The Trash Panic Guide to Gifting
100+ vintage, secondhand, handmade, unique, fancy pants gifts for the people you love
My Dearest, Most Lovely, Trash Heads,
I am overflowing with mushy-gushy sentimental bewilderment and wonder that this is my 100th dispatch of Trash Panic. This tiny baby corner of the internet was born almost three years ago now (!), amidst the persisting fog of the pandemic and the ferocious hangover that lingered after walking away from a soul-sucking fashion job that (almost mostly) completely destroyed my sense of self, creativity, and purpose.
While scrolling through old posts mostly just gives me the ick, I am lucid enough to look through the cringe and recognize how much I’ve grown in both finding my voice as a person who writes things and my purpose as a person who loves weird vintage antique old things. It means a lot (a lot, a lot lot lot) to not only have a platform to freely share these things, but to have you as a reader, soaking it up.
The real estate of your inbox is only becoming increasingly more valuable, our bandwidth for content, words, and reels hitting max capacity as each day passes. While Substack has changed tens upon ten-fold since my first newsletter (mostly for better, a little for worse) I have never approached this space seeking crazy metrics, numbers, clout, etc. As we all fight the comparison-thieving-our-joy gremlins that whisper we’ll never be the best-most-decadent-luxuriously-thick cream that rises to the top as this platform’s popularity contest skyrockets, I remind myself that it’s better to have 10 people who really really love this space than 10,000 who couldn’t care less.
The nights, weekends, and early mornings I have spent pouring over this beloved newsletter are worth it all thanks to you. The amount of thoughtful emails, DMs, comments, and new internet friends makes my mostly dead heart pitter pat with weepy wonder. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being here and for letting me share my thoughts, feels, and finds with you every week.
On that note, my only ask is that you might consider sharing Trash Panic with someone you think might enjoy it. A like, a comment, and a restack goes a long way for me and my ego! If you love this gift guide (or any previous newsletter), please consider sharing it on notes, your personal social media or forward it to a friend, colleague, or lover!
I’m torn about the parameters for which I want to implement a paywall, the pros and cons weighing on my mind as we all stretch ourselves to support our favorite voices in this space. Curating this corner of the internet takes a lot of time (this guide alone took me about 48ish hours) and while I haven’t come to any conclusions about adding a paid tier in 2024, I would love to gauge your thoughts. You can pledge your support for my work at the bottom of this email or through viewing Trash Panic on desktop. Any feedback, comments, or suggestions on what you would like to see are always welcome! My inbox is open.
On that note, this one is very long and will likely need to be expanded or viewed through the app!
Thank you, thank you thank you for being here!
xo,
G
If you make a purchase through a link in this newsletter, I may earn a small commission, which helps fund this space ✨
I had a colleague at the aforementioned soul-sucking-job that did not “get” me.
Among many other qualities I’m sure made her scratch her head, my love of unique-quirky-old vintage things both confused and grossed her out.
So you can only imagine her absolute shock! and horror! when she discovered my holiday shopping list for loved ones mostly consisted of unique-quirky-old vintage things.
“You give your friends used things as gifts?”
Don’t be her.
There are so many things already floating around this planet that I promise are more lovely gorgeous unique special than something on someone's Amazon storefront.
Let’s get into it.
Things That You Could Also Give The Host With The Most
All of these treasures double as great host gift ideas! The rumor around town is that Boomers think all us young folk have no etiquette when it comes to hosting (*fart noise*) so I’ll give you the run down just in case.
Don’t show up to the shindig empty-handed! Even if the host swears up and down they don’t need anything. The key to a great hosting gift is creating less work for the party thrower- if you’re bringing flowers, have them in a vase with water. If you’re bringing a candle, make sure you know it is a scent they’ll really, really love. Otherwise, here’s some out of the box ideas that make thoughtful gifts for the host or foodie, cook, bartender, barista, party person in your life.
(working clockwise in clusters, starting top left)
teapot tea bag holders (set of 4, $79.88, purchase on eBay) (these flower ones are also very cute)
flowerhead tea tea bags (various flavors, 15 teabags, $18+) - us Americans don’t drink enough tea! A box of nice tea bags gifted with a pair of nice tea cups is also a great way to promise some quality time together✨
alessi tea kettle ($175, unused, purchase on eBay) (special shout out to this insane bacon and egg tea set, too)
drip glaze scallop tea cup and saucer ($18.12, ships from Canada, purchase on eBay) (this ceramic company made some really cool drip glaze that’s very hard to find - a very cool green cream and sugar set here and a full pink and blue tea set here, purchase on eBay)
strawberry drink cocktail napkins (set of 8, unused, $39.99, purchase on eBay)
bon bon handmade chocolates ($50+) - if you have a holiday party on the calendar, plan out ordering some fancy candies for the host or find a local bakery!
gelee jello mix (variety 3 pack, $24) (or if you’re in NYC, order solid wiggles jello shots) - this isn’t your Mormon grandma’s jello! i kind of love the idea of bringing back the campiness that is jello and jello molds are super collectable and look great hanging in a cozy kitchen
heart copper jello mold ($22)
fish copper jello mold ($29.56, ships from Canada)
cherry copper jello mold (set of 2, $19.95)
marmalade grove fresh citrus delivery ($42.50+) - bringing a box of fresh citrus as a host gift would be perfect for the person who loves to bake, make cocktails, etc - bonus if you can get it from a farmer’s market but this delivery service is fun, too
ceramic glazed splatter citrus juicer ($22.50) - pair said delivery with a cool vintage citrus juicer!
bird citrus squeezer ($19.99)
robert wilhelm black and white polka dot pepper mill ($20.59 on sale, purchase on eBay) - yes these are all ridiculously phallic but in the best, most artful way! they would look very festive next to a stove
robert wilhelm green and red polka dot pepper mill ($46.99, purchase on eBay)
fiona’s gucci pasta (serves 4-5 people, $295) - gucci. pasta. need i say more?
robert wilhelm striped salt and pepper set ($45, purchase on eBay)
ghia strawberry + orange blossom le fizz (pack of two, $40) - just because you don’t drink doesn’t mean you don’t get to have a fun holiday drink!
woody’s na blanc de blancs sparkling wine ($19.99) - a very tasty option
ombre smoked glass champagne coupes (set of 4, $58) - even n/a drinks deserve to be drunk out of sexy cocktail glasses
painted pewter hummingbird wine cork ($13.59 on sale, purchase on eBay)
flamingo estate hand soap (heirloom tomato + exfoliating peppermint, $42 each) - fancy soap is something most people want but don’t end up buying for themselves! a nice host gift or pair with a cute soap dish
handmade ceramic horse soap dish ($13.99)
soft services theraplush overnight repair treatment ($62) - luxurious lotion that comes in a very cute vessel and they are refillable! pair it with a trinket dish to encourage your bestie to have a nice little bedtime treat/ritual
shell trinket dish ($18) (this one is pretty cool, too and this one)
scalloped alabaster trinket dish ($29.75, on sale)
espresso cups (set of 4, $83.37, ships from canada)
canyon coffee beans (12 oz whole beans, $18) - coffee beans are always a nice host gift paired with a local bakery pastries/bagels/etc - perfect for the hosts to relax the morning after having a big party
vintage italian espresso set ($441.78, ships from italy) (another option here and a more budget friendly option here and here)
dice bakelite cocktail pick set (set of six, $95, purchase on eBay) (this bakelite dice corkscrew is also amazing, purchase on eBay)
art deco chrome and bakelite snail cocktail pick set (set of six, $45, purchase on eBay) - so! cute! very tempted to buy this for myself lol but would be very chic on someone’s bar cart (this seller has awesome stuff!)
scribe 2023 durell pinot noir ($65) - best pinot, i miss being a member of this winery 😩
birichino 2022 pét nat malvasia bianca ($28) - a santa cruz winery that makes the most special bubbly - a bonus that it has a gorgeous label! if you’re a bay area local, go visit their tasting room!
colorful long stem wine glasses (set of six, $65) (another option here)
luxardo maraschino cherries ($32) - i am addicted to these cherries, they go well with cocktails, on top of ice cream or maybe even just eaten with a fork lol - they would make a nice host gift, too!
loewe tomato soap bar ($65) and hand soap ($80)
missoni hand towels (set of two, $76, purchase on eBay) (this quirky 70s bugs and smiley face set is a very different vibe but also fun — some other funky full sets here and here and here) - okay, buying “used” towels is for the very specific person that you know very well. i think a lot of luxury designer towels are highly collectible and can usually be found in new/ almost new condition!
Fun & Games & Stuff & Things For Someone’s Home and Space
yves saint laurent cigarette case ($109.54, ships from Japan, purchase on eBay) - look, i’m not here to be a role model - the world is ending! smoke away! i also think this would be adorable filled with pre-rolled joints for your bff that is california sober
gucci gg monogram canvas cigarette case ($160, purchase on eBay) (cutie alternative option here and one that looks authentic but no guarantee here)
rhinestone embellished cigarette case (deadstock, $112)
cartier brown and gold cigarette lighter ($238.99, ships from Japan, purchase on eBay) (this tabletop lighter is also incredible) - there is nothing sexier than a cartier lighter! even carrie bradshaw had one
hermès leopard ashtray (set of 2, $245, ships from Japan, purchase on eBay) (this constellation one is very cool and so is this mushroom one) - a sea of designer ashtrays float eBay - go forth and dig!
pepsi can tabletop lighter ($49.52) - the definition of high camp. would be so groovy on a coffee table
chrome tube lamp ($135)
1970’s table lamp ($182.86 on sale, ships from the Netherlands)
pierce and ward fabric light cord cover ($55) - there are options floating around etsy and also you could make these but they’re so fun for jazzing up something so ordinary
tiffany and co playing cards ($129, ships from Japan, purchase on eBay) (more tiffany options here, here and here) - i heard the girls are playing poker now! start a rotating game night with your pals even if it means gifting yourself these tiffany playing cards!
colorful playing dice (set of 8, $7.49)
1960’s travel backgammon set ($39.95) - this one is for my persian bff who taught me how to play backgammon
folk chess set ($195) (other great options here, here, and here) - bring back chess night!
alabaster dice bookend ($56.61)
basquiat art book ($24.99) - help someone build their coffee table book collection!
andy warhol art book ($58)
bone inlay tissue box ($48.16, ships from Indonesia) - i would buy this for my sister who is plagued with terrible allergies and has 1000 tissue boxes around the house - also great for the parent of toddlers
friedel ges gesch candle holders (set of two, $38.72 on sale, purchase on eBay)
handmade checkered taper candles (set of two, $30)
maison louis marie candle - no.02 le long fond ($38) - the. best. smell. we buy these in bulk, i’m not kidding lol
candle snuffer ($14) - chic!!
14k gold wishbone charm ($220) - starting someone’s charm collection is so special!
14k gold cable car charm ($359) - maybe from a place you’ve visited or a city you’ve both lived in? miss you, sf!
14k gold slot machine charm ($603.13, ships from Canada)
vintage musical lipstick carousel ($300) (other festive alternatives here and here) - musical. lipstick. carousel. there is nothing to top this! some of them go for thousands but are literal works of art
dries van noten refillable lipsticks ($78) - so many case options, so many colors, and they’re refillable! dries does it again
giant hand shaped pillow ($1,500) - there is only one left! i need to convince my sister to sew me something similar… so rad for a family room
louis vuitton monogram cosmetic case ($246.40, ships from Japan)
re=comb recycled comb ($25)
gucci shoe horn ($99) - a gucci shoe horn, people!
hand painted fabric tassel compact ($28.72, ships from Canada) - a cute mirror compact is perfect for your bff’s “what’s in my bag” tiktok and also very practical for picking things out of your teeth after lunch
brass globe compact ($70.80)
telephone dial compact ($400) - schiaparelli made these back in the day and if you can find a schiaparelli branded one it’s probably going to be $ - this one is a very cool alternative
brass hand compact ($185)
fujifilm point and shoot 35mm camera ($101) - start a photo club with a friend just to take time to get creative and touch grass
dubblefilm 35mm film ($17) - pair it with some fun film
art deco celluloid frame ($49)
schiaparelli perfume bottle set ($130.70 on sale)
venetian murano glass table mirror ($260.42, ships from Italy) (the colors on this one are really good, too)
french glass beaded flower bouquet ($69.99)
floral house robe (masc m/l, $86) - gift your homebody friend a luxurious antique house robe so they always feel like they’re living in a BBC period drama
For Putting On Your Body
celluloid horse brooch ($38)
anne klein amber costume necklace ($40.49 on sale)
floral silk gucci scarf ($196 on sale, very good condition)
vintage roy lichtenstein shirt ($180) - gift this to the mom of toddlers in your life
miu miu sunglasses ($427.50 on sale, pristine condition)
1960’s leopard faux fur print coat ($128, purchase on eBay)
1920’s beaded swallow handbag ($70) - it’s like bode. but actually vintage. the price is so good
love me, dammit charm (customizable, $31.96 on sale) (this 1st place ribbon charm is cute, too!) - my bff got this for me with “trash panic” engraved on it and i can confirm it is a very special gift
14k gold and gemstone pendant charm ($129.99) - so unique and gorgeous, are you kidding me?
vintage cartier tank watch (working, $1,500, purchase on eBay) - vintage is better when it comes to watches! so many on eBay! i love the worn-in look and wondering what journey the watch has already been on in its lifetime - a very special gift for the right person
louis vuitton epi speedy 25 handbag ($492.80, ships from Japan, purchase on eBay) - same goes for a pre-loved designer bag - personally, i love the idea that this bag has lived a life already - the chocolate color is delicious
cowichan style horse sweater (see measurements, $299.99, purchase on eBay)
sterling silver wide gemstone cuff ($249.59 on sale)
silver green peridot ring (sz 7.25, $79.50 on sale)
For Doing With A Friend
Consider this a bonus category! I think quality time gets overlooked as a gift during the holiday season. As I continue to read more and more about how isolated we’ve become as a society, focusing on spending time with the people I love feels more important than ever. Just a few ideas that involve the gift of time:
a date to an art exhibition, gallery, or museum - wrap it up with vintage art postcards or tucked into an old museum art book
a date to see a local musical, ballet, theater, comedy, drag, jazz club show (support your local performer!) - wrap it up in an old playbill
a national parks pass or tickets to see a local attraction (be a tourist in your own city! plan a weekend trip away! promise a friend a long scenic drive and grab coffee along the way!) - wrap it up in an old state souvenir, bird watching book or city guide book
Whew! You made it to the end.
Please let me know if anything is linked incorrectly as I had approx 2938423 tabs open while making this.
Love you, thank you ✨
Until next time,
xo,
G
If this is not enough gift inspiration for you, might I suggest browsing old volumes of “The Dump”?
Congratulations on 100!! ✨
As a fellow lover of "weird vintage antique old things," this is my favorite newsletter in my inbox every time it arrives.
Hunting down vintage gifts is my year-long hobby - LOVE these ideas!
(If anyone is still on the hunt, I also suggest pairing a matchbook with an antique brass or enamel matchbook holder; cool antique books with spines for display; vintage hotel or restaurant ashtrays paired with incense (or with soap - they make great soap dishes!); and vintage wool sweaters.)
DIVINE. Saved this for when I had time to actually enjoy it and am gutted that I missed out on the striped salt shaker & pepper mill but I am ON EBAY RN looking for more #influenced 😂 also can’t believe how into the vintage towels I am. Even as a lifelong thrifter that’s not a category I’ve done much damage in - always stick to tablecloths/napkins etc and the occasional bed linen! You really have such a fantastic eye, and it shows in how thoughtful, beautiful, and FUN every TP post is - there is always something (usually many things!) surprising!! Big congrats on 💯 Also going to put on my vintage robe and pull out my vintage compact today with a little more excitement than I normally give them 😅