Buying secondhand, antique, and vintage gifts can be a sustainable and affordable way to shop for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Best of all, with thrifting, you can pick out a perfectly personalized present—whether that’s a first edition of your father’s favorite book or a bakelite cuff for your mother-in-law’s collection.
Here, we spoke to the experts to help you find a one-of-a-kind present for friends, family, and more. From artwork and books to jadeite and Pyrex, these are the gifts you should have at the top of your thrift store shopping list.
- Brenna Gilbert, CEO and founder of Festive & Co, an event design and production company
- Bene Raia, an auctioneer and appraiser and the founder of Raia Auctioneers
- Taylor Jochim-Smoot, founder of Portland Revibe, a secondhand home decor shop
Unique Kitchen Tools
Novelty kitchen items are the perfect gift for those in your life who love to cook or host. “Thrift stores and vintage shops are chock full of little gadgets and utensils from a more specific era of dining,” says Brenna Gilbert, CEO and founder of event production company Festive & Co. “They make for delightful heirlooms and wonderful novelty gifts.” Quirky examples include an asparagus server, fondue forks, a butter press, and a knife rest.
If you’re unsure what you’re looking at as you pick up unusual items, don’t be afraid to ask for help: “Shopkeepers often know the stories behind the objects and are happy to share exactly how one might use that sugar nip,” she says. “Make sure handles and connections are in good condition and firmly attached—most tough or tight joints just need a little oil or polish.”
Bakelite Jewelry
Bakelite, a resin from the 1900s, has been used to make everything from backgammon chips to decorative accessories—but it’s most popular in jewelry form. Look for cuffs, bangles, and pins, says auctioneer and appraiser Bene Raia.
Since it’s easy to mistake plastic for bakelite, Raia offers this tip passed down to her from an established collector: Dip a cotton swab in Scrubbing Bubbles cleaner and dab it on the item. “No matter what color the bakelite you’re looking at is, the tip will always turn yellow,” she says.
Vintage Barware
It’s time to replace your paper straws and plastic stirrers with high-quality, sustainable alternatives from the thrift store. “I’m always delighted by the range and cleverness of the glass and metal stir sticks and cocktail picks,” says Gilbert. “You can find everything—from pretty jeweled fruits to funky space-aged gizmos.” A hot tip? “Check all glass for chips and cracks.”
Jadeite
One of Martha’s favorite collectibles, jadeite brings a beautiful pop of green to any china cabinet or bookshelf. Fire King Restaurant is a sought-after pattern, but Jane Ray is a crowd-pleasing alternative, says Raia. If your recipient doesn’t already collect jadeite, then start them off with a few pieces in a matching pattern. “You always have to buy three—that makes an instant collection,” she says.
Napkin Rings
Napkin rings are an essential tablescape accessory that you can never over-purchase. Why? They’re the most elevated way to dress up neutral dinnerware and linens, and the right color palette can reflect the change of seasons. “I love ceramic or brass vintage napkin rings,” says Gilbert. “Pick collections in similar materials so you can mix, match, and create larger sets for big events.”
Pyrex Dishes
For more than a century, people have used Pyrex to mix, bake, and transport their favorite recipes; you can give these colorful vintage essentials a second life by gifting them to your favorite foodie. Raia recommends looking for nesting bowls, refrigerator dishes, and vegetable serving plates, as well as display stands in classic colors like yellow, blue, red, green, and pink. “The inside is always food-safe since it’s glass,” she says. “But these bowls were made to be used in kitchens, so you have to look for scratches—the less, the better.”
Vases
You can never get—or give—too many vases, says Gilbert, who often uses them as housewarming and holiday presents. “I’ve been cut off from buying more vases for our home, but gifting is my loophole,” she says. “Thrifting and vintage is a great way to grab unique materials like pewter, colored crystal, or porcelain, as well as specialty shapes—like an epergne that you might not use every day.”
These vessels can be tweaked to be more practical too. “I’m not afraid of a vase that might not be waterproof. You can always pop a liner inside to protect more vulnerable materials,” she says.
Fabric
If you’re shopping for an avid crafter, then you can always find items that inspire their creativity. One of Raia’s go-to options is finding discontinued or vintage bolts of fabric—like bright 1960s patterns or rich 1970s textures—that a sewing enthusiast can then use for a range of projects.
Quilts
A handmade quilt is a priceless and practical gift that everyone loves. Look for intricate patterns, careful workmanship, and fabric without holes or tears—and don’t forget to take your piece to a reliable dry cleaner and have it cleaned before you gift it.
Artwork and Frames
For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, scout your local secondhand store for original oil paintings, watercolors, or mixed media artworks. “If you look closely, you can tell if a painting is an original—you don’t have to be an expert for that,” says Raia. Not finding anything you like? Choose a piece for its hardware alone. “Frames are always good to get,” she says. “You can paint it to match your décor, or turn it into a mirror or a chalkboard—you never know when you’re going to need a good frame.”
Books
Vintage books are a foolproof option for giftees of any age. Whether it’s a set of pre-loved children’s books for a baby shower or a collection with beautiful spines for décor, always peruse the book selection at your local thrift store.
Holiday Collectibles
From valuable village sets to vintage ornaments, a thrift store is the perfect place to find charming holiday items. And not just for Christmas! Look for Americana décor to give as a Fourth of July host gift, spooky dishware for a Halloween party, or red-and-pink glassware for a Valentine’s Day date.
New Candles
Secondhand stores are an unexpected place to find unopened candles. “It’s nice to have warm, cozy lighting during the dreary times of the year,” says Taylor Jochim-Smoot, founder of secondhand store Portland Revibe. “Candles are a great way to add ambiance for a meal or cozy up your space all around. Pair them with a cute vintage snuffer and a thrifted dish to make a complete gift set.”
Gift Baskets
For special occasions, you can always make a gift basket filled with a mix of secondhand goodies and food from local vendors. “Thrift some fun ceramic mugs or tea sets and pair them with small-business food items like drink mixes, tea, or roasted coffee,” says Jochim-Smoot. “If you’re a big foodie and like to make your own concoctions, then the thrift store is a fabulous place to buy sealable glass jars for your handcrafted items.”