In this challenging year, it’s not too early to start thinking about holiday giving. Shop easy and safely online at tcgVINTAGEetc – choose from mid-century collectibles to eccentric finds.
Normally, experiential gifts are the preferred choice for gift givers and gift getters, but in pandemic times, a fun-to-open gift may be the safest choice for the season. When looking for that one special something to open holiday morning, vintage gifts bring great joy – history and memories – and an appreciation of days gone by. Repurposing vintage objects is a great way to create new stories and new memories.
This sampling of collectibles from my Etsy shop, tcgVINTAGEetc, highlights mid-century objects, unique books, beauty accessories, shopping bags and other eclectic curios.
Vintage Eclectic Object | Carmen Miranda Feather Duster
Rare, kitschy Carmen Miranda Feather Duster is an eccentric collectible, guaranteed to bring on a smile. Beautifully conceived, it’s a splendid gift for the right person, or for yourself, and a lovely piece of display art. From 1985, this brightly painted ceramic figure has a hot pink, feathered-skirt and is artisan-made in a limited quantity.
Vintage Books | Acting, Travel, Yoga
This eclectic trio of vintage books are lesser known and hard-to-find titles. They make special gifts for book collectors.
1974 The Craft of Comedy by Athene Seyler and Stephen Haggard
This unique edition houses an historical inlay (surprise!) and is a great reference guide for actors working in comedy, or as an entertaining read for fans of books about acting.
1964 African Creeks I Have Been Up by Sue Spencer
Read about the hilarious misadventures of the author and her family who triumphed over difficult living conditions and a trying West African climate. This rare, early-edition #travelessay is full of mishaps and family fun.
1963 The Garland of Letters (Varnamala): Studies in the Mantra-Sastra by John Woodroffe
A rare copy of the examination of the advaita philosophy of Shaktism, this is a fascinating, informative read for yoga practitioners. The author’s work heightened interest in Hindu philosophy in the West.
Vintage Holiday Vinyl LPs | Trumpet or Choir
Get in the holiday spirit with these vintage holiday albums. These collectible LPs are a great addition for those who appreciate the rich sounds of vinyl.
Led by choral director Ralph Hunter comes a joyous LP with unique choral arrangements that captures the spirit of holiday music for young and old. The LP cover includes sweet, holiday illustrations on the back – typical of the period. A perfect gift for listening or for decor – frame the cover.
For fans of trumpeter Al Hirt, here’s a great gift for enjoying a traditional, old-fashioned holiday season. Warm and upbeat covers include Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer and Sleigh Ride.
Vintage Brass Bookmarks | Michael Kalil Design
Artist Michael Kalil’s vintage bookmarks are collected by modern design aficionados around the world. From the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) circa 1988, the last of the three rare and beautifully-designed brass #bookmarks from the ‘Three Bookmarks Series’ is available. For those who love to read books or for modern design collectors, this is a rare gift. The bookmark comes in its own folder, based on the original 1973 packaging.
Vintage Tins | Decorative Collectibles
Vintage tins are a favorite among collectors. Great for storage or perfect as holiday gifts (with goodies inside), vintage tins have a lot of character and evoke a by-gone era.
Elegant, decorative tin from England displays beautiful illustrations of the original John Farrah's sweet shop along with period typography – full of character and history. Petite in size, great for storage (sweets!) or display, this is also a great housewarming gift.
Excellent collectible tin from R. Paterson & Sons, Ltd. of Glasgow which made the world’s first instant coffee. This vintage tin shows the original label and makes a beautiful housewarming gift, filled with dolce or savory goodies.
Lovely, eight-sided decorative tea tin from England displays beautiful illustrations and typography, full of character and history. Franklin’s Famous Java Tea Tin is a great gift for storage (aromatic teas) or display.
Vintage Beauty Accessory | Silver Seal Lipstick Tissues
Tiny, indispensable beauty accessory for mid-century women, this 1940s matchbook of vintage Silver Seal Lipstick Tissues is custom branded with the historic Famous Frank Friede's Riverside Inn in Smithtown, Long Island, NY imprint. A perfect gift for those who collect vintage beauty items or for fans advertising promotions.
Vintage Shopping Bags | Sensation, Takashimaya, London’s Design Museum
Fashionistas and fans of fashion history will love this selection of unique vintage shopping bags. Hard-to-find ephemera, retail bags remain a status symbol for collectors, and much-loved gifts.
This rare and unique triangle shopping bag epitomized the now-shuttered Fifth Avenue store in its heyday. Beautifully constructed and printed, this minimal design serves as an elegant paper sculpture and as a special gift.
These bags are excellent examples of elegant #branding from the Design Museum when it was located on South Bank. This set of two bags make perfect gifts for designers. Frame them or use them as carry-alls.
Rare, promotional gift bag from the controversial art exhibition “Sensation.” Showing a collection of contemporary art owned by Charles Saatchi, the exhibit debuted in London and moved to the Brooklyn Museum. Some work generated protests over religious and other content. A perfect gift for art and memorabilia collectors, and a great bag for framing.
Get great ideas and start shopping now – enjoy better holiday time. Check out more one-of-a-kind, vintage items in my Etsy shop.
Illustration and product shots: © 2020 Janet Giampietro
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