I am not saying all antique lovers are the same, but not all antique lovers need a priceless antique as a gift. Sure, some might see us as the “vegans” of gifting. We can be picky and particular about our taste… We like environmentally sustainable things; we like simpler things. These are all generalizations, of course, but if the vintage collector in your life is anything like me, some of these stocking stuffer ideas might go over well.
Pressed Flower Bookmark
Pressed flowers have a very eclectic Victorian vibe, and I am all about using them for functional items like bookmarks. This particular style is made using pressed white daisy wildflowers, leaves, and gold flakes.
Miniature Painting
Miniature paintings were popular in the Victorian era (notice a trend here?), but I love the recreations, too. This art gallery on Etsy carries a variety of new hand-crafted “lover’s eye” miniatures, and the frames even look like they could be out of the 19th century. Find an eye that resembles your secret love.
Art Nouveau Compact
I love all things Art Nouveau, so if I need something (like a mirror compact for my purse), I will choose the one with the Art Nouveau design. I love that this new compact looks like it has been crazing from age. You could get an original compact, but you’ll spend a lot more and have to deal with old, likely lead-filled powder.
Gingseng Green Tea
I feel so much better when I stick to a very slow, intentional morning routine, which usually includes some green tea. I love it when people treat me to new brands and flavors I’m unfamiliar with, so I’d really love this highly-rated set from The Republic of Tea in my stocking. (If my family is reading, consider this your hint.)
Handmade Soap
What’s more old-world than a hand-crafted bar of soap? The Victorian era wasn’t the cleanliest time, but their fragrances were so good partly because hygiene was so bad. Let’s think of simpler times while being grateful for our indoor plumbing as we bathe with some rose peony suds.
Little Luxart Library Books
OK, I had to include some antiques on the list. These little 1920s books might look normal scale in the pic, but they’re petite and stocking-stuffer-sized. This affordable version resembles more expensive “Little Leather Library” classics from the same era. The covers are leatherette and the perfect shades to double as holiday decorations.
Hand Cream Trio
I am drawn to packaging. But! The product needs to be good, too. And since I am not going to be squeezing hand cream out of an old Ponds jar from 1940, here we are seeking out some natural, iconic-smelling lotion. The price is a little steep, but this product is made in France (and looks and feels the part).
Antique Pocket Watch
I have a lot I could say about this one (DM me to talk about it). I’ll say this here: If you want to splurge on a timepiece for a loved one, buy it from a certified watchmaker if you can. This seller doesn’t know how to write search-friendly titles or descriptions, but they stand behind their watches (and their feedback is a testament to this). Let’s give these treasures new life and support a dying trade. This example is a stunner—and it works!
Feather Pen With Ink
This stocking stuffer idea plays to my love of antiques and fantasy. While at some point in history, people had to use pen and ink for necessity, we have the luxury of picking up a feather pen for a hobby. My calligraphy and penmanship are not very good, but I have fun trying. I wouldn’t recommend this for advanced calligraphers (they use multiple nibs), but it’s a great gift for beginners and dabblers.
Antique Postcards
I did a double take when I saw this set of 12 Art Nouveau postcards on Etsy. They seem too good to be true. Are they reproduction prints? The seller has great feedback, so unless I’m missing something, this is the real deal (and a good deal). I recommend any antique postcard for a vintage lover’s stocking.
