Giving art as a gift: how to give artwork that really fits
Giving art as a gift is one of the nicest things you can do for someone. It hangs on the wall every day and says something about both the recipient and you. But it is also a little daunting: taste is personal, and what you love may not suit someone else's sofa or wall colour. Fortunately, you don't have to guess. In this article you'll read how to give art as a gift without getting it wrong, for Christmas, a birthday or just because.
Why art makes a great gift
Most presents end up in a drawer after a few weeks. A work of art doesn't. It changes a room, gets people talking when friends come round and reminds the recipient of the moment they received it. Especially around the holidays, when everyone is looking for something other than a bottle of wine or a web-shop gift card, art stands out.
The catch: taste is personal
Choosing artwork for someone else is tricky. You don't always know the colours in their home, how big the wall is or which style they like. Pick it yourself, and there is a fair chance it ends up in a cupboard after the holidays. A shame for you, and a little awkward for them.
The solution: let them choose
With an art gift card from Kunstuitleen.nl you still give the surprise, but the recipient chooses what goes on the wall. Here's how it works:
- You choose an amount (from €10) and add a personal message.
- You receive the gift card by email straight away, as a nice PDF to print or forward. Handy if you're still looking for a last-minute present.
- The recipient picks favourites online from our collection and reserves them via your favourites. That's how they request a free trial placement.
- We deliver and hang them, anywhere in the Netherlands. Only once the artwork is on the wall does the recipient decide whether it stays.
What can the art gift card be used for?
The gift card can be spent on renting and buying art at Kunstuitleen.nl (kunstuitleen is Dutch for art rental), and on framing at our own frame workshop Frame4U. Most people use their card to rent or buy art. But does the recipient already have a favourite photo, poster or print? Then the card can also get it a fitting frame.
How long is the gift card valid?
The art gift card is valid for one year. Plenty of time to browse, save favourites and pick the right moment.
One big gift, together
Something we see a lot: for a birthday or anniversary, someone asks friends and family for an art gift card. Suddenly a whole stack of cards comes in for one person. It's lovely to see, and together it becomes a really generous present. Want to drop a hint yourself? Just put the art gift card on your wish list.
Who is an art gift a good idea for?
- Someone who has just moved. A new home with bare walls is asking for art.
- Your parents or grandparents, who have everything except something new on the wall.
- A colleague who is leaving or retiring. Chipping in together for one gift card is easily arranged.
- Yourself. Why not?
Art as a Christmas gift for your employees
As an employer you can give art too, for example as an alternative to the usual Christmas hamper. Take a look at the business gift card.
Looking for inspiration?
Want to look around yourself before giving a card? In our collection you'll find artworks by well-known and up-and-coming artists, from silkscreen prints to paintings. That gives you a good idea of what the recipient will be able to choose from.
Order the art gift card and give a present that will hang around this year.