Everybody has gotten a sweater, socks, a candle from Jo Malone… you know the drill. It’s always nice to receive but not something to write home about. So, what’s the secret? Where do you find creative, inspiring gifts to gush about? Museum gift shops! They always have the move unique items. All the way from The MET to The Whitney, these are our favorite items that your friends and family are sure to love.
Kusama Pumpkins
This is a Museum of Modern Art exclusive. Modeled after one of Yayoi Kusama’s most famous artworks, these lacquer-painted resin objects will bring a bright pop of whimsy and optimism to your desk or bookshelf. Kusama is represented in MoMA’s collection. Thes pumpkins are made in Japan.
Here, Personal Travel Globe
Palomar has designed a unique globe, Here, that lets you trace your personal travel experience and allows you to mark the places you’ve visited around the world. At first glance it looks like a two-dimensional atlas but in just a few moments you can create a three-dimensional object. Here is very lightweight and due to it’s geometric shape can be placed anywhere. The folding globe, from the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), comes with 50 red pins to place on countries you’ve travelled to!
Google Cardboard VR Viewer
View your favorite virtual reality videos with this Whitney Museum custom Google Cardboard viewer! Simply place your smart phone in the slot and put the device up your eyes. This product is inspired by Jordan Wolfson’s virtual reality experience in the 2017 Whitney Museum Biennial.
Mondrian Color-Changing Mug
The vibrant imagery splashed across this scarf is taken from the Roy Lichtenstein artwork Modern Painting with Bolt, 1967, which is in MoMA’s collection. A perfect all-weather accessory, the lightweight design is printed in five colors.
Over a six-year period beginning in 2002, Louise Bourgeois created patterned designs, intricate geometries, and collaged weavings. These corkboard coasters, available at The New Museum gift shop, feature her stripy and checkered artwork from this time.
When the Flatiron Building and the Empire State Building have your Freedom Tower in checkmate, you know your chess game has been taken to new heights. Celebrate New York’s diverse architecture with this handsome chess set. Includes 32 double-weighted acrylic pieces with soft felt bases, and a folding board. Available at MoMA!
Bartending Glasses
Learn how to make up to 16 different cocktails like a master mixologist with this set of four 8oz. glasses. Each glass features a different spirit (vodka, rum, whiskey and gin) and teaches you how to make four different cocktails featuring the signature liquor.
Comme des Garçons Super Fluo Wallet
Add a fluorescent dash of colors to your everyday look with this glossy goatskin leather wallet from this coveted fashion brand. Features all-around zipper, snap coin pocket, multiple card slots and interior logo stamp. Made in Spain.
The tactile and playful Knot Cushion was born when Icelandic designer Ragnheiður Ösps Sigurðardóttir was experimenting with efficient ways to make legs for stuffed teddy bears. Suddenly she had a flash of inspiration and started tying the tubes she was working with into knots. She says about her sculptural design: “I like that when you take a first look at the cushion you might not really know what it is and perhaps that is what draws you closer.” We definitely recommend getting closer to this cozy work of art.
