Lauren Thomann is an antique dealer, freelance writer, and editor with nearly two decades of experience. She specializes in antiques, antique jewelry, old houses, vintage design, and lifestyle content.

Vintage Gift Guide for 2024 With Trendy Picks from 1880-1991

I’ll just be lounging in that bathrobe all holiday season.

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I haven’t created an antique gift guide in a couple of years, so I figured it was time. The picks represent my current antique fascinations, along with vintage items that seem to be especially popular this year. Keep in mind that antiques are individual listings, so well-priced collectibles will sell out fast. If the item is already sold by the time you see this, check out the Etsy Holiday Gift Hub for more ideas.

Elegant Antique Gifts Under $100

  1. Dating back to 1887, this Victorian-era book Fireside Readings features an embossed cover and intricate graphics that reflect the artistry of late 19th-century publishing. I have many books in this style and would happily add more for any price under $40.
  2. The celluloid photo album from around 1900ish features an elegant portrait of an Edwardian woman. I love the gold gilt detail—and the price, which has really come down in recent years.
  3. This early 20th-century framed print reminds me of my Maxfield Parrish prints and is perfect for someone who just wants a landscape without people. The frame looks to be original, too.
  4. Quality repro alert! This iridescent art glass vase was made in 1991, but it captures the flowing, organic patterns of the Art Nouveau era for significantly less than you’d pay for an original Quezal or Tiffany art glass vase.
  5. This super pretty hand-painted porcelain plate features delicate pansies and dates to the 1910s. I wouldn’t eat off this plate, but I’d hang it on my wall in a heartbeat.

Vintage Retro Kitchen Finds

vintage kitchen finds gift guide
  • This turquoise Pyrex mixing bowl features the iconic Butterprint pattern, and I’m pretty sure my mom has the same one. It’s durable and still fully functional.
  • I have two blue cornflower CorningWare casserole dishes, and I still use them as if I were in a 1960s kitchen. They have heat-resistant glass and are oven-safe.
  • These vintage wooden rolling pins with vibrant red handles reflect the cheerful designs of the 1950s—and I like them as decor (since I don’t bake), but they are, again, entirely usable.
  • I am not sure if you want to actually use a coffee grinder from the 1950s, but this one features a cast-iron top and a wooden base, making it worthy of a spot on an open shelf.
  • These mid-century tin cookie cutters come in whimsical shapes like a gingerbread man, horse, and bunny, perfect for holiday or everyday baking.

Boho-Inspired Vintage Linens

vintage linens gift guide
  1. Chenille bedspreads from the 1950s are not cheap, but they are desirable and expensive for a reason. I love this one that showcases an intricately designed peacock motif in bold orange and multicolored accents.
  2. These vintage linen hand towels are delicately embroidered with floral and pastoral motifs. I think the set coordinates well together and would look awesome in a kitchen with salmon-colored cabinets.
  3. Just wow! This intricately hand-crocheted tablecloth from the 1970s features a repeating floral design with impressive craftsmanship. I’d throw this on a table or at the end of the bed.
  4. This colorful, upcycled chenille robe is made from a 1960s bedspread and is adorned with bold floral designs and textured loops. I have a robe that was also upcycled from a chenille bedspread, and it has held up great over the years.

Niche Collectibles

vintage niche collectible gift guide
  1. This portable Westinghouse record player is model H114AC1A from the 1970s. I love the sleek gray carrying case with minimalist flower motifs inside
  2. This large-format A. Schaeffner bellows camera from the 1890s features a beautifully crafted wooden frame and brass lens. It’s beyond me whether or not someone could use this camera, but it’s highly collectible nonetheless.
  3. This charming hand-crank toy sewing machine from around 1900 is decorated with painted floral details, and it seems to be fully functional. Buy it for the avid sewer and vintage lover in your life.
  4. This 1965 Camp Granada board game is based on the novelty song by Allan Sherman (Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh!) and includes colorful retro illustrations with pop-ups. Put it on display or play it with the family; the choice is yours.
  5. This 1969 relief map of modern Europe is mounted on wooden rollers for hanging and showcases vivid topographical details. It’s an educational yet decorative piece that would work in any MCM-inspired home.
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Worth $500? — Antique Walnut Jewelry Box

Victorian Walnut Jewellery Box with Fitted Interior & Key – English Circa 1880Dating to around 1880, this English walnut jewelry box retains its original green silk and velvet. It even comes with a working lock and key.

There is some age-related fraying—but at $499.99, does its Victorian charm justify the price?

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