7 Holiday Gifts That Are Even Better When They’re Vintage

The holiday season forces us to take stock of everything – our closets, our homes, our habits. So this year, when shopping for holiday gifts, why not do it to get rid of the forgotten items, the unsuitable items, the items that no longer spark anything, and make room for things that feel more intentional. And although most of the world adds more new to cart, there's something refreshing about moving in the opposite direction. Vintage gifts—both for yourself and loved ones—already have a history, a past life, and a bit of soul, making them perfect for a season that's as much about celebration as it is about reflection. Below are seven vintage gift ideas that prove they make the best gifts, and don't have to be brand new to be perfect for anyone on your list.

Art

You'll never hear people complain about having too much art, and this is one area where vintage can really pay off. While buying new art (even mass produced) can range from quite expensive to very, very expensive, vintage art can be a steal and often creates a more authentic look. Visit antique stores or even stores like Goodwill, which have an impressive selection of art—like vintage travel and concert posters, old maps and photographs, high-quality prints, retro illustrations, and even original paintings and sketches. The best part is that many items are already beautifully framed, saving you additional costs; Plus, frames often have a worn patina and charm that money can't buy. An idea for the person who can't shop for: Find an old map online of a place that is special to them.

Home decor

Vintage decor is a gift that says, “I know you’ll appreciate this because you have cool taste.” This could be something chic but functional, like a retro bar cart or runner. Or it could be something beautiful they didn't even know they needed, like the iconic mid-century Lucite. bunch of grapesor a carefully selected trio of decorative porcelain plates to hang on the wall. Another idea: Girl Scout Christmas ornaments from the 1920s to 1950s—these items can evoke holidays past in a way that cheap, trendy versions never can. There are even entire websites dedicated to the magnificent vintage christmas decorationsmany of them are hand painted – enjoy this rabbit hole.