Vintage Christmas Gift Guide for Children: Toddler to Teen 2019

Hi there! Today I have a special post for you–a vintage Christmas gift guide for children: toddler to teen. Many of the items listed can be found in my Vintage Blog Shop under “Christmas” and others can be purchased through Amazon.

I know in last week’s email newsletter I talked about slowing things down and enjoying one holiday at a time.  And I still absolutely believe in enjoying the season you’re in and preparing for the holiday on your plate, in this case “turkey day.” But I do believe when gifts are involved, it pays to think ahead a bit. Otherwise, you might be caught unprepared, and that, of course, is never good.

Sometimes people hesitate to give vintage and antique items as gifts, fearing that the receivers may be put off by the idea of a “second-hand” gift. My suggestion? Write in the card or on the tag, “PS: This is a special vintage/antique gift chosen just for you.” That should take care of the problem.

Related posts: Collecting Vintage Christmas and Vintage Christmas Price Guide

* This post contains affiliate links. When you click on one of them and make a purchase, I earn a small commission that has no affect on the price you pay. Thanks in advance!

Vintage Christmas Gift Ideas for Toddlers

Vintage books make excellent gifts for any age. You’ll see a few more book choices later on in the post. Little ones would love these three: Train Coming!, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Happiest Christmas. Available.  

Sturdy wooden toys, like Santa-driven train, offer wonderful gift-giving opportunities for toddlers. This one, produced by well-known Christmas designer Kurt. S. Adler, has wheels that turn and pieces, like deer, trees, and gifts, that can be counted. Available.  

Every toddler needs a set of alphabet blocks to stack and knock over (and occasionally gnaw on). I found them essential for teaching ABC’s and spelling simple words. Once they’ve outgrown them, you can use them to create cute Christmas decorations.

Vintage Gift Ideas for Elementary Ages

Elementary school marks the perfect time to gift a child a tea set. Whether played with gently or put on display, this charming antique ironstone set is a winner. Available.    

Little Golden Books have been pleasing children since 1942 and this first edition Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer is sure to delight your child or grandchild. Available. (SOLD)

Related post: Collecting Little Golden Books

You might hesitate to buy quality jewelry for elementary age children, but for special occassions a few nice pieces are probably welcome. These sweet Sterling silver rose earrings latch safely in the back to prevent loss. Available.    

   

As a child, I loved my View Finder and when I had my own kids, I bought them each real vintage viewers that came with reels I had as a child. Total blast from the past.

 

 

Lincoln Logs, another good old-fashioned toy, bring back fond memories of building log homes and villages with my two kids. In fact, I still have my kids set that I pull out for visiting nieces and nephews.

Vintage Gift Ideas for Tweens

These darling Sterling silver snowflake earrings would make a lovely gift for any 8-12 year old (or older!). Available.

And how about a cute way to organize and display earrings? This vintage gold-tone flower (new-old stock) holds multiple pairs of non-dangly post earrings. Available.

This Sterling silver and cubic zurconia cross would make a sweet stocking stuffer for a little girl, right? Available.

As a tween, I ate up all kinds of series books, including the Hardy Boys (though Nancy was my favorite). Feed your tween’s Hardy Boys habit or get him/her started–they’ve aged pretty well and kids still love ’em. Available.

Have you seen the new TV show about Nancy Drew? She never grows old. My daughter already has these two titles, otherwise I’d have been forbiddent to make them available. 

Hard to believe, but Chia Pets are still a thing. Introduce your tween to this throw-back gift with a character they are likely very familiar with–Dustin from Stranger Things.  Ridiculous, I know.For the baseball lover on your gift list, these patent drawings would be a welcome surprise, framed or not. Both handsome and unique, they are reasonably priced as well.

Vintage Gift Ideas for Teens

I had a difficult time buying gifts for my teenagers, how about you and yours? At this age, asking for a list is a good idea, but it’s hard for a mom to not buy something to put under the tree. Here are a few ideas that won’t break the bank.

Chokers are fashionable at the moment and this vintage blue irridescent example is a beauty. Available.

Here’s another example in a more neutral gold-tone with clear rhinestones. Available.

I don’t think you can go wrong with gifting a gal some elegant Sterling silver hoop earrings. They are a classic that never go out of style. Available.

A dainty (size 5 3/4) Sterling silver and amethyst ring (pinkie?). Available.

A uni-sex leather journal makes an ideal gift for almost any teen. This one provides a handsome repository for one’s thoughts, collected quotations, or vacation highlights.

Vintage Gift Ideas for the Family

Some families place one or more gifts under the tree intended for the family as a whole. Below are some ideas that could serve as “family gifts” or simply be added to your holiday decor.

A vintage-style Father Christmas figure made of wood promises to add charm to almost any room in the house, but I might put him on my mantle, if he were mine to keep. Available. (SALE PENDING)

This jolly Santa decorates a 32″ diameter felt tree skirt designed for a table top tree (no slit). Available.

Cute knee-hugging elves are all the rage and this one, perched atop a ball of mistle toe is unique. Available. 

Find some truly hysterical elf-on-a-shelf ideas over at Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons. Makes me kinda wish my kids were young again…no, not really, LOL.

Unlike the train above, this vintage homemade version is designed for decorative purposes as the wheels are stationary, but love the striking white and red contrast. Available.

Yahtzee is one of those games that never goes out of style. It’s a great one to add to your family’s collection. Other games I would consider: Clue, Payday, and Flinch.

I hope I’ve given you some good ideas for vintage and vintage-style gift-giving this year. I’d love to hear your additions to the list in the comments below 🙂

SPECIAL DISCOUNT ‘TIL THANKSGIVING: To make your shopping just a bit more enjoyable, I’m offering a 20% discount on any  purchase totalling $20 or more from my Vintage Blog Shop (except Digital Products & Product Supplies from Amazon). Just mention it when you order.

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