Gifting art without being That Guy, because no one should unwrap a framed guilt trip.

It’s that time of year for gift giving, something I enjoy and dread simultaneously. While looking for the perfect present we sometimes start thinking of things we like, and wonder if the object of our gift giving would like them too. A nice scented candle is a safe choice, liked by almost everyone, but that seems too easy. Hot chocolate mix with 100% cacao and mushroom based marshmallows…unique, though it sadly comes with a high probability of failure. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle where tastes intersect. But what if you really like art?

A disclaimer, if you have an original Rothko or two that you want to regift, just skip this article and go for it. Don’t overthink it, just do it and give it to someone who will appreciate it. Haven’t found the right fit yet? Did I mention I love art with colored squares and rectangles? 

I should also back up and say my definition of art is very subjective. 19th century landscape in oil? Art. Vintage paint by numbers? Also Art.  Old produce label from a 1930’s vegetable crate? Art again. Old black and white picture of three bull terriers sitting in a photography studio? Art, art, and art. 

Giving art is bold. It says, “I trust my taste so much, I’m just going to put it on your wall.” Which is… a choice. A risky one. Art is personal. Intimate. Frequently weird. And unless you’re careful, your thoughtful gift will languish in a closet behind the vacuum, yet live on eternally in that awkward moment when you step into your friend's house and covertly scan their walls.

But don’t worry — you can give art without being that guy (you know the one: “This print just spoke to me. It says your taste sucks.”)

Rule #1: know their walls. If they’re a minimalist with three precisely spaced prints in their whole house, your giant maximalist collage might cause heart palpitations. Pay attention to what they actually hang - not what you wish they hung.

Rule #2: size matters (we’re all adults here). Small works are your friends. Something that’s 5x7  to 11x14 can usually be incorporated into anyone’s interior, and can sit nicely on a shelf if there’s no wall space. Oversized statement pieces on the other hand, may require a committee meeting and a stud finder. Do not be offended if your gift ends up above, or even sitting on the toilet tank. That is a place of honor. However, if you find it in the toilet, next year you’re sticking with Starbucks gift cards.

Rule #3: art shouldn't break the bank. It’s always fun to browse a gallery, but the odds are most pieces you’ll see are out of the gift giving range. Look for special events where artists get together like a Monster Drawing Rally, it’s a fundraising event in the art community. For example, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has one where they bring 50 artists together who create art in real time, and all the works go for $50. Student art shows are also a great place to score some gems. 

Another great source of original art is eBay and Etsy, they give you access to an amazing array of art at some great prices. On eBay I just did a quick search for "original art” and found some great one-of-a-kind 1950’s fashion illustrations for Vogue ($35), and “folk art” connected me with some talented artists selling their original work for $10-$15. Another "original art” search on Etsy took me to a site with small, clever, preframed art for $39.84. (Check, check, and check).

Rule # 4: look for a personal connection, but beware becoming part of a collection. If your friend has two or more capybara prints, go another direction. Odds are good they either have very specific tastes in all things capybara, or that some lovely individual who adores them is sharing their love of rodents one print at a time. Again, don’t be that guy. 

For a personal connection, focus on what they care about. If they are crazy about their pet, look for an artist that will do a pet portrait. Someone once gave me tiny portraits of two of my chickens. Years later and I still smile every time I look at them. Another option is to find something that captures a location that is important to them. The Victorians were absolutely nuts about prints back in the day, and produced every conceivable topic in abundance. Town where they got married, their hometown, their favorite botanical? There’s a print for that. 

Finally, the most gracious art gift comes with a permission slip: “If this doesn’t feel like you, please let me swap it or let me know — I want you to love it.”