It can be difficult finding a gift for a woman who seems to have everything. A lovely gift that any woman will treasure is a mirror compact. Although most women will invest a few dollars in a plastic compact that holds pressed powder, you can find more extravagant versions for special occasion gifts.

In the cosmetic section of most major department stores you can find many disposable make-up items, including lipstick, perfume and pressed powder. Most of these come in plastic containers which you simply toss into the trash when you are done with them. A mirror compact of this form lasts only a few months before you replace it. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a mirror compact that you can treasure always?

Many years ago women would carry a mirror in their handbag that was held in a small case. Sometimes the case would contain an item like pressed or dusting powder. Or perhaps it was a discreet way to carry medication around. Either way, the mirror was an essential and having it inside the compact case kept it safe and sound.

Many of these versions were crafted from sterling silver. They became heirlooms and were passed down from one generation of women to another. Often one was presented to a bride on her wedding day.

Over time many of them found their way into antique shows and shops. The history attached to a mirror compact like this makes it even more valuable. Realizing that other women have treasured it will make it even more of a treasure for you.

If you are looking for one for yourself or for a gift there are several different places you can look. One is to visit a local antique store. They generally will have many small pieces to choose from and hopefully a mirror compact as well.

If you don’t have any luck at a local store, try visiting an estate sale. One of the pleasures of going to an estate sale is that you are able to share in the heritage of someone else’s life. Paintings, books and personal items are some of the things that may be available. If the estate is that of a woman, a mirror compact may be one of the things you can purchase.

Online auction sites are often rich with antiques. The only thing you need to consider when purchasing from an online vendor is whether or not the mirror compact you are purchasing is really an antique.