There are plenty of opportunities to give gifts: holidays, birthdays, weddings or retirements. Buying art as a gift is an option that is often overlooked. However, your loved one is sure to feel the thought and care you put into finding their perfect piece of fine art. Finding the perfect gift can seem like a lot of pressure, so our art experts have compiled a list of five helpful tips that will put the art of giving in perspective and give you the confidence to select the perfect piece of art for your loved one.



The gift of art made simple with our 5 tips



1. Find out about the recipient's taste

Tastes for a certain style of art or color palette vary greatly from one individual to another! So it is strongly recommended that you get an idea of the recipient’s personal preferences before you start shopping. If you know them well, it won't be too difficult. If this is not the case, for example when giving a group gift to a colleague at work, you will need to do a little detective work. What is their favorite color? Do they prefer classical or contemporary art? Do they like photography, painting or sculpture? Do they have a hobby or interest that could serve as a theme? Before buying art as a gift it is very important to answer a few of these questions in order to select a piece that is more likely to please the recipient.

 

2. You should like the piece of art that you are going to gift

There is not only an art to giving but also a science, Psychology professor Elizabeth Dunn states that, “People are better at choosing something for themselves, so if you have something in common with somebody, get something that shares the same affinity, because something you would like will more likely be something they like.” This tip holds true when gifting art: avoid paintings, drawings, photos or sculptures that don’t move you or catch your eye. It is more than likely that your recipient will share similar feelings and tastes.

Put yourself in the other person's shoes

To avoid disappointment, ask yourself if you would like to see the photograph in question above your fireplace or a certain sculpture in your living room every day. On the other hand, avoid extremes and do not gift a work of art that would only appeal to you.

 

3. Assess your financial possibilities and determine a budget

Gifting a work of art does not necessarily mean breaking the bank. There are paintings, sculptures and photographs that are very affordable. Determining your budget will help you narrow down your options and make choosing your initial selection easier. Spending more money does not always guarantee a well-received gift. Receivers don’t associate the price with their level of appreciation. Staying within your budget will not negatively affect the component of gift giving that shows how much you care.

Gifting art is not synonymous with splurging

Beware of the preconceived idea that art is overpriced and inaccessible, quite the contrary, it is becoming more and more affordable! Some pieces by emerging artists can be very modest in price. You can also look into reproductions of paintings or photographs, as their prices are lower than originals. Keep in mind that a work of art is also a very good investment that can increase in value over time.

 

4. Personalize the gift

Gifting art means choosing a unique, original and memorable gift. It is a very personal gesture that creates a strong bond with the person who receives it and also opens up countless options for personalizing the piece. You can select a frame for a painting, drawing, photograph or reproduction. By framing, you can add your own personal touch to the gift. There are countless possibilities for frames: wood, aluminium, composite materials etc. Now it is your turn to let your aesthetic taste stand out!

The artist's signature

If you have the opportunity, have the artist sign the piece. This is sometimes difficult (unless you choose limited or numbered prints), but if you succeed, your gift will certainly increase in value!

 

5. Keep the recipient’s interior decorating taste in mind

If you know the recipient’s taste in interior decorating this will come in handy when selecting which piece of art you want to gift! It is preferable to match the style of the recipient's living space with the piece you choose, keeping their home decor harmonious. A painting that is six feet long will not look good in a small studio apartment and a contemporary piece will stick out like a sore thumb in a rustic setting!



We hope that these tips will be helpful if you are thinking of gifting art to a family member or friend in the near future. The possibilities are vast and there are countless media to choose from: sculpture, painting, photography, drawing, etc. If you need inspiration, feel free to browse our website and blog! A great way to get ideas is to visit museums and galleries. Happy gift giving. We will return soon with the latest art news!