Painting Gift Ideas for Adults in India: What to Buy for Every Skill Level
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Diwali falls on November 8 this year, and art supplies are one of the few gifts an adult will actually use after the festival. The hard part is choosing the right thing for someone whose skill level and preferred medium you may not know. This list groups painting gifts by the kind of person you are buying for, with the exact contents of each item so you can compare before you decide.
First, work out what kind of painter they are
Most adults on a gift list fall into one of four groups:
- The curious non-painter. They have said they want to try painting but own nothing. They need a complete set with clear starting points.
- The returning hobbyist. They painted in school or college and want to start again. A proper kit with real artist surfaces suits them better than a toy-grade box.
- The regular painter. They already have supplies and a favorite medium. Buy one upgrade in that medium instead of a general kit.
- The crafter. They like decorating objects more than painting on canvas. Markers and surface projects fit here.
Painting gift ideas at a glance
| Gift | Best for | What is included | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint by Numbers Kit | Curious non-painter | A3 pre-printed canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, pine wood hanging frame, instructions | Under ₹1,000 |
| Acrylic Marker Set, 24 colors | Crafter | 24 dual-tip markers (brush tip and fine tip) in an organizer box | Under ₹1,000 |
| 53-Piece Starter Painting Kit | Curious non-painter, returning hobbyist | 7 brushes, 6 acrylic paints, watercolor and mixed media paper, 2 canvas boards, mini easel, round palette | Under ₹1,000 |
| 108-Piece Complete Painting Kit | Returning hobbyist | 7 brushes, 12 acrylic colors, watercolor and mixed media paper in A4 and A5, 2 canvas boards, 2 mini easels, oval palette | ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 |
| 121-Piece Premium Painting Kit | Returning hobbyist | 15 brushes, 12 acrylic colors, watercolor and mixed media paper in 3 sizes, canvas boards, easel, 2 wooden palettes | ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 |
| Desk Box Easel with Storage | Regular painter | Adjustable tabletop easel with a two-compartment drawer | ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 |
| 142-Piece Deluxe Painting Kit | Returning hobbyist, regular painter | Desk easel with storage, 15 brushes, watercolor and mixed media paper in 3 sizes, 4 canvas boards, 2 wooden palettes | Above ₹3,000 |
For someone who has never painted
The Paint by Numbers Kit removes the blank-canvas problem. The A3 canvas comes pre-printed with a numbered design, and the box holds the acrylic paints, brushes and instructions needed to finish it. It also includes a pine wood hanging frame, so the finished painting can go straight on a wall.
If they want more freedom than a numbered design, the 53-Piece Starter Painting Kit is the next step. It contains a set of 7 brushes (flat sizes 2, 4 and 6, round sizes 0, 2, 6 and 8), 6 acrylic paints, 24 sheets of A5 watercolor paper at 300 GSM and 100% cotton, 12 sheets of A4 mixed media cartridge paper at 240 GSM, a 6x8 inch and a 4x4 inch canvas board, an 8-inch wooden mini easel and a 12.5 cm round wooden palette. One note: the paints in this kit are acrylics. If the person wants to try watercolor, add a watercolor paint set of your choice.
For someone getting back into painting
The 108-Piece Complete Painting Kit is the middle option. Our guide on choosing a painting kit for beginners compares kit sizes in detail. The 108-piece kit has 7 brushes, 12 acrylic colors, 300 GSM, 100% cotton watercolor paper in A4 (12 sheets) and A5 (24 sheets), 240 GSM mixed media cartridge paper in A4 and A5 (24 sheets each), 8x10 and 10x12 inch canvas boards, 2 wooden mini easels and a wooden oval palette.
The 121-Piece Premium Painting Kit adds more brushes and larger paper. It includes 12 acrylic colors and a set of 15 brushes covering flat, round, filbert, fan, angular, liner, 1-inch wash, cat's tongue, grass and mop shapes. The paper supply is 300 GSM, 100% cotton watercolor paper in A3 (6 sheets), A4 (12 sheets) and A5 (24 sheets), plus 240 GSM mixed media cartridge paper in the same three sizes. It also has canvas boards, an easel and two wooden palettes. If they later want to know what each brush does, this guide to round, flat and filbert brushes is a good place to start.
For someone who already paints
A regular painter does not need another general kit. Pick one item that improves the way they already work.
A desk easel. Many people in Indian apartments paint at a dining table because there is no room for a floor easel. The Desk Box Easel with Storage adjusts to four angles, holds canvases up to 11x14 inch, and has a two-compartment drawer that fits up to 24 standard paint tubes on one side and brushes on the other. It is made from rubberwood with a leather carrying handle and comes pre-assembled. For help deciding between easel types, read tabletop easel vs floor easel.
Better watercolor paper. For a watercolor painter, paper quality changes results more than almost anything else. The Artists Watercolor Paper A3 is 300 GSM, 100% cotton, cold-pressed and acid-free, with 36 sheets per pack. Our comparison of 25% cotton vs 100% cotton paper explains why painters notice the difference.
A full set of mop brushes. The Mop Brush Set of 7 covers sizes from fine detail to large background washes, with synthetic bristles that hold water well. It pairs naturally with the cotton paper above.
A cleaner workspace. The Silicone Painting Mat is 43x38 cm, with 12 paint wells, 2 mixing areas and a foldable brush cleaning cup. Dried paint peels off the surface.
For the crafter
Some adults would rather paint a flower pot, a glass jar or a set of coasters than a canvas. The Acrylic Marker Set has 24 colors, each with a brush tip for fills and a fine tip for lines. The markers are water-based and quick-drying, waterproof once dry, and work on paper, canvas, wood, rock, ceramic, glass, fabric, plastic and metal. They come in a reusable organizer box. Our acrylic markers guide covers surfaces and simple projects to try, and you can see the full range in the acrylic markers collection.
For the person who should get everything
If the gift is for a spouse, a sibling or a friend who has been talking about painting for years, the 142-Piece Deluxe Painting Kit is the most complete option. It includes an adjustable wooden desk easel with a two-compartment storage drawer and the largest paper supply: 300 GSM, 100% cotton watercolor paper in A3 (12 sheets), A4 (24 sheets) and A5 (24 sheets), and 240 GSM mixed media cartridge paper in the same quantities. It also includes the 15-brush set, canvas boards in 4x4, 6x8, 8x10 and 10x12 inch, a 36x21 cm wooden palette and a rectangle wooden palette.
How to make an art supply gift feel personal
- Add one reference. Print a photo of a place you both know and tuck it into the box as a first painting subject.
- Match the medium to their taste. Someone who likes soft, loose paintings will enjoy watercolor. Someone who likes bold color and the option to paint over mistakes will prefer acrylics. Our comparison of acrylic, watercolor and gouache can help you decide.
ARTIOS is an Amazon Best Seller trusted by 200,000+ happy artists. You can browse every kit in the painting kits collection or see all beginner options in art kits for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good painting gift for an adult beginner?
A complete kit is the safest choice because the person does not have to buy anything else to start. The 53-Piece Starter Painting Kit covers brushes, acrylic paints, paper, canvas boards, an easel and a palette. For someone who prefers a guided project, a paint by numbers kit is easier to start.
Is a paint by numbers kit a good gift for adults?
Yes, especially for people who find a blank canvas intimidating. The ARTIOS kit uses an A3 pre-printed canvas and includes a pine wood hanging frame, so the finished piece is ready to display.
What can I gift someone who already paints?
Choose one upgrade in their main medium. Watercolor painters value 100% cotton paper and mop brushes. Acrylic painters and anyone short on space get more use from a desk easel with storage.
Do the ARTIOS painting kits include watercolor paints?
The starter, 108-piece and 121-piece kits include acrylic paints (6 colors in the starter kit, 12 in the other two) along with 100% cotton watercolor paper. They do not include watercolor paints, so add a watercolor set if the person wants to paint in that medium.
What painting gift works for a small apartment?
A desk easel with a storage drawer, a silicone painting mat, or the 142-Piece Deluxe Painting Kit, which includes a desk easel. All of these work on a normal table and pack away after use.