Don’t want to fight the crowds Black Friday shopping at Target? Most people don't. Even so, let’s say you want to show how really discerning you are, when it comes to picking unique gifts for the holidays. What to do? May we suggest something that shows people your taste in art? Follow our handy guide of cool gifts for artists and art lovers, spanning a range of items and aesthetics from the best museums in NYC, with prices that won’t leave you broke. Remember, everyone needs a little art in their lives, even if they don’t know it yet.
RECOMMENDED: The full holiday gift guide
Substitute hallucinogenic dots for visions of sugarplums this holiday season with this illustrated book detailing the life and work of art superstar Yayoi Kusama. MoMA Design and Book Store, 11 W 53rd St (212-708-9700)
$19.95 at MoMA Design and Book Store
Get the kids jacked for a winter getaway with this whimsical pool toy, which artist Kenny Scharf has created in his signature Pop Art style. The Whitney Shop, 99 Gansevoort St (212-570-3600)
$24 at The Whitney Shop
Need a gift for someone you know who’s big on painting apps for their iPad, iPhone or other device? Look no further than this item, which makes digital painting as fluid and intuitive as painting on canvas.
$39.99 at Dick Blick
You don’t have to celebrate Hannukah to enjoy this bagel plate printed with famed noir-photographer Weegee’s image, Max Is Rushing in the Bagels to a Restaurant on Second Avenue for the Morning Trade—but it wouldn’t hurt. The Jewish Museum Shop, 1109 Fifth Ave (212-423-3200)
$30 at the Jewish Museum Shop
Serve your holiday punch in this mug inspired by the Solomon R. Guggenheim’s famed rotunda. It features images of museum goers and the iconic works they’ve come to see. The Guggenheim Store, 1071 Fifth Ave (212-423-3500)
$18.00 at The Guggenheim Store
Give the artist in your life the gift of drawing 3D art in thin air with this pen that extrudes warm thermoplastic that hardens within seconds. Hammacher Schlemmer, 147 E. 57th St (800-421-90020)
$99.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer
Budding architects will love this book containing 14 of Wright’s most iconic buildings, including Fallingwater and New York's Guggenheim Museum. Each can be cut and put together using the kirigami (cutting and folding) technique. Step-by-step instructions are included. The Guggenheim Store, 1071 Fifth Ave (212-423-3500)
$29.99 at The Guggenheim Store
Keep your feet nice and warm during the long winter months with these socks featuring the face of TV personality and painter of happy little trees Bob Ross. Sadly, his jew-fro doesn’t add extra insulation.
$11 from Etsy
Turn your holiday tree into an artist salon with these ornaments carved to resemble iconic figures from art history. Warhol, Van Gogh, Kahlo and Dalì are all ready and waiting to enhance the spirit of the season. MoMA Design and Book Store, 11 W 53rd St (212-708-9700)
$36 at MoMA Design and Book Store
Make it a Keith Haring holiday for a friend with this self-adhesive fabric wall tile featuring designs by the legendary Pop/Street artist.
$59.95 at Wayfair
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