The best gifts for art lovers (chosen by an artist)

Buying for an art lover is stressful. They have Opinions. They already own the poster you were going to buy. They will notice if it's from a supermarket. Breathe. I'm an artist, I know a lot of art lovers, and here's what they actually want.

1. An original artwork

Nothing beats an original for an art lover. It's one of a kind, it's made by hand, and it comes with a story. Originals don't have to be expensive: mine start at £55 for small pieces, hand-painted on antique book pages and signed.

For a big milestone, a statement original like This Ain't the Ritz in its neon frame is the kind of present people talk about for years.

2. A commission in their words

The most personal art gift there is. Pick a phrase that means something to them, a family saying, an in-joke, a motto, and have an artist paint it. I paint commissions with your words, colours and size. Get in early before birthdays and Christmas, because good things take time.

3. Something old made new

Art lovers love a story. My antique images are portraits from antique art books that I've painted over by hand, with colour and a line the sitter would never have said. Every one is unique and they're £25. It's art history with a sense of humour. More about them in antique book page art.

4. A print by an artist they don't know yet

Introducing an art lover to a new artist is a gift in itself. Find someone independent, buy a print and tell them where you found it. My prints are £20 in A4.

5. Art they can wear or carry

For the art lover who already has a full wall: art that goes outside the house.

Totes are £25, notebooks £12 and sweatshirts £39, all carrying my artwork. Apparel and accessories are made to order and ship in 7 to 10 days.

6. A good art book

A book about an artist they love, or a beautiful exhibition catalogue from a show they went to and still talk about. Bonus points for a second-hand one with an inscription inside.

7. An art day out

Tickets to a big exhibition, a gallery membership, or a day at the art markets with lunch included. London is full of options; here are the best art markets in London. Covent Garden is perfect for this: markets, galleries, lunch and a show.

8. Framing

Most art lovers have a stack of unframed prints somewhere. A voucher for a good framer is a surprisingly brilliant present. If they want to do it themselves, send them my guide on how to frame art prints.

9. Supplies, for the ones who make art too

Good brushes, a sketchbook, paints. Ask what they use first, because artists are fussy about materials.

10. A Private View sign-up, with a note

This one is cheeky but lovely. Sign them up for an artist's mailing list (with their permission), and write the first-order discount code in a card. Mine gives 10% off the first order and first looks at new pieces before they reach the stall. It's a gift that keeps arriving in their inbox, and they get to choose the piece themselves, which removes all the risk of picking wrong.

How to choose

• Are they a collector? Original or commission.
• Do they love a laugh? A funny print. See funny art prints UK.
• Are they into fashion? A fashion print or a tote.
• Do they have no wall space left? Wearable art, a book, or an experience.

Gift tips

• I wrap by hand on request. Just message me after you order.
• Add their address at checkout to send it straight to them.
• UK delivery is £1.75 a print and free over £80.
• Pay later with Klarna or Clearpay on orders over £75, if the present is a big one.

More ideas in art gift ideas UK, Christmas gifts for him and her and the Christmas gifts collection.

Art lover gift questions