Do you ever find yourself experiencing ‘gift-block’, it’s like writer’s block only it’s when you have no idea what gift to give someone. You do? Oh good, me too. Getting a gift for someone creative can be hard but fear not fellow art lover. I’ve got your back! In this artistic adventure, we’re about to unravel the perfect blend of artistic inspiration — welcome to The 15 Best Art Gifts In 2023.
Picture this – you, me, and a virtual shopping cart filled with the most delightful gifts to fuel your artistic passions. Whether you’re a seasoned artist, an occasional doodler, or just someone who loves surrounding themselves with art, these handpicked gifts promise to turn a space into a haven of imagination. From a simple gift of kindness to a showstopper for someone special, I’ve got you covered. Let’s unwrap “The 15 Best Art Gifts In 2023” and unleash the artist within, no matter where your creative journey begins!
What Are the Best Art Gifts?
Wondering how to turn the act of gift-giving into a masterpiece? Look no further! In the vast canvas of possibilities, selecting the perfect art gift becomes an art form in itself. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned painter, a doodle enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the beauty of creativity, I’ve curated a list that transcends the traditional boundaries of artistic expression. Brace yourself for a journey through unique and thoughtful art gifts that promise to inspire, ignite, and infuse a touch of creativity into every corner of your life. Ready for a brush with brilliance? Let’s explore the finest art gifts and gift ideas in 2023.
1. The Art Game
This isn’t just a deck of cards; it’s a trading game where every shuffle brings forth a new masterpiece. The game is to guess the price of artworks from Picasso to Kahlo and whoever’s guess is closest gets the artwork. Think you could be the best art dealer at the dinner table? The winner is the person who is left with the most valuable collection of art at the end of the game. It’s a nice gift for someone who loves to host game night but already has every other game under the sun!
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I first discovered this game at a museum gift shop and I’ve seen it in quite a few museums around the UK. You can find it online here.
2. Museum Membership
For the art connoisseur who craves more than just a tangible gift, a museum membership stands as a beacon of cultural delight. This art gift is great for families too! Imagine gifting not just a piece of art but an entire gallery—where every visit becomes a journey through history, creativity, and inspiration. A museum membership is the key to unlocking unlimited access to exhibitions, exclusive events, and a vibrant community of fellow art enthusiasts. When I first moved to a new city and didn’t know anyone there, I used to go to museums all the time. I may not have known many people but I knew paintings. Museums are a welcoming place of discovery and community building.
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Museum memberships can be purchased on museum websites or at their ticket desk. For my London and UK-based friends, Tate is the best to go for as they have 4 museums across the UK and have a really strong community base. I’ve had a Tate membership for the past 3 years and I love it.
3. Longchamp x Robert Indiana
This art gift is the perfect blend of fashion and iconic artistry—the Robert Indiana Longchamp Bag. This isn’t just a bag; it’s a wearable tribute to the legendary artist’s vibrant pop art. Echoing the bold and timeless spirit of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture. It’s more than a bag; it’s a statement, an artful expression draped over your shoulder.
Longchamp has a history of artist collaboration bags and this is their most recent launch! In the past, they have designed pieces with Tracey Emin and André Saraiva.
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Available in Longchamp stores and online here.
4. Artist Paper Dolls
The perfect art-y ornament to add to your tree or decorate your space. It’s also a great art gift for children too (of the age to use scissors of course)! They’re vintage-style paper dolls designed to be your favourite artist. I personally have the Jean Michel Basquiat doll but you can choose from loads such as Frida Kahlo, David Hockney, and Niki de Saint Phalle.
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This is another gem I found roaming the museum and gallery gift shops. They are made by a small company, Wini-Tapp and you can find these on their website here. This is a great way to support a small business this holiday!
5. Gomi Speaker
These handmade speakers are all inspired by art. Another great art gift that supports a small business, Gomi creates these Bluetooth speakers from plastic waste and discarded electric bicycle batteries. I was lucky enough to be able to make my own at their studio. I genuinely use my speaker every day, the sound quality is amazing! Gomi is based out of Brighton UK and is on a mission to make waste into something beautiful.
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This musical art gift is available for purchase on the Gomi website.
6. Illy Art Collection Coffee Cups
Elevate your coffee ritual to an artful experience with the Illy Art Collection cups. These cups aren’t just vessels for your favourite brew; they’re miniature caffeinated galleries showcasing the works of renowned artists. Their most recent design was made by Lee Ufan, in the past they have collaborated with artists like Judy Chicago and Ai Wei Wei. Illy has turned these cups into canvases. Since they are limited edition, each cup comes with a certificate of authenticity so essentially these are collector’s items, making them an even more special art gift for the caffeinated creative you know.
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You can find the entire Illy Art Collection on their website.
7. Actual Artwork!
What better art gift to give than the literal gift of art? It’s a bit of a no-brainer but sometimes hard to find where to start. A piece of artwork is so personal and special. Something your friend or loved one can hang in their home and keep for a very long time. Art is so diverse and comes in many styles and price points. From an original painting by a local artist or a print from an online gallery, there’s always something for everyone when it comes to art – as artist duo Gilbert and George say “Art For All”! Read on to discover some resources for buying art on any budget.
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If you are buying for someone whose artistic taste you’re not 100% sure of, Saatchi Art (in the UK) and Society 6 (in the US) are amazing online galleries that connect directly to working artists right now. Gift cards are available for purchase on those websites so you can let whomever you’re gifting choose what they enjoy.
Society 6 is especially great as you can purchase items like pillows, notebooks, and cups with the artist’s work on them.
Another great way to purchase art is going to a local market or open artists’ studio in your area and meeting the local artists selling their work. This way you are supporting the artists directly and can hear the story behind the pieces when you gift it to your loved one.
8. Art Books
Art Books are portals to a whole world of new perspectives and endless artistic discovery. This art gift is the perfect choice for so many people from artists themselves to someone who has an empty space on their coffee table just waiting to be filled with a book cover of a great artist. My top recommendations for art books can be found here.
If you are looking for a gift for one of the little art lovers in your life, my favourite Children’s art book is called When Pigasso Met Mootisse. It’s a wonderful story about animal characters of famous artists building a friendship and learning how to solve creative differences.
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Given there are so many different types of art books, I have curated a few lists for you to shop from below.
- Coffee Table Art Books
- Children’s Art Books
- Art History and Contemporary Art Books
9. Artist Phone Case
We put art on our walls all the time but only get to see it when you’re at home. Why not take it with you? Casetify’s artist programme supports artists by giving them a commission on each of their designs sold, so this gift also helps to support working artists. So, if you know someone who got the new iPhone from Santa, this present makes for a perfect. pair!
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These phone cases are available on Casetify, you can use my code 15GIRLGALLERY for 15% off!
10. Art Pass
Specifically for my UK art lovers, the Art Pass is an art gift that unlocks art in the entire country. Created by the Art Fund it gets you access to tonnes of museums and discounts on special exhibits and museum entry. It’s great for history lovers, families and art lovers alike!
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You can find the Art Pass here on their website.
11. Art Classes and Experiences
Give the gift of creation with this art gift. Art Classes and Experiences go beyond the ordinary. These art gifts aren’t your typical how-to sessions; they’re about diving into the world of art with fun and passion. Picture you or your loved ones picking up a brush, guided by enthusiastic instructors, or trying out a new medium for the first time. It’s not just about learning; it’s about unlocking the artist within and trying something new. Who knows, you might find out you’re actually really good at pottery or charcoal drawing!
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A lot of art universities and colleges around the world offer classes for all skill levels from children, to beginners to advances. If you’re based in London, Print Club in Shackwell hosts workshops to create your own prints!
12. Yinka Ilori Objects
Artist Yinka Ilori is renowned for his vibrant and uplifting work that explores themes of identity and heritage. Ilori infuses his creations with a rich cultural tapestry, blending traditional West African design with contemporary aesthetics. He has done collaborations with brands like Bvlgari, LG, MCM, and recently Marks & Spencer.
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On his website, you can find loads of items from basketballs to umbrellas that make the perfect art gift.
13. Cyanotype Kit
This might be the most unique art gift on the list. A cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces distinctive blue-toned prints through the exposure of light-sensitive paper or fabric coated with a mixture of iron compounds. There are a lot of artists who create works using this process but not many people know you can make them at home! It can get a little messy so keep that in mind if you’re gifting this to a younger art lover.
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This cyanotype kit (linked here) has everything you need to get started. If you’re interested in some other fun art supplies for an art gift, you can find my curated list here!
14. Dr. Martens x Tate
Dr. Martens has collaborated with the Tate Museum to create shoes and bags inspired by the work of Ithell Colquhoun, a surrealist painter and writer who was a key figure in the British Surrealist movement. Colquhoun’s vibrant and intricate artworks often merged the dreamlike with the esoteric. This collection is inspired by her paintings Volcanic Flare and Example of Decalcomania Technique.
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The collection can be found on the Dr. Martens website.
15. Chatty Feed – Artist Socks
The perfect pair to Art Gift Idea 13, these socks make the perfect stocking stuffer. Featuring clever names like Yayoi Toesama and Feet Mondrian, these would cheer up even the biggest Scrooge. It’s a fun and lighthearted gift to share with your favourite art lover.
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These artsy toes can be found on their website.
Tie it up with a bow?
Now that we’ve unwrapped my curated collection of the best art gifts, it’s time to let your imagination run wild. Imagine the joy on your friend’s face as they open a gift that perfectly pairs with their artistic spirit.
In this carefully crafted list, each recommendation is more than just a product; it’s an invitation to create, explore, and celebrate the beauty of art. So, as you navigate through these inspired gift ideas, consider the stories they can tell and the joy they can bring to your loved ones.
Ready to turn inspiration into reality? Click the Shop links to explore and elevate your gifting game! Dive into the world of artistic wonders and make your selection, because every gift is a brushstroke that contributes to a masterpiece of memories.
Happy Holidays!
