Shopping for someone who loves art? Finding the perfect art gift at The Met Store is easy.
Growing up in New York City, field trips were my favorite days of the year. And, no, it wasn’t because it meant we out of the classroom. These magical days usually meant we would go to the ballet, the opera, the theater, or an art museum.
I still remember visiting The Metropolitan Museum towards the end of A.P. Art History as a sophomore in high school. All of those months of taking copious notes on the art of the Ancient Egyptians, the Classical Greek and Roman eras, Medieval Ages, and the Byzantine Empire finally paid off. I was one of the few students who was able to correctly identify a tapestry right inside the entrance of the museum. I was so proud of myself, and I bet my teacher was, too!
When we went on our honeymoon in Italy, the art lover in me saw things I learned about everywhere I went. Corinthian and Ionic capitals on columns, high relief sculptures, and free-standing marble statues everywhere. Aside from the photos I took, an oil painting and blown glass from Venice are my treasured souvenirs.
Give the Gift of Art
I never outgrew my love for the arts, and chances are, the art connoisseur in your life will always want to bring the arts home with them. I thought I’d create a gift guide with items from The Met Store that will make great gifts for those who love the arts. Plus, these don’t have to be limited to the holiday season. These gifts are great for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, celebrating the purchase of a new home, or just because (my favorite).
The Book Lover
Naturally, the first gift on my gift guide for art lovers is this large collection of artistic masterpieces. This full-color book has a gorgeous and high-quality cover that will find a happy home on any coffee table. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Masterpiece Paintings covers 500 paintings that span 5,000 years and many cultures.
The book is large and heavy. The pages are high quality. I recognize many art pieces from my A.P. Art History course, and it is a joy to relive those fond memories.
The Coffee Lover
If your art lover also happens to love artisan teas and coffees AND graphic prints, this Met mug is the perfect gift. I love graphic tees so a graphic mug immediately caught my eye. I love the matte exterior offset by the glossy interior. I found my new go-to mug!
The Hostess
These gorgeous Mixed Herb Napkin Holders are the perfect gift to give when greeting your hostess at the door. These gilded napkin holders are truly a work of art. Each napkin holder is shaped like one of 8 herbs that were so important to the medieval arts of medicine and literature.
Did you know that the herbs grown in the Bonnefont Herb Garden at The Met are grouped according to their medieval uses? These include household plants, medicinal plants, culinary plants, brewing herbs, plants used by medieval artists, plants associated with love and marriage, and magic plants. Every time I set my table with these napkin holders this garden will come to mind.
The Fashionista
If you have a friend that is always polished and pulled together and you don’t know what to get them, scarves and shawls are always a great idea. As a singer I’ve utilized scarves to protect my health through the busiest part of the year. But I also understand how a scarf (much like a hat) can elevate an outfit.
The American Botanicals Scarf is a gorgeous, white silk scarf with a soft pink border, and painted wildflowers. It is perfect for late Winter and early Spring when you are pining for gorgeous blooms. Another gorgeous option is the French Trellis Diamond Scarf since it’s so dainty.
Find the Perfect Gift at The Met Store
There are so many more amazing gifts available at The Met Store. Some families love to gift Christmas ornaments and there are so many beautiful ornaments to choose from. Or perhaps you’d like to go the traditional jewelry route? The Wisteria Collection is beautiful.
Whichever route you go, there is a perfect option at The Met Store for everyone on your list.
