Whether you’re still scrambling for a few holiday presents or all set this year, the hunt is actually never over for the perfect gift. As givers and receivers, we consider that a good thing and have a word of advice: For a surprise that’s meaningful and made to last, consider browsing the vast world of vintage wares—online, in antiques shops and thrift stores, at flea markets, auctions, and tag sales. You’ll pay less than you would for a brand-new equivalent not nearly as well crafted. You’ll be keeping existing goods in circulation rather than using precious resources. And your gift is likely to be loved and passed down (yes, paper towel holders can become heirlooms). Here, 10 secondhand household finds currently on Remodelista editors’ wishlists.
![like her mother before her, julie always has friends at her dinner table. she r 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/silver-plated-demitasse-spoons-bassett-hyde-julie-pick.jpeg)
![says fan, \2\20;in my opinion, practical household essentials are the be 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/vintage-wood-paper-towel-holder-hoppe-shoppe-portland-or-1-733x709.jpg)
![\2\20;i don\2\17;t know if it\2\17;s a female affliction,& 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sgraffo-water-jug-from-jug-from-molde-copy.jpeg)
![francesca swears by re see for framable vintage copies of interview and resale 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/oak-poker-game-box.jpeg)
![nell lives in kent, england, and is always on the lookout for norse vintage, an 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/vintage-cakestand-and-cloche-from-norse-vintage-1-1-733x731.jpg)
![\2\20;many of my favorite indie shops, such as general store and nickey 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/vintage-abstract-landscape-1976-gardenheir-733x733.jpg)
![i grew up drinking cocoa from the original it mug, bennington pottery\2\ 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/bennington-vintage-trigger-mugs-from-good-boston-733x733.jpg)
![\2\20;vintage silvery pieces may have fallen out of fashion but they tru 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1900s-silver-plated-toast-rack-from-abask-1.jpg)
![textiles aficionados leney and owen run folkling of gordonsville, virginia,a sh 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/vintage-colorblock-quilt-from-folklings-shop-1-1-733x966.png)
![i never pass up a chance to use a boot scraper by a front door. but this is the 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ironduckbootscrape-rightproperhome-733x733.jpg)
Browse Antiques & Vintage to see inspired projects that make use of old and salvaged materials.
Here are more of our latest gift guides:
- 9 Tokens of Appreciation for the Host/Hostess
- 10 Ideas for Very Good Pets (and Their Humans)
- 8 Gift Sets for the Impossible to Please
- 9 Small-Batch Cookbooks That Feel Handmade
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation