This is a round up of affordable, accessible gifts that directly benefit the business of art and artists. The following were all around $50. Read on while I convince you to buy amazing gifts that you will be rewarded for giving and will want to receive.
Jourdan Jolly is an artist whose goods are as happy as his name. For a remarkably low price (starting at $25), you can gift a favorite ice cream flavor that will make any interior sweeter, all year round with no mess. He is very easy to communicate directly with and order custom cones through.
Perfect for transforming a a reluctant, self conscience crafter into a DIY aficionado! The Crafter’s Box delivers themed boxes to your doorstep, that are masterfully led by a working artisan, curated with exceptional tools, and packaged with love. This is a subscription service, but they also sell popular boxes à la carte.
Arna Miller & Ravi Zupa teamed up to create a print series about saucy cats with vices. Perfect for those whose zest for life is manifested in late nights, poker games, and chain smoking. Receivers may be on the naughtier end of the spectrum- and proud of it, thank you very much. These match books and paper prints are hand block printed. (Starting at $35)
Dan McCarthy is an accomplished screen printer, whose ornate and magnificent designs are perfect for lovers of the great outdoors, dinosaurs, science, glow-in-the-dark paint, skeletons, and love. Each large paper print is affordable enough to buy multiples (starting at $40). Dan is lovely to communicate with and ships quickly, from his stock of available prints.
Haptic Labs is making beautiful, functional art that dazzles the senses. Their signature kites are lovely enough to fly all year in a child’s room, and sturdy enough to use at the park. Whether looking for birds or pirate ships, search no further for the most beautiful kites on the market. Made sustainably with time honored techniques.
For those on the ‘Nice List’, Wolf & Wren press are celebrating good, wholesome behavior that makes the heart & soul healthy, in this crazy affordable print ($15). Well known for their punchy, quirky cards, this best friend letterpress team produces products that are as funny as they are sweet. This is the type of art the world needs more of: accessible, affordable, and life affirming.
*full disclosure, Wolf is my bestie and she practices what she preaches.
Matthew Hoffman grew ‘You Are Beautiful’ from a sticker to a juggernaut and now has a flagship store, that is community centered in Chicago. There are many, many affordable options, but this is a good one for those that endure the Midwest winter. People smile at you all day when you are wearing this shirt. Enough said. Also, stop by the shop for an opening, shopping, or event. It will brighten your season!
Danielle Krysa, also known as The Jealous Curator is an art hero and this is one of several amazing books she has written. It tackles the mournful subject of Creative block with aplomb. There are real interviews from artists, techniques, activities, and tons of humor. This is a great read for anybody who has creative endeavors.