

I could not afford the full sliding brass monocular as typical with what we think Captain Ahab might have used. But, this monocular is old. It’s not from 1891, but old enough. I love how my daughter asked for something vintage and has a notion that Santa also gives vintage or shall we say “reused” items. Yes Virginia, Santa is indeed green and cares very much about the state of our planet and is saddened by waste.
I’ve often found old objects carry more magic and evoke more curiosity. Ever noticed how when children draw bathtubs, they are often claw foot tubs? Yet, most homes do not have a claw foot tub. Ours does and if you like the luxury of a hot bath, you should ask for an old iron claw foot tub for the holidays, if your stacked with money get a copper one.

The money from around the world. Wait! Little Pie pulled a shell game on me and at the last moment. While on his lap, she switched strategies to an EGYPTAIN COSTUME!
What? Once home with Little Pie asleep, I raced down stairs and dove into the Net. Most everything there was that barely-threaded, flammable fabric stuff. Sigh. Santa wouldn’t give that! I was in a pickle because I do not sew. Really. I have about 30 Girl Scout patches to sew on two uniforms. I am years behind. I have two girlfriends who are amazing designers but they have daughters of their own and asking them for an Egyptian costume would not be cool in December. Maybe in June but not December.

Finally I drove over to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where I found the gold headdress and a few scarabs to sew onto the slip. I figure that is enough to make my Little Pie feel like an ancient African queen. As little girls, didn’t we all dream of being Cleopatra? I printed off a few “tags” to help the little suit cases look like they’ve been traveling and passed through customs because this costume was coming from Egypt.
Thankfully I carefully checked out the gold wig. It had a “Made in China” sticker in a hidden spot. Good thing I found it. An Egyptian wig made in China? Indeed! I’ve always wondered what factory workers in China must think about as they whip out oddly shaped erasers, plastic blow horns and other senseless stuff. What would you think about another culture if you sat in a factory for 8-10 hours a day making paddleballs for them?
So there it is. A little girl who is asking Santa for antiquated items. Children are fascinated by the past. I refer to real items from the past. Conventional retail would have you think otherwise because they don’t sell old things. But when a child is suspended from the mass advertising, amazing things happen.
If you are a new visitor to this blog, be certain to scroll back up and pull up the Thrift Catalog slide show featuring over 230 items from thrift stores to give you an idea of what could be waiting for you.
Now, I have to find me a few good cupcakes. Being an elf isn't so easy.
13 comments:
What a cool little kidlet you have! Love it!
What great finds! You have a special little girl and it sounds like she has a very clever mama.
Reading your blog has really gotten me into thrifting (thanks!) and your posts about your daughter's Christmas wishes are really inspiring. : )
I love your blog! I'm a blog rookie, having just started my own very recently. Mine is also about the wonderful world of thrifting! I recently posted one about the elusive "thrift gift" urging people to shop @ thrift stores instead of @ the massive retail chains for Christmas. Then I read about your awesome daughters Christmas wish list and had to put a link to it on my blog. What a good and smart kid! And what a creative and smart mom! Nice job!
You are my inspiration! For Christmas this year, my young granddaughter will be getting a glammed-up Box o' Dress-ups: scarves, boas, glittery dresses, vintage ladies white gloves, tiny purses, assorted hats, all bought for 50 cents or a dollar at charity thrift shops. After gentle washing and airing, they are clean and ready for imaginative play.
I like the elf diet; cookies and coffee always get me in the mood!
Oh, to be child in your house! I am very impressed with your eight year old, she is far ahead of her time. I wonder who will have had more fun, you putting her gifts together or her when she opens them? Thanks for sharing all your thrifty tips. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.
Quick question re tiger: how did you clean it? I often see plush toys that look good, but am unsure if cleaning them will ruin them.
Absolutely love everything about this! Your creativity amazes me, and great job on finding such beautiful, unique items that our daughter will cherish.
Babs,
Just toss the plush toy in the washer on regular cycle. They are pretty sturdy. I fluff them and let them air dry.
Although Little Pie and I gave her favorite plush toy a bath in the sink. Little Pie felt more comfortable about that. [Wink.]
these gifts are amazing and beautiful! i hope i can get my little one on the vintage train!
Sweet gifts! Have a lovely Christmas!
Such a cute idea! I love how you put the egyptian costume in a cool old suitcase :)
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