8 Inspired Art and Design Gifts for Father’s Day

From coasters by artist Enoc Perez to a private tour of The Glass House, here are a few ways to show your appreciation

Four round coasters with abstract colorful designs on a light background.

Abstract art coasters with colorful designs in circular shapes, arranged in a fan pattern.

1. Nudes Coaster Set by Enoc Perez | $115
Prospect NY

Artist Enoc Perez is best known for his paintings of iconic architectural structures like the Seagram building and the Eero Saarinen TWA terminal as well as sensuous nudes and still lifes. These vibrantly colored paintings often capture a sense of nostalgia and utopian optimism. Now, he takes his work to a more democratic, and personal, level, creating coasters and beach towels imprinted with images of his work as well as swizzle sticks modeled after his own vintage collection that he has amassed from hotel visits across Latin America over the years (our favorite!).

Colorful painting depicting waves with handwritten text at the top, featuring a person surfing in the ocean.

2. Raymond Pettibon Towel | $95
Art Production Fund

If you’re heading to the beach for Father’s Day weekend, this Raymond Pettibon-designed towel for the Art Production Fund is a great gift for fathers who like to spend hours by the water looking at the waves and getting meditative; or who just want to bring a little art flair to the seaside. It’s 100 percent cotton, measures 70 x 60 inches, and all proceeds support public art. Hooray!

Colorful architectural model with various geometric shapes and textures, showcasing vibrant and imaginative structures.

3. Bodys Isek Kingelez Catalogue | $35
The Museum of Modern Art

The fantastical architectural models of Congolese artist Bodys Isek Kingelez are garnering a lot of attention at the Museum of Modern Art. Informed by the utopian visions inspired by Congo’s independence from Belgian rule in 1960, these candy-colored creations are better viewed up close where you can observe the awesome detail that went into each work. The book offers just such a view, and your father can have it long after the show closes.

silver cufflinks in black box with initials embroidered on cream satin interior

4. Damien Hirst Pill Cufflinks | $350
Gagosian

Perhaps the David Rockefeller cufflinks you were eying at Christie’s ended up selling for way more than you bargained for. These sterling silver cufflinks by Damien Hirst offer similar bling: they are engraved with the “Hirst/Hirst” logo and come in a satin-lined box.

 

Orange hardcover book titled "David Hockney" standing upright against a white background.
5. David Hockney | $40-$60 
The Metropolitan Museum

You may have seen the awe-inspiring exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum. But even if you, or the father in your life, haven’t, this comprehensive volume, which spans almost six decades of the British artist’s career, is sure to please. It showcases over 200 paintings, drawings, photographs, watercolors, and even iPad drawings of this cerebral yet crowd-pleasing artist.

Frick Collection playing cards featuring historical portrait designs in an open box display with cards laid out.
6. The Frick Collection Playing Cards | $22
The Frick Collection

Vermeer or Murillo? Whether you’re challenging the father in your life to a game of Poker or War, the Frick Collection Playing Cards offer another built-in guessing game. And this museum’s mission is also sure to rub off on the players: to preserve and display the history of art in the Western-tradition. This particular set includes two decks.

Colorful geometric wristwatch with transparent case and multicolored strap featuring abstract pattern.
7. Mondrian Composition Watch | $48
The Metropolitan Museum

This simple watch design mimics a work from Piet Mondrian’s early Neo-plasticist painting style, using thick black lines to divide the canvas into 11 distinct rectangles.

Modern glass house with large windows surrounded by lush green lawn and trees in the background.
8. Glass House Tour | $25-$250
The Glass House

Sometimes, the best gift is an experience. For example, an afternoon spent on the expansive 49-acre setting of Philip Johnson’s Glass House and art galleries, where you can enjoy a range of tours from 1-hour group sessions to 3-hours with a personal guide. The extended tour, which is wonderful, gives you access to the Philip Johnson’s Studio, the Painting Gallery, the Sculpture Gallery, and Da Monsta—a building inspired by the design of a museum in Dresden by the artist, and Johnson’s friend, Frank Stella.