For many of us, Christmas marks that time of year when we wonder: "What do I get for the friend or family member who has everything?"
Well, if it's something more unusual or unexpected you're after, why not consider a collectable or piece from the past?
Read on for some antique and vintage suggestions that will cement you as the greatest gift-giver since Father Christmas...
A sleek silver tray
A sleek silver tray makes a timeless gift because it blends beauty, history and utility. Each piece carries the quiet patina of past celebrations, adding character that new items lack.
Its reflective surface lifts candlelight and fairy lights, turning everyday moments into small ceremonies. Versatile by nature, use a tray for everything from serving drinks to corral perfumes.
A graphic match striker
Even non-smokers can appreciate the charm of vintage matchbooks, table lighters, and match strikers – they're undeniably cool and make creative candle-adjacent gifts when an actual candle isn't the brief.
A giant pencil
PATIKIL PATIKIL Wooden Giant Pencil, 13.4 Inch Big Pencil Props Large Funny Novelty Pencils with Cap for Home Decor Office Christmas Party, Yellow
When it comes to vintage whimsy, oversized pieces make everything more intriguing. Figural trade signs and store display props have particular magnetism. As functional sculpture, either would anchor a study or creative workspace with wit and nostalgia, proving that scale alone can turn a simple object into a statement.
A teeny, tiny game of dominoes
There is nothing sweeter than a miniature vintage piece. This set comes from the 1960s and is the perfect curio for play and display.
An Italian table lamp
Mini tabletop lamps are a major trend in home decor right now. Vintage versions obviously don't have the convenience of being cordless, but they're still so chic – particularly this mid-century Italian green and brass number.
From fox prints to bee mugs, 10 gifts for wildlife lovers this Christmas
Kaper Merlins Handmade Paper Sculpture
Kaper's elegant sculptures feature hand-cut plumage and pale hydrangea blossoms. This pair of merlins is perfect for ornithophiles particularly fond of spotting rare birds of prey.
Helen Briggs Winter Hare Signed and Mounted Giclée Art Print
Helen Briggs' beautiful artwork captures British wildlife in all its seasonal glory – this special art print will bring a smile wherever it's hung in the home.
Lino Lord Bee Etched Enamel Mug
Using time-honoured techniques, Lino Lord crafts its retro-inspired enamel mugs in its studio in Falmouth. This pretty bee mug can be enjoyed while working in the garden or even camping and hiking.
Jina Gelder Illustration Garden Birds Canvas Lampshade
From goldfinches to blue tits, this pretty lampshade will bring the best of an English summer garden indoors all year round.
The Fae Potter Mushroom toadstool incense stick holder ceramic pottery
Inspired by autumnal flora and fauna, from upturned fungi to golden oak leaves, The Fae Potter's winsome pottery are sure to please nature devotees.
Theodore and Olive Jewellery Silver Stag Charm Necklace
One for the silver wearers, this stunning necklace subtly captures the majesty of the stag. The chain can be chosen at a length of your choice, and best of all, it comes in an elegant gift box with a pretty pouch to give to the lucky recipient.
Helen Round Winter Fox Linen Aga Pad
Available in three colours, Helen Round's pretty linen AGA covers are embroidered with a cheeky fox running through the snow – protecting your cooker from scratching and wear while still looking country house chic.
Liz Corley Art Cotswold Hare Linen Tote Bag
This generously-sized tote bag is a pretty and practical gift for friends always on the go.
Undercover Recycled Leather Bugs Travel Set
Presented together in a gift box, Undercover's soft leather travel set will delight jet-setting family and friends. Available in an array of lovely colour combos, the leather is also entirely recycled for an eco-conscious choice.
little ram studio Back Garden Bats - Limited Edition - Original Linocut Print
Hand printed with inks also blended by hand, Little Ram Studio's captivating linocut prints look just as beautiful propped-up, unframed on a bookshelf as they do framed over a mantlepiece.
Sarah Zlotnick is the Lifestyle Director at Country Living, where she has run point on travel, rural lifestyles, and all things vintage and antiques since 2021. Previously a lifestyle editor at Washingtonian and Philadelphia magazines, she has been championing small businesses and regional destinations for 15 years. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Georgetown University, a major her younger self would be quite surprised to learn has come so in handy. First and foremost a service journalism enthusiast, she loves an in-depth explainer on an everyday topic or a deep dive into the history of vintage objects. When she’s not editing and writing, you’ll find her needling her husband to pull off the highway so they can explore a new small town or cozying up with a juicy murder mystery.
