Scrapbook Retrospective

• This project involves creating a sentimental record of the ways the artist's work has affected you emotionally and intellectually. In a scrapbook, photo album or sketchbook, place a photo of a piece of art she's created on each page. Below it, take a moment to write a small paragraph about how the work makes you feel, why it's special to you or how it's positively affected others. Wrap the book with a bow and present your kind words as your gift.
  
  

Piece from Favorite Artist

• All artists have other artists who inspire and motivate them to create their own work. An original piece of artwork by his favorite artist is like a gift and a reward all in one. These pieces can be pricey, but families can go in together, with each member donating a small portion of the total price. This is not only a great gift idea, but it shows that you know him well enough to recognize his favorite artist, and that friends and family care enough to make such an effort.
  
  

Travel Art Experience

• Many artists gather their inspiration from travels and new experiences. Helping forward travel opportunities can be a great gift. Choose from portable art supplies, like easels, travel watercolor or charcoal sets, sketchbooks or drawing boards. If you're looking for something more extravagant, you could purchase a plane ticket for her, or a hotel stay in an exotic location.
  
  

Gallery Gift Wall

• This is another sentimental gift, which imitates an art gallery showing. Each guest composes a drawing, makes a card or writes a letter to the artist. These items are matted or framed, and displayed and lit on an empty wall at the birthday party location. To add more drama and suspense, cover the wall with a sheet or curtain until its time to reveal the gift. The artist will then experience viewing his family's work, rather than vice versa, and each piece will be a special, unique gift to the artist.
  
  

Supplies Basket

• If the birthday belongs to a burgeoning artist who is just discovering her talents, a gift basket of art supplies will make a great gift. Art supplies can be expensive and even hard to find in smaller or more remote towns. Find a decorative container and fill it with quality colored pencils, paints, brushes, erasers, paper or whatever kind of media and tools the artist employs in her work. Tie a festive birthday bow around it.