Best Watercolor Book Gifts for Artists
A great watercolor book is a gift that keeps giving — months of guidance, inspiration and projects. Here's what to give for every kind of painter on your list, plus the one all-in-one pick that works when you're not sure what they already own.
By Clara Rivers
Everyday Watercolor — Jenna Rainey
Warm, modern and structured as a 30-day journey, this is the friendliest on-ramp for someone who has never painted. It builds confidence with loose florals, landscapes and washes without overwhelming them.
Read our review →The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook
Our highest-rated book. It explains why watercolor behaves the way it does rather than just showing projects, which makes it the one book a painter returns to for years. A safe, respected gift for anyone past the very first steps.
Read our review →Emily Lex Watercolor Workbook
Practice pages built right into the book, so the recipient paints as they learn — no blank-page anxiety. Its calm, botanical style makes it a lovely low-pressure gift for adults who want a mindful hobby.
Read our review →Tobios Watercolor Kit (Book + Supplies in One)
A book only helps if the recipient has something to paint with. If you're unsure, give a complete kit instead: the Tobios Watercolor Kit bundles 12 paints, a wooden palette, a water brush and a cotton-paper sketchbook with a guided workbook — the instruction and the supplies in a single giftable box.
Check Price on Amazon open_in_newHow to Give a Watercolor Book
The single best move is to pair the book with something to paint with— even a modest set of paints and a pad of watercolor paper turns a book into a ready-to-use gift and dramatically raises the odds the recipient actually starts. Match the book to their level too: gentle and project-based for beginners, reference-style for improvers, and a complete kit when you simply don't know what they already own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a watercolor book a good gift?
Yes — especially paired with supplies. A good instruction book gives a painter direction and inspiration for months. Add a simple paint kit so they can practise what they read right away.
What's the best book to give a beginner?
Everyday Watercolor by Jenna Rainey, for its friendly 30-day structure. For an absolute first-timer, Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner is another excellent choice.
Should I give a book or a kit?
Ideally both. If you can only give one and aren't sure they have supplies, an all-in-one kit with a guided workbook — like the Tobios Watercolor Kit — covers guidance and materials in a single box.