Best Places to Find Art-inspired Gifts

Discover the Perfect Palm Springs Art Gifts for Art Enthusiasts

By Barbara Beckley

It’s no secret Palm Springs is on the cutting edge of art. You see commissioned public fine art all over town, contemporary masterpieces at the top-rated Palm Springs Art Museum, and fine and fun Palm Springs art at more than 100 galleries.

When you want artistic gifts, head to Palm Springs! Whatever your choices: art-inspired jewelry, apparel, home décor, greeting cards, key chains, affordable artist works. Everything.

Palm Springs Museum Gift Shops

Palm Springs museums have wonderful art-inspired gift shops – with exclusive gifts commissioned just for them – that you won’t find anywhere else.

Insider Tip: The museum stores are free to enter! There is NO museum admission charge. Just walk on in – and find the perfect gift.

The Museum Store at Palm Springs Art Museum is brimming with original objects and home décor, such as silver bowls, tableware, masks, and wall art. They also have ceramics, blown glass, and fashion accessories. Look for one-of-a-kind pieces and jewelry from American and European studio craft artists designed exclusively for this store.

Bradford W. Bates Vault Store:  Acclaimed by shoppers as one of the most exquisite museum stores anywhere, the Vault Store is in the Palm Springs Art Museum’s nearby Architecture & Design Center, Edward Harris Pavilion. Originally, the Santa Fe Savings & Loan building was designed in 1960 by E. Stewart Williams. The Vault (gift) Store is inside the bank vault. A treasure trove of art-focused books, Lucite sculpture, games, artistic ceramics, home décor, and a fabulous modern jewelry collection.  Think dangling metal and enamel designs. Unique original and reproduction prints and illustrations influenced by Palm Springs’ iconic midcentury architectural designs.

A perfect gift for architectural buffs: Lise Baadh’s four-series interpretation of Palm Springs’s famous houses, including the 1946 Kaufmann House by architect Richard Neutra and three other icons by architects William Krisel, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler.

Desert-Inspired Art

Palm Springs is known for its breathtaking desert landscapes, and what better way to commemorate this beauty than with authentic desert-inspired artwork? Consider gifting a stunning landscape painting or an art print featuring iconic elements like Joshua Trees, mountain ranges, or the mesmerizing sunsets that grace the city’s skies. These pieces capture the essence of Palm Springs and bring a touch of natural splendor into any space.

Stewart Galleries specializes in fine art by notable Californian, American Impressionist, and Plein Air painters. The gallery also offers estate furnishings. The inventory constantly changes and includes a selection of desert-inspired art.

Gary Dorothy Imageville: Dorothy’s portfolio spans various genres, including portraiture, landscapes, and street photography. Each image he captures is infused with authenticity and rawness, allowing viewers to connect with the subject on a deeper level. A large portion of his collection is local landscape.

Midcentury Modern Art

Palm Springs is synonymous with mid-century modern architecture and design. Pay homage to this iconic style by gifting artwork that reflects its clean lines, geometric patterns, and vibrant colors. From abstract paintings to retro-inspired prints, mid-century modern art captures the essence of Palm Springs’ architectural legacy, making it a timeless and stylish gift choice.

Modern Way: Known for its large vintage midcentury furnishings and décor, Modern Way also has a selection of vintage art and art objects from the 1950s through 1970s. It’s the oldest dealer in Palm Springs.

Local Palm Springs Artists

Trevor Wayne Pop Art Store: Known for pop art that puts a smile on your face, Palm Springs artist Trevor Wayne shares his original images on hats, T-shirts, tank tops, coffee mugs, puzzles, stickers, totes, lapel pins, and greeting cards. Always fun gifts: his popular “Treat,” a popsicle blonde on a mug; “Pigtopuss,” Miss Piggy as an octopus, lapel pin; and slightly risqué “I Will Always Support You,” jockstrap, on a T-shirt.

T Santora Gallery: Local pop artist T Santora puts his original tongue-in-cheek images and his images inspired by artists from Picasso to Leonardo Da Vince on just about everything. Apparel including T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and seaters; wall art, pillows, and phone cases. He’s also up to speed on trending themes, making finding the right gift easy. Like his “Son of Pickleball” t-shirts, which are one of many images in his “Pickleball Collection.”

The Shag Store: If anyone deserves the title “Mr. Palm Springs,” artist Josh Agle, a.k.a. Shag, is a top contender. He captures the Palm Springs modernism scene with wit, wonder, and classic characters. “Please, Overindulge,” reads a sign in his store. Easy to do. In addition to his fine art prints and originals, you’ll find Shag-themed gifts galore. Totes, ties, socks, clocks, cocktail glasses, pins, pendants, swizzle sticks, pillows, and even a darling children’s book illustrated by Shag and written by his wife.

Michael Weems Collection: You’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop among the original dishes, jewelry, tabletop pieces, photography, glassware, sculpture, t-shirts, coasters, and more, designed by retail artistic genius Michael Weems. Weem’s elegant and pop–themed merchandise are ideal gifts. Perhaps a porcelain tray depicting one of Palm Springs’ famous midcentury houses. Or coasters with cute sayings, like “I have mixed drinks about my feelings.” Or a black t-shirt featuring his ultra-popular “Sexy Gerber Daisies.”

Gift Shops

Like Palm Springs, these gift shops are beyond cool. They offer unique, artistic, and fun gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. Step inside, and you’re sure to exclaim, “Yes! That’s the perfect gift. They will love it!”

Just Fabulous: Like the name. Everything here, from home décor to key chains, pop-art bobbleheads, figurines, and greeting cards to books – all fun and often cheeky – makes a fabulous gift. Books galore inspired by art, fashion, architecture, glamorous stars, and who they wore. Dali, Warhol, Audry Hepburn, Dior, Mickey Mouse, King Tut, and architects like Neutra and Frank Lloyd Wright. There’s even a book on “All American Ads of the ‘50s” – that’s got to be mind-blowing! Jeff Koons’ style Balloon Dogs in all colors. American photographer Gray Malin’s original photos on porcelain trays, notecards, notebooks, puzzles, and prints. To name a few.

Destination PSP: It is easy peasy to find the perfect art-inspired – and Palm Springs-inspired – gifts here.  All the merch is original, designed, and inspired by the midcentury modern designs of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. A double benefit for cool gifts like housewares, apparel, sunglass cases, barware, poolside items, and more reflects Palm Springs’ modernism heritage. One of the all-time gift favorites is the Midcentury Butterfly House Tissue Box Cover. Truly inspired!!

Sazzy’s Galleria: Step inside this combo gift shop/art gallery, surrounded by creativity. Curated with handcrafted items, artwork, and unique pieces from over 50 artists. Choose from midcentury-style plates and coasters. Ceramics and hand-thrown mugs, vases, and pottery with a folksy vibe. Original copper and cloisonné jewelry. Wall art inspired by those fat Mexico sun faces and Native American dreamcatchers. Hand-blown glass art. Lamps are designed of petrified wood. Fun greeting cards. Hundreds of decorative ornaments.

Terra Gallery Palm Springs is a fantastic find for art-inspired jewelry and décor. It’s a must visit for high-end handcrafted designer jewelry. Terra is the authorized dealer for international and national artisans.

German jeweler Thomas Sabo’s sterling and semi-precious jewels.

Israeli artist Ayala Bar – think beads, tassels, crystals.

Spanish designer UNO de 50’s contemporary sterling.

Brooklyn based Freida Rothman and her signature sterling-and-mixed-metal statement pieces.

Israel designer Mariana’s gold, silver, and Swarovski crystal.

Chicago designer Patricia Locke’s Picasso-like multi-metal and semi-precious stone work.

Tim Cotterill’s exclusive bronze froggie sculptures.

Peepa’s:  Art. Fashion. Gifts. This hip, eclectic shop has it all. Light up your special someone’s life on the art scene with neon art. Not too big (about 10 x 10 inches) acrylic shadow boxes featuring neon words like “DIVA” and “Love Wins.” Peepa’s also has a beautiful (and affordable) collection of Disney illustrator Quincy Sutton’s celebrity caricatures: “Tupac,” “Michael and Janet Jackson,” “80s Diva Madonna, Cyndi, Grace Portrait,” and more.

Also, prints of Palm Springs’ artist Chris Burbach’s contemporary take on celebrity portraits and the Palm Springs lifestyle. And prints of LA artist Marz Jr.’s interpretation of Palm Springs’ famous midcentury homes.

Desert Art Center: The main gallery offers juried member artists the opportunity to show their work in the heart of Palm Springs. Artwork from various media is represented here – photography, jewelry, glasswork, ceramics, fiber arts, mosaic, weaving, and the traditional fine art mediums of acrylic and oil painting.

Palm Springs’ vibrant art scene offers many gift options celebrating the city’s unique artistic heritage. From desert-inspired artwork and midcentury modern pieces to ceramic creations and photography books, there is something to suit every art lover’s taste. Whether you’re searching for a memorable gift or seeking to enhance your collection, Palm Springs’ art gifts will surely bring joy and inspiration for years to come. Explore the city’s creative offerings, and let the spirit of Palm Springs infuse your art-filled journey.

Hero Image Credit: Daniel Long 

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