Christmas in July? Never Too Early for Unique Vintage Gift Ideas
- janet g
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Your go-to list for uncommon vintage gift ideas – from midcentury collectibles to eccentric finds, there’s something for everyone all year round.
Yes, it’s way early. But in this unknowable retail environment – with constant price and shipping increases – it’s worth considering shopping early. Just as streaming platforms air ‘Christmas in July’ movies, why not holiday shopping in July too?
Choosing vintage items for gift-giving from tcgVINTAGEetc is a great solution. Items are in stock – no waits, no tariffs and no surprises. Most vintage gifts are unique, rare items that can't be found in stores. Vintage items were generally produced with a higher level of craftsmanship and detail than the more disposable, mass-produced modern goods of today. With vintage pieces, sustainability is built in. Vintage gifts are inspired gifts!
This sampling of collectibles highlights vintage product design including the rare Marc Berthier Lexon Tykho rubber radio. Superb, vintage retail catalogs from Kate Spade and Barneys New York are rare finds for fashion and retail fans. There’s vintage fashion and jewelry, along with seasonal offerings: rare mid century Halloween decorations and vintage Christmas decorations – and other eclectic curios. Take a look.
Vintage Retail Catalogs | Kate Spade & Barneys New York
With beautiful illustrations and design, these two vintage catalogs of renown NY and global brands are rare collectibles. Both are stunning examples of retail design history. Super finds for fashion lovers and creative inspiration.
Whimsical and rare, this vintage 1998 Kate Spade catalog is full of gorgeous illustrations. The fabulous little storybook catalog is called “The Day Kate Missed a Tea” and details the designer’s history up to the design of her organizers and stationery products. The perfect gift for the designers and storytellers in your life.
High concept with stunning illustrations – this rare, vintage 1993 Barneys New York catalog is unusual for Barneys’ brand which generally used high-end photography. A fabulous fashion and lifestyle piece themed “Sometimes” uses one well-chosen sentence per page in describing each item. Fashionistas in your life will love it!
Vintage Accessories | Avant de Dormir & Levenger
From classic to a little kitschy, two outstanding vintage offerings of purpose, design and craftsmanship. Explore more bags and wallets here.
Vintage Avant de Dormir Zip Pouch, 1990s
From the Milanese creative duo, this rare, fantastic vintage zippered pouch is a soft green translucent bag, with grass and a floating frog sandwiched into a double-paneled front. A striking statement of Italian design and craftsmanship. The designers’ acclaimed, Surrealist-inspired bags were unique, kitschy accessories sold worldwide. Their vintage pieces are hard to come by – making this clutch/jewelry/makeup bag a special gift for a special person.
Stunning minimalist design, this vintage Levenger exclusive – padded leather eyeglass case with zippers at each end, holds two pairs of glasses. Two pulls: one red and one black. With an elegant pebble finish, this compact case carries the unique details and quality that defines the Levenger brand. Both a classic beauty and a practical gift!
Vintage 1980s Fashion | Leather and Silk
Go big this season – in vintage supple leather or elegant colorful silk – with big 1980s signature shoulder pads.
Dramatic leather coat with a deep faux fur collar tapers to the knee and has fabulous retro style with big, rounded shoulders and dolman sleeves. Weighty and warm, it looks great! Great gift idea for moms or teens – or for1980s fashion fans.
Classic elegance, and a pop color on the inside, this gorgeous vintage black silk blazer from Ellen Tracy is brightly lined in red and orange silk with large shoulder pads. Turn up the cuffs for a burst of orange and open the jacket for a burst of red. Fab for all seasons, and the hidden colors make it a perfect holiday grab. Stunning gift for moms.
Vintage Product Design | Michael Kalil & Marc Berthier
For fans of vintage product design, these two pieces of modern design are rare collectibles. Both are stunning examples of design history, serve as useables or are magnificent for display. Treats for modern design collectors!
Designed by the artist in the 1970s, issued by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) circa 1988, this is one of the three rare iconic brass bookmarks from Kalil's ‘Three Bookmarks Series.' For those who love to read or for modern design collectors, this is a rare gift that comes in its own folder, based on the original 1973 packaging. Collected by design aficionados around the world.
Original, 1997 Lexon Tykho red rubber AM-FM radio is battery powered (not the reissued USB or bluetooth versions), has clean lines and buttons. Gorgeous piece of minimalist design that is included in NYC/MoMA’s permanent Architecture and Design collection. A treasured, collectible gift.
Vintage Jewelry | Pearl Bracelet & Girard Perregaux Watch
Beautiful vintage jewelry makes a great statement when mixed with modern fashion. Or as a companion to vintage fashion. These two pieces complement any style. Spot-on gifts for collectors or fashionistas.
Delicate, vintage freshwater pearls bracelet is a beautiful lightweight piece. Small blue gray pearls line a thin silver wire, and wrap the wrist in a triple-loop. A chic companion to classic or funky fashion. A special piece of jewelry for pearl lovers.
Vintage Girard Perregaux Watch, 1940s
Superb, rare classic timepiece – this vintage Girard Perregaux rectangular watch is a stunning example of the Art Deco-influence in the company’s mid-1940s product line. The timepiece is in its original box. Small and delicate, with a tiny, dangling gold cross charm, adding to its uniqueness. Charming gift for moms or teens, and a remarkable collectible.
Vintage 1960s Toys | Dolls & Puzzles
Iconic subjects, great toys – these 1960s toys are fun memorabilia. Perfect vintage gifts and sweet collectibles for big and little kids.
For Mattel and Barbie fans – this midcentury Allan doll, Ken’s buddy, is a great piece of Barbieland history. Original Allan comes with clothes, stand and insert in its original box, all made in Japan. It’s a fab find to expand a vintage Barbie collection.
Big fun for little (or big) hands! This colorful, vintage 1960s Pinocchio jigsaw puzzle measures nearly 27" high when assembled, with more than 50 super-sized pieces. In its original tube, it’s a sweet non-digital gift for kids and cool collectible for adults.
Vintage Seasonal Decorations | Halloween
Fanciful, mid century Halloween die-cut decorations are distinctive collectibles (especially the rare Beistle). They are unconventional seasonal decor. Explore more vintage, seasonal decorations here.
Rare, mid century Halloween decor, this 18" vintage Beistle Puss in Boots decoration is a unique piece of holiday history. Die-cut and embossed, from the iconic Beistle company at its height in the 1940s and 1950s, is made in the USA. A very special Halloween collectible.
Fun, vintage Halloween decor from the late 1940s hung from every home. This fabulous bit of holiday history has die-cut pumpkins and black cats on the connectors. With a little crafting, these mid century garland pieces can be remade for use as a garland, or repurposed as new decorations. Made in Japan, this collection at nearly 90 years old is a rare find.
Vintage Seasonal Decorations | Christmas
Beautiful, vintage Christmas decorations provide a one-of-a-kind style to seasonal decor. These selections spotlight modern design decor. More vintage, seasonal decorations coming here soon.
Cheerful vintage cards and decorations in one! From MoMA's iconic holiday card collection, these rare, vintage cards were designed in collaboration with Argentinian chemists Irene and Alfredo Tubert – inventors of ornamental Gel Gems® – for unique, modern holiday greetings. Removable and reusable gel gems decorate almost any glass surface to brighten the season.
Very modern for the holidays – this bright, petite, vintage nativity set brings a unique look to Christmas celebrations. The perfect accent to contemporary Christmas decor and a great addition for vintage Christmas decor collectors.
Shop early and enjoy more holiday time. Check out more uncommon vintage items at tcgVINTAGEetc. Consider shopping VINTAGE all year round!
Top illustration and product shots: © 2024-2026 Janet Giampietro
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