THRIFTY THURSDAY: 60s & 70s Books

When I was in grade school we had this great hole in the wall library chuck full of vintage books, leftover gems from the 60s and 70s that captured the imagination with their bright and eerie graphics. Years after I graduated I found myself missing some of the strange stories from my childhood and set out to find them at various thrift and antique stores, even online. My favorite one is SpiritTown, cover wise and story wise. Oftentimes I don't find myself as intrigued by present day covers, the ones that do intrigue me are often throwbacks. There's just something about the books from these times that gives you the immediate feel and mood of the story in one image. They're not cold and homoginous, but rather lived in, vibrant, worn and wonderful. This weekend see if you can remember a book from your childhood that you want to revisit.

Thrifty Thursday

When out on your thrifting adventure, don't forget about the toy section. This often ignored corner of the store contains some unique vintage treasures that can be used as more than just playthings.
I found this invisible man figure in the toy section at a local Goodwill and was delighted to discover that his heart lights up when you push the black button on his stand. I like him on my bookshelf but he can be used as a jewelry holder (as above) or if you've got the knack for the craft, turned into a night light.
Another overlooked treasure from the toy department are the board games. These discarded items can be cut up with an exacto knife and used as coasters or as unique coffee table tops when they're covered with glass.
Also, keep your eye out for old happy meal toys. Clean them up and attach them to a wrapped gift with a bow and they become a fun little extra on a present. If they are light weight enough they can also be used to create a unique hanging mobile.
There are numerous possibilities available to the toy lover in all of us if we keep a keen eye out for hidden treasures.

Happy thrifting!