With the kids back in school and life returning to its usual rhythm after the shutdown, people are finally leaning into the holiday spirit. And in a year full of unpredictability, choosing to buy vintage and secondhand feels like the perfect antidote—especially when those finds aren’t affected by tariffs or supply-chain headaches.
One thing that continues to strike me as I work in so many homes is the sheer amount of excess. I’ve mentioned this before, but it never stops surprising me: we regularly discover items in duplicate, triplicate, and sometimes far more. Often they’re everyday household essentials—things people worry about running out of. But just as often, we uncover wonderful vintage pieces that have been tucked away for years. Unique, unusual, and full of character, these items make incredible gifts.
When it feels like your shopping options are limited or uninspired, secondhand gives you freedom. It lets you be creative, thoughtful, and authentic. And in a year like this one, that feels like the best gift of all.