Antique and Vintage Gifting Guide

Antique and Vintage Gifting Guide

Meaningful Finds for Every Budget and Style

Whether you’re shopping for the host who has everything, the friend with timeless taste or the collector in your life, there’s something unmistakably special about giving a vintage or antique gift. These pieces are more than beautiful—they're storied, one-of-a-kind and filled with character. At Swan & Thistle, we believe the best gifts are those that feel considered. That’s why we’ve curated this gifting guide to help you find something remarkable for every recipient, at every price point.

Gifts by Price

Under $50

Perfect for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers or a thoughtful gesture “just because.”

  • Vintage brass candleholders
  • Small porcelain dishes or trinket trays
  • Silverplate bud vases or napkin rings
  • Antique postcards or prints for framing

View our selection of Gifts Under $50.

$50–$100

A sweet spot for meaningful gifting with a bit of wow factor.

  • Hand-painted teacup sets
  • Pressed glass vanity jars or perfume bottles
  • Midcentury barware
  • Delft, Sadek or Imari decorative pieces

View our selection of Gifts From $50-$100.

$100–$250

Beautiful, lasting gifts for loved ones or yourself (we won't tell).

  • Framed antique art or mirrors
  • Majolica serving pieces
  • Monogrammed sterling silver
  • English ironstone or transferware platters

View our selection of Gifts From $100-$250.

$250+

A stunning splurge for the design devotee or serious collector.

  • Chinoiserie ginger jars or large lidded urns
  • Pair of antique candlesticks
  • French tole trays
  • Statement lighting with patina

View our selection of Gifts Over $250.

Gifts by Recipient

For the Host or Hostess

Help them elevate their table with vintage linens, elegant serving pieces or a charming set of salt and pepper shakers. A small tray or vase is always appreciated and easy to incorporate into any décor style.

For the Collector

Look for unusual forms, rare patterns or hard-to-find marks. Think along the lines of a piece of early American stoneware, an antique snuff box or a Victorian sewing tool with history and charm.

For the Design Enthusiast

Seek out sculptural pieces or anything with age and visual weight. An aged wood bowl, a gilt mirror or a pair of brass objets can bring layers to their space.

For the Romantic

Delicate porcelain, rose motifs, soft florals and gilt edges evoke beauty and sentiment. Look for Limoges, Bavarian china or Italian florals.

For the Modernist

Opt for clean lines and bold shapes. Think midcentury Scandinavian ceramics, smoked glass, Lucite or abstract studio pottery.

For the Traditionalist

Stick with classics—blue and white porcelain, transferware, crystal or silver. A classic candlestick or set of coasters never goes out of style.

For the Maximalist

Bold colors, intricate details and unapologetic flair. Think cloisonné, ornate frames, vintage barware with etched motifs or a stack of antique books with gilded spines.

For the Nature Lover

Botanical prints, carved wood animal figures or antique flower frogs bring the outdoors in with whimsy and warmth.

For the Minimalist

Even minimalists appreciate thoughtful objects. A simple marble catchall, vintage alabaster piece or monochrome vase can add elegance without clutter.

For Yourself

Because you deserve something too. Whether it’s a piece you’ve long admired or a small indulgence, vintage gifting can be an act of self-care and expression.

Browse our full collection of antique and vintage gifts here and discover pieces that feel as personal as they are timeless.

For the Curious Collector

If you're eager to deepen your understanding of ways you can find the perfect vintage and antique gifts for the people in your life, these trusted sources offer a wealth of inspiration—and you can find them all on Amazon*:

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and tag your finds with #ThistleFinds.

*Affiliate note: Some links may earn Swan & Thistle a small commission—never at your expense.