Depression and Elegant Glass

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You are here: Home / Glass Tips and Guides / Gift Buying Guide - Collectible Glass / Does Vintage Crystal Make Good Christmas Gifts?

Does Vintage Crystal Make Good Christmas Gifts?

September 16, 2010 by Kathy 1 Comment

Does vintage glass make a good gift? While I would like to say “Yes, of course it does (since I sell the stuff), let’s be realistic. Some people enjoy vintage crystal. Some people put it in their letters to Santa. Some people won’t like it or anything else you give them. And some folks – quite a lot of folks – don’t know they like vintage crystal until they get their first gift. And then they are hooked.

Fostoria Glass Chintz Etched Crystal Center Handled Server

Fostoria Glass Chintz Etched Crystal Center Handled Server

And why is it a good thing to get someone interested in glass?  That’s easy.  Think of all the years and years of Christmas and birthdays when you don’t have to struggle to find the right gift, it’s just a matter of which plate or which candle holder or which center handled server to get them this year.

How can you tell who will enjoy a gift of glass?  Here are some tell tale signs.

  • They like pretty things.
  • They enjoy decorating just a little differently than everyone else.
  • They have a sense of history, of a linkage to people in the past.
  • They like tangible memories.
  • They want to forge a special connection with friends or family on holidays.
  • They have good taste.  This last one isn’t mandatory (and you can find some incredibly hideous vintage glass) but it’s a good indicator and may suggest the type of piece they will like.

What are good choices for gifts?

  • If someone enjoys entertaining then a center handled server like the Fostoria Chintz one shown is a good choice.
  • Candle holders are stunning and if you know someone who enjoys candlelit dinners this is a perfect choice.
  • Wine lovers enjoy etched stemware.
  • Someone who likes tea or seeks serenity may enjoy a cup and saucer.

Also consider the size of piece relative to their home, their tolerance for taking care of older glass, favorite colors.  Many people enjoy pink and a pink depression glass creamer and sugar would be a great choice since they can enjoy them for use or display.

What is your experience giving gifts of glass?  Can you share what you found successful?  Just leave a comment and all of us who have hard-to-shop-for friends will thank you!

Shopping information:  The Fostoria Chintz etched center handled server and many more great gifts are waiting for you at Cat Lady Kate’s Elegant and Depression Glass.  Shopping with us is like antiquing with your best friend.

Related

Filed Under: Gift Buying Guide - Collectible Glass Tagged With: Buying Glass, Center Handled Servers, Collecting Depression Glass, Elegant Glass, Etched Elegant Glass, Fostoria Glass

Use Photos to Identify Your Glass

Depression Glass Photo Identification Guide

Depression Glass Index by Pattern

Fostoria Glass Photo Identification Guide

Cambridge Glass Photo Identification Guide

Everyday Glassware from 1940s to 1970s Photo Guide

Recommended Glass Reference Books

These are the books I use the most and recommend.  These are affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links.

Favorite Depression Glass Book 

Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene and Cathy Florence, 2007 edition 

Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene and Cathy Florence, 2010 edition

Favorite Elegant Glass Books

Elegant Glass: Early, Depression, & Beyond, Revised & Expanded 4th Edition Hardcover – July 28, 2013 by Debbie and Randy Coe

Collector’s Encyclopedia of Depression Glass, 19th Edition Hardcover – Illustrated, July 10, 2009 by Gene and Cathy Florence

Best for 1940s-1970s

Collectible Glassware From the 40s, 50s, 60s: An Illustrated Value Guide, 10th Edition – Illustrated, July 14, 2009 by Gene and Cathy Florence

Favorite Fostoria Books

Best Overall:  Fostoria: Its First Fifty Years Hardcover – January 1, 1972 by Hazel Marie Weatherman 

Best for Stemware:  Fostoria Stemware: The Crystal for America – January 1, 1994
by Milbra Long and Emily Seate

Best for Fostoria Tableware pre 1943:  Fostoria Tableware: 1924-1943 – January 1, 1999 by Milbra Long and Emily Seate

Best for Fostoria Tableware After 1943:  Fostoria Tableware: 1924-1943 – January 1, 1999 by Milbra Long and Emile Seate

 

Privacy, About Us, Contact, Follow

Privacy, About Us, Contact
Privacy Policy

This site shares my love for American vintage glass from the late 1920s on.   It is a blog with lots of pictures (eye candy!), information and opinions.

I do not buy nor sell glass, this is strictly an Enjoy! site.

Users agree that anything posted here is said to the best of my knowledge but I am not responsible for any loss you may experience from using the content.

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