A Very Vintage Gift Guide

Sculptural serving sets, Murano vases, and highly-specific barware: 50+ links to satisfy everyone on your list

Sterling silver modernist swirl bracelet, Painted fish candlestick holder, Chrome leaf candlestick holders, Mushroom salt and pepper shakers, Alessi steel creamer, Hermes silk scarf, Aluminum serving utensils, Stainless steel footed bowls, Murano ribbon vase

Vintage is often overlooked when it comes to gifting, but with so much character and a style for everyone, it’s the ultimate way to tap into someone's unique personal taste and make them feel truly seen. Intricate details and superior craftsmanship mean vintage pieces do more than just check the box on an obligatory gift; they're meaningful keepsakes with a depth that shows real thoughtfulness.

Here are a few of my favorite one-of-a-kind treasures that'll make even the hardest person to shop for on your list feel extra special.

VINTAGE HOME DECOR

Murano vases, studio pottery, silver trinket boxes, marble bookends— just picture your friend unboxing a chic and unexpected host gift when everyone else brought wine. Vintage candle holders come in a wide range of materials, shapes, and price points, and coffee table books are a thoughtful way to nod to someone’s interests (this Etsy shop has a great assortment). For a sentimental route, consider a vintage frame with a meaningful photo or memento. And of course, there’s always room for one more funky catchall or ashtray (who doesn’t love a little dish?).

1. Aluminum squiggle candle holder

2. ‘Lo Studio In Casa’ coffee table design book

3. Chrome fish catchall

4. Waterford crystal amber sunrise vase

5. Murano spiked vase

6. Long aluminum flower candle holder

7. Post Modern chrome chorus candle holder

8. Art Deco marble bookends

9. Art Nouveau silver poppy picture frame

10. Murano mezza filigrana vase
    

VINTAGE DRINK & BARWARE

Vintage barware has the tendency to skew kitschy, but it’s an underrated goldmine for elevated gifts. There are stunning glassware sets ranging from etched crystal coupes to modern whiskey glasses, and decanters you can adapt to one’s taste via unique shapes and materials (I love this ceramic sake set). Sleek trays, embroidered cocktail napkins, and playful drink stirrers are great additions to any home bar setup, and vintage bottle openers are ripe for personalization— search for souvenirs from a specific destination, sports motifs, quirky animals, and everything in between (I recently gifted a dachshund bottle opener to a friend).

1. Silver whale corkscrew

2. Etched crystal glasses

3. Deco glass decanter

4. Stainless steel martini glasses

5. Embroidered cocktail napkins

6. Alessi Recinto Piccolo Tray

7. Carl Aubock fish bottle opener
   

VINTAGE KITCHEN & DINING

You can get pretty niche with kitchenware depending on the recipient’s interests: French cheese knives, cheeky salt and pepper shakers, a design-forward tea kettle, maybe even a ceramic oyster dish for the right person. Interesting napkin rings or sculptural serving utensils are a practical choice for your friend who loves to throw dinner parties (I’m partial to whimsical aluminum designs). If pressing a button on the Nespresso machine is more their speed, you can zhuzh up their morning with vintage mug, where options range from handmade stoneware sets to novelty souvenirs.

1. Post Modern serving set

2. Italian stainless steel espresso cups

3. Bakelite salt and pepper shakers

4. Alessi salt shaker and pepper mill

5. French ceramic mug set

6. Modernist chrome salt and pepper set

7. Vegetable-shaped aluminum serving set

8. Post Modern stainless steel kettle

9. Colorful mother of pearl knife set
   

VINTAGE JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES

And for wearables, you can’t go wrong with vintage jewelry, special occasion cuff links, or a timeless watch. Keep an eye out for quality materials like sterling silver, silk, and cashmere— the value you can get for your money in this category is truly remarkable. A few favorite rabbit holes include antique lockets, Hermes silk scarves and ties, charm bracelets, and birthstone jewelry.

1. Sterling silver and rose quartz bracelet

2. Sterling silver free form earrings

3. Sterling silver cuff links

4. Italian sterling silver heart bracelet

5. Hermes silk scarf

6. Danish sterling silver daisy ring

7. Swedish sterling silver signet ring

xx Lindsay

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