Unique and Meaningful Christmas Gifts for Animal Lovers that Support Local Artists
- Sophie Parkhill
- Nov 29
- 6 min read
The holiday season often brings the challenge of finding gifts that feel special and thoughtful. For those with loved ones who cherish animals, wildlife, or birdwatching, typical gift ideas can quickly feel repetitive and uninspiring.
This year, consider stepping away from the usual gift sets and confectionery and spend your well earned money on something valuable.
Instead, offer something truly unique: original artwork, prints and gifts created by one of Britain’s emerging wildlife artists. These gifts not only celebrate a passion for nature but also support a small business.
Why Choose Wildlife Art as a Meaningful Christmas Gifts for Animal Lovers?
Art inspired by wildlife offers a personal and lasting connection to the natural world. Unlike common gifts that may be used up or forgotten within weeks, artwork endures and gains meaning over time (not to mention increasing in value over the years!) Here are some reasons why wildlife art makes some meaningful christmas gifts for animal lovers:
Unique and Personal: Original paintings and limited edition prints capture the beauty of animals in a way no mass-produced item can. Each piece tells a story and reflects the artist’s passion.
Supports Local Artists: Buying from British wildlife artists helps sustain creative careers and keeps money within smaller communities, rather than large corporations.
Lasting Value: Art tends to increase in value over time. Unlike typical gift sets, it can be treasured for years and years, and even passed down through generations.
Wide Range of Options: From large original paintings to budget-friendly merchandise like mugs, magnets, and greeting cards, there is something for every budget and taste.
Gifts for Every Budget and Interest
Whether your loved one is an avid birdwatcher, a fan of exotic big cats, or simply enjoys the smaller things in life, like woodland creatures - there are many options to choose from with SP Wildlife Art
Original Paintings and Large Prints
For those who want to make a big impression, original paintings or framed limited edition giclee prints are perfect. These pieces are the heart and soul of all artists, they're the most valuable option. Original paintings have an incredible ability to spark conversations in any room, and bring joy to everyone.
Affordable Art Prints and Merchandise
If you are shopping on a budget, consider framed or unframed smaller giclee prints like "Focus", or if you're searching for something even smaller (such as Secret Santa Gifts), items like mugs, magnets, and greeting cards are a great shout!
Opting for art prints isn't just about their favourite animal or bird either... You can tailor your finds based on the relatability of the painting.
For example, some of the most popular SP Wildlife Art prints are "Defiance", "Resilience", "When Loved Ones Are Near" and "A Bond Like No Other". Defiance is a close up tiger portrait, painted in acrylic, which reflects the artist’s (and every print collector’s) quiet determination to step boldly into the world, pushing past the noise, doubt and common cases of imposter syndrome - claiming the space they deserve.
Resilience reflects the artist’s (and every print recipient’s) ability to stay optimistic in the face of life’s challenges, something almost every person can relate to. Created while the artist battled a flare up with her spondylolisthesis, carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel and tenosynovitis - this powerful lion became a symbol of endurance, echoing the daily fight for survival that Lions endure.
When Loved Ones Are Near speaks to a feeling many share; painted after the artist’s grandfather passed away, inspired by a robin who visited the kitchen window every day, it captures the belief that these small messengers carry the presence of those we’ve lost, offering warmth and quiet comfort to anyone who needs it most during the holiday season.
A Bond Like No Other was painted while the artist’s first child was just a toddler, capturing the wonder of an infant’s growing emotions through a tender scene of a mother snow leopard and her cub, gently nuzzling. It's a celebration of unconditional love and the deep connection between parent and child, making it a perfect gift for new families.
So you see - wildlife art is much more than what you may first see, it's not just about the technicality of the paintings, but the meaning behind them and how they can relate to yourself or you gift recipients. They capture the similarities between our own lives and experiences.
Other gift ideas for example:
A mug featuring a vibrant kingfisher design brighten the morning coffee of any birdwatcher or "twitcher"
A magnet with a robin illustration adds a touch of summer nature to the fridge, whilst reminding us of our loved ones daily.
Greeting cards with wildlife art make holiday messages extra special, but can also be framed up as miniature art prints. Gifting a frame alongside a hand written card is a charming budget friendly option. It enables your recipient to view a stunning wildlife painting each day, whilst preserving the inside message, allowing them to read it as often as they like without it being lost in a drawer.
How Buying Local Wildlife Art Benefits Everyone
Choosing to buy from local wildlife artists has positive effects beyond the gift recipient. It helps build a stronger, more resilient creative community and supports sustainable economic growth. Here’s how:
Keeps Money Local: Funds go directly to artists and local suppliers rather than large retail chains.
Encourages Creativity: Artists can continue producing work that celebrates wildlife and raises awareness about conservation.
Reduces Environmental Impact: Local purchases often mean less packaging and shipping, lowering the carbon footprint.
Builds Personal Connections: Buying directly from artists or local galleries allows you to learn the story behind each piece.
An original painting titled "Flower Bed", by a British award winning wildlife artist Sophie Parkhill (SP Wildlife Art). This painting is sold but limited edition framed and unframed giclee prints can be purchased.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wildlife Art Gift
Selecting the right piece of wildlife art can feel overwhelming, but focusing on the recipient’s interests helps narrow down choices.
Consider Their Favourite Animals: Do they love birds, big cats, or African wildlife? Choose artwork that features a particular species.
Think About Their Home Style: Do they like subtle country style like "My Love" or a burst of colour like "Allure"
Match the Size to Their Space: Large paintings like "The Guardian" suit spacious rooms that need a big eyecatcher to draw the attention in, whilst smaller prints or merchandise fit well in apartments or offices, as a special keepsakes, such as a little 7 x 5 inch eagle owl "Contemplation".
Making the Most of Christmas Special Offers
Many wildlife artists offer special deals during the holiday season. This is a great opportunity to purchase high-quality original paintings or limited edition prints at reduced prices, whilst keeping the costs circulating within smaller communities. It can often be the only time of the year where artists and creatives make the bulk of their entire years earnings, so the support can mean a great deal to them - compared to large corporations and websites where sales largely go unnoticed.
Shop where the seller still cares about their customers!
Keep an eye out for:
Discounts on framed and unframed prints - SP Wildlife Art offers a weekly countdown of offers from 10 weeks up until Christmas, and you can subscribe to the email mailing list here.
Bundle offers including multiple items like cards and magnets
Exclusive holiday-themed artwork like Sophie's new painting "A Winter's Morning" featuring a Fallow Deer Stag in a wintery scene. Now available with professional framing and ARTGlass.
These offers make it easier to find something beautiful and affordable.
Final Thoughts on Giving Wildlife Art This Christmas
Choosing wildlife art as a Christmas gift offers a fresh alternative to typical presents.
It connects the recipient with their love of animals, supports local artists, and provides a lasting treasure that grows in value.
Whether you select a large original painting or a small magnet, your gift will stand out as thoughtful and meaningful, whilst making a creatives day. You might be their first or 10th sale that month - Support creatives this season, over websites which get hundreds of thousands of sales each year.
This holiday season, consider gifting art that celebrates the natural world and helps keep creative talents alive. Explore SP Wildlife Art's range of original paintings, limited edition prints, and wildlife-themed merchandise available now.
Your loved ones will appreciate a gift that is truly unique, with only small numbers available and no mass-produced item's!
Unsure what to gift them, but know they're going to love Sophie's work? Take the opportunity to gift a voucher for them to spend anywhere on the website.
Vouchers range from £10 - £1000.
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