23 Best Gift Ideas for Graphic Designers

Ten notebooks in Pantone’s iconic colour chip design. Some are grid dot and some are lined pages which are ideal for doodling and note taking. This would be ideal for any colleague involved in graphic design and if one thing it for sure, it will brighten up any desk.

The crop tool is a designer’s best friend so why not recognize it on a mug. This two-tone ceramic mug is a thoughtful gift that any designer will appreciate. Plus, anything to drink coffee out of is always a bonus.

This ultrathin portable lightbox is more of a practical gift, ideal for keeping down the side of your desk or taking out and about. The A4 design is ideal for tracing, stenciling, or calligraphy. It has multiple brightness settings depending upon the work. It comes with a USB to power it, although bear in mind that there’s no wall adaptor.

The History of Graphic Design is a chronological overview of how designs have evolved and shaped the world, with a year-by-year analysis of key industry events in a beautifully presented hardback book. This is such a comprehensive review that it’s split into two editions, each with almost 500 pages. Volume 1 showcases 1890-1959 whilst volume two completes 1960 until today.

60 years since it was first launched and the etch-a-sketch is still a firm favorite among creative kids and adults. Using the two knobs at the bottom of the screen, users can create a magical image on the screen, then when finished, give it a shake and start all over again. This is a great white elephant gift for graphic designers.

Get a custom caricature in a fun cartoon style we all recognize but can’t mention for copyright reasons. This Etsy artist will use photos of your recipient to craft a lifelike illustration that will be supplied as a digital file. You can then print it as a t-shirt, mug, wall art, or even a duvet. Couples or group illustrations also available.

This ingenious mug will leave people baffled as you gently sip your coffee from a realistic looking Canon or Nikon camera lens. The mug is plastic on the outside and stainless steel on the inside which will hold 350ml of your favourite hot drink. It even comes with a lid to complete the look when not in use.

This pencil set has been created especially for graphic designers and will definitely make them laugh. Each of the 5 matt black HB pencils have been hand-foiled with a funny designer pun, including ‘I shot the serif’, ‘Crop it like it’s hot’, and ‘Always be bold’. There’s an optional pencil pouch for an additional cost. These are only made in the UK so allow up to 10 working days for international delivery.

The crop tool is a designers best companion so it’s only right that they have it front and centre on a t-shirt. The t-shirt featured is a classic fit that’s suitable for both men and women, however other fits are available including v-neck, slouchy, or curvy. There are also 17 colour choices available so you can create the perfect gift, but we think it looks great in black. You can also get the design on mugs, face masks, or a laptop sticker.

Young man, there’s no need to feel down, especially once this funny gift in your possession. Printed on a standard size dishwasher and microwave safe mug, this joke will give any graphic designer, illustrator or publisher a chuckle, perfect as a new job gift or a friendly thank you gesture.

A colorful unisex hoodie for any graphic designer, ideal as a birthday or Christmas gift. It features 5 different colors straight from a Pantone book that’s used by designers on a daily basis, arranged in a stylish pattern making it a perfect way to set the tone. Also available as a t-shirt or pullover.

If you’re looking for a practical gift for a graphic designer under $20, then look no further than this precision knife set. Anyone working in a creative role should have a knife for cutting and crafting their masterpieces, and this one is just the ticket at a bargain price. It includes 3 handles and 13 different blades all in a handy case for safekeeping.

If you’re not from the graphic design world, you’re probably wondering what a Latin laptop sleeve is doing here. Well, ‘Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet….’ is from an old philosophical book, but is now used as dummy text by designers to show where content will sit, most could probably recite the first few lines in their sleep, it’s a great in-joke. This design is also available as a phone case, mug and tote bag at the below link.

Everyone needs to put their head down and focus from time to time, but this is even more true of graphic designers. A pair of noise cancelling headphones will go down a treat and if they’re Bluetooth that’s even better as it will stop pesky wires getting in the way of their work.

This fun, yet practical gift idea will allow the recipient to eject any boring accessories and add some nostalgia to their desk. Authentically shaped like an audiotape cassette from yesteryear, this organizer will hold up to 30 pens or pencils, paper clips, pins, elastic bands, and a roll of sticky tape.

You can never know everything in any profession, especially not design. This book is the perfect way for your designer to grow their skills. Unlike most books of it’s kind that only focus on theories, this is a practical gift with over 80 exercises to get your mind working, along with compelling answers from other designers.

This A4 Moleskin notebook is a premium gift that’s also very practical for any creative. It’s a Myrtle Green hardback notebook with 192 pages of Ivory-coloured dotted paper that will allow them to look professional in any meetings with colleagues or clients whilst still being useful for illustrations and notes.

Graphic designers can work in a huge range of workplaces from architects to agencies, but regardless of where they work, a cutting mat is an unsung hero protecting their workspace. If you’re buying one, make sure it’s self-healing and ideally A2, although A3 is usually sufficient. Try not to roll it up when you wrap it as it can get damaged this way.

This is Sheepi, the perfect organization partner for anyone with a messy desk. With a magnetic belly, Sheepi can hold paperclips, pins or any other metal stationery, all whilst looking baaa-rilliant. It even comes with 30 paperclips so you can get going on Sheepi’s first fur coat, finally, organization can be fun. Perfect for birthdays, new jobs or to say Fleece Navidad (we couldn’t help ourselves).

This box set for babies and young children includes 6 different books, each with a different color theme inspired by Pantone. This is a great way for new parents to educate their children with vibrant illustrations of everyday objects, cutouts, and surprises throughout.

Have you ever thought that a baby is silently judging your font? No, us neither. But that doesn’t stop this adorable onesie from being the perfect baby gift for graphic designers. There are sizes from newborn up to 24 months old and several color choices too.

These stacking blocks from Wee Gallery are the perfect gift for creative parents. They feature fun animal designs that will stimulate the mind of any child whilst being a lot of fun to build towers with. Included is a pack of 10 blocks, each with beautiful illustrations. They are suitable for babies and toddlers up to 4 years old.

This t-shirt is suitable for babies and toddlers between 1-3 years old, although there are also larger designs for older children.