It’s not always easy to find gifts for people who like antiques - after all, many have specific and sophisticated tastes!
Don’t worry though - as antiques aficionados ourselves, we can help you. In this article, we’ll share a wide range of ideas about different gifts for people who like antiques.
Before we start, just make sure that if you’re thinking about buying anything antique or vintage, do some due diligence first.
Don’t let untrustworthy sellers deceive you - check that they’re a member of a trustworthy antiques organisation such as LAPADA or an equivalent (and you can check out our blog on how to spot fake antiques!).
Here are our suggestions when considering gifts for people who like antiques.
Quick and simple gifts for people who like antiques
Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple:
- How about a magazine subscription - the Antiques Trade Gazette for example?
- A trip to a museum is another safe bet. The V&A has several different thematic antique collections.
- Alternatively you could choose a museum membership. British Museum membership provides unlimited entry to exhibitions, plus a magazine three times a year.
Of course, there are other gifts that they can treasure forever.
Let’s look at some ideas for presents they can display proudly in their homes, for all to admire.
Decorative gifts
There’s always room for a beautifully decorated, hand-painted vase
Whether your gift recipient is in love with the Renaissance or the Victorian era, there’s a wide variety of antique and vintage presents to choose from.
There’s always room for a beautifully decorated, hand-painted vase. Take a look at this amazing Italian faience vase shaped like a wine flagon - it used to be a table lamp!
Alternatively, how about a small sculpture?
Here’s an example - a 65cm high, 19th century terracotta angel figure.
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If they have too many bare floors then they might like to own a unique, striking rug. Persian carpets often have wonderful floral motifs.
Decorative - yet practical
If you’re looking for a gift that they can put to use, how about a pretty lamp or clock?
In contrast to the Italian faience vase, these early 19th century Regency bronze urns have been converted into table lamps - an interesting talking point, but also a useful light source.
If they’re always asking you what time it is, they won’t need to anymore with a magnificent aesthetic movement ebonised mantel clock.
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Furniture
Something smaller and more delicate is sure to be gratefully received too
Looking for a big gift, perhaps for a particularly special occasion?
One school of thought is - don’t say it with flowers, say it with furniture.
For example, nothing stands out more than a beautiful antique Mahogany collector's chest.
Something smaller and more delicate is sure to be gratefully received too, though.
For instance, these decorative Victorian sycamore chairs are intricately carved with a peace lily surrounded by foliage.
Pictures and wall hangings
Bare walls can look quite boring. Anyone would be happy to fill a blank space with an antique oil painting.
Or how about something a little different, like these 19th century panels?
If you’re not sure about their exact artistic tastes, you can’t go wrong with antique wall or overmantel mirrors - they make any room look bigger and brighter.
If they don’t have much spare space on their walls, you could also consider an overmantle one - like this solid pollard oak Victorian mirror.
Fireplace accessories
Whatever their tastes, it’s easy to find an accessory that suits any fireplace
If you’re buying gifts for people who like antiques and also have an antique fireplace, you have lots of options.
From Victorian steel fire tools to decorated 19th century brass log baskets, there are plenty of accessories you could consider to complement their fireplace.
Also, think about: andirons, like these Baroque balusters; chenets, such as this Louis XV style bronze set; or striking fire dogs, like this Jacobean pair.
Whatever their tastes, it’s easy to find an accessory that suits any fireplace.
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Final thoughts: gifts for people who like antiques
If you do buy an antique as a present, find out its story - so you can retell it when you’re giving your gift.
That’s part of the appeal of purchasing antiques - everything has a history. The seller should be able to give you some fascinating insights about when and where it’s from.
If you have any queries about buying gifts for people who like antiques, or about anything in our collection, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.