One Paint by Numbers Kit, Three Christmas Gifts? A Colour Hack You’ll Love
Christmas is coming — not quite sprinting, but definitely power-walking towards us with that “hope you’ve sorted your gifts” look. And if you haven’t, you’re in very good company. Half the country is still wandering around like confused reindeer thinking, what on earth do I buy Aunt Linda this year?
But fear not: here’s a Christmas gift idea that is affordable, creative, thoughtful and makes you look far more clever than you actually need to be - Paint by Numbers.
And here’s the twist:
Give every family member the same Christmas theme, but choose different colour versions (24, 36 or 48 colours).
They’ll unwrap what looks like the same gift…then start painting…and suddenly realise their artwork looks entirely different from everyone else’s.
It’s personalised without the faff. Festive without the fuss. And - most importantly - it solves your gifting crisis faster than you can say “Amazon’s sold out again.”
So, in this guide, you’ll learn the difference between each colour kit, how to choose the right one, and the easiest Christmas-ready picks you can order right now.
Understanding the Difference: 24 vs 36 vs 48 Colours Kits
Choosing a paint by numbers kit isn’t just about picking a pretty picture. The colour count is where the magic happens. It affects:
- how easy the painting is
- how long it takes
- how realistic it looks
- and who will actually enjoy doing it
Think of it like tea strength:
24 colours = milky brew
36 colours = perfect builder’s tea
48 colours = strong enough to wake the King
Below is the simple, practical breakdown that’ll make you a colour-count expert in minutes.
24-Colour Kits: Friendly, Forgiving & Brilliant for Beginners
This kit is the gentle hug of the paint by numbers world — simple, warm, and unlikely to cause any emotional crises.
Why it’s great
- Bigger blocks = easier painting
- Fewer colours = quicker results
- Perfect for kids, seniors, beginners, or anyone who thinks a gradient is a type of hill
It’s a brilliant option if you want the gift to be relaxing rather than “please pass me the magnifying glass and a prayer.”
Why it’s limited
- Less realism
- Fewer shadows
- A softer, more cartoon-influenced finish
But that’s exactly why it’s ideal for beginners or for people who’d like a Christmas craft without the risk of throwing their brush at the cat.
36-Colour Kits: The Balanced, No-Regrets, Best-for-Adults Choice
The 36 colours kit is the Goldilocks option — not too basic, not too complex, and absolutely perfect for most adults.
Why it’s so popular
- Noticeably better tonal depth
- Natural shading and smoother gradients
- Good detail without tears or tantrums
- Works brilliantly for holiday scenes, winter landscapes, family-friendly gifts, and office Secret Santa
If someone enjoys hobbies but isn’t ready for a three-hour session blending microscopic colour blocks, this is your best bet.
Who will love it
Friends, colleagues, parents, older teens, craft lovers, and anyone who once said, “I wish I had something relaxing to do over Christmas.”
48-Colour Kits: For Detail Devotees & Realism Lovers
This is the kit for people who alphabetise their spice cupboard and find joy in tiny details that the rest of us don’t even notice.
What makes it special
- The highest realism level
- Glorious colour depth
- Perfect for fur, hair, snow, shadows, night scenes
- Results genuinely look like artwork you could hang proudly
What to expect
- Smaller blocks
- More time required
- More focus needed
An excellent Christmas gift for partners, parents, artists, serious hobbyists, and anyone who sees creativity as a delicious, meditative challenge.
Choosing the Right Kit Based on Recipient & Budget
Here’s your smart, structured, stress-free way to pick the perfect Paint by Numbers Christmas gift:
1. Who is receiving the gift?
- Children / beginners / seniors → 24 colours
- Most adults → 36 colours
- Art lovers, detail enthusiasts → 48 colours
2. How much time will they realistically have?
- Quick holiday project → 24
- A few cosy evenings → 36
- A dedicated creative hobby → 48
3. What level of realism matches their personality?
- Simple & cheerful → 24
- Balanced & natural → 36
- Dramatic & detailed → 48
4. What’s your budget?
- 24 colours = most affordable
- 36 colours = great value
- 48 colours = premium gift
Final rule of thumb:
If in doubt, 36 colours is the safest, happiest middle ground.
And remember the trick:
Same theme + different colour versions = personalised gifts without complexity.
Christmas Bestsellers: Easy Picks for Every Age — Just Choose 24, 36 or 48 Colours
Here are five guaranteed-to-delight, gift-ready Paint by Numbers Christmas themes that suit every age and every skill level. Just pick your colour count and you’re done.
1. Christmas, Snow and Bird Paint by Numbers
A proud little robin perched on snowy flower pots, holly and fairy lights all around — the sort of scene that politely taps you on the shoulder and says, “It’s Christmas, love. Act festive.”
2. Santa by the Fireside Cheer Paint by Numbers
Santa sinks into his armchair, one hand warming by the fire, looking cosy enough to melt snow on sight. The tree glitters, the presents behave, and the whole scene radiates “perfect Christmas evening” energy.
3. Colourful Victorian Houses & Snowy Stroll Paint by Numbers
A row of bright Victorian houses glowing against fresh snow, while people in vintage coats stroll by with dogs in tow. It’s calm, charming and delightfully Dickensian — minus the London fog.
4. Christmas Mini Cooper Adventure Paint by Numbers
A yellow Mini Cooper hauling an oversized Christmas tree through the snow — chaotic, cheerful, and absolutely determined. It’s Christmas spirit doing its best with a tiny car.
5. Cheeky Christmas Reindeer Portrait Paint by Numbers
A big-eyed baby reindeer staring like it knows it’s adorable. Sweet, cheeky and guaranteed to boost serotonin.
Your Christmas Gift Wrap-Up
In the end, Paint by Numbers proves to be one of those rare Christmas gifts that quietly gets everything right: personal without being complicated, creative without blowing the budget, and festive without requiring anyone to possess the artistic confidence of a Victorian oil painter.
Whether you choose a cosy 24-colour stroll, a balanced 36-colour challenge, or a gloriously intricate 48-colour masterpiece, each version feels intentionally matched to the person receiving it — which is precisely why this little trick works so well.
And if you want to browse themes that lean full-on Christmas magic, our Christmas Paint by Numbers collection is a brilliantly cheerful place to start, while this Christmas paint by numbers guide also offers extra ideas, tips and inspiration for anyone who likes their gifting with a side of creativity. With the right theme in hand, you’ll discover that choosing a Christmas gift can be surprisingly delightful — and dare I say it, almost easy.
