23 Fun and Easy Art Ideas Teens Will Love in 2024

Are you wondering, what are some good art ideas for teens? Are you looking for a creativity-based gift for the teenager on your list? Maybe you are thinking, what is a good DIY project for a child that you can gift? Fortunately, there are some awesome gifts for artists to help this tough-to-buy-for-age group explore their skills.

Getting creative is an important pastime for kids and teens. It allows them to express their personalities and learn in new ways. Plus, as Healthline points out, creative outlets like art therapy can boost mental health and can improve outlooks while reducing anxiety. Anyone with a moody teen knows, these benefits are well worth the price of a gift.

So, let's take a look through some fun art ideas for teens that will inspire their creativity (and maybe even a small business!). 

Jump to Section

• Art Lessons for Teens
• Therapeutic Art Activities for Youth
• Crafts for Teens to Make and Sell

Art Lessons for Teens

Purchasing art lessons for teens is an awesome way to provide them with a hobby of their own. They can learn new skills and expand their artistic experiences. Plus, with the wide variety available these make perfect art ideas for teens, no matter what medium they are interested in.

These ideas also make fun, creative birthday party ideas for teens, like sweet 16 party ideas, 17th birthday ideas or 19th birthday ideas. 

1. Pottery Classes

Pottery classes are a fun way to explore the world of three-dimensional art. This is an amazing art idea for teens that like to get their hands dirty. Plus, there are tons of options all over the country.

There are pottery classes in Boston for east coast artists and pottery classes in Houston for Texan teens. There are also lots of pottery classes in Portland for west coasters to enjoy. So look for pottery classes near you for an interactive teen-friendly experience.

2. Dance Classes

When brainstorming art ideas for teens, you may overlook that dance is a stellar art form. It gets the heart pumping and produces feel-good endorphins.

There are dance classes in Las Vegas to learn amazing moves and dance classes in NYC to get inspired by Broadway. There are also dance classes in the Bay Area for California teens and even online dance classes that they can participate in from home.

3. Painting Classes

When you purchase painting classes for the teen on your list, they’ll learn to make their very own masterpieces. There are a wide variety of both in-person painting classes and online painting classes for every type of interest.

Teens can learn to create modern works or classically-inspired canvasses. Then, you can show off their new one-of-a-kind artwork in your home.

4. Sketching Classes

Learning to draw is a fun and useful lifelong skill. Gift art classes to a creative team for them to learn everything from portrait sketching to cartooning.

This is a versatile art idea for teens that are just testing the waters of art or have been exploring the creative world for years. These are awesome experiences if you’re wondering how to find your art style or simply trying to enhance your current skills.

5. Graphic Design Classes

Take a modern approach to creativity with graphic design classes. This is a perfect art idea for teens that are into technology. They’ll learn the ins and outs of programs like Adobe and create everything from logos to illustrations.

Plus, this is an awesome 18th birthday gift idea or way to celebrate high school graduations. You could be introducing them to a fun skill that could morph into a lifelong career. 

6. Photography Lessons

With the advent of social media, photography is a super useful skill. Teach teens to take photos like a pro with photography lessons. This is a great art idea for teens that want to take their Instagram feed to the next level. Plus, some are designed to be taught using nothing more than an iPhone. 

7. Calligraphy Classes

Calligraphy is a pretty niche skill but a pretty cool one to have. Taking a class teaches participants the fundamentals of beautiful lettering using a traditional technique. This is an ideal art idea for teens that also love history.

8. Film Classes

Teens love movies. Why not give them the know-how to create their own? Film classes as an art idea for teens will teach them to make everything from a sitcom to a dramatic film. This is an awesome way for them to capture their worlds and express their creative sides.

Therapeutic Art Activities for Youth

Art can be incredibly therapeutic. If you’re wondering, what are high school crafts that are relaxing? These choices are especially beneficial for kids that are stressed with school, schedules and sports. These therapeutic art ideas for teens allow them to escape their daily lives and immerse themselves in creativity.

9. Floral and Greenery Classes

Teens can work with both nature and artistic expression in floral and greenery classes. They can learn to make stunning centerpieces in either in-person or virtual flower arranging classes.

Or, sign them up for a terrarium class to make modern arrangements of succulents. This is the perfect art idea for teens that also love the world of foliage. 

10. Woodworking Classes

Woodworking skills are a super useful life aptitude. Being familiar with woodworking tools and learning to follow the steps to complete projects can come in handy for years to come. This is a great art idea for teens that enjoy working with their hands and like the satisfaction of completing an easy art project for teens. 

11. Glass Blowing Classes

With glass blowing classes, teens will learn the intriguing art of turning melted glass into stunning art. With the guidance of a trained instructor, they safely learn this intriguing art form. They will also likely produce some captivating pieces to add a pop of color to their space. 

12. Sewing Classes

Sewing classes are an awesome art idea for teens who love fashion or that just want to learn a useful skill. These allow participants to explore various techniques and learn the ins and outs of the sewing machine. Look for teen-friendly options that guide them in making basic garments so they can wear their handiwork proudly. 

13. Metalworking Classes

With youth-oriented metalworking classes, learners can make interesting projects for teenage students as they learn blacksmithing techniques. This is a great art idea for teens to learn a unique art form and produce awesome pieces by hand.

Crafts for Teens to Make and Sell

If you know a teenage entrepreneur, they will love making their own crafts to sell for a profit. Not only can they use their creativity to make a profit, but they will learn essential business skills along the way. These crafts for teens to make and sell are a sure win and can be a fun venture long term.

14. Beaded Jewelry

Making beaded jewelry is a perfect way to produce customized pieces to sell. Mix and match colors to make everything from bracelets with school spirit to necklaces for holidays. This is an awesome art idea for teens to keep those fine motor skills sharp. Plus, this can be an easy art project for teens and adults to do together. 

15. Bath Products

If you’re wondering, what crafts do 12-year-olds like? Consider creating bath products as an awesome project for teens and tweens. They can make bath bombs and soaps in their own custom fragrances to sell. Plus, they likely have friends that are interested, giving them an instant customer base. 

16. Knit Blankets

Knitting is an underrated art form and learning it can produce some impressive results. Either teach your teen to knit or sign them up for a class so they can make everything from blankets to drink koozies.

Customers will love buying these handmade items as gifts and to keep them for themselves when you encourage this useful art idea for teens.

17. Baked Goods

Edible art is a big market and artfully designed baked goods are super trendy right now. From extremely detailed cookies to over-the-top cakes, customers are willing to pay for sweets that not only taste great but also make an impression. This is a unique art idea for teens that love baking and experimenting with decorative ingredients like fondant. 

18. Seasonal Items

People are always looking for an impressive handmade gift to purchase for their loved ones. Why not give teens the opportunity to take advantage of the seasonal market with artistic gifts?

During the holiday season, they can create customized ornaments with glitter or by filling bulbs. Then in the spring, they can hand-paint plant containers for Easter or Mother’s Day. This is the perfect art idea for teens who always want to try something new.

19. Metal Stamping

For this art idea for teens, purchase a metal stamping kit for teens that would like to try their hands at this fun craft. This is a super popular craft for young adults. Using lettered and numbered stamps, they can hammer words and phrases in tons of different metal items. Then, they can sell everything from copper keychains to steel dog tags, each customized for individual customers. 

20. Handmade Candles

Learning to make candles is a fun way to create products. This is a perfect art idea for teens that love subjects like chemistry. They will need to melt the wax just right and add the ideal amount of fragrance for the best result. Once, they get super comfortable, they can even customize each candle's scent to the liking of their customers. 

21. Greeting Cards

Recipients love receiving customized, handmade greeting cards. This is an awesome art idea for teens with various skill sets. They can hand paint cards, sketch them or even design the art graphically. Plus it’s an awesome arts and crafts idea 12-year-olds will like and up to put their own twist on. Either way, both customers and their recipients will be grateful for the personal touch.

22. Drinkware

Personalized drinkware is a welcome gift to a wide variety of recipients. Everyone from your kid’s teacher to your grandmother will love receiving a custom glass or mug. Arm teens with a Cricut, plenty of vinyl and blank drinkware and let them build an impressive inventory.

23. Tie-Dye Clothing

Who doesn’t love a good tie-dye t-shirt? This is a great art idea for teens that can look up how to create different patterns on YouTube and experiment with various color combinations. Then, they can sell their one-of-a-kind garments to customers looking to make a colorful statement. 

Whichever way you help teens explore the artistic world, they will enjoy getting their creative juices flowing. Whether it’s a class, experience or starting a crafty business, they’ll love diving into their art in new ways. And, you’ll enjoy watching them reap all of the excellent benefits of getting artsy with these fun art ideas for teens.

For even more fun art ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!