It's not hard to find inexpensive gifts for holiday gifting in the antiques and collecting world. Take a look at some of my suggestions for great gifts for little money. One of the most important part of any of these gifts is telling the story, if applicable, along with the gift. e.g. Tell the recipient about the company that made it or how to take care of vintage items. It will mean more to both gifter and giftee!
11. Holiday Postcards
Barb Crews
I love vintage Holiday postcards and they can be found for anywhere from just a few bucks to hundreds of dollars. But don't worry there are plenty of cards in the lower price ranges. Buy an inexpensive mat and frame and you'll be giving an antique for the holidays. Don't have local flea markets? Check eBay or TIAS for loads to pick from.
You can also so crafts with postcard art if you can't find the right card to purchase. Check out the links to these postcard crafty ideas.
12. City Postcards - Where You Were Born
In our immediate family there are thirteen people born in nine different places. Only two cities are repeated. I plan to find a postcard representing each person's city of birth and frame them together by family. (Daughter, son-in-law, grandson). You can find cards from just about anywhere, case-in-point, I found almost fifty cards listed for North Platte, NE, population 24,000.This would be another very personal gift that takes little money and just a bit more time.
13. Vintage Dated Ornament
Maybe you never started someone special on yearly dated ornaments. But its never too late! Find a vintage piece that is dated from their year of birth, marriage or other significant event.At times these can be found for just a few dollars, so search online and in antique malls.
14. Old World Christmas Holiday Ornaments
Old World Christmas
Want to really wow someone? Buy them a holiday ornament that reflects their interest, lifestyle, family or pets. Old World Christmas has the greatest selection of ornaments, most under $15. Tuck in a story about the company or for the ornament novice, how to take care of their glass ornament and it might just be the beginning of a new collection or at least an idea you can follow up on over the years.
One year I picked out about twelve or so different animal ornaments and gave them to everyone at our Vet's clinic. They had fun opening them at their Christmas party and doing exchanges for the different pets.
15. Holiday Aprons for the Hostess
Are you going to a Christmas party? Or know someone who entertains for the holidays? One idea I like is a vintage Christmas (or other appropriate theme/color) for the hostess. If the hostess is one that is popping in and out of the kitchen, an apron is a great gift. The new ones are not as popular or easy to find as a few decades ago, except for the vintage ones. They are plentiful and inexpensive. You can buy a cute apron, plus shipping for under $10.16. US Mint Annual Coin Sets
Although many of the US Mint's offering are well over our $20. limit, there are several that can be found in our price range. This year look for the 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial United States Mint Set™.17. Calendars Galore!
Pricegrabber
Every year we used to receive a calendar of our favorite dog breed a Schipperke, but it's been really disappointing, as we haven't received one lately. For me I don't want a calendar with hearts and flowers or landscapes. I want a calendar that reflects who we are and the life we live, so I always spend too much time looking for the perfect calendar for the kitchen and office.
There are so many calendars to choose from, but these will give you an idea of the wide range available for collectors.
18. Handmade No-Sew Fleece Throw
Barb Crews
This has been a favorite on this site, since I first put up information on how to make it several years ago. Visit your local fabric stores and find a fleece fabric that fits the person you're planning to make it for. Football memorabilia collector, baseball collector, teddy bears, Disney, the list goes on and on for the fabrics that are both licensed and available. Most fabrics are under $10. a yard and the most you will need is 1 1/2 yards. That's it, no other supplies except for a sharp pair of scissors!
19. Antique or Vintage Holiday Tin
Barb Crews
People are always making comments on the Holiday tins I have scattered around the house during the Christmas season. They're decorative and can be very useful. Although this may take a bit of sleuthing to find just the right tin for under $20., it certainly an be done. Find a tin with a wonderful Santa Claus image or perhaps Christmas poinsettias. Be sure the tin is not rusty and is in fairly good condition.
But don't give an empty tin, depending on the size, perhaps a new wonderful smelling votive candles nestled in tissue paper or a few pieces of home-made candies.
Another idea is to give a new tin that will become a collectible. For example, the tins shown here are four small cocoa tins that put together make a Christmas scene.
20. Entertainment Cards for Kids
Barb Crews
Looking for an inexpensive gift for the kids? What about sports cards or entertainment trading cards? Stars Wars, High School Musical 3 and Indiana Jones cards are all new from Topps this year. Get a the younger ones a few packs of the sports or from movies they enjoy, but also pick up a ring binder and a pack of card holders to help them organize the cards and keep them in good condition.
