One man's trash: Expert Vintage Shopping Tips for Fall Gifting

I’m a big fan of thrift, vintage, or jumble shops of great gifts. I’m a big fan of thrift, vintage, or jumble shops of great gifts. I grew up spending my Sundays with my parents at the massive flea markets in Pennsylvania, weekly allowance clutched in my hand as I would haggle for vintage brass ink wells, funky astrolabes, and cut crystal perfume bottles. My childhood bedroom was...eclectic.

 

When I was in my early 20s, I had the pleasure of working in the old days of Anthropologie when it was still chock full of found from around the globe, and the epic employee sale days would result in wood block prints from India, painted trays for the Paris markets, and antique tables I was determined to shove into the back of my Mini Cooper.

A few tips for vintage shopping

Narrow the search: Somethings I ask myself while I’m browsing or helping guests find the perfect present: What would be considerate for them to receive? Something for their kitchen or bar? For their home? Or for themselves? #treatyoself Are they very outdoorsy? Am I expecting to cook with them? Do they have young children? A pet? Have we traveled together and enjoyed a specific food or wine? What would they NOT buy themselves? What would be a nice treat?

Don't be intimidate by first impressions: Quality and condition is important, but I’m not afraid of a little elbow grease or restorative work after the fact to make something really shine. Polish goes a long way as does a little careful cleaning in making a thrifted gift feel, well, not new, but thoughtful. 

Invest in Niche Utensils: I love a host or hostess gift with a really specific use. Asparagus server? Fondue forks? Butter press? Knife rest? Thrift stores and vintage shops are chock full of little gadgets and utensils from a more specific era of dining that make for delightful heirlooms and wonderful novelty gifts. Often a great price and in wonderful condition (how many of us are using a sterling crumb scraper on the regular), I love to dig through bins and grab handfuls. Helpful shopkeepers often know the stories behind the objects and are happy to share exactly how one might use that sugar nip. Make sure handles and connections are in good condition and firmly attached, but most tough or tight joints just need a little oil or polish.

Seek out Mid-century Stir Sticks: I eschew all plastic on my bar cart and am always delighted by the range and cleverness of the glass and metal stir sticks and cocktail picks you can find at vintage shops. You can find everything from pretty jeweled fruits to funky space aged gizmos to glam pearl handles. I’m partial as well to a chic monogram. I keep a few common initials on hand for the perfect house warming gift. Check all glass for chips and cracks and grab them when you find them!

A favorite gift? Napkin Rings: An easy way to update a table for seasonality, I’m a big fan of vintage napkin rings. My best thrifted find was a vintage bakelite set—what a score! I love ceramic or brass sets. Pick collections in similar materials so you can mix and match to create larger sets for big events.

Bottle openers with character: A great accessible price point for a gift, vintage shops are full of really clever and beautiful bottle and wine openers. My friend Dana owns the Stockton Market in NJ, and they offer everything from a mini dachshund to a pretty vintage boot to a small sparrow opener. I’m crazy about them. Look for unique shapes and unexpected materials. 

Never too many vases: I’ve been cut off from buying any more vases for our home, but gifting is my loophole. Thrifting and vintage is a great way to grab unique materials like pewter, colored crystal, porcelain or specialty shapes like an epergne that you might not use every day. I’m not afraid of a vase that might not be waterproof—you can always pop a liner inside to protect more vulnerable materials. I’m especially partial right now to brass fish vases. I’ve been snatching them up everywhere I find them.

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