Cayla at her festive holiday market booth, surrounded by custom art and ornaments.

There’s something magical about giving a gift that isn’t just bought, it’s created. Every year around the holidays, I’m reminded how meaningful art can be when it’s given with intention, love, and a personal story. Whether it’s a tiny hand painted ornament or a full custom portrait, art carries a kind of warmth that simply can’t come from anything mass produced.

If you’re searching for a holiday gift that feels thoughtful, memorable, and truly one of a kind, here are some beautiful options that I’m offering this season all designed to bring a little extra joy to the people you love.

A framed mini portrait of a couple and their dog.

Custom Art: A Gift With a Story Behind It

Nothing compares to a custom piece of art created just for someone you love. It becomes a keepsake something they’ll treasure long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Some of my favorite custom pieces for the holidays include:

House Portraits

Perfect for celebrating a first home, a childhood home, or a family cabin covered in winter snow. These portraits become heirlooms and spark so many memories.

Couple or Family Portraits

A sweet, sentimental gift for parents, partners, newlyweds, or grandparents. These pieces honor the people who mean the most.

Pet Portraits

Pets are family and these always end up being some of the most emotional gifts. I love capturing the personality and warmth of each furry friend.

Live Painting Gift Experience

If you want to give something unforgettable, you can gift a live painting package for someone’s wedding, anniversary, or celebration. It’s a way to give someone an experience, not just an item.

Hand painted ornament of a couple sharing a kiss.

Small Treasures: Thoughtful Gifts That Fit Any Budget

Not every gift has to be big. Some of my favorites this season are the small, sweet pieces that still carry so much meaning.

Hand-Painted Holiday Ornaments

These are my most popular holiday items, tiny 2x3 inch canvases painted with pets, people, or special moments. They’re the perfect way to add personality to a Christmas tree.

Mini Portraits

A small, detailed painting of a person or pet, great for stockings, gift exchanges, or sentimental surprises.

Prints

If you’re shopping for someone who loves art, prints are an affordable yet beautiful option. They’re easy to frame, easy to gift, and stay meaningful forever.

Holiday Cards

Hand painted or illustrated holiday cards make your message feel extra special. And you can keep them as keepsakes.

How to Order

I try to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible during the busy holiday season.

Here’s how it works:

Add whatever you’d like to your cart custom pieces, ornaments, mini portraits, prints, or cards.
Fill out the form during checkout with the basic info (shipping details, names, etc.).
Hit Submit.
After checkout, you can email me reference photos or any special details you want included.
I’ll get to work creating something made just for you and keep you updated along the way.

It’s a simple process, and it leads to something incredibly meaningful.

Hand painted ornament of two dogs on a Christmas tree.

Why Art Makes the Most Personal Holiday Gift

In a season filled with so much rushing, gifting art invites us to slow down.

When you give art, you’re giving a memory something that lasts long after the holiday decorations come down.

And when you support a local artist, your purchase genuinely makes a difference. It helps support a dream, a small business, and the creative work that brings joy into the world.

I’m so grateful for everyone who chooses to gift my art during the holiday season. It means more than you know.

Holiday Gifts That Actually Mean Something: Why Art Makes the Most Personal Gift