In Your Store

Products By Personality: Customer Gift Guide

The classic question this time of year: “My cousin/sister-in-law/friend/neighbor is an artist, what should I get them?” Gifters may not be familiar with the supplies and mediums their giftee prefers; providing an endcap or featured table in the form of a “Gift Guide” helps point customers in the right direction—without needing a staff member to walk them through the entire world of art supplies in three minutes. In an effort to encourage and inspire, we’ve created a selection of products for five creative personalities your customers might be shopping for: The Dedicated Artist, The DIY Crafter, The Young Creative, The Organizer and The Traveler. Peruse these profiles and consider putting together an end table or countertop display to spotlight the best products for each archetype.

The Dedicated Artist

The first personality to come to mind is the most difficult to shop for—the dedicated artist who knows what they like, has a studio, and has been creating for some time.

If you offer classes and workshops, let customers know that they can gift someone a class.

First, make sure your class titles are as engaging as possible—click here for some helpful titling tips inspired by Artisan Expo. Offer a “class in a box” with a festively designed schedule of upcoming classes and a helpful note pointing out where the gift-receiver can find more classes online. Wrap it in a paper mache box tied with ribbon for extra effect.

Gift cards are another valuable gift that will drive traffic to your store—keep them on display to remind customers they don’t have to do all the legwork. If you’re able, offer to gift-wrap the card in a creative way like in a handmade envelope or small box with tissue—these small gestures matter.

For customers set on purchasing a gift, try these go-to products:

Handy storage for brushes or pencils:

Fine paint sets:

Inspirational books:

The DIY Junkie / Crafter

This person is someone who revels in custom furniture, homemade tea cozies or upcycling thrift store treasures. They are all about transforming the ordinary and adding artistic flair to just about anything. Here are some all-purpose goodies every DIYer will appreciate as well as some fun, whimsical supplies for crafters of all ages and mediums:

Fun surfaces:

For the lovers of color:

Tying it all together:

Add to their library or coffee table:

The Young Creative

Self-expression is an important outlet for all ages, especially for kids who fall into the broad category of “adolescent.” Family members may be unsure of what exactly to get the teens and tweens in their lives. Art supplies are empowering; consider tools for organizing their own schedules, trendy items or sets that encourage self expression:

A sketchbook they can bring anywhere:

Trending sets for exploring and expressing:

Creative books for inspiration:

The Organizer

For the person in your customer’s life who is wearing multiple hats, juggling responsibilities and in love with color-coding. Maybe they are an entrepreneur, a college student or a parent. Whatever the case, their personality is organized, forward-thinking and creative. Here are some great products for the organizational powerhouse:

A proper journal to keep everything in line:

Fun pens to stay on point

Tools for organizing a bullet journal in style:

The Traveler

For that friend or family member who is always scoping out flights, plotting a road trip or scheming the best way to see all the National Parks in one go. Travel-friendly art supplies are thoughtful gifts that invite people to share their passion with others, whether they are an artist on the go or an everyday observer:

The right sketchbook:

Pocket-sized treats:

Pack it in, pack it out:

I Saw The Sign

If you don’t have the space for a display or designated endcap, create signage guiding your customer through each personality. For instance, “I am an acrylic painter, I like textured surfaces, painting knives and different kinds of expressive brushes,” “As an artist with a studio, I probably already have <insert item of your choice>, but would be excited by a new or a gift card!” Have your staff members share their mediums and provide a “wishlist” that your customers can use as a guide. Get creative!

Co-written by Cassie Brehmer and Catherine Monahon.

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