Art & Creative Gifts

In the era of constant tech, giving kids the chance to draw, paint, sculpt, color, and create with their own hands is more important than ever. Art gifts offer something screens can’t: quiet focus, open-ended creativity, messy exploration, and that spark of pride when they hold up something they made entirely on their own.

And of course, so many of these items can be found right here in the Gorge. Even if the exact item isn’t in stock, our local shops always carry something similar that inspires just as much creativity.

From watercolor workbooks to giant coloring posters, from sparkly gel crayons to Posca markers, from felting kits to classic drawing pads — these are the gifts that fill winter days with imagination, expression, and real hands-on joy.

1. Watercolor Workbooks

A beautiful Emily Lex guided watercolor book filled with step-by-step projects kids (and adults!) can paint with ease — perfect for cozy holiday afternoons.
🔗 Link → available locally at Tokki Art Supply 

2. Gorge Art Box (Local!)

A beautiful watercolor activity box featuring seven paintable outlines of iconic Gorge views, all drawn by a local artist. Fun for kids and adults — and every purchase supports Gorge Happiness, a local organization promoting wellness in our community.
🔗 Link → available at Tokki Art Supply

3. Columbia River Gorge Coloring Poster

Local artist, tattooist, and muralist Audrey Mae created this stunning 36x24 Gorge coloring poster, filled with her signature mushrooms, florals, and vibrant linework. It's a great family art project for the holidays for kids and adults alike.
🔗 Link → available locally at Tokki Art Supply

4. Paint-by-Number Kit

A relaxing painting kit with pre-numbered sections — simple for kids, satisfying for adults, and gorgeous when finished. Lot of very cool designs and featuring many interests. 
🔗 Link → available locally at Tokki Art Supply 

5. Drawing Pad

A high-quality, kid-friendly sketch pad with smooth paper ideal for pencils, markers, pastels, or mixed media. A must-have for every little artist.
🔗 Link → available locally at Tokki Art Supply

6. Needle-Felting Kit

These adorable kits teach kids (and grownups!) how to create their own felted creatures — a perfect hands-on craft that builds focus and fine motor skills.
🔗 Link → available at Tokki Art Supply and Hood River Hobbies

7. OMY Giant Coloring Poster

A huge coloring sheet packed with doodles, surf vibes, and skate culture — awesome for big tables, playrooms, and collaborative coloring.
🔗 Link → available at Tokki Art Supply

8. Cute Animal Pencil Case

A cute, protective pencil case that keeps markers, pens, and art supplies safe and ready for on-the-go creativity.
🔗 Link → available at Tokki Art Supply

9. Woodsy Craft Kit

Woodsy ready-to-make wooden garland kits are made locally and packed with wooden pieces, markers, felt balls, and easy instructions. Just open the box and create — no prep, no extra supplies, and all the screen-free fun.
🔗 Link → available locally at The Dalles Workshop

10. Toyo Steel Tool Box (Retro Style)

This Toyo Steel work box is a functional art piece — lightweight, sturdy, and beautifully crafted for holding pencils, markers, tools, and creative essentials. A perfect gift for kids who love organizing their supplies in style.
🔗 Link → available at Tokki Art Supply

11. Lifelines Scented Lava Gel Pens

Part pen, part sensory toy! Each scented lava gel pen features floating lava bubbles, smooth gel ink, and amazing essential-oil scents. A super fun way to spark creativity while kids draw, journal, or color.
🔗 Link → available at G Willikers and Hood River Hobbies

12. Colorbrush Watercolor Pencil & Paintbrush

A two-in-one watercolor pencil and paintbrush that lets kids draw, sketch, and paint with a single tool. Just add water to turn their pencil lines into beautiful watercolor effects — easy, creative, and endlessly fun.
🔗 Link → available at Hood River Stationers

13. Lifelines Rub & Sniff Scented Colored Pencils 

These Rub & Sniff scented colored pencils turn coloring into a calming, sensory experience. With essential-oil–infused scents and vibrant nature-inspired designs, kids can activate aroma just by rubbing the pencil. 
🔗 Link → available at G Willikers and Hood River Hobbies

14. Posca Paint Markers 

My kids love these things! The gold standard for paint markers — bold, opaque, and amazing on paper, rocks, wood, glass, and more. Loved by kids, teens, and pro artists.
🔗 Link → available at Tokki Art Supply