When you are considering meaningful gift ideas for that special friend or family member in your life, sometimes it can feel almost impossible to give them something that reflects how much you value them. Some gifts are too commercialized and non-personal, while other gifts can be too personal, such as a book on weight-loss. For many people, giving gifts can be a stressful experience – which is why people often avoid it entirely.

However, there is a solution. Purchasing art is one of the safest and most meaningful ways to express those feelings toward someone you love. Whether it’s a child, a newlywed, a family, or even a pet – art often says more than words ever could.



Gift Idea #1 – Pet Portrait



For some people, their pets are their kids. They feed them, care for them, love them, and sometimes even clothe them, just as they would their own children. If you are looking for the most meaningful gift for a pet-lover in your live, there can be no greater gift than a well-done pet portrait. One of the best professional artists I’ve seen that specialize in pet portraits is Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. The great thing about pet portraits is that they can be done from a photograph – so it is possible to purchase artwork like this from skilled artists like Nikky regardless of distance.

Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school. Her art is soft and romantic – with a dreamy quality to them. They are lifelike and impressive representations of everything that makes a pet beautiful in the eyes of its owner. The aspect of her paintings that truly make Nikky’s art stand out from the crowd is the setting in which she places the animals. The surroundings are sometimes whimsical, other times wonderfully surreal, but always intriguing. Whether you are looking for a portrait as a gift for someone else or not, Nikky’s art represents the work of a rising artist, so purchasing one of these portraits for yourself would be a very good investment, and a wonderful addition to your home décor.

Gift Idea #2 – Child Portrait



A special gift you can give someone is a lifelike artist’s portrait of a child. Parents can see the beauty in their children even when others may not. Giving a parent a hand drawn or painted portrait of their child is a way for you to say that you also see the natural beauty of their children. There is no greater compliment than to compliment someone’s children.

Artist Jess Perna at portraitsbyjessperna.com is a perfect example of a skilled artist who focuses especially on child portraits. Her art consists of pencil portraits and drawings that are amazingly lifelike and authentic. It is as easy as sending her a photograph of the child, and you will receive a fine art pencil portrait of the child, or even a caricature if you choose to do so. Her portraits are impressive, and such a hand drawn portrait of a child is sure to become a family heirloom for many generations. The price of her portraits consisting of one person ranges from $300 to $1800 depending on the size of the portrait.

Gift Idea #3 – Family Portrait



One of the most unique and special gifts, especially during the holidays is a hand-drawn family portrait. Often, people struggle to purchase individual members of a family special gifts, most of which are unneeded and go unused. When the family has several kids, the cost of all of those gifts can often go to $500 or more. A family portrait is different. It is a unique gift because it’s a statement that you find beauty in the family, and the portrait is a reflection of the love within that family.

One of the best art websites that I’ve seen that focuses on family portraits consisting of three or more individuals is directportrait.com. The master painter creates a stunning oil painting from one photo or several photos. A painting like this, at a fraction of the cost of buying each member of the family a gift, will be appreciated more than anything else you could offer.

Gift Idea #4 – House Portrait



There is an old saying that love is what makes a house a home. When a family has lived in a house for so many years, a house itself is almost a member of the family. House portraits are ideal for:

• Realtor closing gift

• Housewarming gift

• Holiday gift

Houses tend to portray best in watercolor, and no one does it better than the artist of arthomeportraits.com. A beautiful portrait of a family home is a gift that will continue to be appreciated and honored for years.

There are few people in the world who understand what it feels like to have a pet in the family who is so loved, and so appreciated by the family that owners want to do everything in their power to somehow express to their pet how much they love them.

Now, it’s debatable whether pets have a sense of what it means to love or be loved – however anyone who has lived with and fell in love with an animal knows that animals certainly do feel and express love in different ways. And that love is often deeply meaningful and moving for pet lovers. This article will help those pet owners show their pet how much they are loved, with several unique and fresh ideas to completely pamper your pet more than they’ve ever been pampered before.

Pet Portraits



There are few more meaningful and heartfelt ways to express your love for your pet than having a painted portrait made of them. Pet portraits can be especially meaningful because when you see a pet portrait on the wall, it is a statement that this animal isn’t just “another animal”, but it shows that your pet is a loved and cherished member of the family. You can find the best style of pet portraits from Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. The great thing about these pet portraits is that they can be done from a photograph – so it is possible to purchase artwork like this from skilled artists like Nikky regardless of distance.

Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school. Her art is soft and romantic – with a dreamy quality to them. They are lifelike and impressive representations of everything that makes a pet beautiful in the eyes of its owner. Nikky’s art reflects an appreciation and love of animals – and that depth of feeling will come across clearly when you place the portrait of your pet on the wall along with other family portraits.

The aspect of her paintings that truly make Nikky’s art stand out from the crowd is the setting in which she places the animals. The surroundings are sometimes whimsical, other times wonderfully surreal, but always intriguing. Nikky’s art represents the work of a rising artist, so purchasing one of these portraits would be an excellent investment, and a wonderful addition to your home décor.

Charms and Pendants



There are very few more noticeable ways to spoil your pet rotten, than to buy them “pet jewelry”. While most people think of Paris Hilton and her jeweled pet, or little dog-show poodles wearing crystal collars – there is actually a mainstream market for putting a little bit of “bling-bling” on your dog.

Companies such as petcomfort.com offer reasonably priced necklaces, charms and other jewelry made specifically for animals. These include crystal necklaces, pearl jewelry, and collar charms of all varieties. If you want your pet to get noticed – dress them up with one of these. People will be wondering if you are royalty.

Buy Your Pet a Date



Do you think only people use social networking websites to find a date? Well think again – pets get lonely too. That desire for companionship extends beyond the simple biological function of procreation. Even animals that have been neutered still get a great deal of enjoyment and comfort from the presence of another animal.

This is why one of the greatest ways to pamper your pet is to find them a date. Websites abound, such as Petsdating.com, which will help you to find your pate a date from your local area. If you think your pet won’t appreciate a date – show him a picture or two from the website and see his reaction!

Spoil-Your-Pet Pet Sitting



Think only people find relaxation at a resort? Pets get stressed too…and sometimes the best solution after going through a very stressful time in a household is for you to get away for a while. Whether you would enjoy going to a resort or just an overnight outing somewhere – do your pet a favor and treat them to a Pet Resort.

A pet resort is a kennel service that takes caring for animals to the next level. Pets are treated like royalty with “condo” accommodations that sometimes can include a private room and miniature bed, impressive outdoor play areas, gourmet food, and sometimes even in-room television!

Getting away for a weekend can relieve a great deal of stress in your life – so don’t forget that your pet can feel stressed too. Treating your pet to a pet resort can result in a more calm and well-behaved pet when you return home after your vacation.