Sustainable Holiday Gifts, As told By East Village Vintage Vendors
From western wear to vintage matchbooks, ThriftEd Mag asked New York City vintage vendors for their holiday gifting recommendations.
Although the holiday shopping season often commands a certain pressure to buy new, secondhand and vintage vendors are turning to their archives for meaningful alternatives.
For ThriftEd Mag’s first vintage holiday gift guide, sellers from New York City’s East Village share their favorite nostalgia-inducing holiday finds.
Vintage Stocking Stuffers from East Village Vintage Collective:
Based in Manhattan’s East Village neighborhood, East Village Vintage Collective is a funky, affordable shop located across from a New York City community garden.
Colorful Kitsch
“We’ve always noticed these little treasures make great gifts for all ages. This is mainly because they kept coming back around in popularity since they were first created back in the late 1950s and were often remade by different toy makers, so they are nostalgic for many generations.
Also, every one of them is different. So, it’s like giving someone a personalized gift. Does your friend like football? There is a troll for that. The ‘80s? There is a troll for that. Shopping? There is a troll for that. And they are just plain fun!”
–Maegan Hayward, owner of East Village Vintage Collective.
Matchbooks with Flair
“These are always fun stocking stuffers particularly if you can find some that are from places you’ve actually been with the person you are gifting them to. It’s a great way to show that special someone that you love the memories you’ve made with them. But also, they almost always have some seriously cool art or funny scenes on them. And they are also just plain useful!”
–M.H., EVVC
More Secondhand Holiday Trends at 3rd & B’zaar:
Also in the East Village neighborhood, 3rd & B’zaar is a pop-up market and event space featuring a rotating curation of neighborhood vendors and lively community events. The venue offers everything from tarot card readings to collage-making and sip ‘n’ shops.
A Timely Tarot
“A 2026 tarot reading is the perfect gift for your whimsical bestie. A reading gives an exciting glimpse into the year ahead and, as the year goes on, the fun of watching the themes play out! The 2026 reading is wallet-friendly and can be delivered digitally or set up live at a vintage store.”
–Natalie Wozny, tarot reader at Glam Phantom
Festive Robes
“One of the only gifts that you can give your partner... your mom... your partner’s mom...maybe even dad? Within the myriad of this genre, there’s something for everyone. We all want to be antisocial and egregiously cozy, and with this uniting factor, you have cracked the code of gifting.”
–Danielle Chalk, owner of Wild Strawberries Vintage
Fanciful Brooches
“Brooches are a great gift idea that can be worn on scarves, bags, cozy sweaters and much more! Because they come in a wide variety of styles and colors, brooches make a versatile gifting option.”
–Alanna Goodman, owner of Snootie Seconds
Western Wear
“Western wear is another popular trend this year, and bolo ties make a unique gift, especially for anyone looking for something to pair with cowboy boots! My bolos are my most complimented accessories, and I like to treat mine like necklaces and wear them with dresses.”
–A.G., Snootie Seconds
Vintage Jewelry from a Marketplace Regular:
Silver Stunners
Shop Mosin is a featured vendor at East Village storefronts like AuH2O as well as marketplaces such as the recent Not-A-Normal Holiday Show.
“Jewelry is always the perfect gift for the holiday season, especially it’s vintage! Mosin specializes in sterling silver and gold because they last forever and can be heirloom pieces. If you’re not sure on what type of jewelry, a brooch or a pair of earrings is always a great idea because it fits everyone and it’s perfect to dress up your winter coat!”
–Monique Sinha, owner of Shop Mosin
Explore More Holiday Gifts:
For shoppers looking to give more thoughtfully this season, vintage and secondhand holiday gifts offer a sustainable alternative to mass-produced items. To support the vendors featured in this vintage holiday gift guide, consider visiting their shops in person, attending upcoming markets and events, or purchasing gift cards online.
For additional inspiration and sustainable holiday gifting ideas, shop ThriftEd Mag’s edit.
(Affiliate Disclosure: As part of the eBay ambassador network, ThriftEd Mag may receive a small commission if you purchase from our curated eBay storefront).