13 Valentine's Day gifts for the art lover in your life
Unique and affordable items inspired by our favourite featured artists
Love's great and all, but it can't do your shopping.
So while you've been too busy swooning over that special someone, CBC Arts has put together some unique and affordable — and reasonably romantic — Valentine's Day gift suggestions, inspired by some of our favourite featured artists.
Cara Carmina scarves
Etsy, $65+
When Vancouver's Cara Carmina appeared on the Season 2 premiere of Crash Gallery, she explained that her cheerful, folk-inspired artwork has a simple but important message — one that's perfect for Valentine's Day. "With my art, I like to tell the story of friendship, of love, of collaboration," she says. This soft chiffon scarf is printed with one of her heartwarming designs.
Ness Lee patches
Etsy, $10
Nobody but you, 'body but me, 'body but us...and these "Pillow Talk" patches by Toronto artist Ness Lee.
Calligraphy starter kit
Amazon, $41.50
As Toronto's Natalie Siu taught us, why "sext" when you can say it with calligraphy?
Caitlin McDonagh Horoscope Print
Caitlin McDonagh, $10
What's your sign? Vancouver Island illustrator Caitlin McDonagh is one of our Instagram faves, and she's created this series of astrological prints just in time for V Day. Half of the money raised from each print will go to Canadian charities. (Pick a print, and learn more about the project, on her website.)
Shitty Horoscopes, Amrit Brar
Amrit Brar, $17
Seriously, what's your sign? Toronto's Amrit Brar has compiled an 190-page anthology of her illustrated Shitty Horoscopes — a great gift for a not-so-shitty friend with an absurd sense of humour.
Doodle Valentine dress
Kirsten Hatfield, $60
We heart Kirsten Hatfield's Instagram, and her latest textile design — festively titled "Doodle Valentine" — buzzes like neon, just like everything on her feed. Get yourself a date night outfit made from the Vancouver artist's custom fabric. She sells tops, leggings and skirts through her website — along with this simple tank dress.
Mani Jassal VDay Capsule Collection
Mani Jassal, enquire for prices
For a significantly fancier date night, Mani Jassal has a special VDay Capsule Collection. Earlier this year, the Brampton designer told Exhibitionists how she's using bridal fashion to smash taboos.
Lido Pimienta pants
Print All Over Me, $99 US
Sometimes, "Netflix and chill" just means "Netflix and chill." If that's your ideal Valentine's Day, your slothful sweetheart can get cozy in these cotton PJ-style pants by Toronto artist Lido Pimienta.
Charlotte Cardin, Big Boy EP
iTunes, $6.99
A smoky, pop-jazz soundtrack for your Valentine's Day, c/o one of Exhibitionists' favourite musicians, Quebec's Charlotte Cardin.
"Connected 4evr" by Kaley Flowers
Kaley Flowers, $250
Once upon a time, people used to buy each other fancy figurines on Valentine's Day (at least our grandparents did). We're fans of web-obsessed Toronto ceramic artist Kaley Flowers, and this piece — "Connected 4evr" — could be the perfect gift for the true love you found on Tinder. Sorry, not sorry, Franklin Mint.
Alicia Nauta pin
Likely General, $10
Get pinned with this "Shaded Plant" multiple by Toronto artist Alicia Nauta. (Fun fact: she was the art director on Cave Small Cave Big, the short film written by five-year-olds that we featured on the site last week.)
CBC Arts' Dream Bedroom
Society6 (Laurence Philomene, Hyein Lee, Ambivalently Yours), $20+
Dreamy pillows by Laurence Philomene! A comforter by Hyein Lee! And a pile of cozy, pink throw blankets by Ambivalently Yours. With a collection like that, you'll want to spend all day in bed — with or without a S.O.
Cards by Allison + Cam
Allison + Cam, $6
Love is...a dog's butt? Just trust us on this one. Toronto illustrators Allison + Cam have all sorts of sweet and/or bawdy greeting cards for your Valentine.
