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Preloved vintage and antique finds make the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day!
Image Contessa
Good morning friends, do I have a treat for you! My beautiful, amazing, stylish, friend Elizabeth, aka, The Contessa of The Vintage Contessa agreed to write a guest post today, about regifting. Yes, you read that right, regifting.
I am not talking about regifting the sweater you received 6 years ago from your grandmother and threw in the back of the closet. I am taking about regifting vintage, antique and special pieces of your own to friends, family and maybe even strangers, as well as, purchasing and antique pieces to give as gifts.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to give a vintage gift. A transferware pitcher filled with flowers, a piece of family jewelry, a book or a piece art from your collection, all of these would make wonderful, personal gifts given with love and from the heart.
Vintage finds Image Pinecones & Acorns
Why you should regift vintage and antique items
- Antiques and vintage products are not only beautiful but they are well made, which explains why they are still here all these years later.
- come with a story and a history
- A pre-loved gift will be loved and cherished
- Buying vintage will help to save our planet.
Image Pinecones & Acorns
Now without further adieu, I give you The Contessa.
By the way, Elizabeth likes to write with capitol letters, she is not yelling, this is simply the way she like to communicate on her blog and instagram.
I ADORE GIVING VINTAGE PIECES AND USED GIFTS TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
IT COMES FROM THE HEART AND THERE HAS BEEN “THOUGHT” PUT INTO THE GIFT.
PLUS IS CAN BE MORE ECONOMICAL FOR YOUR POCKETBOOK.
Garden flowers in vintage transferware pitcher, Image Pinecones & Acorns
UNLIKE BUYING FLOWERS OR CHOCOLATES JUST BECAUSE YOU NEED TO BRING SOMETHING AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION.
WE ALL LOVE FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE BUT A “SPECIAL PIECE” THAT HAS BEEN “PICKED OUT” FOR YOU CANNOT BE BEAT!
Image Elizabeth Necklace from Catiques
THINK VINTAGE JEWELRY RE-WORKED OR HANDCRAFTED WOODEN BOXES, CLOTHING THAT YOU HAVE GROWN OUT OF AS A NICE WAY OF SAYING YOU WILL NEVER WEAR AGAIN.
I ALSO GREW UP WITH THIS HAPPENING AS MY AUNT WOULD ALWAYS GIFT MY MOTHER WITH SOMETHING FROM HER CLOSET!
Vintage Finds Pinecones & Acorns
MY AUNT HAD MONEY AND MY MOTHER DIDNOT. SO, IN MY AUNTS MIND IT WAS A THOUGHTFUL AND GENEROUS IDEA.
MY MOTHER WOULD GET A GOOD CHUCKLE OUT OF IT AS IT WOULD ALWAYS COME WITH A STAIN OR MISSING BUTTON!
MY AUNT COULD SEW AND SHE COULD DECORATE.
HER BEDROOM WAS ON THE COVER OF ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST MANY YEARS AGO WITH HER DRAPED BED WHICH SHE REPEATED THE SAME LOOK FOR MY MOTHER!
A GIFT FOR HER………..IT CAME FROM THE HEART!
I CAN RECALL THEM BOTH ON THE BED WITH A STAPLE GUN AND GLUE GUN CREATING THE MOST MAGICAL BED I HAVE EVER SLEPT IN.
Image Pinecones & Acorns
MY MOTHER WOULD BUY THINGS AND LEAVE THE PRICE TAG ON AS SHE ALWAYS WANTED THE RECIPIENT (FAMILY MEMBERS ONLY) TO SEE THE BARGIN SHE GOT!
TO THIS DAY MY BOYS REFER TO THAT AS THE NONNA SYNDROME.WHICH I LOVE TO THIS DAY!
WHO DOESN’T LIKE A BARGIN?
Image Pinecones & Acorns
IN TODAYS WORLD RECYCLING HAS BECOME VERY IMPORTANT AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON WE SHOULD NOT THINK ABOUT RE-GIFTING AN ITEM WE DO NOT USE OR WANT ANYMORE!
IT MEANS YOU ARE THOUGHTFUL IF THE ITEM MAKES YOU THINK ABOUT THAT PERSON IN A SPECIFIC WAY.YOU ARE NOT BUYING A GIFT JUST TO BUY A GIFT OUT OF NECESSITY.
Image Pinecones & Acorns Painting Marian Buis
THAT IS NOT WHO I AM. IF I DONOT HAVE THE RIGHT ITEM FOR A FRIEND SAY FOR A BIRTHDAY OR CHRISTMAS I JUST TELL THEM.”I DO NOT WANT TO BUY JUST TO BUY!’I HAVE TO LOVE WHAT I AM GIVING YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE SPECIAL TO ME!”
I WILL WAIT UNTIL I FIND THAT PIECE! WHICH I ALWAYS DO!
IF THE PIECE IS ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE IT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR AWHILE.
LET’S KEEP THAT TREND GOING!
Image Pinecones & Acorns
WE WILL HELP THIS PLANET OF OURS SUCCEED AND STAY HEALTHY!
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT ADD UP AND MAKE OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE!
I HOPE I HELPED YOU TO REALIZE THAT RECYCLING GIFTS IS NOT ONLY GOOD FOR THE SOUL BUT BETTER FOR YOUR SURROUNDINGS!
THANK YOU ELZABETH!
I ENJOYED WRITING THIS FOR YOU!
The Contessa and The Italian
Thank you Elizabeth for sharing your thoughts and stories, I loved reading about your philosophy of regifting. If this post does not encourage someone to regift and give vintage and antique gifts from the heart I do not know what will.
You can follow Elizabeth on her witty and entertaining blog at THEVINTAGECONTESSA.NET or on Instagram at Contessa and Her Pig.
Where to Shop for Vintage and Antique Finds
Have a great day!
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Enjoyed your guest Elizabeth’s post very much. She is always a delightful person, full of life and color, and obviously a great re-gifter of the best kind! Older items, whether antique or vintage, especially china, glass, paintings, books, linens, are a delight to have and to gift. Having been a ‘treasure hunter’ for many years when I had a booth in an antiques shop, I learned that there was beauty in the old things which can’t be replicated today.
Being an ‘old thing’ myself now that makes me an antique too! Well perhaps just vintage, lol!
Enjoy the rest of the week dear Elizabeth (both of you) .
Hugs – Mary
Mary, I had no idea that you had a booth/shop! Tell me what sorts of things did you favor? Did you have a specialty or were you drawn to all special pieces? There is so much beauty in vintage and antique finds and the history is an added bonus. Take care my friend, xoxo
A regifted vintage or antique item is right up my alley!
Paula, you have created some amazing handmade items so I have no doubt that this speaks to you. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
To the TWO ELIZABETHS: As I was scrolling through my in box this morning, deleting mountains of emails, I stopped at Pinecones and Acorns. I immediately thought YES, there will be beautiful thoughts and images here. So I made myself a cup of coffee and sat down for a delicious read. How surprised and delighted I was to see a woman of my vintage smiling at me from the page. Elizabeth, your guest The Contessa was just what I deeded. Tomorrow is my daughter’s birthday. She will be 30. She has had a very sad time of late as her very close friend passed away suddenly from an unknown cause. We all have been grieving for this tragic loss of someone we hold dear. So, I wanted to give make my daughter’s birthday extra special this year. ELIZABETH, your guest column gave me a great idea. I have been polishing and wrapping up vintage silver bowls and trays we have accumulated from my husband’s family. My intention has always been to regift them, but I forgot about them until this morning. So, I am going to gift my daughter a beautiful footed silver bowl with a filigree design for her birthday. I am going to fill it with chocolate hearts, cookies and candy. I am also sewing her a long vest (which is not quite complete!) THANK YOU for reminding me of the joy we can share with others through thoughtful gifting.
Joyce, Elizabeth is an amazing lady. I hope that you hop over to her blog, you will meet a coterie of wonderful, spunky, stylish intelligent women(and men). Each post is like attending a salon, it is a wonderful experience. Elizabeth is a dear friend and I liken her to my all time favorite fictional person Auntie Mame.
I am so very sorry for your loss, death is always a very sad experience but it seems even more painful(if that is possible) when it is someone young with their whole life ahead. Your daughter is very blessed to have you not only to hold her close during this difficult time but also to celebrate a milestone birthday. I am sure that she will love your gift from the heart and from the family. xo
Oh, Elizabeth, you know I love heart gifts and I have been writing a post on how to downsize and regift from the heart. Loved this post for inspiration to follow through on the process and writing! Happy Thursday!
Leslie, regifting from the heart is the most beautiful gift of all! I hope that you write your post, let me know when you do and we can share links.
GOOD MORNING!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING ME TODAY!
WHEN YOU ASKED ME
I THOUGHT SURE I CAN DO THAT!AS I HAVE KNOWN IT MY WHOLE LIFE!
PLUS HAVING A BUSINESS FOR 12 YEARS of VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE STUFF SEALED THE DEAL!
A LOT of the things I purchased for the shop just STOPPED AT MY HOME and NEVER made it to the SHOP!
I ONLY BOUGHT WHAT I LOVED………and WAS PASSIONATE ABOUT!
Bottom line I feel SORRY for the things PEOPLE TOSS………….especially silver BABY CUPS that have been ENGRAVED!They NEED to be LOVED just LIKE US HUMANS!
AS FAR AS THE CAPS GO I SPEAK WITH A VERY HIGH VOICE AS I SHARE MY ENTHUSIASM with OTHERS!
I do NOT mean to OFFEND ANYONE!
IF you know me YOU GET IT!
SO MUCH EXCITES ME……….
ELIZABETH have a BEAUTIFUL VALENTINES DAY in your NEW HOME!I cannot wait to see what YOU BAKE!
XXX
Elizabeth, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your life, your family stories and your beautiful philosophy with my followers. I am so blessed to have “met” you all those years ago and to call you friend. Thank you for guest posting! I love your enthuasium for life, animals, gardening, your Italian, your life, friends and family. Happy Valentine’s Day Elizabeth xoxox
Good Afternoon Elizabeth,
I so enjoyed hearing what Elizabeth, aka The Vintage Contessa had to say and share. What a lovely lady, and how
insightful. I do regift many items that I no longer wear, or have never worn and items in our home that have never
been used. I let the person I am offering the item a little history about the item and ask if they are interested. Friends are thrilled to receive my things, it’s a win win all the way around. I am into simplifying everything I own, and it feels so good to have less. In our later years we spend time I guess giving things away.
I have a question for you, I really relate to the quote, “It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into
giving.” – Mother Trea (?) not sure the spelling of the last name.
Sending warm smiles.
Katherine, Elizabeth is an amazing lady, I hope that you pop over to her blog or Instagram. I love the idea of giving the history of the pieces you are regifting to the recipients. Well loved items are the best gift. Thank you for the “heads up” about the quote, I’ve fixed it! Have a wonderful day!
Elizabeth is the sweetest blogger I know. Her enthusiasm and general outlook on life are the best and she has often made me smile after a weary day. Taught me lots of things too, like holding on to the old and cherished items that mean something.
It was lovely of you to invite her.
You are so right, Elizabeth is the kindest friend and blogger. Her heart has room for everyone and so many fellow bloggers have been the recipients of her friendship and kindness. I love that she has taught you to cherish the old items in your life. You live in a wonderful place that is rich in history.
Oh my goodness, how excited am I to open your blog today and find our CONTESSA!!! I love love love this new meaning to regifting and the history of Contessa’s mother and aunt. I often find myself in the situation of buying a gift for the sake of having a gift … we all do … and I’m going to rethink and reimagine what it means to give a gift after reading this post. Absolutely charming … Elizabeth AND Elizabeth. Made my day! xo
Juliet, the Contessa is an amazing lady. How wonderful that you have been lucky enough to spend time with her and in her charming home. As I mentioned to Kim, I think Elizabeth needs to write a book! She has such a fascinating history and so many adventures.
Thanks for sharing this one.
Thank you William!
What a much needed and brilliant post by the two best Elizabeth’s! I am in full support of this idea as we all own too much. Looking at what we have and haven’t used, and may be loved by others , is better than buying more things. Spread the joy and the unique and special items we have. Having been a recipient of a few of Contessa’s things, I can tell you they are some of my treasured bits and have a lot of meaning. Let’s make this a trend. I do think with the popularity of upcycling and trying to buy less, it is going to gain momentum. Fantastic post ladies! xo
Kim, I could not agree with you more, Elizabeth is an amazing lady. I frequently tell her that she needs to write a book. I would have loved to have shopped in her store! WE ALL HAVE TOO MUCH, that is the fact and giving someone that you love a piece of your house and heart is a wonderful gift.
We are vintage lovers in this house. Those are the best gift, especially for Valentine’s Day!! It was fun to “meet” The Contessa. I will have to pop over to visit her blog.
Kim, you are so right, they are the best gifts. I hope that you visit The Contessa, she is an amazing lady!
I am a devoted follower of your wonderful blog and was thrilled to see that you are a fan of The Vintage Contessa! I am too. Elizabeth has so many interests and I’m obsessed with her personal style….her wardrobe, her home and garden are beyond compare, let alone how she entertains! Loved her guest post on “regifting”. I could not agree more….a perfect way to share special pieces with the special people in ones life! We all need more from the two Elizabeth’s! Cheers!
Nena, thank you for your kind comment which led me to your wonderful blog! I love Chicago, it is a beautiful city and has so mush to see and to do. Elizabeth is one of a kind and her style, zest for life, kindness and interest in each and every person that visits her blog is truly amazing. I am so lucky that she agreed to guest post, I am hoping to persuade her to do it again. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you again.
I CAN’T BELIEVE I MISSED THIS!! ELIZABETH USUALLY TELLS ME WHEN SHE IS DOING SOMETHING LIKE THIS. THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL POST. IT WAS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN FILLED WITH PERSONAL SNIPPETS THAT WERE SO FUN TO HEAR.
Cindy, Elizabeth is amazing. Her life and her history “read/write” like a novel. I am so happy that you found the post! Have a wonderful weekend.