In this article, we will explain what an artistic gift is and how many types of artistic gifts we can find in the market.
There are many ways to introduce a child to the world of art.
Giving an original work of art is the most direct option, but there are others, just as effective.
Our intention is not to set a lecture on this subject.
We are aware that it is a very subjective subject.
What we do want is to spread our passion for art and artistic objects.
We want to open windows, discover paths, stimulate the mind.
Let’s start by defining the concept of “artistic gift”:
How to distinguish an artistic gift from a conventional gift?
An artistic gift is a gift related to the world of art and artistic sensibility.
It seems obvious, but it is important to look at the nuances.
For an artistic gift to be truly artistic, it must meet at least one of these requirements:
- Created, designed or supervised by an artist
- Have a clear educational objective (to explain the History of Art).
- Stimulate creativity and imagination (fostering artistic habits)
- Reproduce or recreate in an original way icons from the world of Art.
- Drawing inspiration (also in an original way) from recognized artistic styles
- Having become a Pop cult object for collectors
Let’s take an example:
The story of the teddy bear that became a work of art
QUESTION: Is a teddy bear an artistic gift? ANSWER: Well, it depends.
In principle, it is not.
A teddy bear is a toy.
Pretty or ugly.
Big or small.
But a toy, after all. 
The happy bears of “Summer”, original work by Cristina Sitja.Visit our SHOP.
For a teddy bear to be an artistic gift it has to be created or designed by an artist.
In this way, it would become an “author” toy.
For its artistic value to increase, the teddy bear should be a unique piece or, at least, belong to a limited series (of 10 pieces or 100 pieces, for example).
It could also be personalized (with the signature of the author or with a dedication to the buyer of the piece).
A teddy bear that has been designed as a piece of art of a certain style (cubist, expressionist) or inspired by the work of an artist (Miró, Warhol) would also be an artistic gift.
Another way to add art to a teddy bear is to sell it in a “blank canvas” or “do it yourself” version, along with a paint pack, for the child to paint it with the colors of his choice.
Another perfect “art bear” to give as a gift would be a 3-D reproduction of Baloo, the character from the Disney animated movie “The Jungle Book” (1967), two meters tall and made of sponge rubber.
But let’s leave imaginary examples aside and move on to concrete proposals:
First type of artistic gift: works of art
As we said at the beginning of the text: the most artistic of all artistic gifts is an original work of art.
Created by an artist.
A unique work.
Just for you.
It is the most exclusive gift option.
Many also believe it is the least expensive, but this is not always the case.
Over time, the commercial value of such a piece increases.
Not to mention the sentimental value, which can become incalculable, especially for the child who grows up with the work, his work of art. 
“Three Dimensions”.
Acrylic on paper.Original artwork by Carmen Segovia.Visit our SHOP.
The artists also create limited series of some of their works.
That is, numbered and signed reproductions, personally supervised by the author, in different formats and supports (lithographs, engravings, digital copies). 
“Ice Cream”, by Blanca Hernández.
Silkscreen printed in two inks.Series limited to 40 numbered and signed copies.Visit our SHOP.
A good printed reproduction of a work of art (do you know our POSTERS collection?) can also become a good artistic gift, as long as its commercialization is authorized by the author.
Second type of artistic gift: signature objects
Many artists are attracted to other forms of artistic expression or communication.
They experiment with different media and adapt their style to different materials.
Everyday objects designed by an artist are also very attractive artistic gifts.
In recent years, signature ceramics, created and designed by artists, have become one of the most striking territories in the contemporary art scene. 
Artist Vanessa Linares has designed her own collection of hand-painted ceramics.
Come and see it at PLOM Gallery.
More everyday objects designed by artists or inspired by icons of Art History are the typical breakfast mugs, placemats, T-shirts, printed bags and so on.
The world of avant-garde graphic design also experienced a real revolution with the appearance on the market, in the mid-1990s, of signature toys.
These are the so-called “Art-Toys”: small, collectible figurines, generally made of plastic or soft vinyl, produced in limited editions.
QUESTION: Are Art-Toys artistic gifts? ANSWER: Of course they are.
Curiously, Art-Toys immediately connected with a mostly adult public.
Adults with a child inside, obviously.
These adults now share their passion with their own children or with the children of their family and friends.
Third type of artistic gift: educational gifts
We understand the term educational in two ways: one, academic; the other, practical.
The academic artistic educational gift is the one that teaches Art History to children.
Which painters are the most important of each era.
How to distinguish one artistic style from another.
Books about artists.
Encyclopedias.
DVDs… Not all these educational products are good, so it is important to have an eye.
And a nose.
Or let yourself be advised by the experts. 
A fun and educational book: “Picasso” (Ed. Cossetania), written by Marià Veloy and illustrated by David Maynar.Come and leaf through it at PLOM Gallery.
The practical artistic educational gift is the one that serves to stimulate the creativity and imagination of children.
Many toys or games have been conceived to awaken the artistic sensibility of children.
Developing their dexterity is thus more suggestive. 
Stackable blocks illustrated by Ingela P. Arrehenius for the Swedish brand Omm Design.Come and see them at PLOM Gallery
Some are based on colors; others on shapes, textures, combination possibilities and even the construction of narrative lines (imagining and telling stories).
The artists create their works precisely by handling colors, shapes, textures, combinations and stories.
Fourth type of artistic gift: decorative gifts
Let’s be clear: we like contemporary art for children because it is BEAUTIFUL.
Just take a walk around PLOM Gallery to confirm it.
You enter the gallery, you soak in the images of artists like Sergio Mora, Ibie, Miju Lee, Tutticonfetti, Amaia Arrazola and BANG! you get a smile on your face.
It’s automatic.
An artistic gift for a child has to be, above all, beautiful, as well as inspiring, fun, enigmatic, daring, healing and original. 
Detachable figures of the New York brand Kid O Toys.
Come and see them at PLOM Gallery.
In fact, one of the characteristics of artistic gifts is their high aesthetic level.
They are works of art or signature objects created and designed with artistic sensitivity.
It is not very difficult to recognize them.
Practical exercise: give art as a gift to a child and enjoy it
A child’s room is like an incubator for interesting people.
Art is a healing catalyst for good energies.
The more beautiful, inspiring, fun, funny, enigmatic, daring, healing and original things you put in that room, the better interesting person the child living in it will be. 
Monster temporary tattoos from the French brand Djeco.Come and see them at PLOM Gallery
Try giving original works of art, limited series, lithographs, designer objects, designer toys, puzzles, colored pencils, figurines, Art-Toys or Martian stickers.
You will get good results.
Guaranteed.