Gifts that let art lovers express themselves
For art lovers, a painting or sculpture can sometimes feel like too much. A solid work of art would be too precious, too expensive, and too out of reach. But there are plenty of smaller, more accessible gifts that can spark just as much joy.
From books and plates to clocks, perfumes, and wearable art, here are museum-inspired visual delights that speak a language of love and art.
- “The Garden of Earthly Delights” Discovery Set by Heretic Parfum
Let’s start with something unique. You might already be familiar with Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights.” This well-known work in art history is a magnificent triptych and at once hellish, lush, and vibrant in its depiction of Earth and the afterlife.
Heretic Parfum has released a fragrance discovery set inspired by the painting, which they describe as “a fragrant playground of overripe blooms, mischievous fruits, and scandalous greens,” set in “a paradise gone deliciously feral.” Perfect for art lovers who appreciate sensory storytelling, the scents range from dirty peach and grass to blood berry and a floral “florgasm.”
- Henri Matisse La Perruche et la sirène Stoneware Dessert Plates from the MoMA Design Store
Design lovers often go wild for anything from the MoMA Design Store, and these plates inspired by Henri Matisse’s bold, pure colors are especially irresistible. Reproduced in his signature vivid blue from his cut-out series, this set of four stoneware dessert plates is made by East Fork Pottery in North Carolina.
Featuring “La Perruche et la sirène (The Parakeet and the Mermaid),” the plates bring instant liveliness to the table, as well as to any conversation around it.
- Yoshitomo Nara “Walk On” Flip Clock
There’s something so lovable about the mischief in Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s work. This flip clock captures that naughty spirit, featuring 84 time flaps that change throughout the 24 hours of the day, each printed with an original drawing by the artist.
Available in beige and blue at the LACMA store, the clock is both functional and charming.
- “Dalí: Les dîners de Gala”
Even if your gift recipient never steps into the kitchen, this book is a fascinating choice for your art lovers’ Christmas gift.
Originally published in 1973, “Les dîners de Gala” features 136 recipes from celebrated Paris restaurants such as La Tour d’Argent and Maxim’s, all illustrated in Dalí’s unmistakable surrealist style. It’s a glimpse into the artist’s eccentric imagination through food and is worth owning for the visuals alone.
- An art book from Archivo 1984
Beyond film screenings, talks, and exhibitions, Archivo 1984 also curates a strong selection of art books and collectibles spanning art, photography, fashion, cooking, and film.
One standout for lovers of all things visual is “The Fashion of Film” by Amber Butchart, which explores the last 100 years of cinema and its influence on fashion. With rich research and beautiful imagery, it traces connections from Audrey Hepburn’s relationship with Givenchy to Wes Anderson’s collaborations with Prada.
- A poster from artbooks.ph
While artbooks.ph is a treasure trove for books, I personally keep tabs on its rotating selection of posters. I find myself checking the site regularly, waiting for new releases, and have even scored a reasonably priced poster of a show by Roberto Chabet.
One memorable find for sale now is a vintage CCP poster that was featured in the exhibition “Poster/ity: 50 Years of Art and Culture at the CCP” in 2019.
- A Takashi Murakami phone case
Few motifs in contemporary art are as instantly recognizable as Takashi Murakami’s “Flowers.” Part of a Casteify collaboration, the design draws from Murakami’s studies of Nihonga, or traditional Japanese painting, and the classical theme of “setsugetsuka,” meaning snow, moon, and flowers.
Reinterpreted through Murakami’s Superflat style, it’s an easy way to carry contemporary art everywhere.
- Uniqlo Ukiyo-e T-shirt
We all love a good Uniqlo art collaboration. After all, how else do you literally wear your art on your sleeve? This collection features ukiyo-e, the Japanese genre of woodblock prints and paintings that flourished during the Edo period in the 17th to 19th centuries.
The designs also draw from real works in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, making museum-quality imagery part of everyday wear.
Making art feel light
Art, for all its rigor and research, can also be light and fun. Gifts for art lovers don’t have to be expensive or overly serious. So for the art lover in your life, give something this Christmas that lets them express themselves, while you express just how much you love them, too.
