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Halloween Down Under

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Cool Vintage Finds attracts shoppers from all over the world. We love hearing from people who are thrilled with their purchases and eager to tell us why. It’s especially fun to get the backstory—why something caught their eye, how they plan to use it or why an item is particularly meaningful. A recent transaction with an Australian eBayer (I’ll call him Mr. Halloween) was so special and inspiring, it deserved its own blog post.

It started with a Gemmy animated bookshelf ...

Next to Christmas, Halloween is the most popular holiday with our customers. We snatch up Halloween collectibles whenever we can. So when we saw an animated bookshelf by Gemmy at a local sale, we knew it would be perfect for our store.

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Here’s the item Mr. Halloween purchased for his fabulous Halloween house.
Sure enough, Mr. Halloween came across our bookshelf and got in touch. He sent an email to be sure the item would work for his purposes before buying. When I assured him the books were motion-activated (creepily moving in and out as an eerie soundtrack plays), he knew it was something he and his daughter would love to add to their (not so little) Halloween display … down under. Yes, that’s right. Mr. Halloween hails from a small town in New South Wales, a state on the East coast of Australia.
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Every Halloween, in a small town in New South Wales, Australia, you can find an IMMENSE AND FRIGHTENING home-assembled Halloween display enjoyed by friends and neighbors far and wide.

Mr. Halloween was pleased and let us know it!

We received a nice message from the ultimate champ of Halloween haunting after his bookshelf arrived safely.
 
“Dear hockandsocdad,

Thanking you so very much for getting the Haunted Books here to us in Australia … on our door step nice and safe.

I have given you a very good feedback and also all 5-stars rating.

The books are going to look good with some other Animated books on Halloween night in our Front Foyer [Car port] as it is fun and noisy and slightly scary for anyone and everyone will think that everything should be put into a museum.”

When I say this guy goes all out for Halloween, I mean ALL OUT!

Mr. Halloween was kind enough to share photos of his elaborate ensemble, which takes up much of their house, carport and yard! I thanked him for his business and the great photos and asked if I could share them in our blog. He was happy to oblige.

The creepy fun starts with a ghastly graveyard ...

... and a marketplace of monstrosities.

Needless to say, the displays are totally bewitching.

"Bloody good job, bloke!"  -- Said some Englishman somewhere.

Make no bones about it, this smorgasbord of specimens is out of this world!

But wait, there's more inside!

Right this way, past the gallery of ghouls ...

... super creepy Dracula finds these ladies dead gorgeous.

Watch out for the wicked wall of weaponry and the possessed bear rug.

Looks like someone's lost their head over Halloween!

Even the dungeon ... I mean basement ... is chock full of horrors!

The mummies are amazeballs, just like in Tales from the Crypt ...

Hats off to the creators of this massively spooky spectacle!

Many thanks to our Australian friends who work so hard to put together this entertaining Halloween Hall-of-Fame-worthy haunted house. We're proud to know that Cool Vintage Finds played a small role in making this October 31 even more spectacular.

Inspired?

Surely it's taken years for Mr. Halloween and his daughter to amass their amazing collection of Halloween props. So better get started, you've got some catching up to do! If you’re in the market for Halloween collectibles, see what we have in store in the Halloween Scene corner of our store.
 
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Shop for random and fun Halloween collectibles in the Halloween Scene category of our Cool Vintage Finds eBay store.

Whatever you do, be sure to have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN this October 31!


My Favorite Things, Part II

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Here's another run at the topic of what kinds of treasures catch my eye at estate sales. Personally, I find it very rewarding to discover objects that have special worth to collectors or simply still have purpose. I admire the craftsmanship of earlier generations and believe there's great value in preserving and re-homing pieces of history that might otherwise be discarded.

Quality table & bed linens

Cotton, linen, silk or taffeta—these fabrics never go out of style. I love to rescue pretty tablecloths, towels and bedding. Intricate laces and needlepoint artistry are always coveted and frequently go overlooked at crowded sales. Recently I happened upon a generous stock of unused Royal Society stamped linen, a true treasure. I look for items in pristine condition, but also rescue linens that will rebound with a good soak. 
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This antique crochet lace tablecloth is truly a work of art.

Fun holiday decor

Christmas collectibles and decorations top my list, followed by Halloween and Easter. There are many classic figures and ornaments that are consistently in demand, but I'm not opposed to kitsch either. Quirky items have an appeal of their own. At Christmas time, flocked bottle brush and ceramic trees, Fontanini cherubs and nativity figures, Mercury glass bulbs and pieced felt and wool needlepoint stockings are always desirable.  Halloween paper goods, animated objects and the occasional costume are quality finds. And for Easter, old-time paper mache or painted eggs and cute rabbits in all shapes and sizes are fun to rescue.
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Everyone needs an old school rubber face plush Santa for the holidays.

Pretty paper

It's impressive to see how earlier generations valued design and created amazingly attractive paper goods. Embossed and gilt decorated cards were the norm in the early 1900s, when folks relied on the post to stay in touch with friends and relatives near and far. As I wrote about in an earlier post on vintage Valentines, intricate die cuts and tissue paper honeycombs were common but added appealing dimension and delight. Pieces that have survived the intervening decades relatively intact can fetch a good price from collectors.
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The artistry of old greeting cards and postcards is worth preserving.

Get in touch

What are you looking for from a vintage vendor? Let us know what sets your heart a-flutter and we'll do our best to help you locate the items on your wishlist.

How Santa Claus Came to Be

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PictureSanta Claus is usually portrayed wearing a red suit and hat.
Every wonder how Santa Claus became associated with Christmas? Confused by the references to St. Nicholas, Belsnickel and Woodland Santa? Here's a short history of the many identities  associated with the jolly old elf.

It all began with St. Nick

​Santa Claus, the secular hero of Christmas for generations, dates back to the fourth century and the region of Asia Minor. A young man named Nicholas (also spelled “Nicolas” or Nikolas”) was orphaned and left a wealthy young man. His generous deeds led to his sainthood. The gift-giving traditions centered around St. Nicholas were later co-opted by the early Christian church, to compel pagans to worship the Christ child.
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St. Nicholas became a saint in recognition of his generous deeds in the community.

Father Christmas for Grown Ups

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Father Christmas, a variation on Saint Nicholas, was associated with adult revelry. The Victorian era brought a return to the idea of St. Nick as a gift giver whose purpose was to delight small children.

Along came Belsnickel

​Belsnickel (also referred to as Belsnickle, Belznickel and Belschnickel) is a figure originating in German lore. Generally portrayed as a more serious figure than the jovial Santa Claus beloved by Americans, Belsnickel represents both the dark and the light sides of the Christmas holiday. He’s often depicted with a dour (or at least neutral) expression on his face and is known to wear simple, drab robes. He carries a branch or “switch” in one hand, which he uses to swat naughty children. He may also carry treats of candies, cakes, nuts and fruits, which he gives to well-behaved children, however, some reserve this more friendly role for Kirshkinkle (KrisKringle). His arrival comes several weeks in advance of December 25. The Belsnickel mythology was brought to the United States by the Pennsylvania Dutch, for whom the name translates to variations on Pelznickel.
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Belsnickel likes to carry a switch.
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American children are most familiar with Ms. Winship's interpretation of Santa Claus.

Santa Claus, the jovial elf

​Modern-day Santa Claus evolved from the re-imagining of Saint Nicholas by Washington Irving at the turn of the nineteenth century. There was a tug-of-war in the religious community, as the Puritans disapproved of pagan holidays. Literary work re-imagined Santa Claus as a gift-giving jovial elf (think Night Before Christmas, famously illustrated by Florence Sarah Winship). That imagining has persisted in our culture to this day, where Santa is in charge of toy-making elves and flying reindeer.
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Woodland Santa is friends with the forest animals.

Woodland Santa is magical, too

​Woodland Santa, portrayed as a friend to animals, is another variation of Saint Nicholas. He may be dressed in brown or white robes, sometimes fur lined, but often less elegant than the ermine and red velvet garb of his counterpart. He’s frequently shown with birds perched on his arms or head and forest friends at his feet.

Which Santa do you believe in?

No matter which Santa figure you feel the most affinity for, you'll find a figure or ornament for your collection in the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay.  And have a very Merry Christmas, for one and for all!

Create a crafting space, old-school style

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Guest blog post by Emily Graham.
Emily Graham is the creator of MightyMoms.net. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms--from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.
Arts and crafts are fun to do with your kids, but projects can get messy in a hurry. To avoid disrupting your main living areas, designate a room to contain your kids excitement for crafting and all of their glue and glitter, too. You don’t have to buy brand new—thrift and vintage resources can provide everything you need to furnish and stock your hobby room.
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Look to thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales and online marketplaces such as eBay for craft room decor.
Rescued furniture can serve your purpose quite well and you won’t have to worry about a stray stroke of paint or blob of glue. An old kitchen table scavenged from the curb or thrift store is the perfect work surface for your hobby room.
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If your kids are little, scour re-sale sources for child-sized chairs and tables.
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Another idea—use a cast-off door to make a table for your main crafting space.
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No matter what types of crafts you and your kids enjoy together, you’ll need storage options for crafting necessities. If closet space is not an option, rescue a chest of drawers, bookcase or filing cabinet to keep supplies out of sight when not in use.

 

Think outside of the "rubber tub" when it comes to organizing your craft supplies. Once again, thrift stores offer a wealth of options when you need bins, boxes or other containers to store materials.
PictureHandled baskets are both attractive and easily portable.


Collect old baskets to organize paper, fabric, ribbon and more. From small to large, there's a basket to hold your stuff.



Vintage glass ball jars are perfect for storing markers, brushes and crayons (and can double as wells for painting projects).
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Classic glass ball jars are versatile containers.
Vintage tea, coffee and cookie tins are especially fun to re-purpose for your crafting area. They come in all shapes, sizes and patterns. Stack tins when storage space is in short supply.
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This group of old tins is for sale on eBay,
Even your supplies can be pre-owned or gently used. Paint, fabric remnants, construction paper, kid-friendly tools and other crafting essentials can be found in hobby stores but are also easily sourced from garage sales and second-hand shops.
Check out this Redfin article for more ideas to help you create a kid-friendly crafting space in your home.
Are you a writer with special expertise and a connection to the vintage, antique, collecting and re-purposing world? Interested in contributing to our Scouting Blog? Contact us for guidelines.

Turn yesterday's trash into crafted treasures

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Guest blog post by Emily Graham
Emily Graham is the creator of MightyMoms.net. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms, from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.
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Find jewelry lots on eBay for your next crafting adventure.
Vintage is in and that means your kids might perk up when you suggest hitting your neighborhood or online thrift store in search of materials for your next craft session. Everything from old buttons to antique costume jewelry can be re-purposed into cool crafts and wearable things even the pickiest tween will be proud to create.

Here are a few ways to turn your vintage finds into contemporary masterpieces:
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This shadow box of skeleton keys is for sale on etsy.
Skeleton key wall art. Buy old skeleton keys online or round up a few at your local antique shop. With a piece of old board and some strong glue, you can create a skeleton key wall plaque. These plaques are easy to make and will add a cool twist to your decor.
Lace brooch. Repurpose grandma’s cotton crochet lace (crochet doilies also work) and her extra-large earrings that no longer have a match into a handcrafted brooch. Each lace brooch only takes a few minutes to make and requires little more than a needle, thread, piece of lace, and adornments. Positively Splendid lays out the full instructions here.
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Lots of lace remnants are easy to find on eBay.
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Vintage buttons, brooches, bric-a-brac and linens all have potential to star in your next craft project.

Vintage button ornaments.
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, Christmas crafts are always fun to make. Grab a jar full of vintage wooden buttons, a spool or two of ribbon, and clear filament (fishing line works nicely), and you have everything you need to put together some cute and colorful ornaments. Get inspired with how-to steps in this DIY Network tutorial.


Creepy doll head lamp. If your older kids have a twisted sense of humor, there are tons of ways to reuse an old doll head to create spooky Halloween decorations. A vintage candle holder, doll head, and battery-powered LED lights provide exactly the right creep factor for your All Hallow’s Eve shindig. Get inspired by the I Like That Lamp blog.
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Just one idea from the ilikethislamp blog.
PictureThis lovely embellished Victorian postcard sold on eBay for over $100.
Jewelry Art. We’ve already mentioned that you can use jewelry to create beautiful brooches, but a pile of old costume jewelry can also make great wall art. Head down to Goodwill or check out estate sales in your area. You can likely find a grab bag of old busted jewelry for a few dollars and old framed art pieces. Using glue and lots of patience, embellish your old painting for a dazzling one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Are you a writer with special expertise and a connection to the vintage, antique, collecting and re-purposing world? Interested in contributing to our Scouting Blog? Contact us for guidelines.

Build your antique alphabet block collection

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We recently attended an estate sale where I discovered a box of antique wood blocks. The box contained four unique groups of blocks, which are now offered in our store.

Early alphabet blocks are hand carved and painted. They often feature word pictures and numbers as well as letters. The blocks shown above and below are 1.75" cubes with a color stripe painted across the sides with raised letters.

Antique blocks that have been played with and passed down over decades are rarely in original pristine condition. In my opinion, flaws that develop over the years such as wormholes, chips or fading simply add to the character of old blocks.
Carved letters and numbers are often painted with different colors on opposing sides. Word pictures on the sides of blocks can be flat or carved.
Blocks with ridges are another variation found in this lot of blocks. The ridges help the blocks stay together when they're stacked.
The letters are carved out rather than raised, while the word pictures are raised (the green zebra, for example). These blocks are smaller than the others, roughly 1.25" cubed.
These blocks are quite lovely old things. There's plenty of wear, but no limit to their decorative value and allure to collectors. Just imagine how they entertained and educated little ones long ago.
Naturally, some old alphabet toys are worth more than others. Complete sets typically fetch higher prices. The sets shown below sold at prices starting $95 up to $1500 (images and information from Worthpoint.com.
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This charming set is blocks is more desirable because of the handmade vehicle that holds them.
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These cute figural alphabet blocks are called Schoenhuts Alphies and date to 1882.
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Victorian obelish alphabet block sets such as the one shown here are highly sought after and command a high price due to their rarity.
PictureItem sold by Etsy shopkeeper MilkweedVintageHome.

Vintage and antique blocks look great just as they are, displayed on a shelf in a nursery, kitchen or den. Some collectors like to complete the alphabet or spell out words. If you're the crafty type, check out Etsy to get ideas for upcycling old blocks into new and fun home accents. Whatever you do, don't pass up that box of blocks when you encounter them at a sale or thrift store down the road.


Visit our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay to get your block fix or simply to peruse a fascinating assortment of merchandise.

SOLD on eBay ... treasures that have come and gone

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If there's one thing you can say about our eBay business, it's that no two days are ever the same. Our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay offers an eclectic variety of merchandise. The store attracts serious collectors, window shoppers, costumers, staging professionals, crafters and even resellers looking for that special something. We're getting better at rescuing gold when we're out and about. Here's a short list of items that customers have been eager to buy.
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This vintage Italian straw hat was bought, listed and sold the same day.

Someone wanted this hat.

My partner in crime recognized the value of the well-constructed straw hat shown above, and sure enough, it sold to a buyer in Korea within hours of being listed on our eBay site. What makes this hat special? Quality (the straw was super sturdy); origin (made in Italy); age (over 50 years old); condition (flawless) and style (self-evident).
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This vase sold quickly at auction.

Chinese pottery is very popular.

I'm drawn to stunning works of art with Asian origins. Fortunately, many of our customers also appreciate our finds in this area. The buyer of this Chinese Satsuma vase asked us to be on the lookout for other pieces featuring this beautiful "1000 flowers" or millefleurs pattern.

Mid Century has a big fan base.

Retro towels, table cloths, bed linens and interior decor are hot right now. Mod floral and atomic patterns are often scooped up as fast as we can list them. Judging by sales, buyers also appreciate no-iron percale sheets (popular in the 60s and 70s) more than ever. Made in the USA and union made—two labels that are harder to come by in newer merchandise—tend to increase desirability.
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Toile patterns depict bucolic pastoral scenes.

Classic patterns continue to please.

Toile patterns are consistently good performers, so we like to score it for our store. Pillows, throw blankets, comforters and table linens often feature this pattern in blue on white or off white. More rarely we've found it in yellow on white and also red on white. Variations on this theme complement French Country (sometimes dubbed "romantic" or "shabby cottage") as well as American Colonial decor.

What are you looking for?

Send us your suggestions for our future shopping excursions. We may just find exactly what you've been looking for.

Best gifts for Father's Day 2017

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Maybe dad would like a memento from his alma mater or favorite team.
Act now to line up a gift for your favorite dad this Father's Day. The special day set aside for the top pop in your life always falls on the third Sunday in June, which means in 2017 we celebrate on SUNDAY, JUNE 18. There's still time to get a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gift for your dad. Here are some ideas to help you nail it this year.

Find his favorite fragrance.

Do you have fond memories of dad's cologne wafting in your nose when he crushed you in a bear hug as a young cub? Recreate the moment with a gift of the stuff from back in the day.
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Track down that manly scent.

Present him with a boss shirt.

Everybody's wardrobe needs a fresh infusion now and then. Find something for dad to wear that captures his personality. (Your thoughtfulness will be extra appreciated if he's the kind of guy who hates to shop.)
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This shirt is a showstopper.
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Outdoor dudes will dig this classic look.

Add to his collection.

Is your dad a collector of some kind? Zone in on what he's passionate about and find a piece that will complement his collection.  If you don't have time or are worried you won't make the right choice, consider purchasing an eBay gift card.  The gift is doubly good for collectors who believe the hunt is half the fun!
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Does a choo-choo get him going?
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Is your dad a cast-iron kind of guy?

Score a conversation piece.

You dad will love having something you picked out especially for him in the spaces where he spends his time.
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Consider a fierce foo dog to help dad decorate his office or man cave.
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Give a nod to your dad's appreciation for art.

Do Dad's Day in a big way this year and let him know he's special.

Ask not what your dad can do for you . Ask what you can do for your dear old dad! Finding something meaningful and useful that's also gently used is a great way to honor dad and the planet.

My Favorite Things, Part I

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While out at estate sales, I come across all sorts of fascinating and desirable objects.  Like Oprah, I have a few "favorite things."  Here's a short list of discoveries I rarely pass up.

 Styles that take me back ...

... to the sixties. I was just a squirt back then, but the current obsession with the Mid Century aesthetic has reawakened my fondness for preserving the fashion, decor, toys and trinkets that dominated the decade.
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J J Jonette made sweet pin sets like this.
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Flower power really was a thing.

Asian artifacts

From foo dogs to ginger jars, silk kimonos to gofun dolls—I'm partial to the rich symbolism and artistry exported from Asia.
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Foo dogs are fierce and fantastic.
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I love the detail in this Asian Empress doll.
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This beautiful embroidered jacket is smokin' hot.

Quirky and random stuff

Some of the things that turn my head defy description. I know it when I see it, and then it's up for grabs to the next quirky collector who happens on our store.
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Now that is one cool cat.
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Somebody will have fun owning vintage Northwest Airlines dishes.
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I like small things like these intricate Mexican hatching egg sculptures.

What do you like?

Halloween Collectible Brands

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Halloween is a popular holiday that generates all kinds of items that appeal to collectors. Here are some reliable brands for sought-after spooky, quirky and fun Halloween decorations.

Beistle

Martin Luther Beistle started his paper goods company in 1900. His alliance with the Paper Novelty Company in the 1920s produced the wonderful honeycomb and cardboard cut-out Halloween decorations that are desirable to this day. Authentic vintage Beistle paper goods (those originating decades ago) are in high demand with Halloween collectors year round. Reproductions abound, bringing the company’s classic designs to a wider audience (and making it more difficult to discern the old from the new).
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Vintage Beistle and other brand die-cut Halloween decorations are always in demand.

Dept. 56

The same company that excels at producing Christmas collectibles has offered a generous array of collectible ceramic and resin Halloween decor.  Snow Village Halloween is the company’s haunted equivalent to their Christmas village line. Still actively producing products, Dept. 56 is known for quality and quantity. Popular retired designs can command a high price.
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Dept. 56 has a long history of making desirable seasonal collectibles.

Empire

The Empire Company is well known for its plastic blow mold holiday decorations. For Halloween, Empire makes everything from hand-held plastic buckets to hold children’s candies to outdoor lighted decorations to guide costumed characters to your door.
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Empire blow mold pumpkins are fun to collect and display on October 31.

Fitz and Floyd (aka FF or Omnibus)

Since 1960, Fitz and Floyd Fine China has been creating elegant hand painted ceramics for everyday and special occasions. Though their Halloween line is less extensive than their Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter offerings, you can find heirloom quality Halloween pieces for your home.
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Fitz and Floyd Halloween-themed tableware and figures are classic collectibles.

Gemmy

Gemmy Industries was founded in 1984 and specializes in all kinds of novelties and animation. The company makes a huge variety of Halloween decorations, from outdoor lights and inflatables to costumes and tabletop décor. Animated Halloween decorations by Gemmy Industries are popular on eBay. Look for shuddering skeletons, talking jack-o-lanterns, howling ghosts, cackling witches and more.
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Gemmy makes a wide variety of animated objects for Halloween.

Gurley Novelty Co.

Halloween-themed Gurley candles are popular collectibles today. The company was started by Franklin Gurley, a candlemaker based in  Buffalo, New York, in 1923. Very early candles by Gurley were sold under the Tavern brand and are rare finds. In addition to candles shaped like Halloween ghosts, witches and other ghouls, Gurley sold Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter themed candles that are also popular with collectors.
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Gurley candles add eerie fun to Halloween displays.

Midwest Importers  (aka Midwest, or also Midwest of Cannon Falls)

Based out of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, this prolific producer of decorative collectibles has created many desirable Halloween-themed pieces. The company often features works of artists such as Eddie Walker (now retired) whose holiday-themed figures are still popular with collectors. Walker’s chunky figures are easily recognizable by design. Look for whimsical figures in faux wood carved resin. His work is typically marked with his full name or initials on the back or bottom of the figure.
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Eddie Walker faux carved Halloween figures have a loyal following.
Look for these brands and more as you decorate for Halloween. Check out Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay to add to your collection today.

Halloween Down Under

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Cool Vintage Finds attracts shoppers from all over the world. We love hearing from people who are thrilled with their purchases and eager to tell us why. It’s especially fun to get the backstory—why something caught their eye, how they plan to use it or why an item is particularly meaningful. A recent transaction with an Australian eBayer (I’ll call him Mr. Halloween) was so special and inspiring, it deserved its own blog post.

It started with a Gemmy animated bookshelf ...

Next to Christmas, Halloween is the most popular holiday with our customers. We snatch up Halloween collectibles whenever we can. So when we saw an animated bookshelf by Gemmy at a local sale, we knew it would be perfect for our store.

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Here’s the item Mr. Halloween purchased for his fabulous Halloween house.
Sure enough, Mr. Halloween came across our bookshelf and got in touch. He sent an email to be sure the item would work for his purposes before buying. When I assured him the books were motion-activated (creepily moving in and out as an eerie soundtrack plays), he knew it was something he and his daughter would love to add to their (not so little) Halloween display … down under. Yes, that’s right. Mr. Halloween hails from a small town in New South Wales, a state on the East coast of Australia.
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Every Halloween, in a small town in New South Wales, Australia, you can find an IMMENSE AND FRIGHTENING home-assembled Halloween display enjoyed by friends and neighbors far and wide.

Mr. Halloween was pleased and let us know it!

We received a nice message from the ultimate champ of Halloween haunting after his bookshelf arrived safely.
 
“Dear hockandsocdad,

Thanking you so very much for getting the Haunted Books here to us in Australia … on our door step nice and safe.

I have given you a very good feedback and also all 5-stars rating.

The books are going to look good with some other Animated books on Halloween night in our Front Foyer [Car port] as it is fun and noisy and slightly scary for anyone and everyone will think that everything should be put into a museum.”

When I say this guy goes all out for Halloween, I mean ALL OUT!

Mr. Halloween was kind enough to share photos of his elaborate ensemble, which takes up much of their house, carport and yard! I thanked him for his business and the great photos and asked if I could share them in our blog. He was happy to oblige.

The creepy fun starts with a ghastly graveyard ...

... and a marketplace of monstrosities.

Needless to say, the displays are totally bewitching.

"Bloody good job, bloke!"  -- Said some Englishman somewhere.

Make no bones about it, this smorgasbord of specimens is out of this world!

But wait, there's more inside!

Right this way, past the gallery of ghouls ...

... super creepy Dracula finds these ladies dead gorgeous.

Watch out for the wicked wall of weaponry and the possessed bear rug.

Looks like someone's lost their head over Halloween!

Even the dungeon ... I mean basement ... is chock full of horrors!

The mummies are amazeballs, just like in Tales from the Crypt ...

Hats off to the creators of this massively spooky spectacle!

Many thanks to our Australian friends who work so hard to put together this entertaining Halloween Hall-of-Fame-worthy haunted house. We're proud to know that Cool Vintage Finds played a small role in making this October 31 even more spectacular.

Inspired?

Surely it's taken years for Mr. Halloween and his daughter to amass their amazing collection of Halloween props. So better get started, you've got some catching up to do! If you’re in the market for Halloween collectibles, see what we have in store in the Halloween Scene corner of our store.
 
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Shop for random and fun Halloween collectibles in the Halloween Scene category of our Cool Vintage Finds eBay store.

Whatever you do, be sure to have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN this October 31!

My Favorite Things, Part II

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Here's another run at the topic of what kinds of treasures catch my eye at estate sales. Personally, I find it very rewarding to discover objects that have special worth to collectors or simply still have purpose. I admire the craftsmanship of earlier generations and believe there's great value in preserving and re-homing pieces of history that might otherwise be discarded.

Quality table & bed linens

Cotton, linen, silk or taffeta—these fabrics never go out of style. I love to rescue pretty tablecloths, towels and bedding. Intricate laces and needlepoint artistry are always coveted and frequently go overlooked at crowded sales. Recently I happened upon a generous stock of unused Royal Society stamped linen, a true treasure. I look for items in pristine condition, but also rescue linens that will rebound with a good soak. 
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This mid-century European filet lace tablecloth is completely hand-knotted and hand-embroidered or “darned.”

Fun holiday decor

Christmas collectibles and decorations top my list, followed by Halloween and Easter. There are many classic figures and ornaments that are consistently in demand, but I'm not opposed to kitsch either. Quirky items have an appeal of their own. At Christmas time, flocked bottle brush and ceramic trees, Fontanini cherubs and nativity figures, Mercury glass bulbs and pieced felt and wool needlepoint stockings are always desirable.  Halloween paper goods, animated objects and the occasional costume are quality finds. And for Easter, old-time paper mache or painted eggs and cute rabbits in all shapes and sizes are fun to rescue.
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Everyone needs an old school rubber face plush Santa for the holidays.

Pretty paper

It's impressive to see how earlier generations valued design and created amazingly attractive paper goods. Embossed and gilt decorated cards were the norm in the early 1900s, when folks relied on the post to stay in touch with friends and relatives near and far. As I wrote about in an earlier post on vintage Valentines, intricate die cuts and tissue paper honeycombs were common but added appealing dimension and delight. Pieces that have survived the intervening decades relatively intact can fetch a good price from collectors.
Picture
The artistry of old greeting cards and postcards is worth preserving.

Get in touch

What are you looking for from a vintage vendor? Let us know what sets your heart a-flutter and we'll do our best to help you locate the items on your wishlist.

How Santa Claus Came to Be

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0
PictureSanta Claus is usually portrayed wearing a red suit and hat.
Every wonder how Santa Claus became associated with Christmas? Confused by the references to St. Nicholas, Belsnickel and Woodland Santa? Here's a short history of the many identities  associated with the jolly old elf.

It all began with St. Nick

​Santa Claus, the secular hero of Christmas for generations, dates back to the fourth century and the region of Asia Minor. A young man named Nicholas (also spelled “Nicolas” or Nikolas”) was orphaned and left a wealthy young man. His generous deeds led to his sainthood. The gift-giving traditions centered around St. Nicholas were later co-opted by the early Christian church, to compel pagans to worship the Christ child.
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St. Nicholas became a saint in recognition of his generous deeds in the community.

Father Christmas for Grown Ups

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Father Christmas, a variation on Saint Nicholas, was associated with adult revelry. The Victorian era brought a return to the idea of St. Nick as a gift giver whose purpose was to delight small children.

Along came Belsnickel

​Belsnickel (also referred to as Belsnickle, Belznickel and Belschnickel) is a figure originating in German lore. Generally portrayed as a more serious figure than the jovial Santa Claus beloved by Americans, Belsnickel represents both the dark and the light sides of the Christmas holiday. He’s often depicted with a dour (or at least neutral) expression on his face and is known to wear simple, drab robes. He carries a branch or “switch” in one hand, which he uses to swat naughty children. He may also carry treats of candies, cakes, nuts and fruits, which he gives to well-behaved children, however, some reserve this more friendly role for Kirshkinkle (KrisKringle). His arrival comes several weeks in advance of December 25. The Belsnickel mythology was brought to the United States by the Pennsylvania Dutch, for whom the name translates to variations on Pelznickel.
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Belsnickel likes to carry a switch.
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American children are most familiar with Ms. Winship's interpretation of Santa Claus.

Santa Claus, the jovial elf

​Modern-day Santa Claus evolved from the re-imagining of Saint Nicholas by Washington Irving at the turn of the nineteenth century. There was a tug-of-war in the religious community, as the Puritans disapproved of pagan holidays. Literary work re-imagined Santa Claus as a gift-giving jovial elf (think Night Before Christmas, famously illustrated by Florence Sarah Winship). That imagining has persisted in our culture to this day, where Santa is in charge of toy-making elves and flying reindeer.
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Woodland Santa is friends with the forest animals.

Woodland Santa is magical, too

​Woodland Santa, portrayed as a friend to animals, is another variation of Saint Nicholas. He may be dressed in brown or white robes, sometimes fur lined, but often less elegant than the ermine and red velvet garb of his counterpart. He’s frequently shown with birds perched on his arms or head and forest friends at his feet.

Which Santa do you believe in?

No matter which Santa figure you feel the most affinity for, you'll find a figure or ornament for your collection in the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay.  And have a very Merry Christmas, for one and for all!

Create a crafting space, old-school style

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Guest blog post by Emily Graham.
Emily Graham is the creator of MightyMoms.net. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms--from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.
Arts and crafts are fun to do with your kids, but projects can get messy in a hurry. To avoid disrupting your main living areas, designate a room to contain your kids excitement for crafting and all of their glue and glitter, too. You don’t have to buy brand new—thrift and vintage resources can provide everything you need to furnish and stock your hobby room.
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Look to thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales and online marketplaces such as eBay for craft room decor.
Rescued furniture can serve your purpose quite well and you won’t have to worry about a stray stroke of paint or blob of glue. An old kitchen table scavenged from the curb or thrift store is the perfect work surface for your hobby room.
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If your kids are little, scour re-sale sources for child-sized chairs and tables.
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Another idea—use a cast-off door to make a table for your main crafting space.
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No matter what types of crafts you and your kids enjoy together, you’ll need storage options for crafting necessities. If closet space is not an option, rescue a chest of drawers, bookcase or filing cabinet to keep supplies out of sight when not in use.

 

Think outside of the "rubber tub" when it comes to organizing your craft supplies. Once again, thrift stores offer a wealth of options when you need bins, boxes or other containers to store materials.
PictureHandled baskets are both attractive and easily portable.


Collect old baskets to organize paper, fabric, ribbon and more. From small to large, there's a basket to hold your stuff.



Vintage glass ball jars are perfect for storing markers, brushes and crayons (and can double as wells for painting projects).
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Classic glass ball jars are versatile containers.
Vintage tea, coffee and cookie tins are especially fun to re-purpose for your crafting area. They come in all shapes, sizes and patterns. Stack tins when storage space is in short supply.
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This group of old tins is for sale on eBay,
Even your supplies can be pre-owned or gently used. Paint, fabric remnants, construction paper, kid-friendly tools and other crafting essentials can be found in hobby stores but are also easily sourced from garage sales and second-hand shops.
Check out this Redfin article for more ideas to help you create a kid-friendly crafting space in your home.
Are you a writer with special expertise and a connection to the vintage, antique, collecting and re-purposing world? Interested in contributing to our Scouting Blog? Contact us for guidelines.

Turn yesterday's trash into crafted treasures

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Guest blog post by Emily Graham
Emily Graham is the creator of MightyMoms.net. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms, from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.
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Find jewelry lots on eBay for your next crafting adventure.
Vintage is in and that means your kids might perk up when you suggest hitting your neighborhood or online thrift store in search of materials for your next craft session. Everything from old buttons to antique costume jewelry can be re-purposed into cool crafts and wearable things even the pickiest tween will be proud to create.

Here are a few ways to turn your vintage finds into contemporary masterpieces:
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This shadow box of skeleton keys is for sale on etsy.
Skeleton key wall art. Buy old skeleton keys online or round up a few at your local antique shop. With a piece of old board and some strong glue, you can create a skeleton key wall plaque. These plaques are easy to make and will add a cool twist to your decor.
Lace brooch. Repurpose grandma’s cotton crochet lace (crochet doilies also work) and her extra-large earrings that no longer have a match into a handcrafted brooch. Each lace brooch only takes a few minutes to make and requires little more than a needle, thread, piece of lace, and adornments. Positively Splendid lays out the full instructions here.
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Lots of lace remnants are easy to find on eBay.
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Vintage buttons, brooches, bric-a-brac and linens all have potential to star in your next craft project.

Vintage button ornaments.
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, Christmas crafts are always fun to make. Grab a jar full of vintage wooden buttons, a spool or two of ribbon, and clear filament (fishing line works nicely), and you have everything you need to put together some cute and colorful ornaments. Get inspired with how-to steps in this DIY Network tutorial.


Creepy doll head lamp. If your older kids have a twisted sense of humor, there are tons of ways to reuse an old doll head to create spooky Halloween decorations. A vintage candle holder, doll head, and battery-powered LED lights provide exactly the right creep factor for your All Hallow’s Eve shindig. Get inspired by the I Like That Lamp blog.
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Just one idea from the ilikethislamp blog.
PictureThis lovely embellished Victorian postcard sold on eBay for over $100.
Jewelry Art. We’ve already mentioned that you can use jewelry to create beautiful brooches, but a pile of old costume jewelry can also make great wall art. Head down to Goodwill or check out estate sales in your area. You can likely find a grab bag of old busted jewelry for a few dollars and old framed art pieces. Using glue and lots of patience, embellish your old painting for a dazzling one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Are you a writer with special expertise and a connection to the vintage, antique, collecting and re-purposing world? Interested in contributing to our Scouting Blog? Contact us for guidelines.

Build your antique alphabet block collection

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We recently attended an estate sale where I discovered a box of antique wood blocks. The box contained four unique groups of blocks, which are now offered in our store.

Early alphabet blocks are hand carved and painted. They often feature word pictures and numbers as well as letters. The blocks shown above and below are 1.75" cubes with a color stripe painted across the sides with raised letters.

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Antique blocks that have been played with and passed down over decades are rarely in original pristine condition. In my opinion, flaws that develop over the years such as wormholes, chips or fading simply add to the character of old blocks.
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Carved letters and numbers are often painted with different colors on opposing sides. Word pictures on the sides of blocks can be flat or carved.
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Blocks with ridges are another variation found in this lot of blocks. The ridges help the blocks stay together when they're stacked.
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The letters are carved out rather than raised, while the word pictures are raised (the green zebra, for example). These blocks are smaller than the others, roughly 1.25" cubed.
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These blocks are quite lovely old things. There's plenty of wear, but no limit to their decorative value and allure to collectors. Just imagine how they entertained and educated little ones long ago.
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Naturally, some old alphabet toys are worth more than others. Complete sets typically fetch higher prices. The sets shown below sold at prices starting $95 up to $1500 (images and information from Worthpoint.com.
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This charming set is blocks is more desirable because of the handmade vehicle that holds them.
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These cute figural alphabet blocks are called Schoenhuts Alphies and date to 1882.
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Victorian obelish alphabet block sets such as the one shown here are highly sought after and command a high price due to their rarity.
PictureItem sold by Etsy shopkeeper MilkweedVintageHome.

Vintage and antique blocks look great just as they are, displayed on a shelf in a nursery, kitchen or den. Some collectors like to complete the alphabet or spell out words. If you're the crafty type, check out Etsy to get ideas for upcycling old blocks into new and fun home accents. Whatever you do, don't pass up that box of blocks when you encounter them at a sale or thrift store down the road.


Visit our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay to get your block fix or simply to peruse a fascinating assortment of merchandise.

Finding the best eBay stores

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It's an urban myth that eBay started as a Pez container exchange for the founder's girlfriend, but the online marketplace still serves collectors. This group of Pez containers is part of a set that recently sold for over $600 on eBay.
In 2018, shopping on eBay is a whole different animal than when the online marketplace first opened its doors in 1995. Pierre Omidyar started eBay in his living room on a whim, as a way to enable person-to-person trading arrangements. (The tall tale that Omidyar did it to sell his girlfriend's Pez containers has since been dismissed as marketing fiction.) The site grew quickly but took a few years to become the magnificent beast it is today.
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With millions of merchants vying for customers, even the very best eBayer stores can get lost among the masses.
Fast forward to 2018 and there are more than 25 million sellers on eBay and 175 million shoppers at any given time. In recent years, eBay has modified its search algorithms in mysterious ways that affect search results and seem to limit how often a seller's items are viewed (presumably to keep more sellers alive). 
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The sky's the limit on eBay, making it hard to choose where to shop. (Img source: Pixabay.com)
As owners of an eBay store, we're often challenged to get eyeballs on our merchandise, and we know shoppers on eBay can be similarly frustrated when trying to find what they want, particularly in collectibles, where availability is often limited. That's the reason behind The Best eBay Stores directory: we want to help quality eBay stores get in front of more customers AND help eBay customers find these sellers so they will have the very best experience possible and return again and again!
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All of the eBays stores listed in The Best eBay Stores directory meet criteria to ensure you're dealing with trusted, proven sellers offering a phenomenal variety of merchandise. (Image source: rawpixel.com)
To create the directory (which is an independent entity, not endorsed by eBay or its affiliates, by the way), we've established criteria that help ensure a good shopping experience. That means limiting the list to sellers who've been around for at least 5 years, own an eBay store and have had at least 500 transactions. We also look at feedback ratings and require that it be 98% or higher. Lastly, we've decided to focus this directory on sellers who specialize in vintage and antique collectibles and clothing (new merchandise merchants are left to their own devices).
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Browse and shop with confidence on eBay, with guidance from our directory of trusted eBay stores.
So that's the scoop! Go ahead and check out our directory now. Share it on your social platforms if you feel inspired. Contact us to recommend yourself or a qualified eBay store owner. We hope our directory will prove useful to everyone involved. Thanks for reading!

Halloween Monster Pocket Screamers

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Creepy modern day Halloween collectibles

So a while back we came across one of these vinyl squeezable creatures that makes a blood curdling sound when you squeeze its belly. It was strange enough to pique my curiosity and prompt me to assume someone out there is probably collecting these dudes. Turns out they have a variety of names—Halloween Screamers, Cacklers, Monsters, Cacklers among others—and shape shift from season to season, with different manufacturers and varieties filling the market.


I did some research, determined the going price and listed our discovery in our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay.  Sure enough, it sold pretty quickly. So naturally we've been on the hunt for more screamers to satisfy the collectors who want to fill their pockets (and shelves) with these fascinating monsters.

This past summer, we came across a handful of pocket screamers dating back a few years. Again, these early screamers flew off our shelves. In the process, we had a conversation with Hugo, a customer and collector with his finger on the pulse of the pocket screamer craze.

"They use to come out like crazy in the beginning. over the years they have trickled down to only a few stores now. Use to be Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Jewels grocery stores, oh, and Party City was good for some classic ones. The ones with hair are the older ones and considered classics."
                                - Hugo
                                  Cool Vintage Finds Store customer

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Hugo was kind enough to share a pic of his collection of "way too many screamers." We think it's awesome!
Hugo's good friend maintains a Pocket Screamer page with an awesome compendium of screamer personalities. I had consulted this page to identify our monsters.  Hugo got a kick out of that ... apparently his friend named the creatures himself, and his nomenclature has caught on—not just by us, but others as well! (Check out "The Screamers" to learn more about each variety).'s

Be forewarned, this page features the awesome screams, cackles and moans of the screamers, so you may want to turn down the volume on your device if you're viewing in a public place (or you may just scare the be-jebuzz out of those within hearing range)!

For the ultimate authority on pocket screamers, Hugo recommended we visit the BOO-GLEECH blog.

You can also check out the conversations on the Pocket Screamer Facebook page, which has a rather small but dedicated following.

Start your screamer collection now

It's not always easy to find these Halloween noisemakers, with eyes that light up and sounds that send a chill up your spine, but the hunt is half the fun! We'll keep looking and we encourage you to, too. For Halloween 2018, it looks like Kroger's is the place to hit up for the newest abominations.
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Here's what Hugo is stocking up on this season!

To see what we have in our inventory, check out the Halloween Scene in our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay.

Thanks for reading, and Happy Halloween!

2018 Christmas Gift Ideas

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No more vanilla Christmas presents—give cool vintage finds instead!

There's a better way to get your Christmas shopping done this year, and it doesn't require fighting for a parking space or wandering the malls.  Relax in the comfort of your own home and peruse the pages of the Cool Vintage Finds Store! You'll avoid a vanilla experience and instead find one-of-a-kind treasures for your family, friends and even yourself.

Keep reading for ideas to help you have a more rewarding gift-giving experience!

Something special for your sweetie.


Our store offers dozens of categories to help you pinpoint the gift that will bring a smile to your honey's face. From clothing to jewelry, art & antiques and beyond, you'll encounter oodles of intriguing gift-worthy items to consider.
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His and hers ... or his and his... or hers and hers ... coffee mugs just might hit the spot.

Something thoughtful for mom.


Love the fragrance your mom used to wear when you were a kid? Chances are it's discontinued and she'd love to wear it again. Check our store for hard-to-find perfumes, colognes and eau de toilette from yesterday.

More mom-friendly ideas ...

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Everyone can use a pretty tea towel.
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It's always nice to have special occasion dishes on hand.
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How about a collectible cookie jar?

Something special for dad.

Maybe Dad would enjoy a book with historical significance, a magazine with a personal connection, art that for his office or den or clothing to round out his wardrobe. Keep looking, you'll find just the right thing!
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Clothes make the man, so get dad a sweater that expresses his inner coolness.
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Hook your dad up with art that recalls the Old West.

Something cool for a sibling.

Maybe it's a t-shirt from your favorite band growing up or a long-lost toy. Or a poster from the movie you both were crazy about. Our Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay is an ever-changing repository of cool stuff any bro or sis will appreciate, especially coming from you!
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Shop our store and you might encounter a cool rock tee for a family member.
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Cuz you're both Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans, right?

Something awesome for your friends.

You know what your friends like! No probs acquiring nifty gifties for all your best buds, right here.
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It may be a bit self-serving, but why not get something to equip your pal's bar?
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Imagine a world with this cool poster. #Lennonforever

Something you've always wanted.

 Don't neglect yourself while you do your Christmas shopping! Pick out a gift you've been craving so there's at least one package under the tree you know you really want.
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Buy yourself a sweet reminder of a furry friend.

Shop now for quick shipping and happier holidays!

When you shop the Cool Vintage Finds Store on eBay, your purchases will be shipped promptly and with care! If you're buying a gift that you'd like shipped to an address other than your own, be sure to add the alternate address to PayPal before buying. Happy shopping!

Sensible Tips for Buying to Resell

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If you get as excited as I do when treasure hunting, you need to be extra wary about your selections. It’s easy to get carried away with a “find” and overlook flaws that diminish value. You may feel rushed because there are other eager shoppers on all sides. Slow down and inspect the merchandise!

Here’s a short guide to help you use your five senses to become a savvy reseller:

SEE.

Always, always, take a close look before you buy. Step into better lighting and brush away dust if necessary. Seasoned buyers carry a small flashlight and a magnifying glass to help with this important task. When examining glass and ceramics, look for chips, cracks and crazing (a web or network of fine cracks). Examine linens for holes, snags, fraying, fading or spots. Look for identifying marks or labels, which are especially helpful if you don’t have other expertise to rely on. It never hurts to assess value in the marketplace by scanning eBay completed sales or a similar resource that catalogues items sold. Condition is a key determiner in helping you resell at the highest price, so look with care. That said, many buyers are willing to put up with small flaws, with full disclosure.

SMELL.

Odors are a bane to buyers and can be difficult to remove. Take note when you enter a home and be on guard if you detect odors such as mildew and smoke—common culprits that can destroy a desirable item. Airing and washing items can sometimes eliminate odors but this involves time and hassle and may not be satisfactory. Cat urine is particularly difficult to remove and noxious to the nostrils (no offense to felines intended). There is also a rather mysterious odor that tends to creep into the homes of the elderly. If something stinks, trust your instincts and rest assured it will smell even worse when you remove the item from its environment, which is probably masking much of the smell. Pass on moldy or musty items—these odors can spread when stored with pristine inventory.

FEEL.

Your sense of touch can be invaluable when evaluating the condition and value of estate sale items—and are especially useful when shopping for glass and ceramic items. Fingertips can spot a rough edge or chip faster than the eyes. When evaluating linens, a perceptive touch can discern synthetic from natural fibers. Fingers can also detect seams in ceramics that differentiate molded versus hand made items or real wood carvings from faux-wood resin pieces.

HEAR.

Listen to the chatter at sales. You may be able to pick up on history of items or gain insight into demand. Some sellers will have expertise to share, so it doesn’t hurt to inquire. Another way you can use your ears is when evaluating mechanical items. If you hear something rattling around inside when you give it a gentle shake, you may be dealing with a broken thing-a-ma-jig. You can also improve your purchase decisions by listening to what your gut is telling you. If your inner voice says something is overpriced, negotiate or pass it by. If you’re being too sentimental, check your emotions at the door.

TASTE.

I’m using poetic license to invoke this “sense”—my true meaning refers to aesthetics. Is your taste in line with what’s popular? Are you better at uncovering rare and coveted niche items? The best shoppers have a knack for identifying cool stuff that people want right now. You can’t always predict what will sell, but if you keep an eye on the marketplace, you can improve your ability to spot hot items in high demand.
May fortune favor you as you hone your senses in the exciting field of treasure hunting. Good luck!
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