If you love museums, art shows, art magazines, and art history trivia, this is your list.
Sections
3
Books
Merch
Games
Books
Everyone is a book lover!
The book my art historian friend from Austria recommends
The Short Story of Art: A Pocket Guide
I've seen this in so many European museum gift shops.
Art History for Everyone: Fun & Easy Guide
This is everything you need to know
The Annotated Mona Lisa, 3rd Edition
Coloring books are stress relief, fun pastime, and art education all in one
Famous Painters: An Educational Coloring Book
So nerdy and yet so cool
Art History 1 (Quick Study Academic)
Travel books for art history lovers are hard to find. This is great!
Rick Steves' Europe 101: History & Art
This cookbook is so innovative! Please make me this cake.
Modern Art Desserts: Baking Inspired by Art
Explore 1,200 pieces from across time and space, providing a colorful journey from cave paintings to pop art.
The Collins Big Book of Art: Cave to Pop
Meet 50 iconic artists, arranged chronologically, to charm any casual art lover.
50 Artists You Should Know
A friendly introduction that has been a classic for over 40 years, ideal for anyone curious about art’s big picture.
The Story of Art
This thought-provoking read challenges the way we look at art, ideal for sparking interesting discussions.
Ways of Seeing: BBC Series (Penguin Books)
Dive into the juicy stories of Renaissance masters, brought to life by the man who knew them best.
The Lives of the Artists (Oxford World's Classics)
A quick reference for the latest 150 years of art movements, perfect for understanding contemporary trends.
Styles, Schools & Movements
A vivid, one-page-per-artist format makes this an engaging coffee table book that’s great for quick inspiration and learning.
The Art Book (Revised and Expanded 2020 Edition)
Written for budding creatives, this book explores the emotional side of making art, both inspiring and relatable.
Art & Fear: Observations on Artmaking
Merch
From stocking stuffers to birthday presents, you need a gift on hand.
I love my art history stickers. They are everywhere and I know exactly which iPad cover, notebook, and mug is mine.
100 Pcs Art Stickers - Van Gogh Style Decals
This tote bag is hilarious. It will definitely get you looks. Good looks!
Art History Tote Bag for Art Lovers
Fabulous gorgeous tote bag. Imagine taking this to the farmers market next Saturday. So cute!
HaoHakka Vintage Canvas Tote Bag with Zipper
I want this for Christmas. Put me on your list.
Brief History of Art Coffee Mug - Gift Box
Refrigerator magnets are genius. These are actually very pretty.
Decorative Glass Fridge Magnets - Succulent
I mean, if you're going to dress the part of art historian, at least wear the socks.
Moyel Fun Art Novelty Socks for Women
Artist Action Figures: Miniature versions of iconic artists like Frida Kahlo, Claude Monet, and Salvador Dalí, each complete with signature accessories.
Figurines
Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” Candle: Hand-painted candles depicting iconic works like “The Starry Night” or Monet’s “Water Lilies.” These double-wick candles are a beautiful home accent.
Vincent van Gogh Candle - Starry Night Over the Rhone
Brief History of Art Mug: A clever mug showcasing the evolution of Western art across centuries, perfect for morning inspiration.
Brief History of Art Mug
Monet Coaster Set: Featuring details from Monet’s paintings, these coasters are elegant, functional, and perfect for an art history lover’s home.
Monet Favorites Coaster Set
Art History Timeline Wall Chart: A visually stunning timeline tracing major art movements and milestones across history.
ART HISTORY TIMELINE POSTER
Famous Painting-Inspired Tote Bags: Durable and stylish tote bags featuring works like Hokusai’s “The Great Wave” and Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
Vincent Van Gogh Vase with Sunflowers
This is so ADORABLE! Raising your kids to be art lovers? Start here.
Keith Haring Reversible Playmat for Babies
Stay hydrated with Van Gogh
Water bottles and travel mugs - Van Gogh Museum shop
Games
Playing is the best way to learn.
This title is hilarious. YES I want to be rogue in my art history lessons.
Rogue Art History: The Trivia Game
This game will have you really talking about art
Art Dice - Drawing & Painting Game Set of 9
A party game for art history? Yes please!
Show Me The Monet: A Card Game
I love how this one includes more modern artists, too
Laurence King The Art Game: New Edition
Play your regular card games and learn about art at the same time.
Famous Paintings 54 Playing Cards
This should be standard on every cruise ship, hotel lobby, and waiting room.
Games Room Art Trivia
As soon as I get to my next location, this will be my next puzzle.
Brief History of Art Jigsaw Puzzle - 1000 Pcs
Artist Puzzle Collection: A puzzle set inspired by iconic works from artists like Picasso and Dali, offering hours of enjoyment and an interactive way to appreciate famous art. See options at Modern Met Store.
Now House by Jonathan Adler 1,000 Piece Vertigo Puzzle
Finger puppets are a great way to get the kids involved in art history.
Vincent van Gogh Magnetic Finger Puppet
This trivia card game has two levels of difficulty, covering artists, movements, and techniques, making it great for family play while learning art facts along the way.
Professor Noggin's Art History Trivia Game
A memory match game with pairs of famous artworks, ideal for sharpening recall skills while learning to recognize iconic paintings.
50 Pairs Memory Matching Game (Famous Paintings)
Like a mini museum in a deck, this game invites players to build a virtual art show by matching artworks according to themes and movements—a great way to familiarize players with art styles.
My Big Art Show: Card Game + Book
With cards featuring major artists and their art movements, this game offers a simple and playful way to learn about the big names in modern art, organized by movement.
Manifesto!: The Art Movements Game
Match famous painters with their works in this simple card game that provides a quick, visual tour of renowned pieces, perfect for kids and beginners.
Art Snap (Snap Cards)
Increase your art skills and have fun learning new techniques with this dice game.
