1. A Favorite Heirloom or Collectible
Whatever you give away now might have cost big bucks in the past, but that's the past! To me, treasures really become treasured when they're shared.Has someone in your family or circle of friends admired or coveted your collection? A particular autographed baseball in your collection? Your glass bowl or perhaps a favorite serving dish? What about a vintage holiday decoration or menorah that has been in your family? Look around and find something that will mean a lot to the recipient, clean it, wrap it in beautiful packaging and make it a very special gift.
Don't forget to write out the story behind the piece, either where you found it or how long it's been in the family. Or maybe a history about the company that made the piece.
2. Calendars Galore!
Pricegrabber
There are so many calendars to choose from, but these will give you an idea of the wide range available for collectors.
- Dog Breeds Calendars
- Cat Breeds Calendars
- Beatles Calendars
- Baseball Calendars
- Teddy Bears
- Elvis Calendars
- Harry Potter
- Star Wars
3. Vintage Magazines - Birthday Week Issues
Another personal gift is finding a magazine from the week the recipient was born. It's really fun reading about the "current events" from the week or month one was born, as well as seeing the advertisements and prices of items from that special point in time. Depending on the week and publication, most can be found for under $15 and will give hours of fun.Another magazine idea is to find one that features a sports hero or entertainment star that is particularly beloved. These can be cost a little more, but still could fit in the under $20. price range. My husband received a vintage Life that featured Hopalong Cassidy on the cover, it was really cool to read the story of his popularity, when it was still happening!
4. Vintage and Antique Dishes
An idea for a hostess is to find a vintage serving dish that perhaps reflects her style or colors in her home. No one has enough serving dishes and an unusual one would be probably be appreciated by those who love to entertain.Take it a step further and buy some candy or make some beautiful cookies for to put in the dish, cover with clear wrap and a great bow.
Vintage depression glass dishes can be found for as little as $5. on eBay and online markets such as TIAS. Add in the shipping and the cost of making some cookies and the gift is still well under $20.
5. Classic Holiday Books and DVDS
Pricegrabber
6. 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.
7. A Very New York Christmas
Barb Crews
8. Robert Sabuda Pop-Up Books
Barb Crews
9. Price Guides and Collector Books
Judith Miller
One favorite book that every collector will use over and over again is Buy, Sell or Keep by Judith Miller. It's worth every penny and covers numerous collectibles with lots of pictures and great tips.
10. Little Red Cookie Cutters
Barb Crews
