Mid-Century Modern Holiday Gift Ideas

Collectors can’t seem to get enough of all things Mid-Century Modern (MCM). The design aesthetic from this time period, roughly the 1930s through the 1960s, is considered one of the classic styles and has enduring, timeless appeal, with its clean lines and sophisticated functionality.

Here are some suggestions for that MCM lover on your holiday gift-buying list. You can find plenty of other ideas at all price ranges at RubyLane.com, the online antique and vintage specialists. 

For the diehard MCM fan on your list, a timeless piece of furniture or art would be welcome:

Organically shaped and clean-lined, a classic credenza is an elegantly simple and classic choice. This one, circa 1960s, is made of teak and the front is a pair of tambour doors. 

This brass metal table-top sculpture is made in the iconic Space Age Sputnik design.

For the host and hostess who love mixing up classic cocktails or are whizzes in the kitchen:

Home bartenders can serve a mean batch of highballs in glasses by American designer Georges Briard in a bold Europa pattern in cobalt blue and teal, with heavy gold metallic trim. 

Perfect for dinner parties, a chafing dish can keep your retro recipes warm, whether it’s Chicken à la King or Bananas Foster. This Anchor Hocking Fire King double chafing dish is in a bright orange period color, with berry motif lid finials.

For those with a green thumb or who like to fill their home with fresh flowers:

A ceramic planter like this prancing stallion in a rich glossy green is perfect for growing a small plant or herb in style.

A classic glass vase, like this sommerso vase by Murano with a "forato" hole, beautifully showcases a bouquet of flowers, and can double as a piece of art.

For someone on your list who has their own style and appreciates one-of-a-kind fashion accessories:

This bag resembling a small valise makes someone look the part of a world traveler, even if they never leave their couch. Made by Meyers, the red travel bag can also be used as a storage compartment to nicely display vanity items like hair accessories or cosmetics.

These atomic cufflinks with cabochon opalescent moonglow blue-gray glass stones come with a matching money clip would make a handsome addition to any gentleman’s wardrobe.

Few design styles carry with them the glitz and glamour of an entire decade, but Hollywood Regency does just that and is making a modern comeback, well after its heyday in the '30s. It’s a perfect and trendy style for a younger generation to be able to mix vintage with borderline-chintzy pieces and have them live in harmony:

Someone on your list might have everything, but chances are they may not have a glamorous device to sweep up crumbs. This gold metal crumb sweeper in the Hollywood Regency style features gold filigree and a pearl design on top and de-crumbs your table in style.

This Hollywood Regency spiral chair by American designer Dorothy Draper will add a pop of color to any room and has a barrel back design with carved mid century accents.

No matter how many baubles and classic pieces of jewelry someone has, there’s always room for more, and when it comes to mid-century jewelry, there is a lot to choose from, whether brushed-metal earrings, gem-encrusted bracelets, floral and abstract designs, whimsical portrayals of animals or a timeless watch.

A rhinestone brooch, such as this one by Juliana of blue and green stones, makes a beautiful statement on any outfit. 

A Cocktail watch by Ernest Borel features discs in the center which, as the upper-most disc rotates, creates a mesmerizing, animated kaleidoscope effect.