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

The holiday season has a way of making us take stock of everything—our closets, our homes, our habits. So this year, when shopping for holiday gifts, why not do so with an eye to clearing out the forgotten, the ill-fitting, the things that don’t spark anything anymore, and making room for what feels more intentional. And while most of the world is adding more new to cart, there’s something refreshing about going in the opposite direction. Vintage gifts—either for yourself or for loved ones—already come with a story, a past life, and a little soul baked in making them ideal for a season that’s just as much about reflection as it is about celebration. Below, seven vintage gift ideas that prove the best presents don’t have to be brand new to be perfect for anyone on your list.

Art

You never hear people complaining about having too much art, and this is one area where going vintage can really pay off. While buying new art (even the mass-produced kind) can range from kinda pricey to really, really pricey, vintage art can be a steal—and often have a more authentic feel. Check out antique shops or even stores like Goodwill for an impressive selection of art—think vintage travel and concert posters, old maps and photos, high-quality prints, retro illustrations, and even original paintings and sketches. Best of all, many pieces are already nicely framed, saving you that additional cost; plus, the frames often have a time-worn patina and charm that money can’t buy. An idea for the person who’s impossible to shop for: Search online for an antique map of a place that’s special to them.

Home decor

Vintage decor is the gift that says, “I know you’ll appreciate this, because you have cool taste.” It could be something chic yet functional, like a retro bar cart or runner rug. Or it could be something pretty they never knew they needed, like an iconic midcentury Lucite grape cluster, or a curated trio of decorative porcelain plates to hang as wall art. Another idea: Scout Christmas decorations from the 1920s through 1950s—these pieces can evoke holidays past in a way that cheap, trendy versions never will. There are even entire websites devoted to gorgeous vintage Christmas ornaments, many of them hand-painted—enjoy that rabbit hole.