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What Are the Different Types of Artistic Gifts?
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Artistic gifts help spread beauty and creativity from givers to recipients. There are many different types of artistic gifts, including sculpture and paintings, hand-crafted items, home and garden decor, and gifts that encourage artistic tendencies in the recipient. Any object that includes beauty and craftsmanship in the design may be considered an artistic gift.
Traditional artistic gifts include different types of visual arts, such as paintings, drawings, or sculptures. These items can help add style and finesse to nearly any home or office, but should be chosen with care. When choosing a piece of traditional art, consider the recipient's likes, dislikes, and personal style. A hip coworker with a love of 1950s clothing might love a framed vintage travel poster, while a lover of Asian artwork might prefer a hand-painted calligraphy scroll.
Hand-crafted items make wonderful artistic gifts, and often bring a fascinating story along the way. Jewelry, blown glass, or hand-carved chess sets can all be unique and exciting gifts, and may come from traditions stretching back hundreds of years. Several websites allow shoppers to peruse the offerings of native artisans from around the world, allowing native craftsmen the opportunity to find a wider audience for their unique work. Choosing an artistic gift from a person's native country, or from a country he or she has always wanted to visit, can be an excellent artistic present.
Well-designed home decor items can stretch well beyond paintings, providing practical uses as well as beauty. Vases, hand-woven blankets, carved wooden clocks, and even artfully designed lamps can be great choices for those who like useful artistic gifts. Even some garden or outdoor items can feature an artistic flair: birdbaths, painted planting pots, and garden sculptures can all be wonderful gifts. Choosing home decor items can be easier if the gift-giver knows the recipient's personal taste and style well; making tactful inquiries about home design preferences can also help narrow down options.
For friends or relatives with their own creative aspirations, artistic gifts that allow them to further their interests can be an excellent choice. Origami paper, calligraphy sets, or candle making kits can help an artsy person indulge in a hobby, or even start a profession. These types of artistic gifts are often fun and enjoyable, and can be a good choice for even a novice craftsman. Books on how to knit a scarf, brush painting sets, or even a good box of colored pencils can help a passionate artist take the next step.
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.
Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a WiseGEEK writer.
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![Origami can be considered an artistic gift.]()
By: amphotoltOrigami can be considered an artistic gift. -
![An old fashioned quill and ink set can be a good artistic gift.]()
By: Nejron PhotoAn old fashioned quill and ink set can be a good artistic gift.
Discussion Comments
@Iluviaporos - I try to find artistic gifts when I'm traveling and give them to people when I get back. I'd rather support artists and buy directly from them than get presents from stores that may or may not have come directly off an assembly line.
@MrsPramm - I do like giving people artistic gifts, but I usually try to support local artists instead of making them myself. The only homemade gifts I would give someone for a formal present would be something like pickled vegetables or jams.
The thing is, my friends and family are all capable people and if I can make something, then they could make it as well, so unless I had spent years on refining a particular talent I wouldn't want to feel like I was giving them something that they couldn't just make themselves.
I like giving people unusual gifts, but that generally means I have to find the gift in a gallery or something like that and get them a gift that they might never have otherwise found.
I do have a tendency to give people knitted gifts whenever I can, but that's because I like to knit and I only need so many scarves and hats for myself.
I usually try to give them something else at the same time, since I know knitted goods aren't exactly on the top of everyone's list when it comes to gifts.
I think a combination of home made and bought gifts is usually a good idea unless you are a proper artisan, because, while people will appreciate the thought, they might appreciate something conventional as well.
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