Gifting Nostalgia

There’s something about vintage inspiration that gives a warm feeling inside. As I have fully embraced online shopping I’ve found a multitude of beautiful gifts this year for someone who wants to be taken back to another place in time. My grandmothers have passed down so many heirloom items over the past few years and I’m discovering newer isn’t always better. Although I love to scour vintage stores, flea markets and antiques it can be a challenge when you are trying to find the perfect gift in a short amount of time. Today I’m rounding up the best vintage inspired items to share with you in case you are in a pinch or time crunch.

Vintage Record Player

Every music lover has a soft spot for albums. Although a Spotify subscription is perfect for a music lover for on the go, nothing beats the sound of vinyl records. Now they come in a multitude of options for the modern buyer with price points that are affordable. Try this pastel one for under $50 or this version of an old Victrola. If you have time, pop into a local thrift or antique shop and add a record for a special touch. Most of the time, vintage records can be found for a really good deal and add a little extra for the person you are gifting.

Locket or Pocket Watch

No wardrobe is complete without a time piece or locket. With lockets, you can fill the inside with a photograph that is meaningful whether it’s a picture or landscape. I loved the way Jamie Beck just shared on her Instagram stories how she filled her locket with wedding photographs. Companies like Walgreens have made it easy to print directly from your phone so you can pick up the photographs, cut and insert.

Train Case

Do you have a loved one who travels? A train case is such a fantastic addition to travel essentials. What I love about mine is how easy it is to fit all of your toiletries, makeup and loose items in. It fits perfectly into a carry on or you can check it in a larger suitcase. Unlike a traditional toiletry bag, the shape of a train case gives you a little more room to corral all of your random items.

Typewriter

There is something so chic about a typewriter sitting on a desk. If you have a loved one passionate about writing poetry, literature, essays or even if they journal this is a really special gift. I’d recommend purchasing one that allows you to easily refill ink. You can even add a extra ink so the budding writer doesn’t have to immediately rush out and try to figure out what the right ink is for the typewriter.

Driving Gloves or Shoes

For the automobile enthusiast this is a classy gift for their road trip journeys. Driving shoes and loafers are timeless and easy to slip on and off during travels. A pair of driving gloves can double as winter gloves in warmer states while adding a sophisticated touch to an outfit. For a female you can incorporate a beautiful scarf for someone to wear if they love convertible cars.

Silk Scarf or Handkerchief

As mentioned above this gift can be giving in addition to the train case or driving accessories. Silk scarfs are so lightweight they can be worn a variety of ways all year long. I own a pretty decent collection of vintage and heirloom scarves of high quality but rounded up a few that you can pass down for generations. Handkerchiefs are perfect for a gentleman and businessman. During the chilly months they provide relief from a running nose or cough and then during the summer months they are perfect after a walk outdoors to wipe a few drips of sweat away from the forehead. Finally, what’s more classy than lending your handkerchief to a lovely lady if she is shedding a tear? Nothing really. Completely encompasses the concept of chivalry.

Calligraphy

For any artist or crafter calligraphy can become a hobby quickly if presented with the right tools. Calligraphy is in my opinion a lost art now that we rarely communicate through written letters. Purchase a single pen and bottle of ink or look for a calligraphy set. Again, another perfect gift to add your own handwritten note inside.

Jello Forms and Bundt Cake Pans

During the mid-century this was all the rage. These are so easy to pick up at vintage and antique stores but if you are looking for new finishes like Teflon or non-stick you can shop a few below. Another addition to this gift is to serve a set of 4 or 8 dessert plates or a cook book along with it! If you have a baker in the family or someone who loves to cook this is a fun way of adding to their bake ware collection.

Vintage Board Games

Last but not least this has to be one of the best host/hostess gifts! Yes, you can bring them a bottle of wine or candle instead, but most people love to have a few games on hand when entertaining. Especially if family is invited over. Vintage board games are a good item to stock up on in case you are invited to a last minute dinner party. Who knows? You may end up playing it with the group that night!

I’m wearing a vintage dress passed down from my mother. It’s about twenty five years old and has remained a dress she wore again and again over the years. I’ve found a few similar ones in the conclusion of today’s post - under “Shop the Post”. I love the sheer mesh sleeves with velvet cuffs and simple but elegant gold and black lace embroidery. To keep with the theme of vintage I added a clutch with a coin top snap and then delicate gold heeled sandals. Everything is over 10 years old, but true to form some classics never go out of style.

Who do you think would love a vintage inspired gift?

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