Courtesy of Marian Parsons
Happy Holidays Friends,
Skip the mall this year, and give creative gifts with a little history and time-worn charm. Fill vintage containers with thoughtful suprises for useful gifts where the wrap is part of the present.
Sugar Jars! What's more fitting than to fill a vintage sugar jar with sweets? Fill a small jar with classic holiday candy for a simple gift. You can find a great deal on jars with missing lids, ones that are orphaned from a set or those with small chips or cracks.
Wooden Crates
Be on the lookout for vintage wooden crates with original paint or unique typography when flea market season is in full swing. Fill crates with shredded paper and seasonal fruit, such as citrus and pomegranate. The crate can become functional storage afterward.
Canning Jars
Vintage canning jars can be picked up at flea markets or antique stores for just a few dollars, and they make great containers for small, simple gifts. Fill a jar halfway with Epsom salt to represent snow, and drop a pretty ornament inside.
Bread Board
Vintage wooden bread boards have become more popular over the past few years, but can still be found for a bargain. Pair a wooden board with some homemade bread or an artisan loaf from a bakery. Wrap the loaf in brown paper and tie it with some butcher twine, greenery and a tag.
Teacups
Teacups can be found by the dozen at yard sales and thrift stores. Pick them up to give as small gifts to those who enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Tuck some favorite flavors or blends inside the cup, tied in a bundle with twine or pretty ribbon.
Wooden Totes and Caddies
Use a vintage wooden tote or caddy to hold a collection of smaller gifts. Wrap the small gifts in coordinating paper, and tuck each into a cubby, making a fun display that can be used for organizing once the gifts are unwrapped.
Silver Champagne or Ice Bucket
Silver-plate pieces can generally be found for around $20, especially at yard sales. Pick up an ice bucket or champagne chiller, fill with a bottle of bubbly and tie on a bow to create the perfect hostess gift that can be enjoyed at holiday parties for years to come.
Casserole Dishes
Pretty ironstone china casserole dishes or soup tureens are great presents on their own, but are better when filled with monogrammed linen napkins, silver napkin rings and some flatware. A collection like this makes a thoughtful gift for a newlywed or someone who loves to entertain.
Buckets
Vintage buckets can be found in all shapes, sizes, materials and colors. This metal dry-goods bucket makes a great holder for a live rosemary plant to give to the chef or gardener in your life. Buckets can also be filled with miniature Christmas trees or winter flowers like paperwhites. Include tips on caring for the plant on the back of the gift tag.
Trinket Box
Why give a gift in a disposable paper box when a vintage wooden trinket box can often be found for less at thrift stores? Fill it with desk accessories, decks of cards, makeup or accessories. No wrapping is necessary for this gift — simply tie on a pretty ribbon.
Metal Tins
Vintage tins are plentiful and can often be found for less than $1. They make a perfect container for homemade cookies and holiday sweets. Nestle the sweets in vintage linen napkins or brown paper.
Hardback Books
Gift cards have become a popular holiday gift option, especially for those on your list who are difficult to shop for. Instead of purchasing a gift-card case, tuck them into a small, vintage book. It's even better if the book relates to something the recipient enjoys. Books also make a great holder for cash gifts.
Chamber Pots
Thankfully, these pieces that were once necessities have become antiquated due to indoor plumbing. They now make a quirky, tongue-in-cheek holder for homemade soaps and other items that make nice holiday gifts.
Wire File Baskets
Give the aspiring author or poet in your life pretty notebooks or stationery showcased in a vintage wire file basket. These multifunctional pieces would also be great for gifting cookbooks, tea towels and craft supplies.
Bundt Pans and Molds
Assemble spices, tea towels, wooden spoons and other kitchen essentials in a copper Bundt pan or pudding mold. Look for pieces that are clean and rust free, so they can still be practical as well as pretty.
Enjoy your vintage shopping spree...
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Live well,
Yvonne
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