“It really is the thought that counts!” notes Bob. You never know what they will find for you, but you will know the effort and thought that went into finding them the perfect gift. Your gift may inspire the recipient to start their own collection, or if you know what they collect, ask your favorite shops and vendors to keep their eyes open for something out of the ordinary. The best part of giving Vintage is the ability to spark memories of good times and family. It will save you from hunting through bags and boxes as the holidays approach. A tip: keep a separate storage area for your holiday collection with plenty of additional empty space to store gifts and collectibles as you find them year-round. The “buy it when you see it” rule applies at all times. On the day after the celebration, look for sales and mark-downs in antique shops and malls for those things you want to add to your personal holiday collection, even if you put it away for next year.

There are still bargains to be had as the holidays get closer simply because the volume and selection of vintage holiday items available booms at this time of year. Since I can’t get to as many estate sales as I would like, I count on these dealers to find me special things.” Many of them spend time digging through attics and basements at estate sales just to find a handful of special things to bring to a market. “Not everyone realizes how challenging work can be for flea market (and antique) vendors. To get the best of the best, start early. “In the summer months, this décor is literally a quarter of the price it will be in October to December, when many dealers mark it up for impulse shoppers who are in the holiday mood and on a mission.” Unlike shopping for contemporary items in a retail store, in the world of vintage you have to get it when you see it, because you may not be able to find it again.įlea Markets are Bob’s go-to resource for vintage holiday all year long. When choosing to give someone a vintage holiday gift, Bob advises to start looking the day after Christmas. ‘It’s time you started collecting something,’ he said, ‘… and I know you like Christmas.'” According to his celebratory book of his lifelong addiction titled “A Very Vintage Christmas,” he started collecting when his father, who would bring Bob to auctions with him, “handed me a box of beautiful ornaments, including a blue jay, a Santa Claus, some bells, ice cream cones, and other special figures. Bob has always loved the Christmas season with all its trappings and traditions, and over the years has amassed “around 2,500” collectibles centered on keeping the spirit alive. It appears almost effortless as they pull out the old and bring in the new, creating a holiday atmosphere that takes you back to an innocence long forgotten, but always treasured.Įnter Bob Richter, lover of all things holiday and vintage. There are those who are born with the “eye” – they can spot the perfect gift or decoration for that special someone from a mile away.

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