad Pro also doesn’t have a home button, opting for Face ID technology instead. You can choose from five storage capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
PREMIUM PICK
Beats Studio noise-canceling earbuds
If the graphic designer you’re buying a gift for doesn’t like AirPods, don’t worry; they don’t have to skip wireless headphones altogether. Beats by Dre is another popular brand selling products of these kinds; it might be better known for the headphones, but you’ll also find earbuds.
Beats has a selection of noise-canceling earbuds, all of which come with a recharging case. You can choose from multiple colors, including black, gray, and blue. The earbuds have up to eight hours of listening time before you need to recharge them, though this will vary depending on the content you play.
Wireless earbuds are expensive, and getting some that work in multiple scenarios is a good idea. If your graphic designer is into exercise, they can also use these; they’re water and sweat-resistant.
RECOMMENDED
VOOVA laptop bag
Many people buy laptops as gifts for graphic designers. And while these are handy tools for creating intriguing designs, it’s also important to remember that laptops are often vulnerable to the elements. When traveling, they might have to go through rainy weather and – in some cases – experience drops.
No solution is completely foolproof, but buying a sturdy laptop bag will help your graphic designer protect their computer in multiple scenarios. The VOOVA laptop bag is one of the most popular on the market.
VOOVA’s laptop bag is water-resistant and has straps that make it easier to carry around. It’s also compatible with multiple laptops; if you’re looking for an affordable gift, this is worth checking out.
RECOMMENDED
Samsung 32-inch 4K UHD monitor
Many graphic designers use a laptop for their work, but some people prefer to create things with more than one screen. Sometimes, they may want to look at what they’re doing on something bigger. In both cases, getting a monitor is a good idea.
Samsung has several high-quality monitors, including its UJ59 Series. The monitor we’re recommending for you has a 32-inch screen and excellent screen resolution.
Whoever you buy this for can view their work in high quality. And if they want to learn more about graphic design, they can watch videos in 4K.
RECOMMENDED
Pantone Color Bridge guide set
Being a good graphic designer isn’t just about opening your computer and drawing something.
You need to consider several factors, including color theory – which, in simple terms, refers to how colors complement each other. Some work better than others; knowing them is vital to capture your audience.
When designing logos and other graphics, you’ll often work with all kinds of numbers – remembering these is challenging. Having something you can refer to – such as this color bridge set by Pantone – is a good idea.
You’ll find multiple shades and how you can make them in your palette.
RECOMMENDED
Camera lens coffee mug
So far, many of the best gifts for graphic designers that we’ve mentioned have been more complex and directly related to the job. However, you don’t need to go to huge lengths to put a smile on the face of someone you care about.
Simple accessories that remind them of you will also do a good job.
Many graphic designers love starting their day with a warm cup of coffee or tea, especially during the colder months. They need something to drink that out of, so why not consider getting them this camera lens coffee mug?
This mug is designed like a lens, perfect for traveling or drinking coffee while working. Thanks to its lid, your graphic designer can also avoid any spillages that might ruin their equipment.
RECOMMENDED
Wacom drawing tablet
Graphic designers need to spend significant time creating prototypes for their designs, but making designs with their trackpads can be annoying. Luckily, they have plenty of accessories to help them do their job.
This drawing tablet by Wacom will allow your graphic designer to use a pen and pad to draw their design on the screen. It’s compatible with multiple computers, including Macs and Chromebooks.
The drawing tablet is also relatively inexpensive, making it a great stocking-filler if you’re thinking about Christmas gifts for graphic designers.
BUDGET PICK
Pantone: The Game
Until now, all the best gifts for a graphic designer in this article have been for the individual. But if the person you’re buying presents for has other friends with similar interests, you should get something that they can use with others.
Pantone: The Game is designed for party environments. You can get other players to guess different colors and characters, with points available for those that can guess more accurately.
You can decide what the prize will be. Consider playing it as a drinking game, but it’s equally fun if alcohol isn’t present.
RECOMMENDED
Graphic designer t-shirt
Some people love t-shirts with graphics on them, but others think they’re the worst thing in the world. However, if the graphic designer in your life is on the former side of things, you should consider getting this jersey for them.
This graphic designer t-shirt is available in multiple sizes and features a sarcastic definition of what the term means. Everything is presented in a minimalist format, and you can choose from various colors – including black, navy, and royal blue.
Most of the shirts are 100% cotton, but others have a mixture of different materials.
RECOMMENDED
I’m silently judging your font choice mug
Each creative discipline has all kinds of inside jokes that will seem peculiar to everyone else. Graphic design is no different, and one of the best gifts for graphic designers is this coffee mug.
The text is simple to read, and the mug is useful for tea and coffee. It’s another affordable gift, making it another excellent stocking filler or something you can add on the side.
RECOMMENDED
Pantone: 10 Notebooks
Graphic design is about both conceptualization and execution. In many cases, the first of these can take longer. While you can use different note-taking apps, some people prefer to write on paper and have everything in a place that’s easy to refer to.
This set of notebooks from Pantone features numerous colors, and the person you buy these for might want to use each of them for different things. At the same time, they can just jot notes in each until it becomes full – before moving on to the next.
Each notebook has 48 pages and is in A4 format.
RECOMMENDED
Nordik leather desk mat
Graphic designers will often work at a desk, which can get things quite messy. However, you can help the graphic designer in your life keep everything organized with a desk mat.
This leather desk mat by Nordik is the perfect thing to put on their desk. It’ll stop problems like spillages from damaging the table and allow the person using it only to keep the things that are essential to them close by while they’re working.
The desk mat is also waterproof; you can get replacements if something goes wrong. It’s also pretty affordable, making it an excellent option for all budgets.
RECOMMENDED
Pantone chips journal
Journaling is an excellent practice for clearing your mind, and it’s also a perfect way to get any big ideas you might have down on paper. If you want a gift for graphic designers that can help them in this respect, this journal by Pantone is the perfect present.
The journal features multiple colors on its front and back, reminding your graphic designer if they need to refer to anything. There are 192 pages in the journal, and each page has both grids and blank spaces.
RECOMMENDED
Pantone 100 postcards
Another graphic designer gift idea by Pantone is this collection of 100 postcards. You’ll find multiple hues available, allowing you to make what you send look more vibrant.
On top of that, the postcards in this collection will allow you to write whichever messages you want – and you can use them in multiple situations.
The postcards come in a sturdy and well-designed binder, enabling your graphic designer to keep everything organized. If you don’t want to use them to send to others, the person you’re gifting this to can also keep it on their desktop for aesthetic purposes.
RECOMMENDED
Pantone: 35 inspirational color palettes
When creating designs, it can sometimes take work to stay motivated. When that happens, having some inspiration close by is a good idea. These color palettes, also developed by Pantone, are an ideal gift for graphic designers and serve that specific purpose.
These color palettes are designed for all kinds of different themes, including food styling and fashion. They will allow your graphic designer to figure out what works and what doesn’t, making it easier for them to draw new concepts and bring their ideas to life.
RECOMMENDED
Pantone mug
We’ve already mentioned two mugs in this list of the best gifts for graphic designers, but Pantone has also created another that you might want to consider getting.
Each option you have here is suitable for drinking tea and coffee, and Pantone’s also features multiple hues and colors.
Each mug has the number of a specific color, and they all hold up to 375 milliliters of liquid. They were made in Thailand but designed initially in Denmark.
Pantone’s mugs are made of porcelain and feature a typically Scandinavian minimalist design.
RECOMMENDED
Pantone: The 20th century in color coffee table book
Even with the countless digital books you’ll find online, nothing quite beats having a physical copy – and those coffee table-sized books are particularly fantastic gifts. When buying gifts for someone passionate about design, this excellent book by Pantone is well worth considering.
This book looks at how different colors were used throughout the 20th century, and you’ll find iconic ads and more from decades ago. Everything is explained in a lot of detail, and you’ll also see the different palettes for each thing discussed.
Besides inspiring future projects, this book is nice to keep around the house and read in your downtime.
The complete color harmony book
While the book previously mentioned is more of a trip down memory lane, this one is more practical.
It’s another product commissioned by Pantone which goes deeper into the topic of color theory. The book teaches readers about why specific colors work well with others in design and the color wheel.
The book dissects color harmony and theory in several areas and moods, such as romantic and friendly.
While tools like the iPad might help implement ideas and carry out projects, this book is a fantastic point of reference for a graphic designer who needs to know whether their idea will work well when implemented.
RECOMMENDED
Castle Art graphite drawing pencils and sketch set
When looking for the best gifts for graphic designers, it’s worth remembering that not all graphic design is digital. Consider this substantial pencil and sketch set if you’re buying a present for someone who likes drawing in real life.
The tools in this collection are designed for graphite drawing, and whoever uses them will find multiple things to help bring their ideas to life. Several pencils are included, as are erasers and charcoal pencils.
The set also has a book that helps artists enhance their skills through demos.
Castle Art 60 piece woodless watercolor pencils set
While the set we mentioned earlier focuses more on graphite drawings, this one is a better choice when choosing a gift for someone that prefers watercolor illustrations.
This broad set has pencils in multiple colors, and you should combine it with the book about color harmonies to give full power to the artist.
Like the other set, those that use this set will also gain access to a book with multiple tutorials to help improve their skills.
Apple Magic Keyboard
In recent years, iPads have become more similar to computers. The 2022 iPad, for example, has M2 processing – and the video editing platform DaVinci Resolve is also rolling its powerful software out to these devices.
However, one common annoyance is that they can be quite difficult to type on if you’re writing lengthy emails, articles, or essays.
If you’re going to get the iPad Pro mentioned earlier in our gifts for graphic designers, combine it with the Magic Keyboard. The same is true if the person you’re buying presents for already has an iPad.
Apple’s Magic Keyboard is wireless, and it’s also compatible with iPhones and Mac computers. Despite being wireless, you will also receive a cable that you can plug into supporting devices, making it one of the best gifts for graphic designers.
RECOMMENDED
KROSER travel laptop backpack
Graphic design is a job that you can take with you around the world, and many digital nomads earn their money via this profession. In other cases, the graphic designer you’re getting gifts for might also need to travel to the office if they have a full-time job – or to and from coworking spaces and cafés.
In all of the above situations, having a good-quality backpack is essential for protecting equipment. The KROSER travel laptop backpack fits that requirement; it’s made from water-repellent material, making it handy in bad weather and one of the best gifts for graphic designers.
The backpack is 17.3 inches, which will cover most laptops. It also has several pockets for other things that whoever’s using it might need to carry around.
RECOMMENDED
Logitech MX Master 3S mouse
Some computers have good trackpads and built-in mouses, but others could be better. In some cases, it’s easier to purchase a different mouse – and this one from Logitech will help your graphic designer complete their projects with minimal hassle.
We picked this for our list of the best gifts for graphic designers because this mouse can scroll 1,000 lines in one second and is compatible with multiple computers. On top of that, you can use the mouse either wirelessly or via the USB-C charger.
Logitech’s mouse works on most surfaces, meaning that you don’t have to worry about your table not being sufficient enough.
RECOMMENDED
Digital Wooden alarm clock
What do graphic designers appreciate? No prizes for guessing here: Good design.
Okay, so you can simply use your smartphone as an alarm. But let’s be honest – many alarm sounds are awful. On top of that, checking your phone first thing in the morning can disrupt everything else.
Getting a standalone alarm clock might seem a little archaic, but it’s not the worst idea.
Why is this one of the best gifts for graphic designers? This digital alarm clock ticks all of the above boxes. It’s beautifully designed, and setting an alarm is easy. On top of that, it shows the weather temperature – and not just the time.
RECOMMENDED
Cyxus blue light anti eyestrain computer glasses
When looking at the best gifts for a graphic designer, thinking about their well-being is a good idea. Since much of their work will be digital, they will stare at a screen for much of the day. Over time, that can negatively impact eyesight.
These glasses are designed to block blue light and allow users to get the benefits of using their device to fulfill projects without suffering from potential side effects. You can purchase these in multiple colors, and they’re also unisex, making it one of the best gifts for graphic designers regardless of gender.
Cyxus’ glasses are lightweight and made of sturdy materials, making them incredibly easy to travel with.
Lapdesk portable workstation
You might get bored of working from your desk if you work from home. But at the same time, completing your tasks can be impractical in other areas of the house. This portable workstation from Lapdesk is an excellent solution and one of the best gifts for graphic designers.
This portable station is big enough to fit a laptop, and the table will fit on your lap. You can choose between those suitable for right-handed and left-handed individuals, and it also has a mouse pad.
The workstation also has a place to keep your phone, which is helpful if you need to answer calls during your day. If your graphic designer uses social media, they might also find this particular feature handy for recording YouTube Shorts and other short-form content.
RECOMMENDED
WD portable external hard drive 2TB
One of the best gifts for graphic designers is also one of the most underrated. If you want to make life much easier for any creative person, get them an external hard drive with significant storage space. Western Digital (WD) is one of the best in the game for these gadgets.
With the 2TB hard drive, graphic designers will have more than enough storage for all their projects. They can also divide their work into subfolders, making it easy to keep everything organized. On top of designs, they can use the hard drive for resumes and other documents.
WD allows users to password-protect their hard drives, making it hard for someone else to access the content if someone gets a hold of it.
RECOMMENDED
Satechi multi-device charging station
From computers to tablets and smartphones, people in many creative fields – including graphic design – use multiple devices throughout their day. And while modern versions of these gadgets have a good battery life, you still don’t want to be caught if one or more runs out.
This multi-device charging station by Satechi lets users simultaneously charge up to five devices. What makes it one of the best gifts for graphic designers, besides what we’ve already mentioned, is how your graphic designer can charge their wireless headphones and more.
The charging station comes with overheating protection to mitigate the risk of potential damage being caused. It’s compatible with multiple versions of the iPad, iPhone, etc.
RECOMMENDED
BOSE QuietComfort 45 noise canceling headphones
Many of the best gifts for designers mentioned have featured headphones, and we’ll include another pair here. But while the others have been earbuds, these are more traditional in that they go over your head.
Why are these headphones one of the best gifts for graphic designers? These headphones are noise-canceling and have a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet. If you need to hear what’s happening outside of your headphones, you can enable a different mode that allows this to happen.
BOSE’s QuietComfort 45 headphones have up to 24 hours of battery life. These make them an excellent option for working, long-distance travel, and listening to music or podcasts around the house.
JBL wireless portable speaker
Sometimes, background music is better than working with your headphones in your ears. JBL is one of the most popular names in the consumer electronics space, and its speakers are popular in multiple countries.
These portable speakers are relatively small, making them easy to carry around. You can keep them in the house, but you can also take them with you while traveling. JBL’s speaker is also waterproof; you can connect them to your devices via Bluetooth.
This speaker has a maximum sound output of 20 watts, making it the best gifts for graphic designers who like to turn up the volume.
RECOMMENDED
3D printing pen
3D printing is commonplace in the graphic design space, even though the concept is alien to many people in non-creative disciplines. This pen is strongly worth considering if your graphic designer is into 3D printing.
What makes it one of the best gifts for graphic designers is how it makes it easy to draw new creations and is also not too expensive. The pen is temperature-adjustable, and it doesn’t need any prior experience to use.
With the pen, users will get a free guide on how to use it, a stencil guide, and more.
RECOMMENDED
BODUM travel mug
We’ve mentioned a couple of tea and coffee mugs in this list of the best gifts for graphic designers. While some have been suitable for travel, that isn’t universally the case. This one, however, was designed specifically for that purpose.
The BODUM travel mug is available in multiple colors and holds up to 15 ounces of liquid. You can put the mug in the dishwasher without worrying about it, and it’s also got excellent heat insulation.
What also makes it one of the best gifts for graphic designers who need to drink something as they work is how the BODUM travel mug is suitable for both hot and cold drinks.
RECOMMENDED
Synology 2 NAS DiskStation
DiskStations are great for use across multiple locations, and there’s every chance that graphic designers will need to do precisely that. This one by Synology is one of the best gifts for graphic designers you can get.
This DiskStation features two default camera licenses, with the option to buy more. On top of that, it has an Intel core processor and encryption. Moreover, it performs well during intense actions.
RECOMMENDED
VIVO ultra-slim standing desk riser
While you can create a home office where you sit down, there are better options than that. Another option is to use a desk where you can adjust the height, allowing you to stand up for extended periods when you feel it’s necessary.
This desk riser by VIVO is minimalistic in design, and adjusting its height is very simple. You can easily fit your laptop on it, and it’s also handy if you want to use other appliances.
What makes it one of the best gifts for graphic designers is how the VIVO desk riser has five different height settings, making it useful regardless of how tall your graphic designer is.
Because of its compact nature, you also don’t need to worry about having a huge setup – and it’s just as easy to use in office settings.
RECOMMENDED
HP smark-tank wireless color printer
In some cases, printing out your ideas is a great way to see how they actually look. On top of that, it’s also easier to critique your work. However, going to a library can get expensive. The best option if your graphic designer doesn’t work in an office with a printer is to buy one.
HP is one of the most popular printing companies, and its wireless color printer makes it easy to use remotely. Users can connect their devices to the printer via Bluetooth, which works well for individuals and families.
In addition to its printing services, HP’s printer also allows users to scan documents, making it the best gifts for graphic designers who do a lot of printing and scanning.
RECOMMENDED
Mondaine women’s classic Swiss watch
While our phones tell the time, not everyone wants to regularly check their devices. The best option is, pun intended, timeless: To simply buy a watch.
This women’s watch by Mondaine has a Swiss design, but its minimalist design will remind many people of Scandinavia. It also features the logo of SBB, Switzerland’s primary train provider. Convenient, then, that many of the country’s trains run on time.
The watch is water-resistant, but it’s worth remembering that it isn’t designed for submersion – such as if you were to go swimming with it switched on. For every other activity, though, this watch is one of the best gifts for graphic designers.
RECOMMENDED
Apple Watch Series 8
A more modern watch, which has become popular with men and women alike, is the Apple Watch. The Series 8 was released in September 2022, and you can purchase the device for multiple wrist sizes. It’s also available in various colors, including black and red.
One of the most remarkable features of the Apple Watch Series 8 is its built-in safety detection. It can determine when you’ve been in a severe accident and alert the local emergency services accordingly. It also works with all iPhones that support iOS 16.
You can use multiple apps with the Apple Watch Series 8, including Health and more. On top of that, you can easily change your home screen to something that fits your personality.
It’s definitely one of the best gifts for graphic designers who keep up with the latest Apple products.
RECOMMENDED
Sakura Micron fineliner pens
If your graphic designer likes drawing things on paper, fineliner pens are some of the best for creating better lines in their art. These from Sakura will help them achieve better-quality works of art.
Why is this one of the best gifts for graphic designers? This pack of pens comes in different point sizes, and you get six pens in total. The ink is waterproof and dries quickly after the person has drawn what they need to on their sheet of paper.
RECOMMENDED
Travel laptop backpack
This travel laptop backpack is the perfect companion for long-distance journeys. It’s made from lightweight fabric and absorbs heavy loads with high-quality padding. On top of that, your graphic designer can use it for computers up to 17 inches.
The backpack is available in multiple colors, including yellow and blue. It’s also water-resistant, and you’ll find it easy to unpack your laptop through airport security.
That also makes it the best gifts for graphic designers who are always on the go.
RECOMMENDED
Belkin wireless charging stand
When charging your devices, let’s face it – the wires can get pretty annoying. Luckily, wireless charging solutions have emerged in recent years – and it is much easier to keep your devices’ batteries at their maximum without worrying about where you put your charger.
This wireless charging stand by Belkin features MagSafe compatibility, meaning you can charge Apple devices using that technology. You can use it with your Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, and more, making it one of the best gifts for graphic designers.
The charging stand lets you charge your devices in either portrait or landscape, whichever is easier for you.
RECOMMENDED
The best gifts for graphic designers in one place
So, there you have it – that’s our ultimate list of the best gifts for graphic designers. With over 40 recommendations, at the very least, you should have a better understanding of what you might want to purchase for the special graphic designer in your life.
An iPad or monitor might be among the best gifts for graphic designers if you’ve got a bigger budget. However, wireless charging stations, books, and backpacks all count as great graphic design presents.
Regardless of your choice, it’s the thought that counts – and all of the options on this list are great potential gifts to consider getting.
Fabrik: A branding agency for our times.
Danny is a senior writer and regular contributor to the pages of Brand Fabrik, where he creates resources, guides and reviews to assist readers from the creative services community. Adding sparkle and clarity to his content, Danny allows our brand personality to shine.
