Find artful gifts for friends and family at these fabulous museum shops
Museum gift shops are the perfect place to find unique gifts for the people you love this festive season. Support independent makers, discover local artists and get great discounts with your Art Pass.
Looking for Christmas gift ideas? Museum shops are the perfect place to get your shopping done, whether you're looking for unique gifts, stocking fillers, or festive cards and decorations.
From art books, craft-making kits and toys for kids, to jewellery and homewares created by independent artists, museum shops are treasure troves of gifts for all your friends and family this Christmas. And hey, why not treat yourself too?
We've selected eight of the best museum and gallery gift shops across the UK to guarantee you master the art of gift-giving this year – and don’t forget, whether you've got a National Art Pass, a Student Art Pass or a Teacher Art Pass, you’ll get discounts at all of these fantastic places.
Discover some of the best museum gift shops for Christmas gifts in the UK
The Hepworth Wakefield
Don’t be fooled by its cool, concrete exterior – the shop at the Hepworth Wakefield is packed full of colourful and creative gifts. Cards, prints, art books and products inspired by Yorkshire are all on offer here, plus you’ll be able to pick up prints by the artists featured in the Hepworth's fantastic exhibitions.
William Morris Gallery
Dedicated to the Arts and Crafts designer and artist famed for his stunning patterned wallpapers, textiles and carpets, the William Morris Gallery has to be top of your list if you’re looking for a beautifully designed gift. From Christmas baubles to terracotta tiles, the majority of stock here shows off William Morris’s signature designs, including the Strawberry Thief motif.
Firstsite
The bright and airy shop at Firstsite – Colchester's hub for visual art – makes for an ideal shopping experience. There’s a lovely selection of children’s books, an abundance of stationery, and items inspired by the cutting-edge exhibitions programme at the gallery. The beautiful selection is all design-led and there are a number of products related to getting creative at home.
People's History Museum
A unique shop for a unique museum – the People’s History Museum in Manchester is the national museum of democracy, and its shop is inspired by its political collection. If you’re after a Suffragette Christmas decoration, 'Time to Strike' safety matches or a 'Protest' keyring, then you’ve come to the right place.
Ashmolean Museum
A world-famous museum with a stunning shop, the Ashmolean has a wonderful range of gifts inspired by its extensive collections. Plus, there are lots of items that would make perfect stocking fillers, from a set of oracle cards offering life advice from famous artists like Frida Kahlo, to specially printed socks featuring The Day Dream by Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Sir John Soane's Museum
Housed in the former home of one of the most famous Regency-era architects, the extent and richness of the collection at Sir John Soane's Museum is mirrored in its equally intriguing gift shop, which promises unique Christmas presents, cards and decorations for the aesthete in your life. Highlights include Greek amphora earrings, patterned paper vases, and a silk scarf decorated with hieroglyphics.
Ikon Gallery
Birmingham’s dazzling contemporary gallery Ikon is home to an excellent shop, bursting with books, affordable art, sweet treats, toiletries, games and more. A number of their stocked items are beautifully designed by ARTHOUSE Unlimited, a charity presenting the talents of adults living with complex neuro-diverse and physical support needs.
Mostyn
Displaying a collection of beautifully handmade items, Mostyn's shop stocks a mix of products made by local, national and international artists and makers – some established, some whose practices are just emerging. Keep your eye out for limited-edition prints, plus a hoard of art supplies, greetings cards and quirky gifts. Unable to get there in person? Check out their online shop and get some Christmas gift inspiration.