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Find artful gifts for friends and family at these fabulous museum shops

Mostyn's window shop front is lit up, paper decorations of stars, snowflakes and reindeers hang from the ceiling. A decorated Christmas tree in on the left hand side.
Shop At Mostyn, Christmas 2023.

Museum 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 a National 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 made 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 10 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 have 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 shops for Christmas gifts in the UK

01
Shop, The Hepworth Wakefield.

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 even gifts inspired by Yorkshire are on offer here, plus you’ll be able to pick up prints by the artists featured in their fantastic exhibitions.

02
Fireplace. William Morris Gallery, Gift Shop.

William Morris Gallery

Dedicated to the Arts and Crafts designer 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 homeware gift. From Christmas baubles to terracotta tiles, the majority of stock here shows off Morris’ signature designs, including Strawberry Thief.

03
Inside Firstsite gift shop which has blue walls, postcard displays, Christmas gift wrap, an assortment of paper Christmas decorations, and lots of bird-related gifts, from mugs to books.
Firstsite Festive Products Display

Firstsite

The bright and airy shop at Firstsite makes for an idyllic shopping experience. There’s a lovely selection of children’s books, an abundance of stationery and items inspired by their cutting-edge exhibitions to purchase here. Their beautiful selection is all design-led and there are a number of products relating to mindfulness and getting creative at home.

04
Middleport Pottery, Burleigh Factory Shop

Middleport Pottery

Hand-crafted potting has been underway at Middleport – a working factory, home to the renowned Burleigh pottery – for over 150 years. Their gorgeous Burleigh Factory Shop is full to the brim with ceramic trinkets, from charming tea sets and stylish dinnerware to signature blue and white Burleigh designs. If you need a pressie for a ceramics enthusiast, or someone short on bowls and plates, Middleport’s your place.

05
People's History Museum Product Displays

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 necklace, a May Day tea towel or pair of Rainbow Pride socks, then you’ve come to the right place.

06
Inside Ashmolean Museum's gift shop, with a white branch displaying Christmas tree decorations. In the background, there is a stand with calendars, art prints and postcards.
The Gift Shop at Ashmoleon Museum

Ashmolean Museum

A world-famous museum with a stunning shop, the Ashmolean Museum has a wonderful range of exclusive gifts inspired by its extensive collections. Plus, they have lots of items that would make perfect stocking fillers, from a set of oracle cards offering life advice from famous artists such as Frida Kahlo, to a delicate silk pocket square printed with a Rossetti painting.

07
Interior of a gift shop, with a central display, featuring books about Sir John Soane, coasters, vases, wrapping paper and colourful candlesticks. In the background are displays of postcards, art prints and plates.
Shop. Sir John Soane’s Museum, London

Sir John Soane's Museum

Housed in the former home of one of the most famous Regency-era architects, the extent and richness of Sir John Soane's Museum's collection is mirrored in its equally intriguing gift shop, which promises unique Christmas presents, cards and decorations for the aesthete in your life. Highlights include a mini Roman Temple construction set, a head of Apollo vase, and festive dinner candles.

08
A wooden shelf displays an array of Christmas gifts, including a pop up paper decoration of polar bears around snow Christmas trees; a Santa Claus book for kids; a pair of woolly gloves; a Christmas-themed craft kit; a candle; and an aromatherapy oil diffuser.
Ikon Gallery Shop

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.

09
Gift shop filled with toys for children, including brightly coloured tote bags, books, cuddly toys, and greetings cards.
Young V&A Shop

Young V&A

Make the little dreamers, inventors and explorers in your life sparkle this festive season with a gift from the Young V&A's shop, offering an exclusive and consciously sourced range of kids' clothes, soft toys, colouring books, craft kits and much more. Be warned: if you enter this gift shop with a young one, we cannot guarantee that you'll leave empty-handed.

10
Mostyn's shop lit up with Christmas decorations/
Shop At Mostyn, Christmas 2023.

Mostyn

Displaying a collection of beautifully handmade items, Mostyn's shop stocks a mix of items made by local, national and international applied artists and makers – some established, some whose practices are just emerging. Keep your eye out for limited-edition prints on offer here, 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.

IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

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