Reddit mentions of Moleskine Art Watercolor Album, Hard Cover, Large (5" x 8.25") Plain/Blank, Black, 72 Pages

Does she like to draw? Would she like to learn to draw? Get her some architect-y drawing supplies!

For example:

• Freehand Sketching by Paul Laseau
  
• Lamy Safari Fountain Pen - Extra Fine
  
• Moleskin Watercolor Notebook
  
  If she enjoys that, next up is maybe a set of watercolors or copic markers. Also, JetPens has all sorts of good stuff. Check out things like 2mm lead holders, Pentel Sign Pen (and similar), any of the fine roller ball type pens, etc.

The Moleskine watercolor albumare a good starter notebook. I have also started to use the Stillman & Birn - Beta Series and I really like the paper in that sketch book and prefer the soft cover. Stillman & Birn has more choices when it comes to different papers and binding options in their different Series. Hope this helps!

Oooh this is a fun game:

https://www.amazon.com/MEEDEN-Empty-Watercolor-Palette-Paint/dp/B01MRYR1VI/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303405&sr=8-40&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Newton-Cotman-Water-Studio/dp/B000XYHYI4/ref=sr_1_43?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303405&sr=8-43&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Field-Artist-Watercolor-Journal-Hardbound/dp/B075ZN6XT3/ref=sr_1_66_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303688&sr=8-66-spons&keywords=watercolor&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Artify-Watercolor-Miniature-Carrying-Flannelette/dp/B078SQT3NW/ref=sr_1_72?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303688&sr=8-72&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Smith-285610005-Essentials-Introductory/dp/B00WT5VRF6/ref=sr_1_94?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303776&sr=8-94&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Watercolor-Album-Sketchbook-Spanish/dp/8883705629/ref=sr_1_107?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303816&sr=8-107&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Paint-Brush-Brushes-Watercolor-Painting/dp/B00ZO90S1I/ref=sr_1_114_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303816&sr=8-114-spons&keywords=watercolor&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Block-Cold-Press-X12/dp/B0007XDHGO/ref=sr_1_115?ie=UTF8&qid=1526303859&sr=8-115&keywords=watercolor

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Ph-Martins-400262-XXX-Watercolor/dp/B005TFSDF0/ref=sr_1_147?ie=UTF8&qid=1526304003&sr=8-147&keywords=watercolor

sorry for stupid long links

I’m new as well but I’ve done lots (maybe too much) research. What is your budget? From what I understand Windsor & Newton Cotman paints are a good student/hobby grade paint. They sell them in nifty little 12 pan kits that pretty much provide all the colors you need to make good mixes.

Here is a travel set for about $13:
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qq8Tzb8SY82G3

If you are willing to spend a little more on paint for artist grade I hear excellent things about these: St Petersburg White Nights Watercolour : NEW 12 Pan Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006FHNE3C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Gt8TzbT5PD01H

I’ve seen these really cool portable brushes: High-end art travel painting brush Synthetic Sable Round Hair Short Handle Brush for Acrylic Oil and watercolor painting 3Pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3VMDED/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5r8TzbVV97JR3

Or you can use a water brush: Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush Assorted Tips, Pack of 3 (FRHBFMBP3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AX31TZO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Os8TzbN7TW9AQ

As for Paper, I really want one of these myself: Moleskine Watercolor Album Sketchbook - 5"x8" (Spanish Edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/8883705629/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vz8TzbWWMHY1M


I hope this helps! :)

I have to second the good paper recommendation and/or a nice watercolor book. I love these hard cover Moleskine books. My bf got me one for Valentine’s Day this year and I’m almost finished with my second one.

Linkamazon link

Yeah, you are right about the paper, I thought it was a bit bigger. The only thing to keep in mind is usually the bigger/nicer paper only has 10-20 sheets, which doesn't give you many chances to learn anything.

This seems like a good choice

This one is fun for kids because you can make little postcards for people, but they aren't very large.

I have this one sitting in front of me now, Its the larger version of the one I linked you yesterday.(Which is what I thought I was sending.) It seems pretty nice, and the journal seems to just stay open on its own btw.(Watercolor takes awhile to dry, so thats a good thing)

As far as quality paper, I've never had an issue with Srathmore or Canson brands.

Oh, and in regards to paint, this set might be worth considering as well. I've always really like koi stuff.

I hope that helps. Also, good on you for being charitable, I'm sure she will love whatever you decide to get her. Once again, let me know if you have any questions I might be able to answer.

I had this same question a few months back. Ive found that any paper with higer gsm is better and 100% cotton is also a major plus. My current top 3:

• After suggestions I received from here, I tested out the Stillman & Birn Nova Series which I ended up really liking but I didn't love it. It got the job done, the toned paper was a nice effect, but I felt like it made my gouache works look more like watercolor paintings - Specifically, I think the paper it was too absorbent for gouache (made my washes look thin and translucent even though I use M.Graham and Windsor Newton and Holbein) and it had slight buckling. But id still suggest it because it's very different from other books, it lays flat because the pages are sewn and it is highly durable - I thought id destroy mine but it held up very well. I even used acrylic paint on certain pages and there was no bleeding or weird reactions.
  
• I just recently bought the small pocket-sized version of the Moleskine Watercolor sketchbook. I love the style and look of the sketchbook, its very trendy. The size is nice. However, the quality of the paper is okay. Id rates it about 7/10 because of the thickness and texture. It can sometimes feel very thin when I'm working with a lot of layers but I believe it because it is made for light watercolor washes, its its only 200 gsm. I've found that it doesn't do well with repeated strokes or reactivation of old washes of paint - it can react like its been overworked/look crumbly. Id still recommends you give it a try, everyone should have one Moleskine experience just for the opportunity to try different brands paper.
  
• Cost effective and attractive design. I highly recommend trying the Strathmore Watercolor Art Journal. I have this journal, I bought it from my local Michaels Arts & Crafts supply store. It is just as good as the Moleskine if not better because of the unique shape options and price. The only downside to this journal is the softcover - its made of bristol board or some type of thick cardstock type paper. Other than that, I love the way the paper reacts to the gouache. It has minimal warping and does not bleed. It is also 300 gsm which is better.

Yeah, these are awesome as you can draw or paint in them (or collage etc...). I'd get her one along with some good watercolor pencils and maybe a nice brush and a bottle of india ink.