Vintage and second hand items make the most charming and eco friendly Christmas gifts. If you’re looking to give a thoughtful and truly unique present this Christmas why not thrift it, save money and the planet.

Start early and give yourself time to scope it out, then head to your local charity shop, flea market or antique fair and hop over to Etsy or eBay and pick out some personal presents this Christmas.

Accessories

Seek out quality vintage bags, belts and gloves - scarves are abundant in second hand shops and charity shops, so gift them and use them as Christmas wrapping.

Vintage and antique jewellery makes a one-of-a kind unforgettable gift, while vintage Stratton compacts and perfume bottles make a pretty addition to the beauty fiends dressing table. Not forgetting the perfect present for the practical.. our upcycled glasses chains.

Homeware

Original art makes a truly personal gift - lovely retro prints can be found in the most unlikely of corners. Hand crocheted blankets - 60s style brightly coloured granny blankets are back in vogue, easy to pick up and make the cutest present for a house proud pal.

Retro kitchen ware makes a lovely gift – hello 1950s salt and pepper pots in the shape of vegetables. Why not create a hamper of Christmas lovelies for someone dear.

Tableware

Beautiful linens from tablecloths to napkins have fallen out of fashion over the years so you can pick up some beauties for a steal from your local second hand, vintage store or charity shop. They’re a great eco friendly alternative to devils like kitchen towel, as well as bringing party table settings to life.

Pair with elegant vintage glassware, an art deco cocktail shaker or some vintage candle holders to set the mood.

Vintage Books

Books are a classic keep forever present, pick up a beautiful crafting book from embroidery to crotchet - vintage house plant care for the green fingered friend or Mrs Beeton’s cookery for the food obsessed. A vintage penguin edition of a favourite classic tale is sure to be a Christmas stocking hit.

curios and collectibles

Snap up cute curios and collectibles - look out for signed and stamped pieces as the history will make them all the more fascinating. Try vintage pens for letter writers, budding authors or fans of calligraphy. Pretty vintage tins and antique wooden boxes make quirky gifts and are brilliant for wrapping other gifts within.

Kids

Eco friendly kids gifts are easy when you shop second hand. Find vintage classics games like scrabble,  dominoes, jigsaws and board games are perfect picks – just check the condition and make sure all the pieces are contained. Hunt down well made wooden toys, vintage dolls and you’ll find tonnes of Lego to save from landfill (just wash before use).

Zero waste gift vouchers

When your wrapping is zero waste giving guilt free gifts is easy. Take it to the next level and go completely packaging free with a gift card like ours. Gift Cards are the perfect practical gift that won’t be left at the back of the cupboard and zero trees were cut down to produce it. Our Gift Vouchers can be used towards any frames, accessories or glasses repairs.

If you’re looking for an alternative to ‘stuff’ why not gift an experience voucher, tickets for a workshop or gig make the perfect present.

Repairing or upcycling a much loved item for a loved one make a really personal gift that just keeps on giving long after Christmas is over and the mince pies are gone.

Finally sit back and feel smug knowing you’ve given an original and sustainable gift this Christmas.

Jo