What NOT to get a graphic designer for Christmas

Looking for a Christmas gift for a graphic designer? Finding the right present can be a minefield because designers can be a picky bunch. Even the most thoughtful gift can fail to hit the right spot.

Sometimes, rather than focus on what you should give (for that, see our festive gift ideas for creatives), it can be better to understand what you absolutely shouldn't. Once you're clear on that you can work backwards and start searching for suitable presents. To help you start on the right track (and with tongues firmly in cheeks), we created a handy infographic guide. It's a few years old now but is still just as relevant for Christmas 2023. 

If you want more practical ideas, see our Christmas gift guide for freelancers and our roundup of Cricut Christmas ideas.

The good news is, we have many of the solutions to festive gifts for graphic designers and other creatives here on Creative Bloq. The best pencils for designers and artists can make thoughtful gifts, and will be much more appreciated than budget art materials from the supermarket.

And although there are plenty of books with 'design' in the title that run the risk of offending experienced designers with dubious content, the best graphic design books make excellent gifts. As for hardware and software options, anything from our pick of the best drawing tablets and the best graphic design software might go down well. We also have a guide to the best laptops for graphic design. See below for more ideas.

Illustrations: Simon Middleweek

Looking for festive inspiration? See our picks of the best free Christmas fonts and the best free Christmas vectors.