Art gift ideas in the UK: how to give art they'll actually hang

Buying art as a present is terrifying. Art is personal. What if they hate it? What if it ends up behind the wardrobe? What if they hang it out of guilt and look at it every day thinking about you, with resentment?

Relax. I'm Luis, I sell art gifts every weekend in Covent Garden, and I've watched thousands of people pick presents. Most get it right. Here's how.

Rule one: buy for their humour, not your taste

The most common mistake is buying what you'd like. Think about them instead. Do they swear like a sailor? Do they talk about handbags constantly? Are they the friend who sends motivational quotes at 6am? Every one of those people has a perfect print, and they're not the same print.

Art gifts under £15

Small, cheap and still very much art.

My notebooks are £12 with my artwork on the cover. The Random Crap Notebook is the most honest stationery ever made. Perfect for Secret Santa, stocking fillers or a "saw this and thought of you" present.

Art gifts under £30

The sweet spot. A print is £20, which is a normal present budget, and it feels far more thoughtful than a candle.

• For the fashion friend: Born to Wear Chanel, I Speak Fluent Louis Vuitton or Jesus Wants Me to Have a Birkin.
• For the host who secretly hates hosting: Please Leave by 9pm.
• For someone going through it: The Best Is Yet to Come.

Totes are £25 too, and a far cheaper way to carry a designer label than the real thing.

Art gifts under £100

Want to make an impression? An A3 print at £79 or one of my hand-painted antique images at £25 each, framed. Or wearable art: sweatshirts are £39 and made to order.

The big one: an original

For a milestone birthday, a wedding or a "thank you for everything" present, an original says it best. Mine start at £55 for small pieces, and every one is hand-painted and one of a kind. Or go fully personal with a commission: their phrase, painted by me.

Not sure of their taste? Use these clues

You know more than you think. Look at their Instagram, their phone case, the mugs in their kitchen. Someone who posts every brunch probably wants the champagne prints. Someone with a tidy, calm flat might prefer the softer motivational pieces in pastel colours. Someone who sends you voice notes swearing about their boss wants Harden the Fuck Up, framed, by Friday.

If you really have no idea, go for words rather than pictures. A phrase they already say is personal in a way an abstract painting never is. And if they visit London, a voucher plus a trip to my stall in Covent Garden is a present and a day out in one.

How to give art without the awkwardness

1. Frame it, or don't. Framing is lovely but personal. A safe trick: give the print unframed with a voucher for a local framer, or a frame in a neutral colour.
2. Include a gift receipt. Online orders come with a 14-day right to cancel, so they can swap if it's really not them.
3. Tell them the story. "It's hand-painted by an artist in Covent Garden" makes the gift ten times better.
4. Ask for gift wrap. I wrap by hand on request. Just message me after you order.
5. Send it straight to them. Add their address at checkout. Prints post flat and protected.

Last-minute art gifts

Forgot a birthday? It happens to the best of us. Prints are in stock and post quickly within the UK, but if it's truly last minute and you're in London, come to the stall on Saturday or Sunday and walk away with it. Or order online and choose collection from the stall. Apparel and totes are made to order and take 7 to 10 days, so leave those for presents you remembered in time.

Gift ideas by person

Shopping for Christmas? Start with the Christmas gifts collection, Secret Santa gifts under £20 and stocking fillers. Need more? I've got guides for the best gifts for art lovers, Christmas gifts for him and her, Valentine's day art gifts and housewarming gifts.

Art gift questions