A Guide to Gifting Vintage & Secondhand
There’s no doubt this year is THE year of abandoning any previous ideas of what ‘normal’ looked like. So… if we’re living in a new world, why continue to cling to old ways?
Over the past few years, more and more people have begun to source a vintage and secondhand lifestyle. Whether it’s clothing, kitchenware, or home decor, people are beginning to design their lives with nostalgia and while doing so they’re becoming more conscious about the way they consume.
One thing that has been slower in catching up with this new lifestyle is the act of gifting vintage and secondhand pieces. I’ll be the first to say… it can feel a little weird gift shopping for a loved one by rummaging through someone else’s old stuff. If you can find your way to look past that awkward idea, gifting thrifted pieces can be such a beautiful thing. When you gift secondhand and vintage you’re basically guaranteeing that someone else isn’t gifting them the same exact thing. There’s also so much more magic to gifting something with a little history behind it.
Ready to make the dive into gifting vintage yet?! Well I’m here to help make the transition a little easier for ya by giving you my guide to gifting vintage and secondhand.
There is no ‘one and done’ in this
The key to a good vintage hunt is multiple trips, yes sometimes to the same shops too. Any thrift or vintage shop isn’t going to look the same every day or every week. After something sells in these shops, it’s not like they’re simply running to the stock room to replenish the shelf with five more of the same mass produced piece. There’s always going to be new and fresh (but old) pieces you’ve never seen before! Multiple trips to the same vintage shops means that you’re less likely to miss out on those gifts that are just all too perfect for Ma and Pa.
Keep it fun and personal
The best thrifted gifts are the ones that have a little extra behind them. Before running to your nearest shop, sit down and do some brainstorming about who exactly you’re shopping for. Jot down a small list of each persons hobbies, passions, and even some little inside jokes you have.
For your brother-in-law who’s a major whiskey lover, maybe a classy decanter or a Vintage Jim Beam Whiskey Bottle. For your mom who’s weirdly into turtles, maybe a 1960s Turtle Cookie Jar. Get specific and be fun with it!
This little brainstorm beforehand makes it easier for you to catch that perfect adorable piece. The best gifts are the ones that spark joy!
Get a little crafty
No, you don’t have to be all artsy fartsy to do this so don’t even come at me with that excuse, honey! Getting a little crafty with your thrifted pieces can be as simple as finding a one of kind vintage frame to put that nostalgic family photo in or buying a vintage vase to put some festive flowers in!
For those feeling a little more bold, you can go with a little DIY gift basket filled with cute thrifted and handmade pieces or even DIY a candle in a vintage jar or tea cup. Whoever told you homemade gifts are only for kids is full of sh*t and don’t you forget it.
Stay open minded
Thrifting isn’t like running to your basic big brand department store. You can’t just go in with a list of specific items and guarantee you’ll get everything on the list. Staying open minded while you gift shop will keep you keep you open to a gift that can ‘wow’.
Did your mom ask specifically for a coffee bean grinder from the late 1800s? I mean if she did, your mom is super freakin’ cool and I would like to be her friend. I’m going to guess that she mostly likely didn’t but, if you can picture her face lighting up when she opens it then just do it!
Whatever you gift, have fun with it. Gifting is supposed to be a fun and loving way to show the person you’re thinking about them so don’t sweat it too much!
Happy Holidays to all my Vintage Lovers!
xo,
Jess
P.S. Wash your hands