The Future Vintage Holiday Gift Guide
More creative & sentimental gifts to and from vintage lovers
I absolutely adore the idea of “future vintage.” When we’re choosing new things to bring into our lives, what better way to consider them than to envision how they’ll play a part in our futures. Future vintage is something worth keeping, something worth passing down, something worth using and wearing again and again. Future vintage has timeless charm, and is good quality.
I firmly and genuinely believe that small business is the future. We can make great change within our own communities, on an individual level, by intentionally divesting from big corporate entities. I know it isn’t possible in many, many, ways. But in the ways it is, we should be intentional. When you have the option, please shop with a small business. If not the ones here, then the hundreds of thousands of others out there selling exactly what you’re looking for. It is absolutely the way forward.
One of the absolute best ways to support small businesses right now is to place your orders ASAP! Fulfillment gets harder and harder as the holidays get closer, and so many last minute gifts simply won’t make it in time. Some of the linked sites have shipping information regarding holiday ordering. While it’s really important to give our money and business to small makers and artists, and it’s also really important to be respectful and understanding as patrons.
These gift ideas are listed by price, from lowest to highest. I tried to include ideas within a range of prices, though I understand those are looking smaller than ever for many of us every year. Many of these businesses are currently offering discounts through the weekend, so don’t wait to shop if you’re on a tight budget. Please refer to my last letter, the Very Vintage Holiday Gift Guide, for even more ideas for sustainable and affordable gifting.
Sonny Angel
$10
The Angels themselves aren’t a small business, of course, but they are stocked in them! Sonny Angels and other figurines have created a growing business and community around independent toy stores and bookstores in many cities. In NYC, you can buy them at An.mé (online and in store) and at Toy Tokyo (in store). Shops like An.mé even host events where people meet up to share and trade! While the Sonny Angels are most certainly overproduced and plastic, they aren’t being made in unlimited supply (they are often sold out) and are quite well made. Please don’t buy these from Amazon, Urban Outfitters, or any other crappy corporation!
Chunk’s Tri Suki Claw in Stripes
$18
If your friend or sibling or mom likes claw clips, a fancy one makes a really nice gift. This price point is higher than someone might spend for themselves on a clip, but would feel like a luxury to receive. Chunks has a pretty good Impact Report on their site, and has worked to open up conversation around “Made in China” stereotypes, which I think is very cool.
Conversations Over Chai’s Vanessa Hoops
$25
For the friend that loves quirky accessories, look no further than Conversations Over Chai. Almost every piece is one of one, which makes this handmade jewelry even more special. I own a pair of earrings in the same style as shown above, but with plastic dice in place of the shells. They’re so cute - I always get compliments!
Room Shop’s Bow Clip Duo and Giant Organza Ribbon
$26 and $32
Room Shop is always doing something super cool, super wearable, and very fairly priced. You probably have at least one friend who has really gotten on board with bows. The clip attachment also makes these versatile - they could go on your tote bag, or your cardigan, or your boots!
Hotel Kitsch: A Pretty Cool Tour of America’s Fantasy Getaways by Margaret and Corey Bienart
$32.55
Gorgeous photos, fun vintage design history, and about as wholesome as a book can be while still describing sex furniture. This is a fun and sexy coffee table book for a fun and sexy friend! As always, see if you can find a copy at a local, independent bookstore. Bookshop.org is a good option if you can’t get your hands on a copy IRL, which is where I have the book linked above.
Yokkoyama Hat Market’s H&L Regular Beanie
$40
This is the only beanie I ever wear! My husband and I share a small collection of them that we’ve built over the past few years. They’re 100% cotton, which is essential for me - did you see I recently sent a letter all about cotton sweaters? They have a nice loose knit and are very comfortable, and I really like the color offering. If you’re in NYC, their LES store is definitely worth checking out.
SAMAR’s Choose 5 Mini Perfume Set
$48
Resisting the urge to gatekeep this one! My two absolute favorite scents are Acqua di Parma’s Yuzu and SAMAR’s Garden Heaux. This mini sampler set includes 5 different SAMAR fragrances in tiny bottles that are great for traveling. SAMAR has an incredible ethos, and I really respect the way they do business. They pretty much check all of the boxes I look for in a small business, from great product to price transparency.
Pampshade by Yukiko Morita
$68+ up
As a recipient of a Pampshade, I can say with certainty that these are a wonderful present. My husband gives really good gifts! Japanese artist Yukiko Morita makes these lamps out of real leftover bakery items, perfectly preserved and transformed into the most delightfully unsettling home decor. There are smaller (and cheaper) battery powered designs and larger, corded pieces. I’m obsessed with the challah light as a really great Hanukkah gift, though I will point out that it’s the artist’s largest and priciest lamp at $350.
Hannah Glenn’s Pink Silk Hand Bag
$177 US Dollars (converted from 146 pounds)
I found Hannah Glenn on TikTok about a year ago, and have been daydreaming about her “hand bags” ever since. Her bags and hair bows are made in small batches with deadstock fabric, a concept you know I can always get behind. This statement making piece still feels under-the-radar, and just looks so cool.
Leeann Huang’s Beige Blinking Eye Mini Skirt
$335
This might not be in your gifting budget, but maybe your sugar daddy is asking for suggestions? The immediate effect of Huang’s pieces is something futuristic, but the lenticular printing then evokes a sense of nostalgia once you recognize it. I’m obsessed. Huang’s coats are also absolutely incredible - I definitely see all of her designs becoming highly coveted collector’s items in the future.
Thanks for being here as soapboxed a bit and I ventured out of the world of vintage. I hope my gift guides sparked some ideas for you! The next letter will be a deep dive into wool as I continue exploring vintage knitwear and fibers. Keep an eye on your inboxes!