The 21 Best Secondhand and Vintage Gifts to Buy Now—Before Someone Else Does

Photo: Greg Harris

We all have that friend who answers every “Where did you get that?”—whether it’s her blazer, jeans, or bag—with “It’s vintage!” In a world of endless product and with a growing concern for fashion’s carbon footprint, wearing vintage has become the ultimate badge of honor. There’s always a thrill in knowing no one else will have the same ’40s brocade jacket or hand-embroidered Levi’s as you, but if you’re aware of the waste and overproduction in the industry, they’re also the easiest impulse buys you’ll ever make. An estimated truckload of fast fashion is incinerated or landfilled every second, most of it with the tags still on. The direct inverse of that would be shopping vintage or consignment, making use of what exists and extending the life span of a garment in the process. With a few exceptions—worn-out T-shirts, intimates—most of the stuff we buy is made to last long after we’re through with it. In fact, The RealReal estimates that 95% of clothing that’s thrown out could have been reworn or recycled.

Shopping vintage is better for the environment, plain and simple. But can you give vintage gifts for the holidays? We say yes. A handpicked vintage necklace feels a lot more personal than the scarf you found at the mall, for starters, and if your fashion-obsessed friend never got her hands on that Prada headband or Loewe elephant clutch, tracking down a gently used version would spark serious joy. From cozy faux-fur Chanel gloves to a Victorian-era charm bracelet, shop more of the very best secondhand and vintage gifts here. But remember, there’s only one of each—so if you’re eyeing that original Fendi baguette, act fast!