Is it ok to give people gifts from antique shops?

We think it’s more than okay to buy an antique as a gift - it’s inspired.

Choosing an antique shows thought, care, and a real connection to the person you’re giving it to. It’s about offering something meaningful, sustainable, and utterly unique - a gift that’s built to last, and built to be loved.

In a world packed with mass-produced everything, giving a gift from an antique shop feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s not just about the item; it’s about the quality, the story, and the thought behind it.

Choosing a gift that connects to a person’s hobbies, interests, or simply something that would look perfect in their home or on their desk, makes the present just as unique as they are. 

Who says a gift has to be brand new to feel meaningful? More often, it’s the one-of-a-kind pieces that are beautifully made and deeply personal, that truly make an impact.

We already embrace reuse in everyday life from wearing vintage clothes, dining with heirloom china, or restoring old furniture. Choosing an antique as a gift simply continues that tradition, turning it into a thoughtful, sustainable gesture that can be treasured for generations.

A gift that’s truly one of a kind

We’ve all had those frantic shopping trips, grabbing a voucher or a last-minute gadget because nothing else felt quite right. Antiques offer something different.

Imagine finding a flawless Moorcroft vase, its vibrant glazes still glowing decades later; a vintage Steiff bear, button-in-ear, packed with nostalgia; or a rare Bob Dylan signed print, a slice of pop-culture history ready to be proudly displayed.

Solving the “what do I get them?” dilemma

We all know someone who’s impossible to buy for, either because they already have everything or because they genuinely prefer to have less. That’s where antique shops reveal their magic.

Instead of defaulting to another candle or a generic voucher, you open the door to something truly surprising - something quirky, nostalgic, elegant, or wonderfully rare.

It could be a Wallace & Gromit collectible for a lifelong fan, a striking Clarice Cliff piece for an Art Deco enthusiast, or a Sherree Valentine Daines painting that captures a memory you share.

Gifts like these show you’ve really thought about the person, about who they are and what they love. It also says a lot about you as the gift-giver, that you’ve taken the time to think of something special.

A gift that could grow in value

While we don’t usually give gifts with investment in mind, it’s a lovely bonus when something you’ve chosen might grow in value over time.

Antiques and collectables often do, especially rare or exceptionally well-preserved pieces. There’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing that the gift you chose might become even more precious - not just sentimentally, but financially too.

It might even spark a new passion: collecting film or sports memorabilia, building a gallery wall of animal artwork, or curating a beautiful cabinet of collectible figurines.

Sometimes, a single thoughtful gift is all it takes to start a lifelong love. Here we feature some of our most extravagant investable antique pieces, in addition to our antique gifts under £100 collection.

Beautiful, sustainable, and full of soul

More and more people today are choosing to live, and gift, more thoughtfully. Choosing an antique fits that ethos perfectly.

You’re saving a piece from being forgotten, bringing it back to life with a new owner. And you’re helping to reduce waste, steering clear of mass-produced items destined for landfill.

See some of our most popular collections - an elegant piece of Ercol furniture, a bold James Bond film poster, or a much-loved vintage Dinky toy.

A future heirloom

The best gifts don’t stop mattering once they’re unwrapped, they become part of someone’s life story.

A rare Wedgwood tea set given today could be passed down through generations, tied to memories of family gatherings. A signed L.S. Lowry print could hang proudly on the walls of a home for decades, admired and loved by everyone who sees it.

That’s the quiet magic of antiques. They arrive with stories already woven into them. And when you give one, you begin a new chapter.

Where to buy antique and collectable gifts

Buying an antique for someone else isn’t quite like grabbing something off the high street. You want to know the item is genuine, well-chosen, and honestly described.

That’s where expertise matters - and where trusted dealers make all the difference.

At PM Antiques & Collectables, we’re passionate about finding remarkable pieces you can rely on. Our founder, Phil Mires, developed his love for antiques early, learning the ropes in auction houses before setting up PM Antiques & Collectables at just 19 years old.

Since then, he’s built a carefully curated collection, from original art by Charles Johnson Payne “Snaffles” and Doug Hyde to contemporary art treasures and stylish vintage homewares. Every piece is selected with an expert eye.

And if your gift isn’t quite the perfect fit, don’t worry - we’re happy to offer exchanges. We also offer gift vouchers if you’d prefer to let your loved one choose their own special piece, or contribute towards something truly unforgettable.

How to spot a genuine antique

If you’re new to antique buying, it’s perfectly normal to want a little extra reassurance, especially when it’s for a gift.

That’s why we’ve put together a series of simple, friendly guides on what to look for:

What is the difference between antique, vintage and retro?

Where are the best places to buy and sell antiques?

What are the best collectible figurines in the UK?

A little knowledge makes all the difference and genuine sellers never mind answering questions or providing proof of an item’s history and provenance.

Armed with a few key tips, you’ll be able to choose with confidence.

Looking for something special?

Take a look at our large collection of antique gifts to buy online and find a gift that’s truly unforgettable.