Apr 14, 2011

Mother's Day for the Collector

Last year for Mother’s Day, I’ll confess, I waited until the last minute. The day before, I went to a promising estate sale, but the marvelous rustic piece of Chinese ceramics I chose turned out not to be for sale after all (“What’s that doing here?” the woman squeaked when I asked the price). I spent another 20 minutes searching and finally bought something for my mother’s blue-and-white china collection—an ornate brick-like object that turned out to be an opium pillow. (At least I didn’t have to worry about my brother giving her the same thing.)

This year, I’m thinking ahead. But the problem is my mother is a natural collector. She can’t own one of something, she has to have 40—or better yet 400. And she’s about to the point where her collections have topped out (at least in everyone else’s opinion). I can’t in good conscience buy her another piece of carved architectural wood, when her current collection takes up a wall the width of the house.

The solution? I’m going to start a new collection for her—the gift that keeps on giving, as it provides me with ideas for Mother’s Days and birthdays and Christmases for the next five years. I’ve been browsing online, trying to find something in keeping with her décor, something she doesn’t already have, a collection with room for growth.

Here are a few of my ideas—and they’ve got nothing to do with opium. 


'Vintage Mother's Day Gift Guide' by calloohcallay

Mother's day gift ideas for the collector, brought to you by the Etsy Vintage Team.


Vintage Mexico Owl Figu...
$7.00

Statue of Liberty Trio
$29.99

Cappuccino Fur Fascinat...
$24.00

Instant Collection Vint...
$18.00

3 Antique Vintage Carve...
$25.00

Salmon Twist California...
$15.00

Huge 1930s Madame Alexa...
$1025.00

Vintage Camera .. Kodak...
$78.00

Vintage COACH brown lea...
$79.99

2 Vintage DETECTIVE BOO...
$11.00

Vintage Wooden Letterpr...
$15.00

1921 Vintage Easter Pos...
$4.00

Vintage Instant Porcela...
$16.50

Victorian Maltese Cross...
$55.00

Butterick 7762 Rockabil...
$12.00

BENRAAD Copper Teapot ...
$15.50

8 comments:

Suzanne@threepeats said...

Everything is wonderful....just remember, buttons don't take up much space ;)

mary / tippleandsnack said...

Can't afford a trip to NYC? How about a trio of vintage travel souvenirs instead!

Nachokitty.etsy.com said...

I love your tale. My Mothers collections are sitting in my side yard. Two 40 foot shipping containers full. Now I'm giving her dinners out, a shopping card at Macys, etc. Things I won't have to store next time she moves! :)

Callooh Callay said...

Oh that's how much room my mother's would take up! In addition to wood, she collects cameras, china, rocks, beer mugs, textiles, art, masks, brass...I know I'm forgetting something. Scares me to death.

Nora-transient*treasures said...

Great post!!! My mom wasn't much of a colector (she passed away in 2000), but I am more than making up for it!! Sometimes I think my collections have collections of their own.

cindy-the vintage hat shop said...

I love your choices. I think you have one fortunate mom.
Hmmmm, now you have me wondering what the kids are thinking of getting Me this year!

Niftic Vintage said...

Fabulous stuff! Many thanks for the great read and incredible treasury viewing!

Unknown said...

What a great selection here, thanx 4 including my vintage Coach satchel handbag!

Tye
www.lagelle.com