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Title image: Let the unwrapping begin! Your gift recipients are probably
“somewhat” older, but everyone’s a kid a heart on Christmas morning when
it’s finally time to open the presents! (Reynolds Aluminum ad, early 1960s).

Know Their Budget. If the intent is to inspire a collecting bug, keep
costs in mind. An antique snuff box at 500 plus-plus-plus dollars might
be an extra-special gift for the extra-special person in your life, but in
most cases (unless you plan on doing all the buying all the time), it’s a
one-shot wonder. If it’s something that not only piques their curiosity
but also keeps their wallet happy—say a selection of colorful greeting
cards from the 1940s or ‘50s, available in big batches for less than
$25—chances are the impetus for a new collecting hobby will be a hit!

And now, here’s my Top Ten of Interesting Collectible
Possibilities for Christmas Shopping this season, culled from a
list of hundreds of worthy contenders. All are space-friendly,
budget-friendly, and awaiting a visit from you at your favorite
antique shop, show, or mall:

GIFTS THAT

KEEP ON

GIVING

“We know you’ll be as excited about
It was only logical that he’d eventually our four new singing stars as we are!”
make a recording: Leonard Nimoy
By Donald-Brian Johnson Presents Mr. Spock’s Music From The Bonanza boys, captured on vinyl

All Photos by Donald-Brian Johnson, except as noted Outer Space. for Ponderosa Party Time.

ALBUM ODDITIES. Mr. Spock recorded one. So did the entire cast
of Bonanza, and “Lurch” from The Addams Family. Back when vinyl
orget about the fruitcake. Cancel the cookie order. This records were first in vogue, almost every celebrity who could carry a
Christmas, the perfect presents for all the special somebodies on tune (sort of) put out a record album filled with the tunes closest to Fa
Fyour holiday list might be just as close as the closest antique store. their hearts. In those days before auto-tuning, the results were often ear- com
That’s right. As songwriter Peter Allen once put it, “Everything old splittingly hilarious. Your pal with a good sense of humor will relish
is new again. “In other words, when it comes to gift-giving, why stick Mr. Spock's rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Earth.” Most of
to the tried, true, and brand-spanking-new? Finding just the right these unusual (and addictive) aural offerings, with their attractive color
antique or vintage item, specifically suited to the personality of the covers and extensive liner notes, are under $20.
recipient, shows a degree of thoughtfulness that a box of candy just
can’t meet, even if it is homemade peanut brittle. Additionally, your ANNALEE FABRIC DOLLS. Rumor has it that the facial features of
gift may be a “gift that keeps on giving,” sparking a collecting interest each and every Annalee fabric doll, from jolly snowmen to caroling
and making future Christmas shopping a snap. mice, were based on the features of their creator, Annalee
A few things to keep in mind when embarking on Thorndike. Who can say for
your holiday antique-shopping hunt: sure? (Well, probably
Annalee.) No matter the
Know What They Like. Is your best friend a dedicated inspiration, these whimsical
dog lover? If so, she may not be much interested in start- pose-me-anywhere dolls, with
ing a collection of ceramic cat figurines, no matter how their cheery painted faces and
cute they are. On the other hand, a vintage dog figurine colorful felt-over-wire bodies,
might earn you a hearty “woof” of approval. add a note of happiness to
every home. And (good news
Know Their Surroundings. No matter how nifty that for the space-challenged),
‘50s-modern lamp looks in the store, if your friend’s since many have holiday
dedicated décor is Early American it’s probably not themes, you only need to dis-
going to be featured in a place of honor. And, your play the dolls once a year!
buddy with the one-bedroom condo is sure to find more Whether hanging from the
pleasure in a holiday decoration that he only has to tree or peeping out from a
make room for once a year, rather than an oversized wall The definition of “a jolly, happy mantel garland, they’re sure to Even Annalee mice
hanging he has to squeeze in somewhere year-round. please. Under $25.
soul!” Snowman by Annalee. enjoy Christmas.

24 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles