How to buy antiques and collectibles as gifts

Shop wisely
Although the Internet is great for research, Harding prefers purchasing in person. “You have to be much more cautious when you're shopping online,” she explains. “The ability to take an item back, to take action, to get restitution becomes more difficult.”

Going to a physical store also allows you to get up close with an item; to pick it up, look at it under the light, check for cracks and evaluate the best price for the condition. “The more you're handling antiques, the more you're around them, the more things become obvious in your investigation,” she explains. “This is the right weight, the right size, the right markings.” 

Telling real from fake is tricky business. Guides like Antique & Collectibles Trader and Repronews.com provide information on what has been recently reproduced, and how you can tell if an object is a reproduction.

The best places to shop for antiques and collectibles come via word of mouth, says Harding. You can also visit the Canadian Antiques Dealers Association, which lists sellers who have agreed to adhere to certain standards and include article description on all invoices—important if you need to take action.

While every store has a different policy, it's up to you as the buyer to check the item carefully. At Southworks Antiques, all sales are final unless the item turns out not to be what was stated on the invoice.

Get creative, but play it safe
Harding offers some final advice and wisdom as you set off on the hunt.

• Buy antiques, save the planet: antiques are the purest form of recycling, which the younger generation really appreciates.
• Stay financially sound: even in poor economic times, a good quality antique will hold up for years and usually retain its value.  No re-buying because the MDF chipped.
• Have fun with it: even if you don't have an idea, browse to get the creative juices flowing.
• Go traditional: if they like books, don't buy a $600 book press. Buy a book.
• Be fair: stick with gifts that don't need to be on display.
• Buy confidently: if you're not happy paying a certain price, don't pay it.

When it comes to antiques and collectibles, the more you know—about the object and the gift recipient—the better your purchase will be. “Antiques can be highly personal,” adds Harding. “And they show how much you've thought of the person.”

Read more in Collecting and Collectibles