What NOT to get a graphic designer for Christmas

Finding the right Christmas gift for a graphic designer can be a minefield. You might think you've got the perfect present in mind, but even the most thoughtful gift can fail to hit the right spot.

Rather than focus on what you should buy, it might be better to understand what you absolutely shouldn't buy, and work backwards from there. To ensure that you're on the right track (and with tongues firmly in cheeks), we've created this handy infographic guide. It's a few years old now but it absolutely still works. 

If you want some slightly more practical gift ideas, then don't miss our guide to the best independent shops for Christmas gifts, or the best drawing tablets right now.

And if you're a graphic designer, make sure you share this far and wide on your social media channels to avoid disappointment on the 25th.

Click on the image to see the full-size infographic

The good news is, we have the solutions to some of these problems here. These best pencils for designers and artists would all make thoughtful gifts, rather than budget art materials from the supermarket. And our Christmas fonts might make a handmade card bearable.

And although there are plenty of books with 'design' in the title that run the risk of offending experienced designers with their beginner-level content, there are also these unmissable graphic design books.

You know that one of the nine most annoying things that all designers do is spending ages critiquing the design of a restaurant menu while you sit patiently, tummy rumbling, waiting to order. So to make everyone's lives easier, avoid taking them out for a 'nice meal' and get them something tasty to eat at home instead. As long as it has nice packaging. These packaging designs should provide inspiration.

Illustrations: Simon Middleweek

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Nick Carson

Nick is a content strategist and copywriter. He has worked with world-class agencies including Superunion, Wolff Olins and Vault49 on brand storytelling, tone of voice and verbal strategy for global brands such as Virgin, Pepsi and TikTok. Nick launched the Brand Impact Awards in 2013 while editor of Computer Arts, and remains chair of judges. He's written for Creative Bloq on design and branding matters since the site's launch.