Arts and culture Christmas gift guide
Posted by:
Handmade gifts
MAKE Southwest supports over 300 of the most talented Craftspeople from all across the Southwest of England. The Retail Gallery is full of beautiful handmade artisan wares and they update our online gallery regularly.
Donations turned into gifts - Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange
In return for a donation to Tea, Cake & Art, Newlyn are offering rewards that can be given as Christmas gifts. A £25 donation can get you a limited edition poster and an artist-designed tote bag, or a £100 donation can get you a specially commissioned Zoom portrait! Tea, Cake & Art supports older people, many of which were isolated even before the crisis, to meet and get together online, by post, and eventually in person.
Handmade delights - Manchester Craft & Design
Home to nearly 30 resident makers, Manchester Craft and Design are running their own ‘Give Handmade this Christmas’ campaign. Whether you’re looking for a special piece of jewellery, lovely lighting, ceramics for the home, and more, be sure to visit their online shop.
Anatomical-themed surprises - The Old Operating Theatre
We’d expect nothing less from this unique museum, quirky gifts like Phrenology and Palmistry coasters and an anatomy apron make up their treasure trove of homeware, jewellery, confectionary, books and stationery. We’ve got our eye on the apothecary blue bottle brooch!
Literary gifts - Brontë Parsonage
For the Brontë fan in your life, the Brontë Parsonage Museum is a truly a one-stop shop. Take your pick from locally-made souvenirs, seasonal merchandise, prints, cards, stationary and more.
Getting practical - Kinetika People
Give your creative loved one an activity to look forward to with the gift of Kinetika’s Silk Masterclass, taking place next Spring. Participants will learn how to transform their drawing on to a paper pattern, draw with hot wax using brushes and paint with fabric dyes.
Message from Santa - Ironbridge Gorge Museums
While we might not be able to visit Santa’s grotto this year, Ironbridge Gorge Museums is bringing Santa to you with a personalised message recorded for your loved one.
Artistic treasures - PEER
PEER is an independent arts organisation offering both emerging and established artists the opportunity to test bold ideas in an intimate environment. In their online shop you can find publications and limited edition prints for a range of price points.
Gift shop staples - Ikon Gallery
The EPIC Ikon Gallery gift shop has moved entirely online and honestly, we’re spoilt for choice with homeware, books, prints, jewellery and more.
Get out and about - Museums Northumberland
As well as plenty of prints to choose from, you can also gift an annual pass to any (or all!) of Museums Northumberland’s sites, including Woodhorn Museum and Berwick Museum and Art Gallery.
Curious books - Book Works
A contemporary arts organisation with a unique role as makers and publishers of books, you won’t find a read like this anywhere else. From a practical guide to unconscious reasoning to an exploration of the manners and habits of 21st century mass leisure culture, and its roots in the great cities of the nineteenth century.
Adopt an object - Salisbury Museum
The Adopt an Object Scheme is a Christmas gift with a difference. The incentive has been set up to raise funds to help keep Salisbury Museums’ collections in the best condition possible. There are 40 objects which can be adopted for a minimum donation of £100 and ten star objects with a minimum donation of £250. Your name will be placed beside the object when it is on display.
Exhibition souvenirs - Fermynwoods Contemporary Art
Fermynwoods commissions innovative and meaningful ways for artists to engage with audiences, in public spaces across Northamptonshire and online. In their online store, you can find gems like The Listening Forest, an artists’ book of beautiful drawings, stories and poems made and collected by Sophie Herxheimer in conversation with people and nature around Corby, and a vinyl recording of Study 10: Greta’s Speech Ant Optimised I, from Owl Project’s 2019 residency.
Pay-as-you-feel - Craftspace
As well as offering pay-as-you-feel family activity packs to truly help bring everyone together this Christmas, Craftspace also sell beautiful jewellery created by Shenalu, a collective of refugee women who specialise in craft.
Direct from the Christmas exhibition - Stroud Valleys Artspace
SVA’s online art shop will have a piece of work by each artist participating in their Christmas Show, with original artworks ranging from paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewellery and textiles. Works will range in size and price, from large scale wall based pieces to great stocking fillers.
