Gift Guide Must-Haves – Top Picks for 2024 | Painful Pleasures Community
 

Gift Guide Must-Haves – Top Picks for 2024

Get into the Annual Holiday Gift Guide from Painful Pleasures! Check out our top gift picks for you this season.
by Whitney Johns Last Updated: December 12, 2024

Let’s get real—choosing the perfect gift for the tattoo artist in your life (or yourself) isn’t always easy. But we’ve got your back. Check out the top artists’ picks from this year’s holiday gift guide.

Top Tattoo Machines

Critical Torque machine.

Tattoo artists agree: these four tattoo machines are truly the best of the best.

Critical Tattoo® Torque Pen

The Torque Pen by Critical Tattoo® boasts a top-notch tattooing experience that’s worth every penny. You’ll get nearly vibration-free tattoo sessions with this one, boosting your focus and concentration. Plus, you can easily access your settings and session time on a crystal-clear OLED screen without stopping your workflow. Overall, you’ll get a faster, smoother tattooing experience with this machine thanks to a robust motor and Precision Strike Technology: that’s what makes this bad boy the cream of the crop, and a must-have this holiday season.

Peak Solice Pro 2 

The Peak Solice Pro 2 has already found its way into the top drawers of artists everywhere. Taking all the best features of the OG Peak Solice Pro (including the adjustable stroke up to 4.2mm), this bad boy has plenty of other upgrades to make tattooing even smoother. When you tattoo with this made-over machine, you’ll be able to:

  • Perform more comfortably with a totally redesigned ergonomic grip.
  • Access your voltage presets and program new ones in a heartbeat.
  • Pair with the Radix Footswitch for Peak convenience (if using a footswitch is your thing).

If that isn’t enough to make you wanna try this thing… know that it looks sexy too. It comes in three sleek new colors Peak’s never offered before—matte gold, silver, and blue. Can we hear a “happy holidays” to that?!

FK Irons Flux Max

This powerhouse machine is for you hard hitters out there. Still a fan-favorite in the industry, it stands out with its impressive stroke options up to a whopping 4.5mm (color packers rejoice!), Artists even claim the 4.0mm stroke Flux Max hits just like a coil, but with all the maneuverability and comfort of a wireless pen. But that’s not all—its user-friendly PowerBolt battery that FK Irons is known for lets you dial in your favorite settings with ease to meet your exact preferences. This beast of a machine comes in multiple colors, so you can pick the one that best suits your vibe.

Peak S1MP machine.

Peak S1-MP

The Peak S1-MP is the go-to gift if you’re looking for a reliable, accessible machine that gets right down to business. A versatile all-rounder, the Peak S1-MP is a great gift for new and seasoned tattoo artists alike… oh, and it won’t break the bank, either.

Beginners and pros agree: this low-vibration, lightweight machine with a fixed battery boosts your concentration and refines your skills. You’ll find your groove, master key techniques, and improve your style with a 3.5mm stroke that can handle anything. And with its ergonomic design, your hands and wrists will thank you in the long run.

Perfect PMU Machines

It was a hell of a year for quality PMU machines, but some old classics still steal the show.

Microbeau Bellar Air

Microbeau Bellar Air once again claims the top spot as the ultimate choice for PMU artists. If you’re a fan of a PMU machine with all the bells, whistles, and adjustable features… this one’s for you, luxury-lover. Even though it’s lightweight as air (hence the name)! It’s still a powerhouse with fully adjustable features you’ll love if you’re a tech-savvy artist:

  • eGive adjustments
  • Needle depth refinement
  • A needle-sensing system for smooth, consistent hits and reduced trauma to your client’s skin

Plus, with Bluetooth connectivity and a vibrant OLED display, this machine sets the standard for a wireless performance that enhances your focus. Compatible with the FK Irons Killswitch, it gives you effortless control over your voltage, keeping your workflow smooth and efficient.

Perma Pen Signature

Already a fan of Perma Blend pigments? PMU artists the world over agree the Perma Blend Signature machine is just as high-quality as the pigments. Lightweight and a dream to maneuver, this machine gives the gift of effortless comfort and control. This wireless powerhouse is designed with a 2.7mm stroke, ideal for precise, delicate work on the skin—great for tiny tattoos or building your hair stroke skills. With minimal vibration and an impressive battery life, it gives you a smooth, uninterrupted experience.  Oh, and it looks pretty snazzy too. Choose from exclusive colors like Silver Supreme and Lavender.

Dragonhawk Mast Archer

Attention beginner PMU artists! The Dragonhawk Mast Archer is the ultimate machine to kickstart your journey. This versatile all-rounder delivers exceptional performance with a wireless battery life of over 8 hours, so you can focus on your craft without hiccups or interruptions. Monitor your settings and adjust your voltage with the press of a button on the vibrant LED screen. It’s a no-nonsense kind of machine that lets you learn the ropes or polish up your skills while still getting high-quality PMU results!

Innovative Inks & Pigments

World Famous 50 Color Set.

An ink restock may seem like a bland gift…. um, it’s not. It’s the bread and butter of your work, so treat yourself to the best of the best.

Eternal Ink Top 25 Set

Pack color with confidence with this must-have ink set from a brand that some of the best artists in the world still favor. This set’s simply a “must” for color tattoo artists. Master color blending and shading with this all-substance-no-filler ink set that’ll have clients asking, “Where’d you get that ink?”

Eternal Travel Kit

Got travel plans for 2025? The travel ink kit by Eternal Ink offers the full top-quality 25-color set and wrapped it up in a travel-friendly on-the-go kit. However, what makes it a great gift (aside from the amazing ink) is the customizable carrying case. Adjust it to fit your favorite inks and tools and have your dream set up wherever you go for your next convention or guest spot. Customize your travel case further with the stickers included in each set!

World Famous 50 Color Set

Need a more robust ink set to find your dream pigments? The World Famous 50 Color Set is the answer. This ink set includes a diverse array of colors and shades. If color packing is part of your day-to-day, these bold, vibrant colors are your new best friend. It’s the perfect gift for artists who refuse to be limited by a narrow color spectrum. Also, if you’re already a World Famous lover, it goes without saying: these highly pigmented inks are world-famous for a reason.

Evenflo Lip Set

PMU artists—get ready. The ultimate lip pigment set is here and waiting to go home with you all wrapped in a bow! The Evenflo Lip Set as all the shades you to need to create natural-looking lip pigments that are super-realistic. Whether used manually or with cartridges, you’ll achieve your best PMU lips yet for any artist’s lip work.

Super Studio Supplies & Accessories

Recovery Numbing Spray

Studio lighting makes the season bright (lol). Check out these luminous accessories– a practical gift, sure… but anything but ordinary.

A Pound Of Flesh Naked Gnome

Seeking a novelty item you’ve NEVER tattooed before? Say what’s up to the Naked Gnome by A Pound Of Flesh, perfect for boosting your skills and creating new bangers. This gnome’s got serious attitude: he’s CAKED UP and flipping the bird, but don’t feel deterred. He’s so ready for your ink this year. The Naked Gnome, now a bestseller, even comes with a platform and rod set up so you can show off his sexy tattooed bod.

Recovery Glide

Year after year, this continues to rank #1 on the list of artist-favorite glides. So keep your tattoo work vibrant and healthy with Recovery Glide.

Other artists are calling it “perfect on all skin.” Oh, and it smells incredible too—if you’re a fan of lavender-scented things, eat your heart out. Whatever the secret sauce is, one thing’s for sure: this all-in-one tattoo salve promotes health and vibrancy before, during, and after tattooing. It’s also 100% smear-free—your stencil will stay crisp and your design won’t dissolve while you’re tattooing. So, glide into 2025 with tattoo care you’ll love to sniff.

Fantastic Furniture & Accessories

Fellowship Pink Artist Chair.

No studio is complete without awesome furniture that doesn’t impede your workflow. Check out these great ideas from our gift guide to make your workplace a well-oiled machine.

Fellowship Pink Artist Chair

Comfort? Meet charm 😊 This easy-to-clean chair is consistently a top seller. That’s largely because it’s pink… and, well, people love a good pink chair. But it’s not all for show. With a contoured backing and super-comfy padding, this chair is comfy AF. Your back will thank you. Who says you can’t stay comfortable without sacrificing style?

Fellowship BrowLite

Catch every angle perfectly with the 360° BrowLite. Other artists are especially loving this one for its reliable positioning: you’ll get just the right lighting you need (and be able to hold it) for Insta-worthy shots of your work. So, give the gift of unmatched stability and precision in your workspace. A sturdy base and height-locking system don’t hurt, either.

Fellowship Tattoo Workstation

Need an organizational pick-me-up this year? This multi-purpose workstation is the only utility item you’ll ever need in your studio. Bold claim, yes. But, like, it’s true. Organize your workspace with this fully functional all-in-one piece that has all the attachments you need for quick access to your supplies and smart devices. Work effortlessly from any position or height without compromising comfort or workflow, thanks to fully adjustable height settings. If you’re internally groaning at the thought of assembling this workstation… breathe. Other artists say how easy it is to set up and break down. And it’s well worth the construction!

Fellowship Tattoo Arm Rest

This is the arm rest of all arm rests. Seriously. Clients and artists like you can’t get enough of this thing. Compact, collapsible, and fully adjustable, this foam-padded armrest delivers comfort and full versatility so you can tackle your next sleeve from any angle. It’s perfect for maximizing your space and performance.

Peak Solice Pro 2 machine.

And BOOM. There you have it. The best of the best from this year’s holiday gift guide. Make this holiday season unforgettable and start building your (or your friend’s) setup for 2025. Wishing you happy holidays, joyful shopping, and better tattooing.

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