There are pros and cons to early holiday shopping. Being vintage sellers, we tend to feel the pros far outweigh the cons, however. Let me explain.
Here are a few pros: larger selection, plenty of shipping time, fewer crowds, the satisfaction of knowing you’re ahead of the game. Far less stress with plenty of time to wrap and enjoy the holidays with friends and family. The cons on the other hand include last minute sales, overnight shipping, and possibly newly restocked inventory. For those who love the last minute adrenaline rush, there’s that as well.
Since we are all vintage and antique sellers, we’d also encourage you to shop vintage and secondhand. As with shopping early for new items, the wider selection and shipping time are big factors. This year is also different due to the plethora of new tariffs. However, the benefit of shopping locally or at least within your own country adds to that list of pros.
All these points add up to make shopping vintage, especially locally, a win-win for early holiday shopping. The internet and social media have democratized selling to the extent that the many smaller sellers can showcase their wares as well as a big box, without the crowds. So on to holiday shopping in both words and pictures…
Add vintage charm to the table
In case you haven’t noticed vintage shopping has changed. The look at local antique malls that used to be full of crystal, china, porcelain, antique furniture and home decor has begun to change. Tableware and mid century furnishings are still popular, but it’s got a less stately and more casual vibe. Younger folks are shopping for vintage clothing, shoes, purses, and accessories in droves. The fashions of the 90s and early 2000s are what’s currently being snapped up. Vintage sportswear, jerseys, backpacks, jackets, and t-shirts make great gifts. Belts and hats, along with vintage posters, signs, and art are easy to find. Fun colorful jewelry from the Y2K era makes a great gift too.
Help them dress the part
Gifts for close family members or friends can include items like vintage quilts, throw blankets, stacks of vintage tea towels or handkerchiefs. Embroidered throw pillows, a vintage set of kitchen utensils, mixing bowls, all make great gifts. Vintage glassware including Pyrex is always a welcome gift. Add a fun recipe and vintage dish towel or pot holder and wrap it.
Make someone smile
Mugs with TV characters, cartoons, or vintage adages filled with candy, a small plant, a scarf, jewelry, or a gift card make wonderful gifts for colleagues, neighbors, or even the mail carrier.
Early holiday shopping for vintage can open up a world of possibilities. Along with the previously mentioned pros, there’s also the fact that you’re doing something sustainable and good for the planet, along with supporting a small business instead of a giant corporation. So shop early, shop small, shop vintage, and have a fabulous holiday season!
Don’t forget to subscribe to Vintage Unscripted, for great vintage content. We will never sell you information or Spam you! One email on Sunday mornings, so you can read all our posts for each week.
