Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Dee
Buying watercolor supplies for someone can feel overwhelming if you’re not a painter yourself. There are so many brands, brush types, and paper weights that it’s easy to overthink it.
Here’s the good news: beginners don’t need fancy. In this watercolor gift guide for beginners I have recommended solid, reliable supplies that won’t frustrate them while they’re learning how to paint with watercolor. These gifts hit that sweet spot—quality enough to get good results, affordable enough that you won’t wince at the price tag. +BONUS – Download the free watercolor templates at the end of this post to make your own beautiful watercolor tags (or gift them)!
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Beginner Watercolor Paint Set
Start here. A good beginner set has enough colors to mix anything, pans that last forever, and pigments that actually blend smoothly.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set (12+ colors) – Around $25-35. Great starter set with palette included.
Alternative: Arteza Watercolor Paint Set (12 colors) – Around $18-25. Budget-friendly with good pigment quality.
Watercolor Paper Pad
Paper matters more than people realize. Cheap paper warps, pills, and makes even good paint look muddy. Cold-press watercolor paper is the beginner-friendly choice—it has a slight texture that’s forgiving.
Cold Press Watercolor Paper Pad (140 lb) – Around $12-18. Canson XL or Strathmore 400 Series work well.
Round Watercolor Brush Set
Round brushes are the workhorses of watercolor painting. A few good ones in different sizes handle most techniques—washes, details, everything in between.
Watercolor Brush Set (synthetic, various sizes) – Around $15-30. Look for synthetic brushes that hold water well.
Portable Watercolor Palette
A folding palette with wells for mixing and slots for paints. Perfect for beginners who want to try painting outside or just keep their desk tidy.
Folding Watercolor Palette – Around $10-15. Aluminum or plastic with airtight lid.
Water Brush Pens
These are game-changers for beginners. The brush holds water in the handle so you don’t need a cup. Great for travel or quick painting sessions.
Water Brush Pen Set (3 sizes) – Around $11-18. Pentel Aquash or Sakura Koi brands.
Masking Fluid
This rubbery liquid protects areas you want to keep white. Paint over it, let it dry, peel it off—pure white paper underneath. Beginners love this trick.
Masking Fluid with Applicator – Around $8-12. Winsor & Newton or Pebeo brands.
Watercolor Travel Kit
For the painter who wants to sketch outdoors or take supplies on trips. These compact kits have everything in one small case.
Portable Watercolor Travel Set – Around $18-30. Look for metal tins with 12+ colors and built-in palette.
Fine Mist Spray Bottle
A fine mist spray helps rewet paints, blend colors on paper, or create soft atmospheric effects. Simple but super useful.
Fine Mist Spray Bottle – Around $3-8. Refillable with adjustable nozzle.
Watercolor Mixing Guide
A printed color wheel or mixing chart takes the guesswork out of learning color theory. Especially helpful for beginners who don’t know which colors make brown.
Watercolor Color Wheel / Mixing Guide – Around $6-10. Laminated versions last forever.
Natural Sea Sponge
For lifting paint, creating textures, or softening edges. A small natural sea sponge does things a brush can’t.
Natural Sea Sponge Set – Around $8-15. Multiple sizes for experimenting.
Watercolor Sketchbook
A bound sketchbook with watercolor paper built in. Perfect for practicing or creating finished pieces without loose sheets everywhere.
Watercolor Sketchbook (140 lb paper) – Around $12-20. Spiral or hardbound, cold press paper.
The Bottom Line
Watercolor beginners need supplies that make learning easier, not harder. These gifts cover the essentials without breaking the bank. They’ll get used immediately and appreciated for months.
If you’re shopping for other creative types, I’ve got more recommendations in my gifts for artists who draw guide and thoughtful artist gift ideas.
Free Printable Watercolor Tag Templates (Full PDF Download at the end of this post!)
How to Use Your Watercolor Gift Tag Templates:
These printable tags are designed to add a personal, handmade touch to your gift-giving without starting from scratch. Here are some easy ways to use them:
• Print and color – Print on cardstock, add watercolor washes or colored pencils, then cut out and punch a hole for ribbon
• Use year-round – The botanical designs work for birthdays, holidays, hostess gifts, or any occasion
• Choose your style – Go soft and subtle for elegance, or bold and vibrant to match your personality
• Make it meditative – Spend a peaceful afternoon coloring these tags as a relaxing creative break
• Gift the experience – Print an extra set to include as a gift along with watercolors or colored pencils, so your recipient can enjoy making their own tags
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about handing someone a beautifully wrapped package adorned with tags you’ve painted yourself!
Download the Free Watercolor Gift Tag Templates HERE (below)!
To access the free in-post printables for this post, you’ll just need to create a free account or login with the Grow.me tool. Then, confirm by email and refresh the page and ALL my free printables will automatically unlock in every post!
Want more pages like these?
Inside the Artsydee Creation Club, you’ll get instant access to over 200 exclusive junk journal resources—kits, printables, and embellishments you won’t find anywhere else.
Fresh inspiration drops every week. No more scrambling for supplies or waiting around for freebies. Just grab what you need and start creating.
Print them, cut them, or layer them into your junk journals — these festive botanicals are ready to bring a touch of vintage Christmas charm to your next creative project 🎁✨