5 Tips for Gifting Art This Holiday

Want to be known as a great gift-giver? Looking for ways to give true gifts this year instead of just giving "stuff" that isn't loved? Want to have more fun shopping? We understand! Holiday gifting is meant to be about love and joy after all. We got you covered! 

Heart felt and unique, art is the perfect gift!

Here are 5 helpful tips to make it easier for you to choose with confidence.
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1. Go Blue

If you're worried about buying a piece that "goes with" your loved ones decor, go with blue.

Blue is soothing and can work in a number of rooms: it works just as well in the living room as it does in the bedroom.

60% of men have some degree of color blindness. That means that blue and yellow are safe bet colors that everyone can truly see even if there are multiple people in the home. Yellow is stronger and brighter, a statement color that might be a risky fit. Blue is the safest bet. Even people who are afraid of color (a strong majority of men choose neutrals for decorating) enjoy the color blue. 
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2. Go With The Happy Place

Whether it was a trip you took together, a place they always wanted to go, or a meaningful destination, your special someone has favorite happy places. A piece of art that captures or reminds them of that place is a fantastic choice.

​It could be a very specific location, like Santa Monica, CA, or it might be a more general like "the beach" or "the woods". For those more modern art lovers, it could even be an abstract piece that is inspired by the ocean or the woods. Your goal is to share the feeling of happy!

Don't know where their happy place is and don't want to ask? Almost everyone has happy memories or dreams of the ocean and sun.
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3. Go Smaller

Art that is big can be fun and interesting. Who doesn't love a statement piece? But even if you're an interior designer that's too much for a gift situation.

Even in a large space, most houses have open floorpans. This means there's not much room for hanging art. If their home is in an apartment, wall space is more precious. Offices have similar issues.

​Art doesn't have to be big to make a big impact as a gift, though. Pieces that are smaller - and we mean from 4 to 20 inches - are perfect choices! They'll still capture the eye, bring beauty and joy, and are easier to ship, hang, and keep with them even if they move.

4. Go Ready to Hang

Make sure that the art you choose can be put it up on their walls immediately.

If you choose art that needs to be matted, framed, or otherwise altered to get on the wall, you'll end up gifting a project instead of something that can be immediately enjoyed. Make it easy on them to fall in love. (See our post about that here.)

5. Get it Personalized

Just because art is ready to hang doesn't mean that it has to be ready-made. Did you know that most artists LOVE to take requests? If asked, we'll happily paint pieces specifically for a person.

Known as "commission pieces" what they really are is personalized pieces.

When you're buying art online you can contact the artist and ask if they can do a special piece. This will take a little more time since it will need to be created and need time to dry. Depending on the artists' schedule, it also might take a little more planning to hit your deadline.

But there are some ways to make it easier to get a personalized piece. For example, instead of requesting something completely custom, you could ask them to paint a piece similar to one they already did but on a different canvas size or in a different color.

Remember it's art so no two pieces will be exactly the same, and you'll still need to factor in drying time.
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It's Easier Than You Think!

Art is a wonderful gift any time of year, but will definitely stand out during the holiday season. 

Trust your intuition and go with the feeling that the art creates. If you look at the art and think of the person or simply can breathe a little deeper when you look at it, chances are they will, too. Remember it's about sharing the feelings of joy! 

Dorms,  apartments, houses, and offices of North America are ready for more beauty and joy this holiday. You're right on time for getting the perfect piece for the precious people in your life. Have fun being an art gifted this year!