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!
1. Little Red Cookie Cutters
2. A Very New York Christmas
3. 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.
4. Classic Holiday Books and DVDS
5. Entertainment Cards for Kids
6. Robert Sabuda Pop-Up Books
7. Price Guides and Collector Books
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.
8. 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.
9. A Holiday Cookie Jar
Look in stores such as Target, Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby for fun looking jars that can be found in the above price range.
10. Vintage Handkerchiefs
The younger members in my family have been known to make fun of me when I pull out a flowered or embroidered handkerchief out of my jeans pocket. But I always have a vintage one handy. I never know when a movie or TV show will make me teary and a package of tissues just doesn't do it. PLUS if you are into the green scene, cloth is always better than using and tossing tissue paper.Because there are so many choices, take your time and shop around a bit for a few perfect handkerchiefs that fit the recipient, for instance perhaps a state one or fun whimsical hanky. Make sure to wash and iron them, nestle in tissue paper in a pretty box for a pretty presentation.
Vintage pieces can be found for as little as $1. on up.









