Is it OK to give “vintage” for Christmas?
Gifts are given to make people happy.
Think about the recipient and ask “what would make them happy?” An increasing trend to be sustainable, green and “hand crafted” makes unique, thoughtful and appropriate vintage gifts very acceptable… and great value.
Knowing that some-one is a collector of vintage toys, or loves antique jewellery makes the search simple and a modern alternative would not be welcome. There may need to be more creativity required when considering vintage, retro or antique options for others. Here are some ideas from my customers over the past years.
Bake favourite cookies or cakes and deliver on a gorgeous vintage plate with doily a copy of the recipe or cookbook
Add a pair of sparkling old crystal glasses to a bottle of wine packaged in vintage Irish linen
Fill an old basket with picnic china, cutlery and white linen napkins with a cosy car rug
Add a family photo to a lovely old ornate picture frame
Give a family brooch or necklace with a photo of the previous owner
Create a hamper with afternoon tea goodies of family china, silver and linen
Fill Grandma’s sewing basket with vintage notions or create a special button tin
Make pickles and preserves and give them with glass lidded preserve pots, add silver jam spoons
Fill a big old mixing bowl with kitchen implements and all the “doings” for a handwritten family recipe
Search out expertly crafted pottery vases or silver coffee pots and fill with gorgeous garden flowers
Vintage and antique linen, silver, crystal, jewellery and china can’t be surpassed for quality and value. So… the answer is “yes”, anything that makes people happy can be given as Christmas gifts.
If it has a family connection, a history and a special story to tell, so much the better!
Daphne Geisler of Vintage Treasures Kansas Street
