Quick Christmas Gift Guide
- ⭐ Star product: The 12-Day Christmas Crafter's Gift Box ($129.99 CAD) - Multiple projects + complete art supplies in luxury advent style box
- For total beginners: Snowman's Greeting, A Cup of Christmas (simple designs, large sections, 6 to 8 hours)
- For experienced painters: A Christmas Gathering, Grand Christmas Tree (intricate details, 15 to 25 hours)
- For animal lovers: Festive Kitten, Santa Penguins (adorable subjects, medium difficulty)
- For traditional tastes: The Spirit of Christmas, Santa's Midnight Flight (classic imagery)
- Budget friendly: Individual kits start from $29.99 CAD (24 colors, without frame)
- Holiday shipping: Order 2 to 3 weeks before Christmas (2 to 3 days processing + 7 to 10 days delivery)
You're stuck again. Every year it's the same: you want to give something meaningful, not another gift card or generic candle. Your mom, sister, friend, or partner would love something creative, but you don't want to risk buying craft supplies they'll never use. You need a gift that's exciting to open, enjoyable to complete, and results in something they'll actually display.
Paint by numbers kits check all those boxes, but here's the problem: search "Christmas paint by numbers" and you're drowning in options. Which designs actually look good finished? Which are too hard for beginners? Which are worth the money?
This guide answers all of that. I've tested dozens of Christmas kits to identify the 17 best individual kits plus our ultimate all-in-one gift box that deliver beautiful finished results, appropriate difficulty levels for different skill ranges, and quality materials that make painting enjoyable instead of frustrating. Whether you're shopping for someone who's never picked up a paintbrush or an experienced hobbyist, you'll find the perfect match here.
Who Are These Kits Perfect For?
Before diving into specific kits, let's talk about who actually enjoys paint by numbers as a Christmas gift:
✓ Great Gift For:
- Adults seeking stress relief: The meditative process provides screen free relaxation during busy holiday seasons
- Seniors and retirees: Keeps hands and minds active, provides sense of accomplishment, great for arthritis friendly hobbies
- Craft enthusiasts: Anyone who enjoys knitting, quilting, puzzles, or other hands on creative hobbies
- People recovering from illness: Low pressure creative activity suitable for limited energy days
- Long distance family: Something meaningful to work on that reminds them of home during the holidays
- Teens ages 14+: Especially those interested in art but intimidated by blank canvases
✗ Skip This Gift For:
- Young children under 12 (get our Kids Collection instead with age appropriate designs)
- People with severe vision impairment who can't see small numbered sections
- Anyone who specifically dislikes hands on crafts or painting
- People with zero patience for detailed work (though easy kits can work)
Understanding Difficulty Levels
The biggest mistake people make when buying paint by numbers kits as gifts is choosing the wrong difficulty level. Here's how to match skill level to kit complexity:
| Difficulty | Section Size | Color Count | Time to Complete | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Large (5mm to 10mm) | 12 to 24 colors | 6 to 10 hours | First time painters, seniors, anyone wanting quick results |
| Intermediate | Medium (3mm to 5mm) | 24 to 36 colors | 10 to 18 hours | Hobbyists, people with some painting experience |
| Advanced | Small (1mm to 3mm) | 36 to 48 colors | 18 to 30 hours | Experienced painters seeking challenge and detail |
When in doubt, go easier rather than harder. A kit that's too difficult sits unfinished in a closet. A kit that's slightly too easy still gets completed and displayed proudly.
Our Star Product: The Ultimate All-in-One Gift
⭐ The 12-Day Christmas Crafter's Gift Box
The ultimate all-in-one Christmas gift: 12 days of creative surprises in one luxury box.
This is not your typical paint by numbers kit. The 12-Day Christmas Crafter's Gift Box is a complete creative experience designed to be opened like an advent calendar over the 12 days before Christmas. Each of the 12 beautifully decorated drawers reveals surprise art supplies and projects: you might find brushes on day 1, a canvas on day 3, paints on day 5, building anticipation as your complete art studio comes together.
What's Inside the 12 Drawers:
- Multiple exclusive paint by numbers canvases (different sizes and designs)
- Complete set of high-pigment acrylic paints
- Professional artist's brush set
- Premium painting and crafting accessories
- Unique paintable Christmas decor projects
- Many more delightful surprises revealed day by day
Why this makes the perfect gift: Instead of giving one painting project, you're giving an entire holiday tradition. Open one drawer each evening with family to build anticipation. By day 12, they'll have everything needed for multiple festive art projects plus premium supplies they'll use all year.
Important note: This is not 12 separate mini kits. It's a progressive journey where supplies are distributed across drawers. Think of it as building your ultimate holiday art studio piece by piece, making each unboxing exciting as you discover what completes your collection.
Skill level: Perfect for all levels, from beginners to experienced painters. Includes a mix of simple fun projects and more detailed, larger canvases.
The 17 Best Individual Christmas Paint by Numbers Kits
Listed from good to exceptional, with guidance on who each kit suits best:
#17: The Spirit of Christmas
Traditional holiday warmth captured in a beginner friendly design.
This kit captures foundational Christmas joy with a warm, traditional color palette and relatively simple composition. The large sections make it accessible for beginners, while the rich reds, greens, and golds create a satisfying finished piece perfect for traditionalists.
#16: Winter Cabin Cocoa
Cozy cabin scene perfect for winter landscape lovers.
For those drawn to Canadian winter beauty, this kit features a snow laden cabin with glowing windows. The light and shadow work provides a rewarding challenge for intermediate painters while remaining accessible enough that patient beginners can succeed.
#15: Santa's Midnight Flight
Classic Santa sleigh silhouette against a starlit winter sky.
A perennial favorite featuring Santa's iconic sleigh silhouette against stars. The dynamic composition and celestial color palette make this engaging for intermediate painters who want a timeless piece of festive decor celebrating Christmas Eve magic.
#14: The Christmas Express
Vintage festive train through snowy winter landscape.
For train enthusiasts and lovers of vintage charm, this kit shows a festive locomotive steaming through snow. The intricate train detailing, combined with atmospheric winter backdrop, provides a satisfying challenge culminating in a piece evoking nostalgic holiday journeys.
#13: The Warmth of Christmas
Cozy interior scene radiating festive warmth and comfort.
This kit focuses on interior holiday serenity with warm color gradients and domestic festive details like crackling fires and glowing ornaments. Creates intimate cozy feelings, perfect for reflective winter afternoons and those who cherish home comfort.
#12: A Cup of Christmas
Charming festive hot cocoa still life perfect for quick projects.
Celebrating simple holiday pleasures, this kit offers a delightful festive still life. The rich textures of cocoa and delicate marshmallow or candy cane details provide a concise yet charming experience, ideal for a quick holiday project or first-time painters.
#11: Snowman's Greeting
Jolly snowman perfect for beginner to intermediate painters.
A whimsical and universally appealing snowman brought to life. Clear compositional lines and delightful character make this excellent for intermediate painters seeking a project evoking childhood wonder and festive cheer. Appeals to all ages.
#10: Festive Kitten
Adorable holiday kitten perfect for cat lovers.
For the animal enthusiast, this combines festive feline charm with immersive painting pleasure. Intricate fur textures and sparkle of holiday adornments provide delightful challenge, culminating in artwork that's both adorable and seasonally appropriate for cat lovers.
#9: Santa Lantern
Glowing lantern scene with Santa, beautiful light effects.
This kit presents a study in light source and reflection with whimsical Santa figure within a glowing lantern. Careful rendering of light and shadow engages painters seeking to develop atmospheric effect skills, resulting in a truly luminous piece.
#8: Snowman Memories
Nostalgic snowman scene evoking childhood winter memories.
Evoking profound nostalgia, Snowman Memories offers a charming composition celebrating winter's enduring symbol. Soft color transitions required for snow and sky provide accessible yet gratifying challenge, ideal for those cherishing classic holiday imagery.
#7: Grand Christmas Tree
Magnificently decorated Christmas tree for statement decor.
For maximalist decorators or painters seeking grand subjects, this delivers intricate detail of a fully adorned Christmas tree complete with glittering ornaments and soft lights. Satisfying extended project resulting in a vibrant celebration of holiday opulence and true focal point.
#6: Santa's Guiding Light
Unique lighthouse scene guiding Santa through a winter night.
Combining serene coastal lighthouse beauty with magical Santa presence, this offers a unique narrative. Precise application required for lighthouse architecture juxtaposed with softer snowy sky rendering provides a balanced, engaging endeavor for tranquil winter evenings.
#5: Dear Santa
Touching scene of a Santa reading a child's letter.
This kit captures a heartwarming moment: Santa sitting in his chair, smiling warmly as he reads a child's letter. The tender expression on Santa's face and the gentle glow of light create an emotionally rich scene perfect for the holidays. Painters will appreciate the opportunity to capture Santa's kind expression and the delicate interplay of light and shadow, creating a truly heartfelt piece that celebrates the magic of Christmas letters.
#4: Under the Christmas Tree
Gifts and decorations beneath a sparkling Christmas tree.
A quintessential holiday tableau focusing on bountiful joy beneath beautifully adorned Christmas tree. Rich textures of wrapped presents and sparkling ornaments offer a delightful study in varied surfaces and brilliant colors, making it celebratory and engaging project.
#3: Santa Penguins
Adorable penguins in Santa hats bring whimsical joy.
For those adoring whimsy and irresistible charm, this presents a delightful scene of Santa-hatted penguins. Playful narrative and vibrant contrasting colors make for invigorating, joyful painting experience, culminating in artwork guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone.
#2: A Touch of Christmas
Elegant, subtle festive accents for refined decor.
This distinguishes itself through sophisticated simplicity. Focusing on classic yet understated festive elements, it offers refined artistic challenge in rendering delicate textures and nuanced color harmonies. Finished piece provides an elegant touch of Christmas, perfect for discerning decorator.
#1: A Christmas Gathering
The ultimate Christmas painting celebrating family and togetherness.
Our top recommendation. A Christmas Gathering is a masterwork of festive narrative featuring an intricate portrayal of familial warmth, ambient lighting, and rich holiday details. This offers expansive deeply rewarding painting journey, transcending mere craft to become a cherished heirloom embodying the spirit of togetherness. Its depth and emotional resonance make it an unparalleled gift for discerning artists.
Shipping Timeline for Holiday Gifts
⏰ Important Delivery Information
Processing time: 2 to 3 business days after order is placed
Shipping time: 7 to 10 business days after processing
Total timeline: 9 to 13 business days (roughly 2 to 3 weeks)
For Christmas delivery: Order at least 2 to 3 weeks before Christmas to ensure arrival in time for holiday gift giving. It is always better to account for potential shipping delays during the busy holiday season.
Rush shipping: Not currently available. Plan ahead to ensure timely delivery.
How to Choose the Right Kit as a Gift
Still unsure which kit to buy? Use this decision flowchart:
If you want the ultimate all-in-one gift: The 12-Day Christmas Crafter's Gift Box ($129.99 CAD) includes multiple projects plus complete art supplies in one luxury package.
If they've never painted before: Start with A Cup of Christmas (#12), Snowman's Greeting (#11), or The Spirit of Christmas (#17). These have larger sections and simpler compositions, perfect for building confidence.
If they've done paint by numbers before: Go for Santa Penguins (#3), Under the Christmas Tree (#4), or Festive Kitten (#10). These offer satisfying detail without overwhelming complexity.
If they're experienced hobbyists: Choose A Christmas Gathering (#1), Dear Santa (#5), or Grand Christmas Tree (#7). These provide the intricate detail and extended project timeline experienced painters crave.
If you're unsure of their skill level: Intermediate kits like Santa's Midnight Flight (#15), Winter Cabin Cocoa (#16), or Snowman Memories (#8) work for the widest range of abilities.
If they love animals, Festive Kitten (#10) or Santa Penguins (#3) are clear winners.
If they prefer traditional Christmas imagery: The Spirit of Christmas (#17), Santa's Midnight Flight (#15), or Under the Christmas Tree (#4) deliver classic holiday scenes.
If budget is a concern: Individual kits start from $29.99 CAD for the 24 color without frame option, making them affordable meaningful gifts.
What's Included in Every Kit
Regardless of which Christmas kit you choose, each complete package includes:
- Pre-printed numbered canvas: Either rolled for shipping (without frame option) or pre-stretched on a wooden frame (stretched option)
- Complete set of numbered acrylic paints: Pre-mixed colors in sealed pots corresponding to numbers on canvas
- Three painting brushes: Fine, medium, and broad tips for different section sizes
- Color reference guide: Printed image showing what the finished painting should look like
- Hanging hardware: Hooks included with stretched frame options
- Instruction sheet: Basic painting tips and techniques for best results
For more guidance on canvas preparation and framing, see our guide to removing creases and framing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Christmas paint by numbers kit arrive before Christmas?
If you order at least 2 to 3 weeks before Christmas, your kit should arrive in time. Processing takes 2 to 3 business days, then shipping takes 7 to 10 business days, for a total timeline of roughly 2 to 3 weeks. Order by early December for Christmas delivery. Earlier is always safer during the busy holiday shipping season.
What's the difference between the 12-Day Gift Box and individual kits?
The 12-Day Christmas Crafter's Gift Box ($129.99 CAD) is an all-in-one package with multiple projects and complete art supplies spread across 12 advent-style drawers. It's designed as a progressive unboxing experience. Individual kits ($29.99 to $69.99 CAD) contain one complete project with canvas, paints, and brushes for that specific design. The Gift Box is perfect for someone who wants variety and the full art studio experience, while individual kits work better if you know exactly which design they'll love.
Are these kits suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, several kits are specifically beginner-friendly. A Cup of Christmas (#12), Snowman's Greeting (#11), and The Spirit of Christmas (#17) feature larger sections and simpler compositions perfect for first-time painters. The 12-Day Gift Box also includes a mix of skill levels. The numbered system guides you through every step, making it accessible even if the recipient has never painted before.
What's the difference between without frame, with DIY frame, and stretched on frame options?
Without frame (starting at $29.99) means the canvas arrives rolled and you frame it yourself after completion. With DIY frame (starting at $39.99) includes wooden stretcher bars that you assemble to stretch the canvas before painting. Stretched on frame (starting at $59.99) arrives pre-stretched and ready to paint immediately, easiest option but highest cost. Prices vary based on color count (24, 36, or 48 colors).
How long does it actually take to complete one of these kits?
Beginner kits take 6 to 10 hours total, usually completed over several painting sessions. Intermediate kits take 10 to 18 hours. Advanced kits take 18 to 30 hours for completion. The 12-Day Gift Box contains multiple projects at different skill levels. Most people paint for 1 to 2 hours per session, spread over several weeks. The relaxing process is part of the gift, not a race to finish.
Can seniors with arthritis do paint by numbers?
Yes, many seniors enjoy paint by numbers. Choose beginner or intermediate kits with larger sections, or the 12-Day Gift Box, which includes projects at various difficulty levels. The repetitive brush motions can actually be therapeutic for arthritis. Recommend they paint in 30 minute sessions with breaks, use a brush with a comfortable grip (they can buy ergonomic brushes separately), and work at a well-lit table at comfortable height.
What if the recipient doesn't like the design I chose?
If you're unsure about design preferences, the 12-Day Gift Box is a safer choice since it includes multiple designs and projects. For individual kits, consider our broader Christmas collection, which includes 30+ festive designs beyond these top 17. You can also include a gift receipt or order a gift card instead, letting them choose their preferred design while you still give a thoughtful creative gift.
Do I need to buy any additional supplies?
No, all kits, including the 12-Day Gift Box come complete with everything needed: canvas, paints, brushes, and reference guide. The only optional extras are a cup of water for rinsing brushes, paper towels, and potentially a frame if you chose the without frame option. Some people like buying additional quality brushes, but the included ones work fine.
Give the Gift of Creativity This Christmas
From the ultimate 12-Day Gift Box experience to individual beginner friendly designs and advanced masterpieces, these Christmas paint by numbers kits offer something for everyone on your gift list. Order now to ensure delivery before the holidays.
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