One of the advantages of handmade gifts is the ability to personalize. Add, subtract, or change little details to make it just right for your lucky recipient. I'm all for handmade gifts for the holidays, but sometimes can't come up with a good DIY project so I turn to vintage. With a little creativity your vintage gift can be equally thoughtful.
Names, Initials, & Special Numbers
You can find letters on all sorts of vintage goods - mugs, hankies, stationery, signage... Pick out a fun piece with your gift recipient's initial. Also keep your eyes open for items with special numbers - perhaps the year your gift recipient was born or married, or the number of people in their family. These items can be used for fun decor, but also hold a deeper meaning.
Heritage & Hometown
Is someone on your list particularly proud of their heritage or hometown? My mom lives in the same town she was born and grew up, and always appreciates old postcards, advertisements, and other memorabilia from her hometown. Our family background is German so I also look for vintage German maps, books, and postage stamps.
Milestones
Acknowledge and celebrate a recent milestone in their life. If you're looking for a special gift for a friend who just had a baby, how about a favorite toy from your own childhood? Cookbooks, especially ones you had or have in your own collection, are perfect for newlyweds or others who have recently made the move out of their parent's house. And as a new homeowner, I know I would love vintage handyman and gardening books. Useful gifts (lots of advice and recipes are timeless!) that will always remind the gift recipient of a special time in their life.
Favorites
This idea works for those who might not collect vintage pieces, but still value old things. Think of their hobbies, passions, and favorites. A friend pursuing a degree in the medical field may appreciatee some vintage apothecary bottles and jars to keep on her desk. A family member who likes to travel might love old postcards from some of her favorite destinations. Anyone who loves to read would welcome an old edition of their favorite book. Sometimes those who don't spend their time roaming antique fairs and thrift stores appreciate vintage tokens like these even more.
Special Additions
Vintage goods can make an otherwise generic gift super special, or be used to present an out-of-the-box idea. Look to vintage mugs and teapots to hold a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, or tuck a bookstore gift certificate into the old library pocket of a vintage book. I once read on a blog about a husband promising his wife a bouquet of flower each month for the next year - really cute! You could present a gift like this with a vintage vase and the first bouquet. If you're gifting a trip, how about an old globe with a little note with the itinerary taped to the bottom?
Hope this gives you a few extra ideas the next time you're at a thrift store or antique mall! Happy shopping!
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