An Old-Fashioned Southern Gift Guide

Part of the Southern tradition has always been doing more with less. We don’t sacrifice class, grace or beauty just because our cash flow is low. 

With Christmas rapidly approaching, here’s a collection of last minute gift ideas that can get you a baronial feel at dirt floor prices. Bookmark this post for birthdays and anniversaries too!

Let’s first define some general aesthetics…

•Natural fabrics & leather
•Well manicured lawns
•Brightly colored flowers
•Peaches & Fruit Themes
•Cotton 
•Christianity 
•Community & Family
•Femininity & Masculinity 
•Hospitality
•Tradition & Vintage

Pictures shown are for examples only. If you track down these specific items I don’t know that you can get them shipped before Christmas. Get out to your local shops and hopefully buy directly from them.

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JEWELRY

Pearl earrings (start at ~ $100)
Gold lockets (~ $100)

Vintage watches, chains and such can be picked up at antique/vintage stores for less than you might find new. 

These are not “used." These are HEIRLOOM.

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VINTAGE JEWELRY BOX

(In the South we pronounce that “jury box.”)

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CLOTHING

For Her: Eyelet lace, real linen, silk or cotton. Fresh themes with pastel colors and fruit. 

For Him: Wool tie, real leather belt, family tartans, cashmere scarf.

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REAL BONE CHINA

Real China, even just a few pieces, is a timeless, elevated gift. 

Did you know most patterns have backstories and themes? 

You can pick a theme based on their ethnic heritage, where they honeymooned, their family name, etc. 

You can add to their collection by buying new pieces every year.

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FOR KIDS

Real leather shoes 

A hardcover Christian kids book with Grund stuffed animal theme

High IQ board games 

Real art supplies

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​ART

Buy a vintage postcard or picture that relates to them. Some of my favorites to look for are the church where they or a family member were baptized, married or buried. A church with their name or patron Saint. 

Frame it. Gift it.

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QUALITY COOKWARE

Some of my favorites are Salad Master pots and pans and enamel tea pots. 

Cast iron is also a great choice.

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FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

Some of my favorite picks are real butter shortbread cookies and organic teas.

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VINTAGE OR FIRST EDITION BOOKS

These pictured are soft cover but buy hardcover when available.

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CHILDHOOD TOYS

One summer I asked everyone in my life what their favorite childhood toy was and I bought them all a gift on that theme. For example, my brother-in-law said “Super Mario Brothers” so I bought him handmade SMB coasters from Etsy. 

This also works for favorite childhood TV shows
or movie.

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LAMPS

A good gift idea for men but also women is an antique brass desk lamp. Add an amber bulb for the perfect touch. These are super affordable too.

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FAMILY HISTORY

Use a service like Family Search or Ancestry. You’ll need to know their parents names and rough idea of birth date and place but if you put in a few hours you can find an interesting ancestor of theirs and maybe even snag a picture. Type up the story & frame it.

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YEARBOOKS

If you can find out when and where their parents or grandparents went to school you might find their yearbook on eBay! I did this for my father one year.

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COATS

For her: thrift shop wool coat 

For him: vintage military coat from Europe 

Both of these coats pictured retail for $2 used!

Remember it isn’t “used” - it’s HEIRLOOM. 😉

And write that on the card! “Enjoy this heirloom such-n-such, and Merry Christmas!”