How to buy antique gifts – a guide to thoughtful and timeless present shopping
Antique gifts are not only beautiful but also offer a unique sense of history and charm that modern items can rarely match. Whether you’re buying for a friend, family member, or even treating yourself, antiques make memorable and meaningful presents. However, shopping for antiques can feel overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the market. Here’s our guide on how to buy antique gifts that will truly stand out.
Why an antique gift is appealing
Before you start shopping, it helps to understand why antique gifts are so valued. Antiques often come with a story, a style, and a quality that’s hard to find in contemporary items. They bring a sense of history and artistry, often showcasing craftsmanship that’s difficult to replicate today. Gifting an antique can be a way to connect the recipient to a particular era, artist, or aesthetic that holds sentimental or historical value. There is also something rather special about gifting items that weren’t mass produced and are hard to find.
Understanding the language of antique shopping
In the world of antiques, terms like "vintage," "retro," and "antique" each have specific meanings. True antiques are generally defined as items that are over 100 years old, while vintage typically refers to pieces from the last 20 to 100 years. Knowing what is antique and what is vintage can help you set expectations and find the right items that will resonate with the recipient’s taste. Additionally, it's helpful to understand basic categories of antiques, such as furniture, jewellery, art, glassware, and textiles, so you can focus on what you think your recipient will enjoy most.
Set a budget
Antique gifts can range from affordable to extravagant, depending on the item, rarity, and condition. Setting a budget can help narrow your options and avoid overspending. If you’re buying a smaller gift, consider antique jewellery, trinket boxes, or vintage perfume bottles, which often cost less than larger items like furniture. Some items, especially those from certain well-known periods or makers, can be pricey, so knowing your limit will help guide your shopping process.
Research the recipient’s taste and interests
When shopping for antique gifts remember to buy what you think the recipient will like and not what you like! Antique gifts are best when they reflect the personality and interests of the person receiving them. Consider what the recipient enjoys or has a particular fascination for—such as Art Deco style, Victorian jewellery, or mid-century modern decor. If they love to read, an antique book or vintage bookshelf might make an ideal present. For a fashion enthusiast, antique brooches, cufflinks, or hats can be stylish, unique choices. Tailoring the item to their preferences will make the gift even more special.
Buy from reputable sellers
Knowing where to buy antiques is just as important as knowing what to buy. Reputable antique dealers, vintage shops, and auction houses are typically safe bets for authenticity and quality, while many antique centres can be found online. Look for sellers with strong reviews and clear descriptions of each item, including details about its condition, age, and provenance if possible. Tips for buying antiques online has lots of helpful advice.
Inspect the condition carefully
The condition of an antique can greatly affect both its value and its aesthetic appeal. Some wear and tear can add character, but severe damage might make the item less desirable or even unusable. Look out for signs of restoration, as these can sometimes diminish the value or alter the piece’s original look. If you’re buying online, check for clear photos that show the item from multiple angles, and ask for additional images if needed.
Consider practicality and size
Antiques come in all shapes and sizes, so consider the recipient’s living space and lifestyle. For someone in a small apartment, a large piece of period furniture might not be the best choice, while smaller items like antique silver and jewellery or small collectables could be perfect. Think about where and how they might use the item—choosing something practical ensures it won’t end up tucked away in storage.
Antique gifts from Hemswell Antique Centres
Buying antique gifts is an art in itself, requiring thoughtfulness, research, and a bit of detective work. If you are looking for antique gift ideas, a day spent browsing our four buildings of the finest items will give you plenty of food for thought. Whether you are looking for antique gifts for her, antique gifts for him or those perfect antique Christmas gifts for everyone on your list this year, our 400+ dealers will not disappoint. Online, our gifts for every occasion and our small collectables feature almost 1,000 carefully chosen pieces for you to browse from the comfort of your own home. If you’re still undecided, why not consider antique gift vouchers so they can choose for themselves?
