2016-11-15

Today's post Vintage Style Gift Ideas for Christmas from VintageDancer.com.

Now that the excitement of Halloween is over; it is time to think about another key date for our calendars – Christmas. Although some people choose to spend the entirety of the year planning and formulating preparations for December 25th, many of us instead prefer to utilise the period from Halloween onward in order to prepare for the big day. Here are some vintage style gift ideas for Christmas, which will hopefully give you some ideas for your nearest and dearest.

When buying gifts for lovers of vintage, the sheer scope of options available may initially appear overwhelming. Of course, the sooner gift planning commences, the better the chances are of finding the perfect vintage inspired gift.

Vintage Style Gift Ideas – Art Deco

When buying for those with an eye for vintage, it is of course helpful to understand which eras and decades in particular they admire.



For a quirky Art Deco inspired gift, this notepad from John Lewis would be perfect.

The Art Deco movement generally spans from 1925 through the 1930s. In 1925, the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts was held in Paris. Although the movement commenced prior to this, the exhibition became the catalyst for launching the style. The term Art Deco was generally used from the 1960s, when renewed academic and general interest produced a revival of the style.



Choose from this selection of Art Deco inspired gifts for vintage style gift ideas for Christmas.  Besame Makeup, Leopard jewelry box, Hotter Shoes, Star Brooch, Scarf Coat, Fedora hat, Thin Man movies, 1930s mens pants.

Popular colors include gold, silver and black. Stars, moons, geometric designs and sunbeam patterns were all popular motifs. The movement was all about modernity, freshness, new exciting lines, shapes and styles. When buying Art Deco vintage style gift ideas for Christmas, look out for these colors and designs.

This headpiece from Unique Vintage would make a beautiful Art Deco inspired Christmas gift.

For Christmas tree decoration inspiration from the 1930s, (and a method for making fake snow!) see this post by Lindsay Lane here.

Vintage Gifts for Her – Boudoir Style

There are many gifting options to ensure the recipient feels like a Hollywood movie star! For vintage inspired boudoir gifts, think of make-up – Besame offer beautifully packaged items, all in period appropriate colors and shades. Perfect for any dressing table!

Add a touch of vintage inspired glamour to any dressing table with this blush from Modcloth.

Bath and body products are also a great pampering option. What Katie Did offer a wonderful selection of loungewear, including cute mules in which to wear with style. Macy’s have a lovely selection of classy, yet luxurious pajamas, perfect for lounging in on Christmas day.

Here is a great selection of vintage inspired gifts ideas for the boudoir: Beauty  gift set, blush brush, boudoir slippers, silk pillowcase, pajamas, Besame lipstick set kit,  Your Beauty Mark, and Besame brush holder.

Also, think of books. Dita Von Teese’s book Your Beauty Mark would be the perfect gift for fans of her style (provided that is the recipient does not already own it! Although I held out from buying it for myself last year just in case I received it for Christmas – which I did not!)

Collect all 6 Besame perfumes. One for each decade 1910-1960

Other gift ideas include beautiful yet functional items for the dressing table – make-up brush holders, jewelry holders or perfumes.

Vintage Inspired Gifts – Crafts & Sewing

This category may of course not be for everyone. But for those with a make do and mend nature, a craft inspired gift may be perfectly suited. Ideas include sewing patterns (check sizing before hand), tools appropriate to the craft – tape measure, pins, pattern weights, or even kits containing a project to complete.

Think about the gift recipient’s hobbies, choosing a suitably crafty gift. Shop patterns for women and mens patterns too.

If you are unsure which tools or materials to buy, instead opt for a craft themed gift. For example, if the recipient loves sewing, these notebooks from Modcloth are a perfect nod to the recipient’s passion. Another alternative would be crafting books, online class or even magazines appropriate to the particular craft or hobby.

For sewing enthusiasts, this sewing kit from Modcloth would make a welcome Christmas gift.

Both Modcloth and ASOS currently carry many crafting kits, catering from beginners; to those with a more advanced skill set.

Vintage Style Gift Ideas – Mid Century Glamour

For lovers of mid century glamour, there is plenty of choice to select from. Arguably, the 1950s is the decade that today many vintage reproduction brands draw inspiration from, thereby increasing the selection of products available. For women’s clothing, look out for classic wiggle pencil skirt silhouettes, or their more voluminous counterparts – the circle skirt.

For a glamorous mid century style, chose from this selection of vintage gifts for her. Red wiggle dress, petticoat, makeup, brooch, cardigan sweater, and retro purse.

A petticoat could be the perfect gift if the recipient favors the full circle skirt style. Or, how about a cropped cardigan to team with those retro skirts? Boden offer a great selection of classic cropped cardigans, sitting on the natural waist for a flattering silhouette.

This heart sweater from Top Vintage would make a lovely mid century inspired Christmas gift.

Alternatively, for a smaller gift accessories could be the perfect answer. Both Unique Vintage and Cats Like Us stock Erstwilder – an Australian company specializing in vintage inspired resin jewelry, predominantly brooches.

Vintage Gifts for the Home

Aside from clothing, accessories, bath and beauty products; home wares provide excellent gifting choice options. From kitchen wares, to bedding, to wall art to house plants – the choice can be as varied as the amount of rooms.

Home wares can make an excellent gifting option. Moth dish, tea set, oven mitt (sold out fast), decor sign, apron, bottle opener, and radio.

As William Morris once said – “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Based on this, think about items the recipient may actually need, which they do not currently own. Or, think about items that could do with an update – I know my oven mitt is currently looking in a sorry state!

This mid century mod wall clock would look amazing in a 1960 home. Found at Retro Planet a great place to get all kinds of vintage decor.

Alternately, think about decorative items – house plants, wall art, mirrors, trinket boxes, or even replacement cupboard/drawer handles. Keep in mind the general style of the recipient’s dwelling, and of course adhere to this.

Men’s Vintage Style Gift Ideas

When searching for gift ideas for men, keep in mind any items they may actually need, or would find useful. Some ideas include: Accessories – ties, cufflinks, cravats, hats, scarves, gloves, tie pins, suspenders. Clothing – shirts, waistcoat, vest or shoes. Aside from clothing and accessories, think about male grooming, there are many kits and gift sets available specifically intended as Christmas gift options.

Choose from these vintage inspired gift ideas for men: gloves, planner, vest, shoe shine kit, suspenders, and wallet.

Another option which would make a lovely gift is personalization. Paul Fredrick offers a monogram service on dress shirts, which would be a lovely vintage style gift idea for Christmas.

For men’s vintage style gift ideas for Christmas, this wash kit from Modcloth is a great option.

Vintage Style Gift Ideas for Christmas – Accessories

As previously mentioned, accessories can make wonderful Christmas gifts. For accessories where no sizing details are required, think about jewelry, bags, scarves, ties, cufflinks and suspenders.

Accessories can make excellent Christmas gifts, and can prove incredibly versatile. For women: Cloche hat, fur gloves, earrings, peacock purse. For men: pocket squares, cufflinks, bag, dot necktie.

If you do have access to some sizing information, hats, gloves, stockings, socks and shoes could all be viable Christmas gifting options.

Tall argyle socks for men are very vintage and hard to find. A great gift.

Accessories can make perfect small gifts or stocking fillers. Equally, they can hold special relevance in the form of jewelry, making the occasion a memorable one.

Here are some tips to help you find perfect vintage style gifts:

Make a list of people you intend to gift to

Think about their style, needs, eras they are drawn to, hobbies etc

If shopping online, use appropriate key word phrases and filters for swift results

Think about items the recipient would perhaps not buy for themselves, but are extremely useful – good quality gloves, luxurious robe etc

Don’t forget gift wrap and labels

Leave yourself enough time to receive items in the mail if shopping online, and in which to send gifts to the recipients in the mail

This article has outlined a few ideas for vintage style gift ideas for Christmas, hopefully providing inspiration for your nearest and dearest!

See more of our best selling items on VintageDancer which make great gifts: For women and for men:

Victorian Velvet Tartan Dress Gown Theater Christmas Dickens Caroler Costume 122

$185.00

Vintage Style Hand Bag - Sweet Swallow

£62.00

One Sharp Cookie A-Line Skirt

$59.99

Cindy Skirt - Holiday Cheers

Knee High Long Socks Argyle Extra Fine Combed Cotton

Mens Derby Tweed Flat Cap Teflon Coated

$23.95

Dance Floor Date A-Line Dress in Dots

$59.99

Work Wonderlands Cotton Dress

$79.99

Vera Vintage Inspired Sequin Shawl

$18.95

Shoreline 1920s Mary Janes by Aerosoles Black

$60.00

Petroleum Art Deco Booties by Aerosoles Grey

$80.00

Nita 1940s Ankle Strap Sandals by Royal Vintage Black

$145.00

Petroleum Art Deco Booties by Aerosoles Black

$80.00

ASOS Luxe Faux Fur Swing Coat - Brown

£80.00

Beaded Cape

£40.00

40s Lillian Coat in Burgundy

£160.73

Harrington Jacket With Tartan Lining Retro/Mod/Scooter S - 3XL

$34.27

Double-breasted Jacket Slim Fit Blazer

$47.99

50s Rita Swing Coat in Bright Red

£89.11

For the Winnipeg Coat in Red

$169.99

40s Lillian Faux Fur Cape in Brown

£44.36

Emerald Green Floral Sheer Sleeveless Maggie Swing Dress Size 4XL

$88.00

Manhattan" Button Boots (Black)(1890-1920)

$175.00

Victorian Steampunk Costume

$48.09

Banded Collar Dress Shirt

$21.95

Scarf Coat Size OS

$165.00

50s Patricia Tartan Swing Coat in Beige

£157.14

MG Mens Plaid Ivy Newsboy Cap Hat

$19.99

Aerosoles - Petroleum Black Fabric High Heels

$60.00

So Foxy Retro Wiggle Dress - Red

£105.00

Spearpoint Collar Shirt - brown ticking

£65.00

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