Yes, you can definitely give your own gift of art, or something your children made. My family and I are making ornaments and advent calendars for the special people on our list this year to go along with a small gift, and I know they will all love the creative projects we’ve come up with.

That said, if you have the funds and you know of an artist who could really use a creative break, why not splurge a little and provide the means to create his or her art? Not only will you be giving him or her a lasting gift, you’ll also be gifting the world by enabling someone to share his or her creative vision. Isn’t that a beautiful concept?

 Here are some ideas to make this an artful holiday for someone you care about.

Art supplies don’t have to be expensive. We actually just purchased most of our daughter’s Christmas presents at Michael’s for $40. There’s a Build-A-Bear kit, a make-your-own bouncy ball kit, and several small art supplies like a paint-a-snake craft and stickers, as well as some cool magic tricks. She’s got enough to be crafty with all season—which isn’t just great for our budding artist, but for us as well, since she’ll likely be cooped up inside for much of the winter!

Many art kits are on sale right now for the holidays, so you could do that or assemble your own. Some clay, paints, an art journal, and sketching pencils likely won’t run you over $15.

Get a broken instrument fixed. Does your guitarist friend no longer play because he or she broke Bonnie, Janis, or another prized guitar? Secretly get it fixed for a truly fabulous Christmas.

Introduce a new art. Looking for a hobby to occupy your teen—or to at least get him away from World of Warcraft for ten minutes? Bring home a new art set this Christmas. Maybe a pottery wheel and some clay will tickle his fancy, or some scratch art. There are models, wood sculpting, bottle cap art, activity kits… the ideas are really endless. Perhaps a fashion kit would rock your teen’s world, too.

Pay for art lessons. If you have it in your budget, give the gift of knowledge. Has someone special always wanted voice lessons, or perhaps yearned to play the piano? Maybe your best friend would love a blown glass class, or your mother would really dig going to cooking school. Be creative; maybe you can even swap services for a discount if you know a good teacher who could use a skill you have.