Giving art as a gift can have a powerful impact. Art awakens emotions and evokes feelings in all of us. It can be a reminder of the beauty in the world or a symbol of a deep meaning which resonates with the receiver. Art has the ability to improve lives with its ability to inspire, motivate and uplift our spirits. It can make us smile, or think deeply about something, to recall an experience or a moment in our lives. We can gift art not only for the home but for someone’s office. Creating these same emotions while people are at work. Art can be a conversation starter and lead to deep and meaningful exchanges of ideas and memories. It has the ability to change the environment in a space in a way no other gift can. For these reasons we can not think of a better gift option.
Giving the gift of art doesn’t have to mean only a painting. Art is also decor, a beautiful vase, candlesticks, a sculpture, table centerpiece, other pieces of decor. In fact the definition of art is: “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.” Giving the gift of art tells a story and is a way to connect with the receiver. This is why giving art as a gift is such a thoughtful and memorable gift.
When giving art as a gift trust your instincts and what speaks to you, but never lose sight of the taste of the recipient. Maybe it seems overwhelming but if you follow our list of 9 tips when giving art as a gift you will find it isn’t as hard to pick out the perfect piece of art to give that special person in your life.
Giving art is deeply personal. There is no better way to let someone know you thought of them when you bought the gift than with art. Receiving a piece of art is receiving a treasure. When we give art as a gift it is generally a piece of art we are drawn to, a piece that makes us think of the receiver and often has an emotional connection for a shared memory or experience.
Different from other gifts, art is a gift which will remain in someone’s home for years to come. It is a gift which will be a daily reminder of your thought, and generosity. You are also giving a unique piece which only the receiver will have. Imagine unwrapping a gift like this.
Jeff Galak, Julian Givi and Elanor Williams have written a paper on common mistakes in gift giving. “When givers give gifts, they’re trying to optimize the moment they give the gift and see the smile on the recipient’s face,” Galak says. “But what recipients care about is how much value they’re going to derive from that gift over a long period.”
This is important to remember when we choose gifts, we should be gifting for the recipient not for ourselves.
We have assembled a list of tips to follow when you are gifting art. Each step helps take the risk out of your purchase and will help you to give art as a gift people will treasure.
Set a budget. Many of us do this when buying any gift but it is especially important when buying art. Having a budget helps to narrow down the possibilities which helps us to feel less overwhelmed.
Consider the receiver's space and taste. Think about what their taste is in art, what other types of art do they use in their decor or on their walls? Noticing what the receiver already has in their home is a great guide to finding something else they will like. Look at the dominant colors in their home, are they conservative in their decor or modern? Are there things they are drawn to like nature, travel, adventure? Each of these observations can help you know where to start your search.
Think about the occasion. Art makes a beautiful gift for any occasion but often considering the occasion can help you to narrow down what the piece of art is. It can also help guide you on the theme of the art. For example if you are thinking of giving a painting to a couple for an anniversary gift consider giving a piece that reflects an important moment in the couple’s life or a place they visited that holds a special meaning to them.
Consider how much space they have. If the receiver doesn’t have a lot of wall space or is living in an apartment perhaps a gift of a sculpture, centerpiece or other decor is a better option so the receiver has more options on where they can put the piece. If they do have wall space that can open up the possibility of a big piece of art or a collection of smaller pieces.
Think about what you have in common. Have you shared a trip together, or a hobby or special experience? Choosing art that has something to do with this commonality can make the gift even more special.
Consider a gift card. If making a purchase for a piece of art then a gift card can be a nice option, for example a gift card from Artful Italia where the receiver has an option of wall or decor art. A gift card can take the pressure off of you if you are feeling unsure about what to choose. It is still a personal and thoughtful gift to give to someone.
Write a thoughtful note to accompany the gift. Your gift is one that will most likely be part of the receiver's life for a long time writing a thoughtful note explaining why you chose the piece and the meaning it has for you and your hope for the receiver can make the gift even more special. If you are giving a piece of wall art consider mounting the note to the back of the piece. My husband was given a piece of art many years ago and the letter accompanying the art was mounted with acid free tape in a plastic sleeve on the back of the piece. That note is just as important to us as the painting itself. It marks an important moment in our lives.
For wall art consider giving the art ready to hang. Choosing a beautiful frame if the piece requires a frame makes the gift even more exciting for the receiver. The art is ready to hang in their home.
Tips for presenting the art as a gift. How the art is presented is an important part of the experience for the receiver. Consider wrapping the artwork in nice wrapping paper and adding a beautiful bow. The anticipation of opening the gift will add to the experience both for you and for the receiver. If possible, deliver the gift in person. It allows you to be part of the moment and see their reaction.
An added bonus for giving the gift of art is the gift to you, the receiver and the artist. When we purchase art we are supporting the artists and helping to support their artistic endeavors. It contributes to their success and livelihood and allows them to continue to be creative and innovative. It helps to continue the important creative part of our world and helps to guarantee that creativity and innovation thrives.
You can see our collection of art by clicking on our Art page. Here you will find wall art, sculptures, table art and more decor with prices ranging from 100.00 and up.
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