“I still have to buy my gifts,” is the frazzled refrain often heard just around this time. The balancing act of coordinating holiday travel, planning dinner menus, arranging family visits, and a multitude of other frenzied seasonal obligations leave many people with little time to buy holiday gifts. With Christmas just five days away, you can still find meaningful presents for even the most selective people in your life. See our own dream gifts here.
1) For the fashionista
Judith Lieber ladybug red and black minaudiere w. rhinestone. United States, 1980s. 5.25" x 4.25" x 2" Gallery: Treasures & Pleasures
We’ve long been enraptured of Judith Leiber minaudieres, the beautifully bedazzled creations of legendary handbag designer, Judith Leiber. Carried by nearly every First Lady in U.S. history, the fashionable lady in your life will be proud to keep her accessories in this playful purse at any holiday party this season. You can see more on this item here.
2) For the book lover
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Gallery: Manhattan Rare Books
Is there an author for the holiday season like Charles Dickens? It isn’t A Christmas Carol, but this beautiful maroon and gold leather-bound edition of David Copperfield recalls snug fires on snowy evenings just as well. You can reach Manhattan Rare Books about this book and other great finds (like a signed first-edition Oscar Wilde book of poems!) here.
3) For the man who has everything
Baume & Mercier watch money clip, car with crystal top and ruby gascap. France, 1930s. Length: 2 3/4" Width: 2 1/4". Gallery: Gallery 47
For the gentleman with no time to lose and plenty of wealth, this extravagant but exquisite combination watch and money clip from Baume & Mercier seems ideal. See more on this item as well as Gallery 47’s collection of whimsical cufflinks for men here.
4) For a child’s collection
Donkey house toy bank. Gallery: Robert Lloyd
The days of simple children’s entertainment may be long over but the charm of vintage toys, like this toy bank with a spring trigger to propel the donkey forward, never quite fade. See other vintage toys from Robert Lloyd that a child will cherish for a lifetime here.
5) For the shoe lover
Chanel black booties. Size: 38 Italian / 8 USA. Gallery: Gallery 17
Imagine stepping out to a holiday party in these flirtatious vintage Chanel booties? See more of Gallery 17’s head-turning vintage shoes, handbags and other accessories here.
6) For the writer
Very rare metal inkwell of a man carving up a turkey, English, 1790s. Height: 7" Width: 7 1/2". Gallery: Robin's Antiques
All writers today may have Mac books and iPads but there are few writers who wouldn’t love an old-fashioned inkwell, especially one as wonderfully macabre as this gluttonous figure busy with a holiday turkey; his head falls back to reveal the inkwell! See more images of this inkstand on Robin’s Antiques gallery page here.
7) For the art lover
"Fall Still Life of Flowers" by Junius Allen, oil on canvas, American, circa 1940. Height: 39" Width: 31". Gallery: Jo Vento
This serene painting from celebrated 20th century American artist Junius Allen evokes a welcome stillness in our swiftly turning world. See a larger version of this painting here.
8 ) For the jewelry enthusiast
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris pin, platinum with the most sparkling diamonds, rubies & sapphires, France, 1940-1950.
Choosing just one piece of jewelry from our dealers’ cornucopia of dazzling, rare, exquisite ornaments is near impossible but this Van Cleef & Arpels pin from Clifford Baron is representative of the treasures to be found in his gallery, Botier, Brian Stewart, Leah Gordon and several others. You can reach the gallery to learn more about this piece here.
9) For the perfect host or hostess
Reed and Burton Francis I tea and coffee set with tray and tilting kettle. Sterling silver. United States, 20th century. Size: tilting kettle - 14" high, tray - 30" wide. Gallery: Estate Silver
This exquisite Reed & Burton tea and coffee set is the sort of special ware that would be triumphantly brought forward on special occasions, like the holidays, and is a dream present to give then too. See closeups of the workmanship on this sterling silver set here.
10) For the arms collector
Japanese Samurai helmet and face mask, iron, 18th century. Height: 14" Width: 12". Gallery: Akasaka Collection
This imposing relic of intricate 18th century Japanese armor would be the jewel of any arms and armor aficionado’s collection. You can see this item and Akasaka Collection’s incredible full-lenth suits of Japanese armor on their gallery page here.
