The sweet little gal at the Kroger floral counter was frazzled but tried to smile as she frantically jammed roses into glass vases and trimmed each with a bow. One by one the men in line grabbed their purchase and headed out the door. I couldn’t help but notice their look of relief, no doubt from thinking they had made the perfect selection. The date, February 14th, the time 5:30 p.m., the mission accomplished — the purchase of a Valentine’s Day gift.
Don’t get me wrong. Grocery store roses are lovely and we have all been thrilled (?) to received them at one time or another. But this year, with a little more thought and effort, you might find something truly unique for the person who holds that number one place in your heart. My suggestion? Rather than heading to the grocery, make a stop at your nearest vintage or antique shop.
Jewelry: Go Hollywood glam with a strand of pearls or a mid-century rhinestone choker, appeal to the gypsy in her soul with Bakelite beads and bangle bracelets, or opt for the romantic with a heart-shaped locket or a cameo. The selections at major antique malls are endless with prices from $10-$1,000 offering something for every budget. Should this Valentine’s Day be the time you have decided to pop the question, check into the wide assortment of vintage and estate engagement rings available at major antique malls in the area. Vintage diamonds assure her ring is one of a kind, just like her.
Books: Not good with words? She probably already knows that! Let the writings of the great romanticists do your talking for you. Books of poetry and collections of love letters from Keats, Browning, Omar Khayyam, and a broad range of other authors are available in both first editions and reprints. For the budget-minded, let me share a gift my husband gave me several years ago. He purchased an early 1900s sterling frame for under $20 and placed in it one of my favorite Edna St. Vincent Millay poems. It remains to this day one of my favorite things.
Vintage lingerie and accessories: With their delicate fabrics and retro look, bustiers, silk slips and half-slips from the 1930s and night gowns from the mid-20th Century make beautiful gifts. If your relationship is not quite to the lingerie level there are vintage scarves, gloves, fans and designer handbags that are sure to make her smile.
Perfume bottles: Perfume is as one of the most commonly purchased of all Valentine’s gifts. Make this a year to remember by adding a vintage perfume bottle. Art Deco perfume bottles with their simplicity of design and bold geometric shapes, Art Nouveau bottles in red, dark jade green or the dramatic combination clear and black crystal, and glamorous mid-century bottles of Czechoslovakian blown/cut glass are available in the area in the $50-$250 range.
Vintage teddy bears: If your taste in gifts runs more to “cute” than luxurious you can’t go wrong with an antique bear, especially one from Steiff. You might want to pick up several as little girls and Moms like these too. Add a bright red bow tied around the neck and you are all set!
Still determined to give her flowers? Then make her the envy of all her friends by placing them in an antique vase. Vintage Blenko glass, Deco-era Bohemian glass in clear and red crystal or one of the beautiful patterns from Fostoria are easily found in the $15-$50 range. Adding a beautiful vase not only shows your thoughtfulness, but it will come in handy next year when you refill it . . . with flowers from Kroger! Until next time . . . .Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
