(five) XMAS gift ideas for the artistically inclined
What do I gift someone who is into art and stuff like that? Alexa?? Did you hear me??
If you came here with the sole intention of accusing me of making this list in hope of my girlfriend reading it and getting me some of these ‘items’ for Christmas, you’d be right.
Not to say that the big world of the internet doesn’t need it. Modesty may escape me at times, but I search for this kind of stuff often, when I am the one that really should make the suggestions!
Jokes aside (who’s joking?), I did think of putting down a small list for people, like me, who enjoy a different kind of Christmas present. Now, while the title talks about five ideas, some of these are more like categories, hence I am really giving you many more ideas…just out of the kindness of my beautiful heart.
I get it, we had enough of these weird flexes. Let’s get into it then.
Note: feel free to click on any link, I am not an affiliate anywhere, and will stay broke regardless. No clickbait here, just excellent recommendations.
1: The Poetry Book
If writing is an art, then poetry is the fine art of writing art. While many readers admit not having ever read a poetry book, this is your time to either gift one or ask for one and join a very elite group of sensitive not-sad-but-not-happy intellectuals.
But aside from my terrible sense of humour, there are many reasons why a poetry book is a perfect gift for artistic souls.
it has meaning
it’s inspiring
it signals the sensitivities of the giver and receiver
it may change lives
it won’t break the bank
I might get hate letters from poetry lovers here, but if someone has never read poetry at all, an idea could even be to gift a book from Rupi Kaur, Lang Leav, or even Lana Del Rey (which includes beautiful photographs as well).
For the pleasure of both beginners and advanced poms readers, there is a world to discover out there, in book shops. Here are some of my favourites:
Anything recommended here: CounterArt’s Favourite Poetry.
2: AÂ Tattoo
Remember the premise! Because yes, I want a tattoo (hey baby, are you reading this?).
This is not a present for everyone.
But, if you know that the person is really into tattoos or has told you many times that they want to get a new one (*cough*), this is a great sentimental gift, full of meaning, and well…will stay with the person forever.
Choosing a good artist here is crucial. So, if you’re thinking of gifting a tattoo, put your researcher glasses on!
3: The Class
Why not be the person your loved ones talk about when telling the story of how they found their new passion?
The possibilities are endless.
Some examples may include pottery classes, paint and sip sessions, candle making, sushi masterclass, tufting, latte art, woodwork, and more.
What’s more, most of these work as perfect date nights if you only get two tickets!
Alternatively, you could choose to gift year-long learning with platforms such as Masterclass, which offers classes from the best of the best in the business (John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Roxanne Gay, Natalie Portman, Gordon Ramsey, etc).
4: Personalised Items
Ego, ego, oh ego. Don’t we want our names forever etched in the stars?
But if that’s not possible, would it be ok to have it on a pen or a bracelet?
And honestly, you can personalise virtually anything: mugs; candles; stationary; art tools; t-shirts; jewellery (hey babe, a new watch for me?); and so on.
As a matter of fact, if you have some good ideas, or you have gifted/received something customised in the past, please let me know in the comments :) One is never done getting new ideas!
5: The Ticket Experience
If there is one thing that art lovers love is, well, art!
Paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, and all of the good stuff. So why not take an easy guess and gift a ticket to an exhibition?
Depending on where you live, you might have access to exhibitions built around historical names (Van Gogh, Picasso, etc), but don’t be fooled: good art is everywhere.
In fact, while I live in Melbourne where the NGV offers year-long access to great pieces of history, one of the most inspiring art galleries I visited lately was a small gallery in rural Victoria.
You can get tickets to immersive art, indie art, galleries, history museums, modern art, old art, whatever…and you’ll not be disappointed. Your loved one will love it, even if they hate the exhibition: criticising is the premium fuel for the art lover’s self-esteem.
Of course, if you know what they like, all the better.
Art is that thing that is difficult to categorise in a neat box, but that has the ability to change people’s lives. It really is a gift.
The emotions and thoughts that may arise from an exhibition visit have the power of staying with someone forever, or for a very long time.
Plus, you’ll be also contributing to the cultural life of your local area. And that’s priceless :)
All good ideas. A book about art always hits the spot too.