Uncommon Vintage Gift Ideas: 2025 Holiday Season
- janet g
- Oct 2
- 5 min read
Explore unique vintage gift ideas and holiday decorations at tcgVINTAGEetc – from mid-century collectibles to eccentric finds.
Given the tenuous environment for holiday shopping this year, choosing vintage items for gift-giving from my Etsy shop, tcgVINTAGEetc, may be the perfect solution. In-stock items – no waits, no tariffs and no surprises. Most vintage gifts are unique, rare items that can't be found in stores. They were produced with a higher level of craftsmanship and detail than more disposable, mass-produced modern goods. With vintage pieces, sustainability is built in – making vintage gifts an inspired, extra special choice for gift-giving.
This sampling of collectibles highlights vintage product design – including the rare M&Co Zupa clock, unique mid century Halloween decorations, vintage Christmas decorations, vintage fashion and jewelry, vintage creative publications, vintage vinyl records and other eclectic curios.
Vintage Product Design | Tibor Kalman & Marc Berthier
For fans of vintage product design, these two pieces of modern design are rare collectibles. Both are stunning examples of industrial design history, and serve as tactile home decor for display or use. What a treat for modern design collectors!
Iconic M&Co’s red rubber analog alarm clock, designed by Tibor and Maira Kalman in the late 20th century, is a minimalist, modern art object designed exclusively for MoMA NYC. Complete with original cube box, inserts and stamped bellyband, this is a must-have collectible, and a special gift.
Original, 1997 Lexon Tykho red rubber AM-FM radio, designed by Marc Berthier, is battery powered (not the reissued USB or bluetooth versions), and has clean lines and buttons. Gorgeous piece of minimalist design that is included in MoMA/NYC's permanent Architecture and Design collection. A treasured, collectible gift.
Vintage Jewelry | Locket & Girard Perregaux Watch
Beautiful mid-century jewelry makes a great statement when mixed with modern fashion. Or as a companion to vintage fashion. These two pieces exemplify mid-20th century style. Spot-on gifts for collectors or fashionistas.
Delicate, vintage locket with white raised mother and child on the front is set in a gold-tone oval. Lovely housing for precious photos, mementos or a perfume glacé. Thoughtful gift idea for grandmom or mom.
Vintage Girard Perregaux Watch, 1940s
Superb, rare classic timepiece – this vintage Girard Perregaux rectangular watch is a stunning example of the Art Deco-influence on the company’s mid-1940s product line – and it comes in its original box. Small and delicate, with a tiny, dangling gold cross charm, adding to its uniqueness. Beautiful gift for moms or teen girls.
Vintage Fashion | Leather and Wool Coats
Stay warm this winter – with vintage supple leather or toasty Icelandic wool – both short vintage coats.
Dramatic leather coat with a deep faux-fur collar tapers to the knee and has fabulous style with rounded shoulders and dolman sleeves. Weighty and warm, it looks fantastic! Great gift idea for moms or teens.
Warm, winter-white, vintage Icelandic wool jacket has a sweater-stitch outer with a beautiful one-button closure, and is lined too. Works great alone or under a heavier coat. Unique gift for mom.
Vintage Vinyl Records | Earth, Wind & Fire Set and Dance 45s
Oldies, but goodies – these 1970s vintage records are sure to get you up and dancing. Enjoy the soulful sounds of Earth Wind & Fire, celebrating 50 years, or the pulsating beats of dance club singles. Perfect gifts for anyone rebuilding a vinyl collection.
Fantastic, original collection of Earth Wind & Fire vintage vinyl – four albums from 1974 to 1976 – has tunes from the rare early LP, Open Our Eyes to Spirit's Getaway. For soul/R&B fans, this is a bonanza of a gift!
Dance the night away with this 1970s club-beat set. These eight 45s are seasoned club classics from 1973-78 housed in vintage sleeves. Artists include: Van McCoy, Sylvester, Vicki Sue Robinson, Andrea True Connection, Alec Costandinos and more. Perfect tunes for a way-back party!
Vintage Publications + Books | Design, Interiors, Architecture
For graphic or interior designers and architects, these vintage design publications and books are beautiful additions to libraries. Invaluable collectible gifts for experienced creatives or beginning students.
Vintage Abitare, May 1985 Issue
Historical, vintage issue of Abitare, the Italian magazine for modern home, town and environmental living is a splendid design collectible. This issue covers light/lighting, with a special feature on Barcelona's Antoni Gaudî's Casa Mila, plus a bonus insert. Unique, vintage gift for all designers.
Large, iconic, vintage issue of Domus Magazine focuses on the work of Le Corbusier with an imaginatively illustrated die-cut cover. Makes a great library addition for an architect or designer. This collectible issue has Italian and English text.
Vintage Dream House Encyclopedia, 1970
With distinctive images of mid century and late 1960s home design, The Dream House Encyclopedia covers finding, fixing and buying 20 offbeat properties then turning them into unique homes. Great gift idea for fans of the fixer-upper shows, and a superb history of one-of-a-kind, mid century living spaces.
Vintage ID Magazines, 1980s-90s
Bold, vintage issues of ID – this iconic publication reported on the art, the business and the culture of design. Features ranged from industrial and product to graphic design and early interactive. Gorgeous layouts and important topical information were woven into its content.
Vintage Seasonal Decorations | Halloween
Wonderful, mid century Halloween decorations are superb collectibles (especially the rare Beistle) or unique seasonal decor. Explore more vintage, seasonal decorations here.
Rare, mid century Halloween decoration, this 18" vintage Beistle Puss in Boots wall or window hanging is a wonderful piece of holiday history. Die-cut and embossed – from the iconic Beistle company at its height in the 1940s and 1950s – it is made in the USA and is a one-of-a-kind collectible.
Fun, vintage Halloween decor from the late 1940s hung from every home, and is a fantastic bit of holiday history with 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 garland is a rare collectible.
Vintage Seasonal Decorations | Christmas
Beautiful, vintage Christmas decorations add a nostalgic touch to the holidays and provide a one-of-a-kind style to seasonal decor. Explore more vintage, seasonal decorations here including vintage cards from MoMA and a vintage minimalist Nativity set.
Vintage Snowman Serving Dishes, 1980s
Whimsical, vintage snowmen dishes for your Christmas holidays hold candy, dips or snack treats of the season. The dishes complement traditional or modern holiday style. Festive and colorful, they make holidays special.
Very merry for the holidays – this adorable, poseable, vintage Annalee mouse, complete with sheet music in hand – will brighten up any Christmas decor. Great gift for Annalee doll collectors or for those who enjoy vintage holiday decorations.
Start shopping early and enjoy more holiday time. Check out more uncommon, vintage items at tcgVINTAGEetc. GO VINTAGE this year!
Top illustration and product shots: © 2023-2025 Janet Giampietro
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