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I am a huge believer in thoughtful rather than expensive Christmas gifts. Here are my favorite thriftable gifts for the holiday season.
Christmas is the season of giving, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to find meaningful gifts that your loved ones will adore. In fact, some of the best gifts come from the past—whether it’s a vintage treasure, a quirky retro find, or something with a personal touch. If you’re like me and have a soft spot for all things vintage and girly, I’m about to share some of my favorite thoughtful and thriftable gift ideas that will totally steal the spotlight this holiday season. So grab a cozy mug of hot chocolate, put on It’s a Wonderful Life, and let’s dive into the world of affordable yet fabulous vintage-inspired gifts!
Who doesn’t love a charming little box to keep their most treasured trinkets? Soapstone trinket boxes are a fantastic, affordable gift that combines beauty and function. These hand-carved treasures come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, often adorned with floral designs or playful motifs. Plus, soapstone has that timeless, earthy feel, making it perfect for anyone who loves the vintage or boho aesthetic. Imagine gifting someone a little box to store their jewelry, love letters, or mementos in style. It’s thoughtful, personal, and won’t be too pricey. I’ve seen these boxes go for $5-$25 on eBay.
For the foodie (or aspiring foodie) in your life, nothing beats the charm of a vintage cookbook. Think 1950s casseroles, 1960s appetizers, or even quirky retro dessert ideas. Retro cookbooks are not only fun to flip through, but they also make for unique, quirky gifts that add a little personality to any kitchen. Bonus points if the cookbook includes colorful illustrations or vintage ads. Plus, a cookbook is a great way to encourage loved ones to try out new recipes and create lasting memories in the kitchen. My favorite cookbooks nowadays are by Martha Stewart and Ina Garten. You can always find good copies of these books from the early 2000s to now at the thrift store.
Vinyl records are making a serious comeback—and for good reason! There’s something so special about gifting a loved one a vintage record, especially if it’s an album they adore or one that has sentimental value. Look for oldies records from the '50s or '60s to bring a touch of nostalgia. Whether it’s a classic Frank Sinatra album or some Motown magic, records have a way of adding a personal touch to any music lover’s collection. And let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like the warm sound of vinyl spinning. Grab a few from your local thrift store or vintage shop and create a thoughtful, music-inspired gift bundle!
Coffee table books are an ideal gift for anyone who loves to decorate or show off a little style. Vintage coffee table books often feature stunning photography or art, quirky themes, or nostalgic pop culture references. From fashion to photography, history to interior design, there’s a vintage coffee table book out there that’s perfect for every taste. It’s a great way to add some elegance to a space without spending a fortune. I love how these books spark conversation and offer a peek into the past, which is why they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Who doesn’t love a good calendar, especially one that’s still in its original packaging (aka “deadstock”)? Vintage calendars often feature beautiful artwork, inspirational quotes, or retro design elements from decades past. Imagine gifting someone a 1960s calendar adorned with charming illustrations or advertisements. It’s a gift that’s both practical and full of vintage charm, and since most of these calendars are made to last, it’s something they’ll enjoy for years to come. Deadstock calendars are often affordable, too, making them a perfect option for a thoughtful, low-cost Christmas gift.
It’s also super easy to calculate which year from the past matches up with the calendar from the current year. For example, the years 1997, 2003, and 2014 (and so on and so forth) line up with the year 2025!
Adding a little personal touch to a gift can go a long way, and what better way to do so than with a vintage-inspired gold frame and a timeless black-and-white photograph? Whether you have a family photo, a picture of the two of you together, or a photo you’ve sourced from an old magazine or vintage photography book, this gift feels deeply personal. Small gold frames are elegant yet affordable, and they’re perfect for any shelf, desk, or bedside table. Pair the frame with a photo that holds sentimental value, and you’ve got yourself a truly meaningful gift.
Decks of cards are an unexpected but wonderfully whimsical gift idea, especially when they feature retro photography. Whether it’s a classic deck from the '50s or a set that’s adorned with vintage illustrations, cards are a great way to gift something both functional and fun. These decks can be used for games, for display, or just as conversation starters. They also make for a fabulous stocking stuffer, and if you pair them with some cute retro coasters or a little treat, you’ve got a fun and memorable gift set.
I personally have a collection of decks of cards, including one of my favorite sets: all of Elvis’ record covers.
Is there anything more glamorous than the combination of vintage lipstick and nail polish? “Cherries in the Snow” is a classic 1950s shade that screams vintage chic. Whether you’re gifting a set of lipstick and matching nail polish to a friend who loves a pop of retro glam or simply giving it as a nod to the past, it’s sure to bring a smile. You can usually find these vintage colors online (manufactured in the current day and age), and they’re a fabulous gift for someone who appreciates the beauty of old-school glamour.
You might be wondering, “A digital camera? Is that vintage yet?” Well, yes! The early 2010s saw a huge boom in digital photography, and these cameras have a fun, nostalgic charm to them. Perfect for anyone who loves photography or who wants to experiment with a more “old-school” camera experience (before smartphones made taking photos so effortless), a digital camera from the 2010s can be an affordable yet totally thoughtful gift. Look for one with fun features or a funky design that’ll make it stand out on any gift table.
The holiday season doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card or stressing over finding the perfect gift. Vintage and thrifted items can be just as thoughtful, meaningful, and fun as anything you’d buy new—and often at a fraction of the price! So whether you're shopping for the vintage-loving friend, the retro-inspired cousin, or the sentimental sibling, there’s a treasure out there waiting for them. Get creative, have fun, and remember: it’s the thought that counts!
I hope these ideas inspire your Christmas shopping this year! If you pick up any of these treasures, be sure to let me know how they turned out. Wishing you a vintage-inspired, thrifty, and totally fabulous holiday season.
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