Art Gifts for Teens: [Creative Expressions in Art]

There are tons of different types of art to buy and ways to decorate with it, but if you’re trying to find something nice for your teenager who’s picky about how their room looks, you can run into some roadblocks.

Set realistic expectations
As a parent, you may be excited to help your teen cultivate their taste in art. But it's important to set realistic expectations: your teen is likely to be picky, and that's okay.

Buy more than one piece
Wall art is a great way to personalize your teen's space and make it their own. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.

- Always buy more than one piece! It’s easy to find an artist or style you like, but if you only buy one piece of wall art then chances are you won’t get the room exactly how you want it.

- Pick pieces that work together: Once you’ve picked the perfect piece of wall art, shop around and find some other things in the same color palette as your favorite piece.

- Avoid purchasing anything too heavy: Wall art doesn’t have to just be paintings—keep an eye out for paper goods like framed prints or posters that would work well on a teenager’s walls. If they end up not liking the poster after all, they can take it down easily without damaging any walls.

A picture is worth 1,000 words
When it comes to buying art for a teen, you want to make sure you're getting something they'll actually like.

Talk to your teen about what kinds of art they like. This can give you a starting point for your search.
Look for art that reflects their interests and personality. If they're into sports, look for prints or paintings with a sports theme. If they're more creative, look for abstract pieces.
Avoid anything too juvenile or babyish. They're teenagers now, so chances are they won't want anything too cutesy hanging in their room.
Conversely, avoid anything too edgy or provocative.

Start with small pieces
Wall art is a great way to personalize your teen's space and make it their own. But if you're not careful, it can also be a source of contention.

The bigger the budget, the more options available
It's no secret that buying art can be expensive. But, the good news is, the bigger your budget, the more options you'll have.

Use art as an investment or to establish good taste
It's important to remember that art is both an investment and a way to establish good taste. Art for teens should be both functional and stylish.

Think beyond traditional frames
Your teen's taste in art is constantly evolving, so it's important to select pieces that can grow with them. Wall art is a great way to do this - it can be swapped out easily as their taste changes. Plus, buying art doesn't have to be expensive.