#Thrifting #Gifting #Buy #Vintage #Gift #WorthPoint
We are mere days from Black Friday, the official start of the holiday gift shopping season; however, plenty of organized and efficient people are already done with their shopping. If you’re not, however, there is still plenty of time. And if you want to shop locally and support sustainability, your neighborhood thrift store or antique mall might be just the right place to find some unique gifts guaranteed to please.
The numbers on vintage shopping are robust, and with issues around supply chains and inflation, many are turning to vintage gifts for the people on their lists. According to Statista, the resale market is having a moment. In 2022, nationwide sales in the US hit $167B, and in 2023, that number climbed to $197B. Forecasts are showing that by 2028, sales could reach $350B.
BUYING VINTAGE GIFTS
There seems to be some unwritten rule or custom that purchasing a gift must be brand new. The idea that no one wants to get some used or “pre-loved” item isn’t exactly spelled out anywhere in an etiquette book, but at this time of year, it just seems to be all about the shiny and the new. Still, with so many collectors, vintage fans, and antique enthusiasts, plenty of people on your gift list would appreciate getting something they already enjoy instead of another pair of gloves or fuzzy socks.
If you know someone well enough to exchange gifts with them, you know if they like Wedgewood, Waterford, or some other category of vintage/antique items. Gifting vintage clothing can be difficult because sizes can be hit or miss, but accessories like purses, jewelry, or hats can be great gifts.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SHOPS
Many vintage fans love the thrill of the hunt and finding a favorite item in a thrift store or an antique mall. However, it’s a little more challenging to shop for someone else because while you might know that Aunt Helen likes Jadeite Fire King, you don’t want to pick up a piece for her and find out she already has it.
Anyone who wants a vintage gift or likes certain collectibles might want to let people know which items they already have. A good way to do this is the WorthPoint Vault. Cataloging and documenting your treasures not only helps if you have a catastrophic loss but can also help others know what you might want for a holiday gift.
Even if you don’t have specifics, you can go from there if you know a general category that someone on your list likes. Someone who has a lady head vase on one of their shelves is probably a mid-century modern fan, so maybe look for an Atlas barware set or a set of brightly colored kitchen canisters.
EXPERT ADVICE
WorthPoint asked one of our valued Industry Partners, Walt Kolenda of Cape Ann Auction, about shopping for vintage or antique items during the holidays. He told us that the holidays don’t bring that much extra business his way, and he doesn’t see an increase in calls or requests for items, but that he is always willing to help someone find a particular item. He said,
“The antique business isn’t like traditional stores that get holiday shoppers. I don’t hear much about people shopping vintage for holiday gifts, but it’s definitely a solid idea if you know someone like antiques.”
When asked about trends in vintage items during the holidays, Walt sees some increased interest in jewelry items. He also advises anyone looking for vintage gifts to start early. Many sellers only conduct auctions or sales online via eBay or other platforms, so the timing of those auctions and any added shipping times have to be factored into any purchase.
THE VINTAGE ADVANTAGES
The past few years have been challenging in our post-pandemic world. Supply chain issues persist, prices have increased, and many smaller local stores did not survive the lockdowns. That’s why hitting up a local thrift store could be a better option.
Their inventory is already there, cash and carry. Shoppers can pick up an item, inspect it for flaws, and ensure it has the right marks and is authentic. Staff in many thrift shops and antique markets are also usually pretty knowledgeable about what they sell. In big box retailers or shopping malls, there might not be a salesperson who knows a particular brand, but antique dealers and resellers know all the stories behind what they sell and are a good source of advice for buyers who are not sure precisely what they need.
Finally, vintage stores are often local; some even benefit non-profit organizations. Buying a vintage item is better for the planet and is a good part of shopping sustainably. Rather than another metal and plastic gaming console or tech gadget that might be obsolete in a few months, a vintage photo frame, candy dish, or vase is a one-of-a-kind item that could have new life and stay out of a landfill—plus it likely won’t be a duplicate gift that someone has to drag back to a store or a mall.
IS IT OK TO GIFT A USED ITEM?
A question that often comes up about thrifting and gifting is whether recipients will be put off by a used gift. This is where it’s essential to read the room. If you know someone who collects something specific or just likes vintage and antiques, then you know they’ve already got a lot of “used” items, so they will likely be fine with it.
In her blog, Mid-Century Millenial, content creator Megan Housekeeper discusses vintage gifting, suggesting, “One way I like to access the most thoughtful gifts, at the best prices, with a softer impact on our planet—is to create unique combinations of gifts with secondhand items.” Maybe someone on your holiday list likes crystal glasses. A nice bottle of their favorite wine, with a pair of vintage glasses for their collection, would be a way to create something that a gift giver won’t find at the mall.
If vintage fans are in your life this holiday season, why not try to find something that fits in with their collections? While the season is about spreading joy and being with loved ones, collectors are a fierce bunch, and they love their treasures. A Pyrex casserole or vintage set of candlesticks will likely be a welcome addition to their home, and it shows you took the time to understand who they are and what they like. Happy thrifting and gifting this holiday season, and check out the WorthPoint Price Guide and other resources to learn more.
Brenda Kelley Kim lives in the Boston area. She is the author of Sink or Swim: Tales From the Deep End of Everywhere and writes a weekly syndicated column for The Marblehead Weekly News/Essex Media Group. When not writing or walking her snorty pug, Penny, she enjoys yard sales, flea markets, and badminton.
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