Give The One-of-a-Kind Gift of Vintage

Do the malls leave you uninspired (or worse)? Are you bored to death with the cookie-cutter stuff in the endless catalogs filling your mailbox? Here are a few vintage-oriented ideas, plus one general shopping suggestion: For anyone on your gift list who appreciates fresh, unusual gifts, find the best vintage stores and estate jewelers in your town and do a bit of browsing. Or immediately check out the hundreds of Internet-based vintage stores that have quick shipping. And don't forget that many listings on eBay have a "Buy It Now" option, which is perfect for last-minute shoppers...as long as you spot a great item before someone else does. With so many ways to shop vintage, something is sure to grab your eye. Now, a few suggestions: 1. Give the gift that has already lasted a lifetime: a vintage watch, restored and ready to go another 20, 30 or 40 years. Look for rose gold, if you can afford it, or sterling, and buy from a jeweler or vintage store that specializes in watches. Lots of women, especially those with big bones, prefer the look of a man's watch. And watches with curved crystals are particularly handsome. 2. Think cashmere! A vintage cashmere sweater is hard to resist, especially one with beading or a fur collar (...IF the recipient is comfortable wearing fur). Pringle is one label to look for, but there are many great cashmere sweaters that lost their tags long ago and are still in great condition. Look carefully for holes, and holding the sweater up to the light is one way to do that. Cashmere coats and capes are another luxurious option. When in doubt about fit, make sure the store has an exchange or refund policy before buying. 3. If you are buying for someone who loves silk scarves, the only limit is your budget. Among the great labels to consider: Hermes, Givenchy, Jean Patou, Liberty of London, Vera and Pucci. That's just a short list, and many stunning pieces have no signature. For this gift category, eBay is a wonderful shopping destination. But be prepared for a bidding war—scarves are a hot commodity this time of year.  4. Purses, purses, purses: Need we say more. From classic gators to Whiting & Davis mesh evening bags (like the one shown here) to hobo shoulder pouches, the options are almost limitless.  5. Rhinestones on anything, bangles and cuffs and cuff links, earrings big and small...the list goes on and on for vintage jewelry. This is a category where you can spend $10 or $1,000, and give something that will be remembered (and worn). 6. Household goodies, from linens to pottery to lamps, are another great option, especially for those who spend more time polishing their home decor than their wardrobe. We particularly love vintage tablecloths and napkins, distinctive salt & pepper shakers, old teapots and quirky metal serving trays. 7. Gift certificates: Want to give vintage but have absolutely no idea what will be a hit? Buy a gift certificate. Most good vintage stores offer these. And, if you want to make the grand gesture really grand, tuck the certificate inside an inexpensive vintage evening clutch or wrap it with a vintage hankie...Now that's nice packaging!