On Valentine’s Day, when flowers or chocolate don’t fit the bill for that special someone, vintage collectibles are great options. They are keepers, and, oh yeah – calorie-light.
Repurposing vintage items is a great way to cut down on consumerism and mass production. Vintage gifts bring history to giving and an appreciation of days gone by.
This unique sampling of collectibles from my #Etsy shop, tcgVINTAGEetc, shows the giver's inspired and uncommon thinking.
Artist Michael Kalil’s vintage bookmarks are collected by modern design aficionados around the world. From MoMA (Museum of Modern Art | NYC) circa 1988, two of the three rare and beautifully-designed brass #bookmarks from the ‘Three Bookmarks Series’ are available for that special book lover. Each bookmark comes in its own folder, based on the original 1973 design.
This retro collectible – a hot lips plastic compact mirror is a perfect for purse or travel. The #kitschy fun compact case with both regular and magnifying mirrors is a conversation starter. Collectors of vintage beauty products will love this, and it comes in its original 1985 retail box. What’s more perfect as a Valentine’s Day gift than red, red lips?
Dianne Reeves' self-titled album on Blue Note Records was produced by George Duke. This 1987 #vintageLP features Reeves' sophisticated voice and includes her hits, Better Days and Chan's Song. The album is a great addition for collectors of the historic Blue Note label. The R&B and jazz sounds make a perfect accompaniment for that intimate #ValentinesDay dinner.
The original #Avon bottles, jars and dispensers of the 1960s and 1970s, were the premier products of the company’s collection. This set of two Avon sachet jars from the 60s features a colorful, psychedelic pop of #retro form along with a more classic container. Jars can be filled with creams, small keepsakes or used as decor. Both are unique finds for Avon collectors.
At nearly 100 years old, The Practical Book of Outdoor Flowers by Richardson Wright was the definitive guide to flower #gardening in 1924. This large, informative, educational reference book on flowers and planting is a gorgeous gift for the gardener in your life. With photos, botanical-style illustrations and plans, this hefty volume is an important addition to a gardening collection.
For automobile fans, the Popular Science Car Owner's Take-Along Library houses five softcover titles in a sturdy slipcase. This vintage 1971 set includes how-to information on buying, driving and fixing cars, and makes a special gift for collectors of #automobile #memorabilia or for #vintagecar lovers.
Just like in the movies – an essential beauty product on the dressing tables of women in the 1950s/60s, this lovely, sealed Desert Flower Dusting Powder package comes in its original ivory and pink container, and is over 50 years old. Complete with the original powder puff, this is an excellent gift for collectors of vintage #beauty items – or anyone who wants to feel like a star!
Happy Valentine's Day! For more one-of-a-kind gift ideas, visit my shop.
Illustration and photos: © 2015 ~ 2019, Janet Giampietro.
