Gifts for art lovers: art socks they will wear every day
The best gift for an art lover is a painting they already love, on something they use every day. Kunstsokken knits famous artworks into socks, such as Strawberry Thief by William Morris and The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. A single pair costs €12.95, a gift box with three pairs €39.95 and a set of six pairs €64.49.
What do you give an art lover who has everything?
Give them the painting they love most. Art lovers often own the books and posters already. Socks with their favourite painting are usually missing. Now they can wear the art, not just hang it.
An easy way to get it right: pick the artist they talk about at museums. On our website, the socks are sorted by artist and by museum. Every single pair comes with a small card that tells the story behind the painting.
Which art socks do people love most?
These four designs suit almost any art lover. Each pair costs €12.95 and comes in two unisex sizes: EU 36-40 (UK 3.5-6.5) and EU 41-46 (UK 7-11).
Strawberry Thief, William Morris (1883)
Thrushes stole strawberries from William Morris's garden at Kelmscott Manor. He wouldn't let anyone hurt them, and drew them instead. Deep indigo with birds and berries, for lovers of patterns and gardens.
The Starry Night, Vincent van Gogh (1889)
Van Gogh painted this night sky in 1889 in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, in the south of France. One of the best-known paintings in the world: a safe choice if you're unsure.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Katsushika Hokusai (around 1831)
A Japanese print from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. Small boats ride beneath a huge wave. Perfect for anyone who loves Japan, the sea or clean, bold lines.
Girl with a Pearl Earring, Johannes Vermeer (around 1665)
A girl looks over her shoulder, a pearl shining in her ear. It's one of the best-loved Dutch paintings. Lovely for anyone with a soft spot for the Dutch Old Masters.
Gift box, set or single pair: which suits them best?
A gift box arrives ready to give: the socks come packed inside a proper box. The Monet Gift Box 3-Pack holds Poppies, Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise by Claude Monet.
A set gives you more pairs for less per pair. The Best Selling 3-Pack brings together The Starry Night, The Great Wave off Kanagawa and Composition A by Piet Mondrian. The Great Icons 6-Pack holds six works everyone recognises, from Vermeer to Munch.
Would you rather pick the pairs yourself? Build your own gift box with up to four pairs of your choice.
| Gift | What is inside | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Thief | 1 pair, William Morris | €12.95 | Lovers of patterns and gardens |
| Best Selling 3-Pack | 3 pairs: Van Gogh, Hokusai, Mondrian | €34.97 | Fans of the great classics |
| Monet Gift Box 3-Pack | 3 pairs of Monet in a gift box | €39.95 | A present that is ready to hand over |
| National Museum of Antiquities Collection 3-Pack | 3 pairs, ancient Egypt | €34.95 | The museum lover |
| The Great Icons 6-Pack | 6 pairs of world-famous works | €64.49 | A big present, or a group gift |
Is there something for someone who loves museums?
Yes. Kunstsokken makes editions together with museums. The National Museum of Antiquities Collection 3-Pack was made with the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden. Its designs come from the sarcophagus (a decorated coffin) of Peftjauneith, who lived in ancient Egypt around 650 BC. Three pairs: Sons of Horus, Egyptian Birds and Floral Collar. It's a limited edition, so once it's gone, it's gone.
Are art socks actually good quality?
The artwork is knitted into the sock, not printed on top. That's why the colours stay bright, even after many washes. The socks are made of 80% organic cotton (GOTS certified), 15% recycled polyamide and 5% elastane. They're seamless, with a reinforced heel and toe. Every pair has a one-year guarantee against holes.
Kunstsokken is based in Rotterdam and has been online since 2020. A small family workshop in Istanbul knits the socks. You'll also find them in more than 50 museum shops across Europe. Customers rate the shop 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot (2,757 reviews).
Frequently asked questions
Which size should I choose for a gift?
Go by their normal shoe size: EU 36-40 (UK 3.5-6.5) or EU 41-46 (UK 7-11). The socks are unisex. Stuck between EU 40 and 41? Choose 36-40 for a narrow foot, otherwise 41-46. If the size is wrong, they can exchange it for free within 30 days.
Can I send the gift straight to the person it is for?
Yes. Enter their address as the delivery address and your own as the billing address. There's no invoice or price in the parcel, and the confirmation email goes to you.
Does a gift box arrive ready to give?
Yes. Products called Gift Box arrive with the socks inside a gift box. Single pairs come in our letterbox box, with a small card about the artwork.
How fast will my order arrive?
Order on a working day before 23:30 Dutch time and it ships the same day. Delivery usually takes 2-3 days to the UK, 3-5 working days to Ireland, 1 working day to the Netherlands, 1-2 to Belgium and Germany, 2-4 to France and 3-5 to most of the rest of Europe. We don't ship at weekends.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is free from £39 in the UK and from €39 in Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Austria. In Italy, Spain and the rest of Europe it's free from €50. Every parcel has tracking.
Can they swap the size themselves?
Yes. They can swap it for free within 30 days through our online returns portal. They'll need your order number, so pass it on with the gift. No money changes hands, so they never see the price.