This is a blog about vintage stocking stuffer ideas.
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Christmas shopping can be so much fun, but oh so stressful. And we always forget about stocking stuffers until the very last minute. At our house, the tradition is stockings are last, after Christmas dinner–one last tear through wrapping paper and bows! But some homes celebrate the night before. Whether you love planning every detail or you wait until the last minute for everything, the stocking stuffers can be an overlooked chance for a small but unique surprise. A vintage Christmas stocking stuffer can be an original and fun vintage gift for husband, for wife, or anyone!
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Small vintage items can be unique stocking stuffers to finish off your Christmas gift list!
Vintage miniatures. Mini anything is in right now, and this isn’t the first time: create a vintage stocking stuffer by using an old-school miniature. From traditional dollhouse items and toy cars to granny chic brass and glass figurines, you can find vintage miniatures for every type of interest. You can also do glass animals for pet lovers or tiny brass teapots for a cottagecore lover.
Can you have too many minis? Nah. A brass watering can or the tiny lamp? Yes, please.
Old (small) books. Obviously you aren’t going to fit War and Peace in a stocking! But, you can fit a slim volume of something unique. It can be something offbeat and quirky like a vintage 1960s auto repair manual, or a pocket-sized dictionary from the 1990s (pretty much the last decade we all used “real” dictionaries–and blogs were not an official word yet!).
A 1940s carpentry book, or a 19th century copy of Longfellow? Maybe not in the *same* stocking, but unique and vintage stocking stuffer ideas in both cases!
Sewing items. Anyone who loves crafts and sewing knows that sewing is naturally full of miniature items, from spools to vintage packs of ribbons and trim, wooden and metal buttons or even fabric scraps. Retro pieces of fabric will let them be creative, and old spools can be fun decor. Don’t overlook metal thimbles which can be upcycled into charms for bracelets or necklaces!
Vintage stocking stuffers can be personalized and feel more special than new items–or upcycled to truly create something new (that’s old!).
Antique and vintage jewelry. Honestly, jewelry never really goes out of style, especially if you pair it with a modern outfit or use it in a new way! Whether its 50s brooches, 80s chunky costume jewelry, antique tie tacks or quirky cufflinks, you will find something for everyone. Go cheap and cheerful with wood or plastic jewelry or choose gold and silver antique for upscale options. Ears aren’t pierced? You can pick up these clip earring converters to turn vintage pierced earrings into clips. If you don’t want to pick out jewelry, don’t forget that vintage trinket boxes are an equally fun option. Then they have the excuse to go shopping and fill it!
This vintage jewelry box is divine. You could give the box as an under-the-tree gift. And add brooches (or necklaces or bracelets or cufflinks or…) as the perfect vintage stocking stuffers to fill it!
Vintage magnets. Whatever your tastes, a magnet is always a useful but fun collectors item. Choose from Fiesta magnets from the 80s, or quirky destination magnets. And don’t forget that small vintage items can easily be upcycled into magnets! Add a craft magnet like this one to the back of any miniature or small item and you have a truly one-of-a-kind magnet as a cool vintage stocking stuffer. You can use the items above like real miniatures or small sewing items. But you could also add it to a retro Hot Wheel car or vintage brooches. (Ok, that will be for two VERY different recipients, but you get the point!)
Vintage kitchen and dining. Ok, you’re not going to put a set of champagne flutes in a stocking. But you can put a small vintage cup and saucer, or a pair of small cordial glasses. Or, a vintage corkscrew or cloth cocktail napkins. Think outside the box: doilies become retro coasters, shot glasses become tiny vases and small saucers hold keys. If you really want to next level your vintage stocking stuffer, you can fill a tea cup with scented wax and a wick for an awesome candle in a cup. Even a set of silver teaspoons can be a fun surprise. Don’t forget handblown glass cocktail swizzle sticks too!
Whether it’s retro corkscrew snack plates or vintage cottagecore floral glass coasters, these stocking stuffers are a fun surprise. Gift it alone, or pair with vintage shot glasses.
Vintage items don’t have to be used as originally intended: use it as vintage office decor or as retro decorative storage.
Miniature baskets. Brands like Longaberger are highly valued baskets that are natural for cottagecore or farmhouse decor. But you can use them to hold jewelry or keys. And think outside box (or basket)! Use these kinds of items in a home office to hold paper clips and push pins as well.
Vintage picture frames. Even though it feels like every photo is digital, if you print it out and put it in a tiny vintage frame, and slip it into a stocking, it feels wonderfully personal. You can even grayscale the photo. It doesn’t have to be a person: consider a small oval portrait frame, but enter a pet photo for dog moms. Take an old seashell frame and insert a great view of his favorite seaside spot. Don’t forget you can also add a vintage postcard and frame it instead. Retro photos of major cities or choose quirky “locals-only” places: all are great options.
Vintage stocking stuffers can make last minute tiny gifts fun and unusual.
Whether it’s a vintage gift for a friend, a stocking stuffer for a boyfriend, or a vintage gift for a child, you sure to surprise them. And a lot of these items can be very reasonable. Source from places like thrift stores and estate sales, or come visit Etsy shops like ours for ready made vintage stocking stuffer ideas. And don’t forget to add to your wish list–maybe someone will stuff your stocking with something special!
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This is a blog about vintage stocking stuffer ideas.
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