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From Good Housekeeping for

Stocking Stuffers for Budding Artists

Small but super gifts for creative minds.

By Courtney Irwin
mini art easel

’Tis the season to think outside the box — that shiny wrapped box underneath the tree, that is. Yes, the big presents get all the love, but stocking stuffers deserve their fair share, too. Just picture it: The family has gathered, lights are sparkling, cozy sweaters are on and those seasonal mantel staples are brimming with the most perfect (and, as it happens, most budget-friendly) gifts for each and every one of you.

“But wait,” you say, “I have no idea what stocking stuffer to give the aspiring artist in my life.” Well, fear not, because with the help of Walmart, we’ve cracked the code on that particular conundrum. And no, you won’t need to try fitting a full-size easel into a sock. These are truly small but mighty ways to inspire the imagination of any aspiring painter, tech wiz or abstract-photo aficionado, and help them on their way to creating masterpieces of their very own. (In fact, don’t be surprised if they put off opening some of those big boxes to begin using them right away.)

Oh, and if your artist is more of the I-just-like-to-doodle variety, we have you covered there as well, with multiple options sure to make their holiday bright (literally) — from a travel drawing kit to washable markers to a reverse coloring book. So without further ado, here are our favorite small gifts that punch beyond their weight class when it comes to igniting the creative spark.

1

onn. Reusable 35-Millimeter Camera with Flash

Reusable 35-Millimeter Camera with Flash

Reusable, reloadable and flash-equipped, this camera is chic and practical for anyone looking to improve on their photography skills (or simply have fun capturing special moments). A steal coming in just under $25, the point-and-click uses a manual wind-and-rewind function. Also worth noting: It’s compatible with 35mm color and monochrome film.

2

onn. 7-Inch Tablet with 32GB

7-Inch Tablet with 32GB

Without a doubt the cutest handheld tablet on the market, this adorable device moonlights as both a camera and a gaming system. And thanks to an impressive 10-hour battery life, the crystal-clear display is ready to entertain anyone for the long term.

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3

The Reverse Coloring Book, by Kendra Norton

<i>The Reverse Coloring Book</i>, by Kendra Norton

Flip the idea of a traditional coloring book on its head with this inside-out version. Instead of focusing on coloring inside the lines, this book provides the color, and your artist draws the designs. All they need is a trusty pen and an imagination ready to be unleashed.

4

KingArt Acrylic Painting Set with Mini Easel

Acrylic Painting Set with Mini Easel

Compact and practical, this small table easel comes with all the essentials for a beginner: tubes of acrylic paint, a four-pack of high-quality canvases, three paintbrushes and one palette for mixing. All it needs now is for your artist to make their first masterpiece.

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5

Art 101 Mini Sketching Travel Kit

Mini Sketching Travel Kit

This on-the-go drawing kit is great for kids and adults alike. Complete with eight sketch pencils, a sharpener, an eraser and a 16-page mini drawing book, the tiny tin will keep artists and doodlers busy and entertained for hours. Bonus: Each sketch pencil has its own finish or density so the artist can achieve whatever aesthetic they desire.

6

Crayola Pip-Squeaks Washable Markers Set

Pip-Squeaks Washable Markers Set

The ultimate kids’ art bundle, this includes 25 nontoxic and washable (you’re welcome) markers, a travel case and 40 sheets of paper. Your own pipsqueak is sure to love drawing vivid pictures with it throughout the year to come.

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7

Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad

Light-Up Tracing Pad

Crayola hit it out of the park with this ingenious design. Great for car rides, quiet time and even fun with friends, it takes drawing and coloring to the next level thanks to a large assortment of coloring pencils, a deep stock of paper and tracing sheets, and a graphite pencil to do all of the outlining.

8

Crayola Peppa Pig Mess Free Coloring Set

Peppa Pig Mess Free Coloring Set

Tiny fans of both art and one adorable English-accented pig will rejoice over this marker set and 18-page coloring book featuring their favorite characters. You'll love that the colors only appear on the paper (no more, ehem, redesigned walls, carpets or floors).

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