Stocking stuffer gifts aren’t just for kids – grownups like them, too! Especially when they are vintage gifts with a unique or unusual flair.
We’ve pulled together these 16 gift ideas for your Christmas shopping or holiday gift list. Click the titles below to go directly to that item in our store – having fun shopping!
#1 – Believe Ceramic Push Pins (from the 1940s)
The perfect gift for anyone, because we should never stop believing, no matter how old we are. Using the push pins on a bulletin board is a nice reminder to “believe”.
#2 – Silver Button Holder (from the 1910s)
A special holder for small treasures and keepsakes, and yes – even for buttons. Give this as a gift to new parents to hold locks of hair from their baby’s first haircut, or their first baby tooth. This trinket box would also make a treasured gift to a young woman to hold petals from her first bouquet of flowers, or ticket stubs from her first movie or concert date. Give this gift to a first-time-Grandmother to hold special mementos given to her from her grandchildren. Not only will the contents be treasured, so will this gift!
#3 – Snake Bite First Aid Kit (from the 1920s)
This snake bite kit makes a great gift for the adventurous man or woman “who has everything”! It’s sure to be a conversation starter no matter where it’s displayed – in an office, a ‘man cave’, or in a den with other trophies. Not only will they appreciate the uniqueness of this gift, but the graphics on the container are pretty cool, too!
#4 – Silver Fish Napkin Holder (from the 1960s)
This fish napkin or photo holder makes a fun gift for the fisherman on your list. Slide a photo of them holding their biggest catch into the fish for an extra surprise. The fish can be displayed at their home or cabin, and they’ll always think about you and the one that didn’t get away!
#5 – Bisque Jointed Doll (from the 1860s)
This 156-year old bisque doll was unearthed in an excavation in Germany. It makes a perfect gift for any doll collector, or collector of all things small and unique. Propped in a curio cabinet or shadow box, it is sure to bring a smile to your gift recipient.
#6 – I Like Boys Pin (from the 1970s)
This fun pin from the 70s makes a great gift for a friend or family member that has all boys as children or grandchildren. They’ll proudly display the pin – on their purse, on their jacket, or even on a shelf or in a shadowbox at home. A unique, hard-to-find gift from the past.
#7 – Empire Striped Pencils (from the 1950s)
A fun and whimsical gift for the artist on your list! This set of double-sided pencils is sure to bring back memories of a simpler time. Whether your artist friend uses the pencils in their art, or just displays them in their studio, you know they will always enjoy this colorful gift from you.
#8 – Eight Ball Pool Ball (from the 1910s)
This vintage eight ball makes a classic gift for just about anyone! It’s an obvious treasure for someone who loves billiards, and it’s an iconic gift for anyone who likes to display unique and fun items in their home or office decor.
#9 – Silver Star Candle Holder Set (from the 1970s)
This set of candle holders makes a perfect gift for the hostess who likes to entertain friends and family. Add a couple of votive candles or tea lights, then wrap them together in a clear cellophane bag tied shut with a ribbon for a beautiful gift. The candle holders can also be used to hold small candies – perfect for after-dinner mints.
#10 – Paper Rail Bird Gun Target (from the 1940s)
Frame this paper target and give it as a gift to the outdoors man or hunter on your list. A fun gift to hang at a hunting shack or cabin, or even in an office or den. As a bonus, you could make copies of this target before framing it, and use the copies as gift wrap for other small gifts.
#11 – Composition Monkey Puppet Head (from the 1930s)
Of course, a monkey head makes a clever gift for friends or family who appreciate and enjoy odd and unusual things. Seriously, who would already have a monkey head in their collection? And if they do, chances are they don’t have one like this! Your gift recipient will proudly display this unique gift, and will always think about you. We’re not monkeying around!
#12 – Antique Garden Seed Vials (from the 1910s)
A most unique gift for the gardener on your list – plant seeds from long ago, stored in antique glass vials. While the seeds are very old and may or may not ever grow, displaying these vials in a garden shed or on a kitchen window sill is a reminder of plants from the past.
#13 – Plastic Alphabet Letters (from the 1940s)
Choose the letters you need to spell out words or names of people on your Christmas gift list. Give words to your friends, such as “JOY”, “NOEL”, “MERRY CHRISTMAS” – they make great gifts for people who like to decorate for the holidays. Letters spelling names of your friends make fun gifts so they can display their name on a shelf or in a curio cabinet. A personalized gift just from you.
#14 – Brass Hotel Desk Bell (from the 1860s)
This brass bell makes a great gift for your spouse! With this bell, they will be able to call for your attention when they are in a different room of your house – a great way to request breakfast in bed. On second thought, maybe just display it as a fun decorator piece from the past!
#15 – Voodoo Doll Novelty (from the 1970s)
This voodoo doll makes a fun and memorable “white elephant” gift for your next office party. Just be careful which co-worker ends up with it after the party!
#16 – Naughty and Nice Ceramic Push Pins (from the 1940s)
This set of push pins would make a great gift for YOU! Yes, you! Use the pins on your bulletin board to create your holiday shopping list – naughty on the left, nice on the right. Display the bulletin board at your Christmas party – your guests will get a chuckle out of the lists you’ve created.
Need more gift ideas?
We have over 1,000 vintage items in our shop at www.ThirdShiftVintage.com – something for everyone on your holiday list!