Gift Guide 2012
Thanksgiving is just ten days away. For many of us this has been a tough year . . . but there is still so much to be thankful for. As I have been thinking about the holidays this year and what I want to teach my children, I realized that many of the gifts we give are thank you gifts – to teachers, library workers, doctors, mail carriers, and even friends hosting parties. I’m busy helping my kids make Thanksgiving thank you cards because this year we are putting an emphasis on giving during Turkey Day. Homemade items and crafts make great gifts that are big on love and easy on the budget. When time is short, antiques stores can offer unique gifts for every budget. Here are my 2012 picks.
Hostess gifts: Consider giving a flower frog, unique napkin holders, or a strawberry fork. Flower frogs are typically glass or pottery. They are round and flat; they fit in vases and help hold flower arrangements. Strawberry forks were made especially for chocolate covered strawberries and are typically sterling silver. These make great additions and conversation pieces for those who love to entertain.
Jewelry: Moms, wives, daughters, and girlfriends of all ages love to receive jewelry. It remains steady as a popular buying category among Americans. Estate jewelry can be found for every budget and taste, from costume to fine. The best part is finding really unique designs made with beautiful stones. If your guy loves turquoise jewelry or old school cuff links, be sure to ask to see the stock of men’s accessories. One Christmas I received a lapis ring from a regional store that carries estate jewelry. It is one of my favorite accessories today.
Children: While the tendency might be to think that antiques stores and children don’t mix, there are gifts for kids available in the antiques and collectibles realm. Unique and sturdy pint-size furniture can be found by those who seek it out. Salesmen’s furniture samples are just the right size for dolls or small children as well. Heirloom gifts for new babies are unique finds as well. Dishes, spoons, and even planters with a baby motif are available. Old baby quilts can create a unique nursery decor, and dry sinks are excellent for changing stations. Framed postcards of children are a way to add wall art to a child’s room.
Homemade inspiration: For homemade gifts, get ideas and supplies at antiques or thrift stores. Mismatched linens and damaged quilts (often called cutters) or postcards and paper items with damaged corners and edges can be inexpensive bases for gift projects. Damaged pottery and porcelain can become mosaics. Take a look and find amazing ideas for one-of-a-kind gifts.
Hopefully these ideas will help as you give thanks and share with loved ones during this special season. For more ideas, read last year’s column on gift ideas here.
http://www.jeffersoncountypost.com/jcpbackissues/dec19-2011/page10.htm
Rachel Glenn is part owner of Rachel’s Attic Antiques and Collectibles in Dandridge, Tennessee and has been dealing in antiques and collectibles for eleven years and selling online for eight years.
