Diamond painting – the craft that combines all the sparkle of diamonds with the calm focus of a thousand tiny plastic bits. 

My wife and daughter both swear by their diamond painting kits, and while neither has quite finished one yet, it’s more about the journey than the destination, right? 

As for me, I’d love to give it a go, but the combination of my dyspraxia and an ill-timed sneeze would probably see half of it end up in the hoover (ask me how I know). So, for now, I’ll stick to admiring theirs from a safe distance.

But if you’re thinking of gifting a diamond art kit for adults – and they’re not as accident-prone as I am – the size you choose definitely matters (in more ways than one). 

Here’s my guide to picking the perfect kit size based on your recipient’s free time and patience level.

Choosing the Right Canvas Size

Small Canvas (15x15cm to 30x30cm): For the Busy Bees

If they’re the sort who loves a creative project but is also juggling a job, kids, a dog, and an impressive list of other life commitments, go small. 

A 15x15cm or 30x30cm canvas is perfect for someone with limited time who’d still love to complete something. It’s the equivalent of a weekend hobby, minus the chance of DIY injuries.

Plus, smaller canvases provide a quick sense of accomplishment – they might even get it done before their next meeting, or while pretending to listen to the in-laws talk about caravan holidays. No pressure, no lifetime commitment, just a sparkly piece of art that’s done in time for dinner.

Medium Canvas (30x40cm to 50x60cm): For the Half-Committers

If you’ve got a friend who loves a project but maybe lacks the attention span for an epic saga, a 40x40cm to 50x60cm canvas is your best bet. 

This size has enough detail to keep things interesting but isn’t so overwhelming that they’ll end up abandoning it halfway through and turning it into a coaster for their cuppa.

Think of this as the sweet spot: it’s big enough to impress when it’s done, but not so massive that it becomes a new permanent fixture in their living room – along with all the stray diamonds that didn’t quite make it to the canvas.

Large Canvas (60x60cm and Up): For the Brave and the Bold

Finally, if you’re gifting for someone with the patience of a saint, plenty of free time, or a peculiar interest in counting tiny sparkly bits for weeks on end, go big. 

A 60x60cm or even 100x100cm canvas is ideal for the brave souls who enjoy the process more than the end result. They might be halfway through by next Christmas gift season, but they’ll love every minute of it.

Of course, with a canvas this size, they’ll need a dedicated craft room – or at least an understanding partner who doesn’t mind the dining room table being covered in tiny plastic diamonds for months on end. And if you’re lucky, they’ll let you admire the masterpiece when it’s finally done, provided you don’t sneeze too close to it.

Essential Accessories and Tools

Additional Accessories for an Even Better Experience

If you want to take their diamond painting journey up a notch, there are a few extra accessories that can make all the difference. A drill organiser with small containers will help keep all those colourful bits neatly sorted (and less likely to disappear under the sofa). For anyone who loves those late-night crafting sessions, magnifying glasses or clip-on lights can be a godsend, reducing eye strain when working on the finer details.

A roller tool can be really handy for flattening the canvas and making sure all those tiny diamonds stay in place, while frame-locking clips help keep everything taut as they work. 

If they’re tackling square drills, a straightening tool is perfect for keeping those lines satisfying and even. And for the real diamond-painting marathons, an anti-fatigue mat can provide much needed comfort, while protective covers help shield the masterpiece-in-progress from dust and accidental knocks.

Know Your Recipient (and Their Cleaning Habits)

Diamond painting kits make fantastic gifts, but the size you choose can make or break the experience. 

Small kits are perfect for busy friends who want something quick and fun, medium kits are great for those who like a bit more of a challenge, and large kits… well, they’re for the heroes among us who don’t mind a long-term relationship with their craft supplies.

Just make sure they’ve got a good hoover – those diamonds have a tendency to roam!