Vintage Valentine Gift Ideas

We’re sharing vintage Valentine gift ideas today!

I’ve been spending a lot of time decluttering and organizing the house as of late. So, I really didn’t buy too much when I went to the Renningers Extravaganza last year.

Despite being restrained, I swear, there always seems to be this silent struggle…

“Do I really need this?”

“Do I truly love this or do I just want it right now?”

And finally, the one that gets me the most is, “Am I ever going to see this piece at this price again?”

While we were *mostly* able to stick to our shopping list, there’s no doubt outdoor events like the Extravaganza, antique malls, estate sales, and charity shops offer great vintage Valentine’s gift ideas at budget-friendly prices.

It’s a fantastic way to support local vendors and small businesses.

And also, to find a unique and one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone.

Here’s a look at a few vintage gift ideas for your favorite Valentine…

Vintage Jewelry:

Before my Granny passed away, she started slowly giving us pieces of jewelry. Truthfully, it felt bittersweet at the time.

But now my jewelry box is filled with everything from a strand of pearls to Christmas tree broaches to earrings to the watch she wore almost daily.

And I’m forever grateful for her sweet gifts.

I know vintage jewelry can easily be lost from one generation to the next though.

If your Valentine loves jewelry consider gifting them a vintage, estate, or antique piece. Most jewelry stores have an estate collection section.

If you’re on a budget, don’t sweat it!

I found this three-strand set at Renninger’s a few years ago for $4 and wear them constantly.

Table or Bed Linens:

Heirloom linens in good shape and at a reasonable price are getting harder and harder to find these days.

Don’t let that stop you from looking though!

Linens can be used to set a pretty table, for pillow covers, in quilts, as a hand towel, a tablecloth, as part of a bedroom suite, or they can be framed and displayed.

Grain Sacks: 

Grain sacks like these can also be framed and used as a table runner, or pillow covers too.

Ironstone:

Ironstone in good condition and at a reasonable price is another thing that is getting harder and harder to find.

While we didn’t see a lot of ironstone this trip, most tureens, and large pitchers sell for around $40-$125 apiece depending on the condition, potter, and company’s stamp.

Creamers, gravy boats, and sugar bowls sell for around $10-40 each.

If you’re unsure how much you should be paying for items like this, check eBay and Etsy before you go out treasure hunting.

Transferware:

There are lots of different colors and patterns of transferware available if you’re looking for vintage Valentine’s gift ideas.

I collect the brown and white transferware and the pattern Royal Mail is the one I use most often.

Because there are so many different options, it’s probably best to find out what color and pattern your loved one collects before buying a specific piece unless they’re just starting a new collection.

Vintage Dishes:

If you’ve followed the blog for any length of time you know I have a major weakness for vintage dishes.

They come in a variety of patterns, colors, shapes, and sizes and can easily be mixed and matched.

Most dishes range in price from less than a dollar to $25 per plate depending on the manufacturer and quality of the dishes which makes them one of the most affordable vintage Valentine’s gift ideas on the list.

Monogrammed Dishes:

Monogrammed dishes are not as easy to find but they’re definitely worth mentioning.

They’re nice to have because they can instantly dress a table up or down depending on your event.

Silver Trophies and Trays:

Silver trophies and trays are always a fun find!

You can display trophies in your bookcase or fill them with flower arrangements.

Silver or silver plate trays can be used to make teatime special, to serve breakfast in bed, hung on the wall as art, or used as part of a beautiful vignette.

Obviously, real silver is more expensive than silverplate.

But either way, they’re both fun to treasure hunt and you never know what you’ll find.

Best in Show Trophies & Ribbons:

I’ve always loved horses but it’s just been in the past few years that I’ve started collecting horse trophies.

They definitely make an unexpected vintage Valentine’s gift idea because each one is unique and different.

If horses aren’t your thing, consider looking for farm animal show trophies, car show trophies, or sports trophies.

Basically, anything that has a “best in show award” will probably also have a trophy.

Breadboard and Baskets:

I’m a huge fan of practical gifts like vintage breadboards and baskets because they can be used in so many different ways.

Most of the time they’re reasonably priced and can be easily found too!

We literally use breadboards and baskets all over the house and throughout the year.

Keep in mind, vintage breadboards need to be cleaned very well before you use them.

Metal Scales:

I’m always amazed at how utilitarian scales can be to decorate with. You can use them in vignettes, hutches, bookcases, and even on coffee tables.

Scales are budget-friendly and come in a variety of shapes in sizes.

My Mom and I found the large scale in The Crowned Goat Cottage at Renninger’s several years ago for a steal at $5!

It was a beast to carry, but to this day, it’s still one of my favorite pieces.

Photographs or Paintings:

Admittedly, this one is probably the hardest on the list as far as vintage Valentine’s gift ideas go because you have to know the recipient really well.

That said, vintage original photographs and paintings make a very thoughtful and unique one-of-a-kind gift.

Art & Writing Supplies:

Truthfully, I’d never thought about art or writing supplies making great gifts until I started collecting old paintbrushes and I noticed my Mom collecting calligraphy pens for her office.

Vintage art supplies are another thoughtful and practical gift idea that can usually be found at a variety of price points.

Garden Art, Urns, Flower Crates, and Galvanized Containers:

Spring will be here before we know it and garden art, urns, flower crates, and galvanized containers make fabulous vintage Valentine’s gift ideas.

Items like these are great because you can use them in multiple seasons.

A container that holds roses on Valentine’s Day can hold hydrangeas in the summer, mums in Fall, and miniature Christmas trees in December.

As you can see there are a lot of options if you decide you want to give the gift of vintage this Valentine’s Day.

Honestly, from furniture to jadeite to depression glass to antique tobacco pipes and canes, and everything in between the possibilities for vintage Valentine’s gift ideas are endless!

Let us know what’s on your wishlist this Valentine’s Day! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Other Vintage-Inspired Posts to Enjoy:

• Vintage Valentine’s Day Tablescape & Blog Hop
• Decorating for Spring with Vintage and Salvaged Finds
• DIY Dutch Tulip Crate
• How to Create a Vintage Trophy Finish
• Where to Buy Affordable Vintage Inspired Art Online
• DIY Vintage-Inspired Apple Picking Sign

Many blessings,

CoCo