Let's normalise giving second hand, preloved and vintage gifts this Christmas!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Christmas gifts don't need to be brand new. It is totally possible to gift a preloved item and make a big impact.
Why Gift Second Hand?
There's enough stuff in the world. There, I said it. I'm so over the whole buying-more-stuff-we-don't-need trend. Big, faceless, mass-produced brands are getting bigger and richer, and their plastic goods end up in landfill by the end of January. And let's face it, who really needs another set of hot sauce in a novelty-shaped bottle, or another smelly set?!
Let's stop supporting the mass corporations and adding to the landfill, and give a thoughtful, unique and meaningful gift instead.
There are many reasons to gift preloved items-
1- It's better for the planet
(See above). Let's give something a new home and stop buying into the "A gift is just for Christmas" mentality. Stop buying things for the sake of having something to wrap, and buy something that people will want to keep past January.
2- It's better for small businesses
Yes, really! You don't need to buy a preloved item from a charity shop. There are so many amazing small businesses specialising in vintage, antique, retro and preloved goods that they have carefully curated and sourced with love. Etsy is a great place to start for this.
3- Everyone loves nostalgia!
Have you ever spotted something that has taken you back to a happy childhood memory? Give that gift to your loved ones!
4- More meaningful gifts
I once bought my husband a table football game that he had desperately wanted as a child. Apparently all the cool kids had one, but he was not allowed. So I found one for him on eBay and he genuinely cried a happy little tear.
5- More memorable gifts
Genuine question- can you remember what gifts you got last Christmas? I bet you can't remember past the main few. If you give someone a unique, thoughtful gift that is completely different to their other gifts, I bet they'll remember it.
Preloved Does Not Equal Rubbish
I hope that you're starting to get on board with this idea now. Preloved and second hand does not have to mean cheap or rubbish. The trick is to choose the gift carefully. And that's where I come in. I've created a list of quirky, fun and meaningful second-hand gift ideas for Christmas.
Unique Preloved Gift Ideas
Unique Vintage Gifts For Her
- Antique jewellery
- Vintage handbags
- Vintage scarves
- Jewellery stands or trinket dishes
- Jewellery boxes
- Shoes and boots
- Vintage band t-shirts
- Hair accessories
- Her favourite childhood book
- Beautiful quilted blankets
- Pretty tea sets/ China plates
- Old glass Christmas decorations
- Antique sewing items- thimbles, reels of thread, knitting needles, sewing box, pin cushion
- A first edition of a favourite book
- Vintage picnic baskets
- Card decks
- A beautiful photo album
Quirky Preloved Gift Ideas For Him
- Vintage games and game-systems (think Gameboy etc)
- Nostalgic board games
- Retro t-shirts
- Old tech (Walkman, VHS players)
- Antique tools
- Whiskey decanters
- Fun vintage enamel signs
- Vintage toy cars
- Telescope
- Golf clubs
- Camping gear
- A tin or basket filled with their favourite treats (drink, sweet treats etc)
Retro Gift Ideas For Teens
- Vinyl music from their favourite artist
- Old cameras and camera equipment
- Retro games
- Clothing (think vintage jumpers from their favourite brand)
- Vintage posters and artwork for their room
Preloved Home Gifts
- Coffee pots
- Glassware for drinks
- Vintage mugs
- Gardening tools or plant pots
- Photo frames
- Cookie cutters, biscuit tins, measuring spoons or weighing scales- anything baking related
Summing Up
Hopefully you're feeling excited about the idea of giving preloved, vintage or second-hand gifts now! If you're wondering where to start looking for these thoughtful second-hand gifts, I'd recommend taking a little look over on Etsy, eBay or Vinted. Also check out your local high street for antique shops, thrift shops and even charity shops- you'd be surprised at some of the treasure you'll find.
And if you're looking for a gorgeous handmade card that is as thoughtful and special as the gift, check out our laser cut greetings cards here.
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