These days, you can’t swing an elf without hitting a holiday gift guide, offering “perfect” gift ideas for everyone on Santa's nice list. They typically feature shiny new things—which makes sense, because most folks like to find shiny new things under the tree. But not everyone does! We all have friends and family members who appreciate the not-so-new: the antique, the vintage and the gently used. And where better to shop for them than at one of Bellingham’s many antique shops?
Peruse my list of gift getters below and see if you recognize anyone. Or, use it for inspiration to expand your gift giving routine beyond slippers, scarves and sweets. Then head out antiquing—it's a fun way to spend an hour or an entire day. And you're practically guaranteed to find something unique and awesome for a friend, your family or yourself, because antiques are for everyone.
Maybe you'll run across one of my all-time favorite Christmas gifts: an old iron squirrel nutcracker from Penny Lane Antique Mall, which currently graces my fireplace.
For the aspiring novelist: Antique typewriter, desk, chair, vintage novels
For the musician: Guitars, amps, sheet music (Aladdin's)
For music lovers: Turntable, speakers and vinyl records to start the collection (Aladdin's)
[caption id="attachment_21613" align="alignleft" width="600"]
Top: Ol' Blue Eyes on vinyl, a fraction of Aladdin's record department, old 78s. Bottom: Extensive jazz on vinyl, guitars, more records. Aladdin's Antiques[/caption]
For jazz lovers: Collectible 78s, vinyl albums, vintage books
For the cocktail king or queen: Vintage barware, glasses, shakers (The Spotted Pig)
For he or she who likes to dress-up: Vintage hats, suspenders, antique stoles, vintage clothes and jewelry (Penny Lane)
For the party girl: Beaded purses, shawls, pearls, fancy hats
For the electronics buff: Antique radios, old light bulbs
[caption id="attachment_21622" align="alignnone" width="350"]
Antique radio. The Spotted Pig[/caption]
For the kitschy: Vintage kitchen accessories, salt-and-pepper shakers, Pyrex bowls (Penny Lane)
For the business person: Antique paperweights, coffee mugs
For the home decorator: Prints, lamps, chandeliers (Diamond)
[caption id="attachment_21612" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Clockwise from upper left: Carved elephant chair (yes, and it's part of a set), crystal (or crystal-like) chandelier, Moulin Rouge print, horse and buggy.Diamond Antiques[/caption]
For the gardener: Vintage planters and garden tools
For the crafter: Vintage buttons, sweaters (for the yarn), doilies (Penny Lane)
For young kids: Well-loved toys, board games from yesteryear, vintage lunchbox, a doll house (The Spotted Pig)
For the vintage Christmas lover: Antique ornaments, tinsel, garlands, albums, stockings, decorations (Penny Lane)
[caption id="attachment_21614" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Clockwise from upper left: antique glass ornaments, elf stocking hangers (Cute or creepy? You decide.), Assorted vintage Christmas items, vintage greeting cards. Penny Lane Antique Mall[/caption]
For the new apartment or house: Vintage dishes, cookware, furniture, home decor (below from The Spotted Pig)
Clockwise from top left: etched glass on marble, antique hobby horse, oak-framed mirror/hatrack, reproduction Remington sculpture. Diamond Antiques[/caption]
Penny Lane Antique Mall
427 West Holly Street
Bellingham, Washington 98225
360-671-3301
Aladdin’s Antiques and Records
(Below Penny Lane)
360-647-0066
Fairhaven Antique Mall
1201 11th Street
Bellingham, Washington 98225
360-922-7165
The Spotted Pig Antiques, Vintage & Home Decor
1941 Lake Whatcom Blvd.
Bellingham, Washington 98228
360-656-5010
Below, Antique spools and doctor's satchel from The Spotted Pig
Etta’s Attic Antique Mall
2009 Main St.
Ferndale, Washington 98248
360-734-1900
Horseshoe Coins & Antiques
810 Peace Portal Dr.
Blaine, Washington 98230
360-332-1870
More Than Antiques
400 Front St.
Lynden, Washington 98264
360-354-7576
McKay's Variety and Antiques
2036 Main St.
Ferndale, Washington 98248
360-933-1174
K's Antiques and Collectibles
5452 Northwest Dr.
Bellingham, Washington 98226
360-384-6731
I-5 Antique Mall & Auction Gallery
4744 Pacific Highway
Bellingham, Washington 98226
360-384-5955
