Xmas Gift Ideas

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networkn

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#188969 11-Dec-2015 21:42

Hi

Wondering if I could get a little help.

My 15 year old niece is into art, it's her first time with us for xmas (long story). I don't want to go crazy, but I'd like to get her something she possibly hasn't gotten before, something cool and related to her interest. I thought of a nice set of Charcoal Pencils and related stuff, but I am really clueless when it comes to arty stuff since I have less than no interest.

Secondly my 12 year old Nephew (also first time don't ask), into magic the gathering, also don't want to go crazy, but would like something. He is into gaming on the PC in general. Let's say budget $30-50 each or something.

My sister is also very artsy, when I was in Italy I found this awesome shop in Venice that sold caligraphy sets, with wax stamps, was hand made and looked awesome. I can't seem to find anything here comparable.

Would appreciate any ideas.

freitasm

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#1448923 11-Dec-2015 21:50

I remember a paper store in Auckland (Parnell) with different papers, pencils and wax stamps. Can't remember the name, and last time I saw it was probably about three years ago... It may still be there (or not). But there are things like this around.

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#1448924 11-Dec-2015 22:01

If I was looking for those artsy type things, my first place to check would probably be Gordon Harris. Spent many many studylink payments there for architecture school! That place had bloody everything.

networkn

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#1448926 11-Dec-2015 22:04

tardtasticx: If I was looking for those artsy type things, my first place to check would probably be Gordon Harris. Spent many many studylink payments there for architecture school! That place had bloody everything.

Sure, except that there are thousands and thousands of items, and I don't have a clue what sort of stuff she might like? Any suggestions?

I saw some cool looking chalk that I thought might be novel.. Are charcoal pencils a good gift? How likely is it she would already have them?

richms

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#1448929 11-Dec-2015 22:09

For the gaming one, steam credit. Its all my cousins want for xmas and I have had to explain to them I need to get them something they can open infront of the oldies and be excited about, so they have chosen gaming headsets so far.

Richard rich.ms

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#1448940 11-Dec-2015 22:35

Gift card to Gordan Harris? That way they can get their student discount on whatever they buy. Honestly teenagers tend to just want money of gift cards so they can buy what they want.

JayADee

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#1448980 12-Dec-2015 00:11

I wrote you a long post, flicked a tab over to add some more links and lost my post, doh.

The short version is artistic types crave supplies. They're the best possible gifts. From pencils to paint. Even if they're duplicates!

Some suggestions: pencils in varying hardness from 6 or 8B like 6B, 3B, 2B, HB. Or a 2 mm mechanical clutch pencil and a pack of various leads in same hardnesses: http://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Mars-Technical-Mechanical-Pencil/dp/B000YQEFGU which I prefer (no shavings, takes up less space). You can get these in NZ too for about twenty bucks. You want 2 mm not .5 or something. A Staedtler-Mars white eraser. A kneadable eraser. Sketch books- tiny to A4. I like spiral bound for practicality.

A watercolour kit. The $54 Cotman kit at Gorden Harris with the little brush is pretty awesome and great value but it needs a bigger brush as well to go with the little one it comes with. (About three times bigger) Make sure you get a decent watercolour brush, any other kind won't do. Plus a pad or book of Fabriano or Arches watercolour paper. Don't buy Bockingford, it's frustrating.

I'm not a big user of charcoal anything as I find it messy but if you get her some, buy her a can of hair spray as a fixative. (spray it on the drawing) so it won't smear.

Watercolour or regular pencil crayons Staedtler-Mars or similar.

Those are all pretty much can't lose basic supplies :)

eracode

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#1448990 12-Dec-2015 04:12

Don't know where you are located but recently I was in the Wairau (Auckland North Shore) branch of el cheapo chain Spotlight and noticed they had a really wide range of art & craft supplies. Not sure if all their stores are the same.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

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networkn

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#1449332 12-Dec-2015 19:35

richms: For the gaming one, steam credit. Its all my cousins want for xmas and I have had to explain to them I need to get them something they can open infront of the oldies and be excited about, so they have chosen gaming headsets so far.

Yah steam credit already occurred to me, it's just pretty impersonal.

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#1449913 13-Dec-2015 22:51

Ask their parents. The 12yo will have a practically public list of wants already : ). Maybe check the Facebook also.

gzt

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#1449915 13-Dec-2015 22:56

Maybe some kind of one day art workshop thing if there is something in your area. Auckland Art Gallery occasionally has very famous nz artists doing practical workshops on an aspect of their craft.

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#1450064 14-Dec-2015 11:03

Copic markers.

networkn

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#1450066 14-Dec-2015 11:05

Journeyman: Copic markers.

They look cool, though I can't see anywhere selling them for $50?

JayADee

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#1450067 14-Dec-2015 11:13

Water colour pencils and brush might be good too- I prefer paint.
Set of good markers would be neat.

networkn

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#1450087 14-Dec-2015 12:33

I am thinking a set of 12 Copic Markers would be quite cool, though over budget, we may stretch. They look like they last a long time and have replacable nibs, and ink!

Anyone know what paper these markers work best on?