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Like many of you this Christmas, I’m trying to change the way I gift. Gone are the days of plastic packaged gift sets that get shoved at the back of a drawer. I’m planning on buying things that are not only heartfelt, but more importantly to be used, on display, loved and ultimately not end up in land-fill before the year is out.

King & McGaw, one of my go-to sites to buy art, recently approached me and asked me for my top tips on choosing art as a gift. I love adorning my walls with framed prints, arts and photographs, many have which have been gifted to me. My husband and I often give each other a meaningful framed print as a present. It’s these pieces that hang on our walls that will be treasured forever.

So, how to choose? King & McGaw have a great ‘Gifting’ section on their website dedicated to helping you find the perfect gift for a loved one. They are split into categories such as different budgets, gifts by interest such as Sport, Travel or Fashion. You can also shop their Top 50 art picks, and check out the most popular gifts others have purchased.

All of the art on the site can be bought unframed or framed, with or without mount, plus there’s some great finishes to choose from. The quality is second to none. What’s even better is that after you’ve made your selection, it shows you exactly what your art will look like on the wall.

I’ve been given a unique 15% offer code AMY15 which is valid until December 24th and can be used on any order except Rare & Limited art.

Here’s some of my favourite King & McGaw pieces to help you find the perfect gift.

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That special place

Whether it’s a destination you’ve visited together, or a special place for the recipient, travel themed prints make the perfect starting point when choosing a gift. You can search with a place name, or head to the Travel gifting section where you can find some great inspiration such as maps and vintage style travel posters.

There’s also some great typographic prints, like this one (above) by Reign & Hail that I have chosen for my husband. He took me on a surprise trip to Paris when we first met and he adores graphic art, so I think it will go down very well. I also adore the striking collection of prints on offer (below) by Brighton based artist Nick Cranston, designed to look like luggage tags.

Credits: GLA, HAV, LAX

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The Modern Art lover

If your loved one has a penchant for one of the Modern Masters, then take your pick from this great selection. As a family, we’re very fond of Andy Warhol, I’ve treated us to two of his Pop Art creations. His iconic Green Cat and his colourful Butterflies. I’m so excited to hang these in our newly decorated bedroom when it’s finished.

Or maybe Hockney is more of your recipient’s thing? This beautiful Poster produced by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York features Hockney painting ‘Mount Fuji and Flowers’ that he completed after a trip to Japan in 1971. I find this piece of art very restful and I think it would look wonderful hung above a bed or sofa.

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Food for thought

We all know a foodie right? or maybe you’re buying for a wine buff or a gin connoisseur. King & McGaw’s Food & Drink section will leave you spoilt for choice with the array of prints on offer.

Croatian graphic designer and illustrator Ana Zaja Petrak has designed some great culinary-themed illustrations such as this Cook Often print.
Or you could check out these illustrative prints by Sussex artist and designer Kelly Hall who creates art that celebrates everything British. Bright, colourful and vintage in style, her art has a timeless appeal.

Credits: Fresh veg, Fresh Shellfish: Cheeses

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Words in Pictures

Being a graphic designer by trade, I’m really fond of typography. Seeing a quote, word or number on the wall can add a striking feature to a room. This popular All is pretty print is a reproduction of an iconic poster from an Andy Warhol’s exhibition in Stockholm is next on my wish list!

Talking of self-gifting, I’ve treated myself to this Good Vibes Only pink print for the lounge. It’s even inspired the theme of my Christmas tree this year. The quote is one of the first things you see when entering my home. It’s good vibes only from here on in.

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For the Fashionista

Whether it’s a vintage magazine cover, or a stunning watercolour print, there’s a vast selection of beautiful art on offer for the fashion lover. This stunning piece was created by artist Bridget Davies. It features nail varnishes and lipsticks, something any makeup lover has a plenty.

There’s also a vast selection of fashion magazine covers to be found on the site, such as Tatler and Vogue. I’ve found a fabulous one the year my Aunt was born, what a great birthday present that will be. So many to choose from and fascinating to look back in time.

Credits: Vogue June 1934, Vogue May 1935, Vogue November 1958

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Stocking Fillers

I’m easily pleased by a beautifully presented gift and a set of these boxed notebooks have already been tied with ribbon and sit under the tree.

In the gifts for under £50 there are some great stocking filler ideas. They have all been carefully selected from the King & McGaw artist inspired ranges and unique ceramics, stationery and mini framed prints.

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3 top tips for hanging art

• Before committing to hanging your piece of framed art, stand it up in the room you want to house it in. See how two other more pieces sit with each other. Live with this for a few days, see how it changes in the light.
• Move art around so you ‘see’ it again. I am very lucky that my little Victorian home still has the original picture rails, this makes hanging art so easy. What’s even better is that I can move it around with such ease. I use gold picture rail hooks that I pick up at my local hardware store. 
• Don’t be afraid to mix a landscape with a typographic print. Some of the best gallery walls I’ve seen a mixture of both. Adorn your walls with what makes you happy, art that has meaning.

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I hope I’ve inspired you to think about buying art as a gift this year, after all, the meaning behind what you choose is so heartfelt.

Happy Christmas (art) shopping everyone!

Until next time

Amy x

For more information visit kingandmcgaw.com
Get 15% off using code AMY15 which is valid until December 24th and can be used on any order except Rare & Limited art.

Written, styled and photographed by Amy Davies Pereira. *This is a paid collaboration with King and McGaw, all views and opinions are my own, I only work with brands I truly love and rate and want to share with you.