How To Get the Best Gifts For Animators
Are you searching for the ideal gift for an animator in your life? Whether they are seasoned professionals or passionate hobbyists, finding the right gift that resonates with their creative spirit can be a delightful yet challenging task.
Animators, known for their unique blend of creativity and technical skill, appreciate gifts that not only inspire their artistic flair but also enhance their practical workflow.
Cover GIF by Daksha Giri via GIPHY
In this guide, we unveil the top 10 evergreen gifts for animators, each thoughtfully selected to cater to their distinct needs and preferences.
From high-tech tools to inspirational treasures, these gifts for animators are sure to spark joy and creativity in their artistic journey.
Understanding Animators' Needs
Before diving into our curated list of gifts for animators, it's crucial to understand what makes a gift truly special for them.
Animators, much like any artists, thrive on creativity and precision. Their work involves long hours of detailing, designing, and bringing characters to life.
Therefore, a gift that complements their artistic process, enhances their efficiency, or simply brings a smile to their face after a long day of animating is invaluable.
GIF by Pen.Tips via GIPHY
Gifts for animators that cater to their need for continuous learning and improvement are particularly cherished.
With the ever-evolving nature of animation technology and techniques, staying updated is not just a preference but a necessity.
Items that help them stay ahead in their craft, whether it's through learning new skills or streamlining their workflow, are perfect gifts for animators.
When selecting gifts for animators, you should also consider how you can tailor each item to reflect their unique style and preferences. We’ve added some ideas for how you can tailor your gifts for animators who love to be spoiled!
1. High-Quality Drawing Tablet
In the digital age, a top-tier drawing tablet is indispensable for animators. Look for ones with excellent pressure sensitivity and a comfortable, intuitive pen.
This tool not only makes the animating process smoother but also helps in achieving precise and detailed artwork.
Image via Amazon
Customize Drawing Tablet Accessories
If they already own a drawing tablet, consider gifting custom skins or covers for their tablet or stylus. These can feature artwork from their favorite animation or even their own designs.
2. Subscription to Animation Software
Keeping up with the latest software is key in animation. Gifting a subscription to industry-standard animation software like Adobe After Effects or Toon Boom Harmony can be a game-changer for an animator's career.
Image via Adobe
Get Software Plugins and Extensions
These are great gifts for animators who already have a software subscription. Look into plugins or extensions that enhance their existing tools. These can range from time-saving shortcuts to advanced animation features.
3. Ergonomic Office Chair
Animators spend countless hours at their desks. An ergonomic chair that provides proper support can make those hours much more comfortable, reducing strain and boosting productivity.
Image via Amazon
Engrave Ergonomic Tools
Adding a personal engraving to items like ergonomic chairs or digital stylus pens can make them feel truly special. This could be their name, a significant date, or a quote that inspires them.
4. Art and Animation Books
Books that delve into the art of animation or showcase masterful artwork can serve as both inspiration and education. Titles like "The Animator's Survival Kit" or "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation" are beloved in the animators' community.
Image via Amazon
Curate an Animation Book Collection
Instead of a single book, create a personalized collection of books that cater to their specific interests in animation, whether it’s character design, storyboarding, or a particular animation style.
5. Sketchbook and High-Quality Drawing Pencils
For those moments of inspiration or when they want to go back to basics, a premium sketchbook and a set of professional drawing pencils can be a perfect gift.
Image via Amazon
Add a Personal Message
Insert inspiring messages or quotes between the pages of the sketchbook. These little surprises can offer encouragement and motivation during their creative process.
Looking for some animator quotes? Check out our mini-blogs for more of them!
6. Animator Action Figure
A quirky and personal gift, a custom action figure based on their favorite animation character, or even modeled after themselves, can add a bit of fun and personality to their workspace.
Image via Amazon
Customize an Animator Action Figure
Take the personalized action figure a step further by incorporating elements from their own animations or characters they've created.
7. Online Course Subscription
Course subscriptions can be really useful gifts for animators because they're a great way to encourage continuous learning. One such course is the Animation Business Accelerator program from 7-figure animation studio owner Ben Marvazi.
Not sure if that's the right course? Gift them FREE TRAINING so they can try it for themselves first.
Select Online Courses Based on Interest
Tailor the online course subscription to match their specific interests or areas they wish to explore, such as 3D animation, motion graphics, or even the business side of animation.
8. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
To help animators focus in potentially noisy environments, a pair of high-quality noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver, especially during those long animating sessions.
Image via Amazon
Throw In a Playlist for Focus
Gifts for animators don’t have to be expensive. If they already have noise-canceling headphones, create a personalized playlist with music or sounds that they enjoy and find conducive to concentration.
9. Inspirational Wall Art
Art prints or posters featuring iconic animation scenes or motivational quotes from famous animators can be a great source of daily inspiration and ideal gifts for animators.
Image via Amazon
Frame the Wall Art with a Personal Note
If you choose to gift wall art, add a personal note on the back of the frame, expressing your appreciation for their work and creativity.
10. Digital Stylus Pen
For animators who often switch between traditional and digital mediums, a high-end digital stylus can offer the precision and control needed for detailed digital artwork.
Image via Amazon
A Digital Stylus with Custom Features
Look for a stylus that offers features tailored to their specific animation style or technique, enhancing their comfort and efficiency.
Get The Perfect Gifts For Animators
Selecting the perfect gift for an animator is more than just a thoughtful gesture; it's a way to acknowledge and celebrate their dedication to their craft.
Whether it's a practical tool to enhance their workflow or an inspirational item to fuel their creativity, each of these gifts for animators holds the potential to enrich their artistic journey.
Remember, the best gifts are those that resonate with the recipient's passion and help them in their continuous pursuit of animation excellence.
GIF by Popsicle Illusion via GIPHY
As you consider these gifts for animators, keep in mind that the most meaningful gifts often combine utility with a personal touch. It's not just about what you give, but how you present it as a token of appreciation for their hard work and creativity.
If you're an animator looking to take your skills to the next level or interested in starting your own studio, check out our blog on How to Start an Animation Studio and GET FREE TRAINING to kickstart your animation career today.
