Personalized Gift: The Ideal Bookshelf

You know how sometimes those occasions come up where a regular gift, even a nice one, doesn’t feel special enough? For me it’s been those big birthdays- most recently my sister’s 30th, and then big b-days for my parents (I’m not naming numbers, don’t worry Mom :). When it comes to these special occasions, I think the best idea is to go with something custom.

So, I was excited to discover that Jane Mount, the artist behind the Ideal Bookshelf series, actually offers custom options. The Ideal Bookshelf print in my gallery wall has always been one of my favorite pieces. It’s not custom, but rather a limited edition piece she did for 20×200 a few years ago – so I can imagine how fun it would be to have a version that incorporated my personal favorites. So if you have a book lover in your life and you want to really be a gift superstar, here are the options:

The most special, and personal, is a fully custom, original painting of the recipient’s favorite books, starting at $290 (for seven books). You can get as many as twenty books painted in (price increases accordingly) and Jane has options for framing as well.

If that’s more than you’re looking to spend, you can get a custom print instead. You choose the person’s favorite books (from a very extensive list provided by the site), and Jane arranges them for you on the print (from images of them that she already has created). It’s still personalized and custom, but a print, rather than an original painting.

Lastly, you can have just one book painted for less than $100, which I also think would be lovely and make a big impact, if the person has a book they are seriously passionate about. Cool thing-she frames it for you too!

Personally, I think if you can swing it, all of these options are more than worth the money. A personalized, original piece of art is priceless-and such a treat, as it’s something people rarely receive. I think in terms of gifts, most everyone would enjoy getting something that’s uniquely about themselves and their lives – and who wouldn’t appreciate something that’s one of a kind?

Be sure to keep timing in mind. One of a kind pieces takes a while for any artist to create-6 to 8 weeks for the custom painting in this case. If you can’t go with those options due to price or time constraints, no worries. Jane has SO many amazing, well-priced, ready-made prints, featuring gorgeous books grouped together by subjects. She has “ideal bookshelves” available for the design lover, fashionista, foodie, for kids, and so many more.

What Mr. Darcy fan wouldn’t love The Jane Austen Trio?
Or pick up a copy of Jane’s book, featuring the ideal bookshelves of some of your favorite authors, chefs, musicians and more.

First and last photos by me, all others via idealbookshelf.com

Leave a Comment

  1. Bhreagh wrote:

    What a great idea! I may use this on my Mom for her next birthday. She'd love it 🙂
    Thanks so much!
    http://www.bhreaghwho.com
    Cheers,
    Bhreagh

    Published 12.10.13 · Reply
  2. I LOVE this! Definitely bookmarking. Thank you thank you for sharing!
    xox

    Published 12.10.13 · Reply
  3. Alyssa wrote:

    So funny–I just ordered one of these as a gift. As a fellow book lover, I was SO excited when I found them!

    Published 12.10.13 · Reply
  4. Dana wrote:

    Wow, what a fun concept! I wish I had some free wallspace for one 🙂

    Published 12.10.13 · Reply
  5. Alli wrote:

    This is such a nice idea! The most difficult part for me would be picking which books I would want painted!

    Published 12.10.13 · Reply
  6. Holly Kvinge wrote:

    I have the book, but had no idea that customized pieces were available- amazing for a lit nerd like me 🙂

    Published 12.10.13 · Reply
  7. Thanks for sharing! I've been looking for interesting prints to put in my wall collage & I think this could be one of them!

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply
  8. You're welcome! I think they're great for a gallery wall-so fun and colorful.

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply
  9. Hah, I'm the same-total book nerd 🙂

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply
  10. I agree! It would be a tough choice-it's cool too, because if you have a particular version of a book that you like (like a certain cover or edition), she'll paint that.

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply
  11. I'm in the same boat-no walls left!

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply
  12. Oh, so cool! Whoever you got it for is lucky 🙂

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply
  13. Thanks Rachel!

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply
  14. You're so welcome! Glad you liked it.

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply
  15. You're welcome! Glad you like the idea 🙂

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply
  16. Hunter wrote:

    What a great gift idea!

    Hunter
    http://www.preponabudget.com

    Published 12.11.13 · Reply