Christmas 2017: Christmas Gifts for Art Lovers

Buying a gift for an art lover can often be a bit tricky. Large paintings or sculptures can be prohibitively expensive, especially when there are so many other things to shell out for at Christmas. In this gift guide, you’ll find some more affordable gift options for the art lover in your life, from limited edition prints to art-themed socks. Scroll down to the end for some stocking fillers under £10.

Holly Frean’s animal plates

These charming plates are hand-printed, meaning each one will be unique. Choose from eight different adorable animals, or get a selection to liven up someone’s dinner table in the most arty way.

£30 each. CultureLabel. Buy it here.

Yayoi Kusama small soft pumpkin sculpture

Everyone loves the expressive dottiness of Yayoi Kusama’s signature pumpkins. Although she is the most expensive living female artist at auction, this squashy sculpture (pun intended) is only £200. Admittedly it’s not an editioned work, but it’s probably the closest most people are going to get to owning a real Kusama.

£200. Tate Shop. Buy it here.

Adam Nathaniel Furman, “Sebastiano and Serlio and Serlio” limited edition print

This super colourful print from the Sir John Soane Museum is a limited edition of 10 and a snip at £75. Artist Adam Nathaniel Furman (who had an exhibition at the museum earlier this year) explores the role of antiquity in the Western cultural imagination.

£75. Sir John Soane Museum. Buy it here.

Eadweard Muybridge, Elephant Walking print

Another highly affordable print, these lovely elephants are taken from photography pioneer Eadweard Muybridge’s early experiments with motion and the photographic medium. The perfect way to put a bit of art history on your walls.

£100. CultureLabel. Buy it here.

Donna Wilson, Mountain moon lambswool cushion

This gorgeously soft cushion is perfect for cuddling up on a winter’s evening. Created by Scottish textile designer Donna Wilson, the mountain moon cushion will add a subtle touch of artistic luxury to any home.

£70. V&A Shop. Buy it here.

Paintbrush vase

This fun vessel from the Royal Academy could be used as a vase but it could also be used to store kitchen utensils, pens or even more paintbrushes. Made from marble and cast resin, luxurious materials elevate everyday objects to the status of fine art.

£135. Royal Academy Shop. Buy it here.

Stocking fillers under £10

“David Sock-knee” artist socks

These socks from ChattyFeet are absolutely amazing. Why wear boring black socks when you can have David Hockney, Frida Kahlo or Pablo Picasso on your feet? Named with satisfyingly rubbish puns, these delightful socks are guaranteed to brighten an art lover’s day.

£8 per pair. ChattyFeet. Buy it here.

V&A manifesto tea towel

The founding principles of the Victoria and Albert Museum feel even more relevant in today’s technology-filled world than ever. Remind someone of their love of learning, art and craft with this letterpress-inspired tea towel.

£7.50. V&A Shop. Buy it here.

Guerilla Girls air freshener

“This banana-scented air freshener depicts the gorilla mask that has become a symbol of the Guerrilla Girls as they wear them to retain their anonymity. The phrase ‘Eliminate the stench of patriarchy’ is printed on the back of the air freshener in true Guerrilla Girls style.” What more is there to be said? Amazing.

£4. Tate Shop. Buy it here.

Anna Souter