ML Interest Tag: auction

Packers’ Aaron Jones Surprises Childhood Cancer Hero

by Marianella Orlando
Partner Content

The Green Bay Packers game against the Chicago Bears looked a lot brighter this NFL season. On Sunday, Dec. 12, Packers’ running back Aaron Jones wore custom-designed cleats, in partnership with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, to support children battling childhood cancer.

The special NFL program, “My Cause, My Cleats”, raises awareness and funding for causes that are near and dear to players’ hearts. Participating athletes sport a custom cleat design that represents their passions beyond the field on game day, then auction off the cleats at the NFL auction to raise proceeds for their selected charity.

Earlier this year, kids with cancer and their family members submitted their original hand-crafted designs for Aaron’s cleats, from which he personally selected his favorite. This year marks Aaron’s second time partnering with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation for the “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign to support and raise awareness for childhood cancer.

On November 13, Ashley Herman of Marshfield, Wis. was selected as the program’s winner. The 18-year-old cancer hero was invited to visit Lambeau Field in Green Bay with her mom, dad, brother and boyfriend, where Aaron surprised her with the news that he selected her design for his cleats.

“You’re definitely strong and resilient. Never stop fighting,” Aaron shared on a virtual call. “I want you to know that I’m in your corner forever.”

Ashley was surprised and delighted to speak with Aaron about her design and thought process behind the artwork. When selecting her design, Aaron was particularly drawn to the phrase “be the change” on the cleats—a phrase that stuck with Ashley throughout her treatment. “All it takes is one person,” Aaron told Ashley. “And now when I wear those cleats, everyone will see be the change.”

To top off the victory, Ashley was not only gifted a pair of her own custom cleats but also learned she and her family would attend the Packers’ game on December 12 to see her design in action.

Cleats designed by childhood cancer heroes seem to bring a little bit of magic to Aaron’s game. He scored back-to-back touchdowns in Ashley’s cleats to help boost the Packers’ to a 45-30 victory over the Chicago Bears, while, last year, he ran for his longest career touchdown in Ethan Haley’s cleats.

Finding Hope and Courage Through Art

Both art and sports played a large role in Ashley’s everyday life growing up. When she wasn’t in school, she would spend her time painting or sketching or playing volleyball for Columbus High School.

This past winter, however, Ashley was faced with news that would change her life. On Jan. 27, 2021, the Wisconsin native was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—cancer that affects specialized white blood cells within the body’s immune system, which hinders it from defending against bacteria, parasites, or viruses.

Despite receiving this startling news, Ashley’s perpetual positive attitude kicked in and her first words to her doctors and families were, “okay, what do we do next.” Today, her cancer is in remission.

For Ashley, “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign means more than just winning. She plans to continue to share her story with others battling cancer to help them keep pushing forward and to encourage them to share their own experiences.

Aaron also hopes his participation with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation will inspire others to make a difference. The Foundation, which launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012, has worked vigorously to find better treatments and cures, provide family and patient support and offer aid to children who struggle with the long-term effects of treatment. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed over $35 million towards its mission and also funded more than 455,000 hours of research.

In 2022, Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Program is celebrating its ten-year anniversary by continuing to create moments of joy and drive connections amongst those affected by childhood cancer. Learn more about the Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Program here.

If you’d like to hear more about Ashley’s story, watch it now!

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Baby Yoda Really Levitates in This Hover Pram & You Have to See It to Believe It

by Karly Wood

Mattel has been busy! The company just announced some uber exciting news for The Mandalorian fans.

Partnering with ProjectArt, the duo will donate an ultra-rare “Star Wars The Mandalorian The Child in Floating Hover Pram” during a one-week eBay auction. The piece will not be available as a retail item, and proceeds will benefit ProjectArt, an out-of-school and residency program for artists and underserved K-12 students that provides innovative approaches to teaching and learning through the visual arts in partnership with public libraries.

Star Wars - The Mandalorian The Child™ - in Floating Hover Pram

Jason Tidwell

The rare "The Child in Floating Hover Pram" item features a pram that spins and actually levitates 2.5” off its base and a plush inspired by the Child. 

You can head to eBay from now until Fri. Mar. 5 at 9:00 a.m. PT to place your bid, but be sure to bring your checkbook. At the time of publication, the piece is already over $7,000!

 

Mattel has also announced an all-new “Star Wars The Mandalorian The Child Collector Edition Plush with Hover Pram” that will be available only on Mattel Creations.

Star Wars The Mandalorian The Child Collector Edition Plush with Hover Pram

Mattel Creations' "The Child Collector Edition Plush" comes with accessories inspired by The Mandalorian, including a control knob and Chowder Squid. The Plush comes with protective Hover Pram that features motorized doors that open and close and an adjustable stand.

Star Wars™ x Barbie® Inspired Dolls

Jason Tidwell

Mattel Creations will also open sales on very limited quantity sets containing three previously released Star Wars™ x Barbie® inspired dolls in collector packaging, with each set signed by legendary Barbie designer, Robert Best.

 

You can shop both the new collector edition plush and Star Wars x Barbie sets starting Fri, Mar. 5 at 9:00 a.m. PT through Friday, March 12 at 9:00 a.m. PT at MattelCreations.com.

––Karly Wood

 

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Want to Buy Your Very Own Amusement Park? Here’s How!

by Erica Loop

Are you an amusement park enthusiast to the max? If you’re a carousel connoisseur or rave about roller coasters to no end, Clementon Park in New Jersey has a deal you’ll want to learn more about.

The park, which was founded in 1907, is for sale—and now you can live out your daydreams and become its sole owner!

photo courtesy of PRNewswire/CRG

So how does one go about buying an entire amusement park? Clementon Park in Clementon, New Jersey will hit the auction block on Mar. 23. Capitol Recovery Group (CRG), a global private equity firm, is auctioning the park as a whole or split into individual parts. This means you can score an entire amusement park with everything you need included or just buy the land, amusement equipment, rides, buildings, or liquor license.

CRG President Bill Firestone said, in a press release, “We are actively seeking a buyer for this iconic park located outside of Philadelphia and expect significant interest in the auction.” Firestone added, “The property includes a 25-acre lake, dam, amusement rides, a water park and a full liquor license.”

Way back in 1907 Clementon was founded by Theodore Gibbs and his sons as a “trolley park.” Located at the end of a trolley line, the park was initially built to encourage weekend ridership. Clementon was family owned until 2011. The park closed its doors in 2019.

If you’re ready to turn your dreams into a reality—bidders can register for the auction on CRG’s website here.

—Erica Loop

 

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American Girl to Auction Off Three One-of-a-Kind Collector Dolls Made With Thousands of Swarovski Crystals

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Bid on one of three stunning dolls for a good cause. American Girl announced it has again teamed up with Swarovski crystals to create three one-of-a-kind collector dolls just in time for the holidays. The gorgeous gowns and complementary accessories took Swarovski couturiers over 330 hours to design and hand embellish more than 5,000 Swarovski crystals and crystal beads in 24 colors.

American Girl auction

The American Girl Collector dolls will be auctioned off starting today through Nov. 25, 2020, at Americangirl.com/auction. The First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express program will receive 100% of the auction net proceeds. This program is designed to spread joy to children of first responders across America during the 2020 holiday season. The bidding for each American Girl Collector doll starts at $5,000.

“As the holidays approach, we know it’s more important than ever to show our gratitude to our country’s dedicated First Responders who have contributed and sacrificed so much to help our friends, families, and communities this year,” said Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “We’re pleased to donate the proceeds of these three exquisite one-of-a-kind 2020 collector dolls, plus thousands of Mattel toys, to First Responders Children’s Foundation to say thank you to these hard-working frontline heroes and bring some much-needed holiday sparkle to their children and families.”

In addition, Mattel and American Girl are donating more than $1,000,000 in retail value of toys to the foundation’s Toy Express program, including American Girl’s renowned 18” dolls and other popular Mattel products from Hot Wheels, Barbie and Mega Bloks. The toys will be distributed to thousands of first responder families nationwide through the end of the year.

“Thank you, Mattel and American Girl for the generous donation of thousands of toys to The First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express. And for selecting First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) as the beneficiary charity of proceeds from the auction of the exclusive American Girl Collector dolls. Because of this partnership, First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express will bring joy to children across the nation during this holiday season,” said Jillian Crane, President of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “First Responders Children’s Foundation Toy Express will be gifting toys to children of first responders who are on the frontlines of COVID-19. We will also be delivering toys to first responder agencies and hospitals to share with children in their communities. FRCF supports nurses, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, medical personnel, and 911 dispatchers who risk their health every day in selfless service to their local communities across the country.”

One of the three American Girl Collector dolls will be on display at the company’s flagship retail stores in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles through Dec. 10, 2020. The highest bidder will then receive their one-of-a-kind doll in a special display case via white glove delivery. The three collector dolls feature the following details:

2020 American Girl Sweet as a Rose Collector Doll

This stunning brunette doll is decked out in a petal pink ballet-style ballgown blooming with delicate organza rosettes. Each flower is individually adorned with Swarovski crystals, and the intricately beaded bodice and satin overskirt shimmer with more than 1,000 crystals and beads, making the doll sparkle no matter which way it spins. This exclusive outfit was completely hand-embellished by Swarovski couturiers; and includes a one-of-a-kind, crystal-encrusted tiara plus sparkling bracelets and earrings. The Sweet as a Rose doll is on display at American Girl Place-Chicago on Michigan Avenue.

2020 American Girl Boho Chic Collector Doll

With long honey-colored curls and an empire-waist gown, this elegant doll sparkles with modern bohemian flair. The ice-blue bell-sleeved dress has 2,200 hand-appliquéd Swarovski crystals and crystal beads, creating the dress’s spectacularly sparkly wavelike design. The sheer organza overlay is adorned with a web of metallic blue fibers for extra shimmer. The look also includes a beautiful matching tiara and earrings. The Boho Chic doll is on display at American Girl Place-Los Angeles at The Grove retail and entertainment complex.

2020 American Girl Fuchsia Feathers Collector Doll

This glamorous one-of-a-kind ballgown and accessories feature lavish layers of fuchsia, pink, and pewter feathers on the full skirt, creating an ombre effect that beautifully sets off the doll’s long black hair. The fuchsia satin bodice is embellished with 1,400 colorful Swarovski crystals and crystal beads. Strands of sparkling crystals and beads adorn the matching tiara and earrings, as well as peek out from the feathered skirt, so the doll glitters from head to toe. The Fuchsia Feathers doll is on display at American Girl Place-New York at 75 Rockefeller Plaza.

Eric Russack, Managing Director of Swarovski North America stated, “We’re thrilled to once again partner with American Girl to create this year’s bespoke collectible dolls and adding the Swarovski sparkle to their exclusive 2020 American Girl Holiday Collector Dolls. Our goal this holiday season is to make imaginations sparkle and who better to do that with than American Girl! And this year, we’re extremely proud to support First Responders Children’s Foundation and their work to support the children of our dedicated frontline heroes.”

To place your bid for the one-of-a-kind 2020 American Girl Collector dolls, visit Americangirl.com/auction. All of American Girl’s holiday products are available now at AmericanGirl.com and at American Girl stores nationwide.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: American Girl

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Celebs Honor International Day of the Girl with CARE & Care Bears

by Erica Loop

Some of your fave actresses, performers, influencers and artists are coming together to celebrate International Day of the Girl. The 30 plus celebs are joining the humanitarian organization CARE and the iconic children’s brand Care Bears for a life-changing auction.

Superstars such as Hilary Duff, Sia, Kacey Musgraves, Meghan Trainor, Michelle Williams, Sophia Bush and more will each create their own Care Bear inspired by CARE’s work with women and girls. CARE will auction the bears on eBay, with the proceeds benefiting charities.

 

So what types of bears are the stars creating? Actress Sophia Bush said, in a press release, “This International Day of the Girl, I’m proud to team up with CARE and Care Bears to celebrate women and shine a light on all that we can achieve when we raise our voices and demand change.” Bush continued, “I created Justice Bear—well, because RBG is my hero!—and to remind the world that while we’ve come a long way, our fight for civil rights is far from over. With women and girls leading the charge, I believe a world in which everyone is equal under the law is achievable.”

CARE President & CEO, Michelle Nunn, said, about the cause and the auction, “If we’re going to help solve the biggest challenges we face as a global community, we’re going to need the power of the next generation of changemakers–powerful girls from around the world.” Nunn went on to say, “When women and girls have the right tools, like access to clean water, education, and economic opportunities they are better placed to succeed. Bidding on a Care Bear will help us bring more of these tools to girls around the world.”

The list of celeb-designed bears includes:

  • Alexandra Daddario, Safety Bear
  • Ashlee Simpson, Equality Bear
  • Bellamy Young, Women In Agriculture Bear
  • Bianca Lawson, Heart Chakra Bear
  • Haylie Duff, Girl Power Bear
  • Hilary Duff, Clean Water Bear
  • Holland Roden, Refugee Bear
  • Iman, Diversity Bear
  • Kacey Musgraves, Earth Magic Bear
  • Katharine McPhee, Give Girls a Voice Bear
  • Meghan Trainor, Youth Are The Future Bear
  • Michelle Williams, Health For All Bear
  • Paisley Family (Brad, Kimberly, Jasper, and Huck), World Hunger Bear
  • Paris Jackson, Global Feminist Bear
  • Sia, Youth Empowerment Bear
  • Skai Jackson, Climate Justice Bear
  • Sophia Bush, Justice Bear
  • Sunnyside Up Cast, WASH Bear
  • Zac Posen, Living Blue Bear

The Care Bears will make their grand debut on Oct. 10 at the Van Ness Elementary School in Los Angeles at a special learning event hosted by CARE and Care Bears. The International Day of the Girl bears will then travel to Showfields in New York City on Oct. 12. The activities will continue with actress Holland Roden and a conversation, sponsored by Olivela, about her experience in Jordan with CARE.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of CARE and Care Bears

 

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Geoffrey the Giraffe Could Come Out of Retirement as Toys”R”Us Stages a Comeback

by Erica Loop

Sorry Geoffrey, we hope you didn’t get too comfortable in retirement, because there’s a chance that Toys”R”Us is coming back. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, the beloved toy store may not be so dead and gone as we all thought earlier this year. It looks like the Toys”R”Us we grew up with might be reincarnated as something a little different.

If you’re confused, you aren’t alone. The mega-toy retailer famously closed its doors this summer following a downturn in sales, and eventually bankruptcy. Despite this, Toys”R”Us is still poised to make a comeback—we just don’t know all the details of exactly how or when—but we do have some clues.

Photo: Philip Pessar via Flickr

Instead of going ahead with the previously scheduled bankruptcy auction, the controlling lenders decided not to sell off the retailer’s intellectual property assets. This includes the brand names Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us, along with the image and character of Geoffrey the Giraffe and multiple domain names.

The group of private equity funds that currently owns the controlling stake in the now-closed toy retailer has a re-organization plan in the works. So what would that look like? Reportedly, the hedge fund funders want to re-launch the brand as a toy wholesale business.

But there’s also this curious tidbit as the The Toy Association’s annual Fall Toy Preview gets underway in Dallas, Texas. Geoffrey the Giraffe has been spotted on the trade show floor! Note what’s on his cape: “Back from Vacation.”

But he’s not carrying his previous “Toys”R”Us” mantel, instead attached to a company called “Geoffrey’s Toy Box.” According to The Toy Book, a leading toy trade magazine, the company has been restructured as Geoffrey, LLC.

Richard Barry, executive vice president of global merchandising at Geoffrey LLC, told The Toy Book that Geoffrey’s Toy Box is a new initiative for the re-organized company. Per The Toy Box:

Barry told The Toy Book exclusively that the company will launch a “shop-within-a-shop” concept, called Geoffrey’s Toy Box, with a prominent regional midwest retailer this November. The concept will feature a train of branded Geoffrey’s Toy Box displays.

Hmmm…curiouser and curiouser! For now, we’ll just have to wait and see what’s next for Geoffrey the Giraffe.

—Erica Loop

 

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There’s No Place Like Diagon Alley for the Holidays

by Jeff Totey

Sure, Universal Studios has “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” but Ballard is home to the next best thing – Diagon Alley – at least until the end of the year. Dubbed by some as “the coolest dad ever,” Jon Chambers has built a replica of the fictional shopping district found in the Harry Potter books (in his own driveway!) and is inviting everyone to see it for themselves. If you’ve got a crew of Potter fans, bundle up your Muggles and read on for the magical deets.

photo: John Chambers

The Inspiration Behind the Alley
Located on a quiet street in Ballard, Chambers (a former tech exec and dad) said that up until now, his family didn’t get many, if any, treat-or-treaters on their doorstep, so he wanted to create something that would entice them to drop by. Well, guess what? It worked. Thousands of people have visited Chambers’ walk-through replica of Diagon Alley since its debut on Halloween.

photo: Jeffrey Totey

The Wizarding Hub
Located across the street from Whittier Elementary School, it’s amazing how much of the Harry Potter world is crammed into Chambers’ driveway. Facades include a quidditch supply shop, Flourish and Blotts Bookseller and Ollivander’s, “Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.” And Chambers isn’t finished. Soon, he’ll be adding two play structures: The Leaky Cauldron and Greengots Bank. And both will be auctioned off for Whittier’s PTA auction.

Don’t Forget Your Camera! 
The exhibit is full of photos ops starting at the entrance where guests can appear in a “Have you seen this wizard?” wanted poster that reads underneath, “Approach with extreme caution! Do not attempt to use magic against this wizard!” Follow the owl poised on top of the broken brick wall and you’ll find Ollivander’s on the left and more wanted posters on the right. The street is lined with bottles of potions, candles, broomsticks and lots of books.

photo: Jeffrey Totey

Details, Details & More Details! 
The attention to detail is incredible. Many of the buildings have crocked corners and bent drainpipes. Every shop has amazing singage. And during the day, the place is bright and cheery, but come back at night for a different, more mysterious scene.

All for a Good Cause
As you can imagine, building such a spectacle took a lot of time, energy and money. The majority of the street came together in just two weeks with the help of 50 volunteers who built, painted and searched high and low for the perfect decor. A local children’s book illustrator filled in the windows and Chambers himself left his job for the project. But there was another important reason that gave Chambers inspiration: his daughters.

photo: Jon Chambers

“My wife worked with a gentleman, the CEO of one of the companies that my wife’s company invested in and he passed away [from pancreatic cancer] on October 18th [2017] and my daughters were really upset by that and were concerned why there wasn’t a cure for this. So really, it was their choice,” says Chambers. “As we’ve started this project, we were looking for something to donate the proceeds to. We knew that there was going to be crowds here. We didn’t’ know that it would be this crazy, but we figured we’d turn this thing into a beacon of hope for a good cause.”

It is estimated that 3,000 people crossed through the broken brick wall to visit the site during Diagon Alley’s first two days. And during those first 24-hours, Chambers raised a whopping $3,000 for pancreatic cancer research. Fortunately, Chamber’s neighbors have been happy with all of the attention and have told the family that for next year, they want “in” on whatever Chambers has in mind – which will most likely be themed around Star Wars.

photo: Jeffrey Totey

What’s Next?
So, what do you do with a mythical shopping district once the year is over? Turns out, the entire set will be donated to Camp Korey to live on and Chambers himself will go back to work. When asked what would happen if someone came up to him and wanted to steal him away to work on similar projects, he said, “Oh, I’d be totally open to that. If it’s in line with my philosophies and what I want to do, then yeah, totally. I would be interested.”

The crowds have died down a bit, so now would be a great time to gather your Muggles and plan a visit Diagon Alley yourself. The festive space will be open through New Years Eve. Plus, you won’t want to miss the special “Dumbledore Santa Claus” event to be held on December 2 and 3. “The forecast is snow for sure,” says Chambers. “Fake or not.” He also also says that actors will be on hand for interaction and photo ops and maybe a food truck of two, too.

photo: Jeffrey Totey

Diagon Alley
7514 13th Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98117
Online: diagonalleyproject.com

Dates: Now through Dec. 31, 2017
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 2 p.m.-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Have you visited this Diagon Alley replica? Plan to visit soon? What did you think? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

— Jeffrey Totey

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7 Mind-Blowing Uses for Umbrellas You Haven’t Tried Yet

by Amber Guetebier

It’s a rainy day’s brightest (and most necessary) accessory but we’ve found a few uses for umbrellas new and old that will soon have you singing in the rain. From planters to an unexpected twist on a baby’s play-mat, scroll down to see our picks.

photo: Pretty Twinkle Party 

Easter Basket Umbrella 
Want to avoid yet another cheap-o basket that will fall apart before you even fill it with eggs? Try this awesome idea from Pretty Twinkle Party. It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring showers, too, or go on the hunt no matter the weather. Get the how-to and other stylish ideas from Pretty Twinkle Party here.

photo: Best Toys 4 Toddlers 

Under the Umbrella Sensory Play 
We couldn’t stop smiling when we say Best Toys 4 Toddler’s super cool sensory play idea. Keep baby stimulated and try something new with items you probably have hanging around the house, including a trusty umbrella. Visit BestToys4Toddlers to get the how-to and suggestions for making this activity fun and safe. You can even adapt it for toddlers by adding different items and laying under there to “find” the hidden treasures. 

photo: Studio DIY

DIY Fruit Slice Umbrella
You can walk down the street with a plain black umbrella like everyone else or you can bring a major ray of sunshine in a dreary world with these incredibly cute Fruit Slice Umbrellas from Studio DIY! It’s easier than you think and makes a great springtime project to stave off the rainy day blues. Puddle jumping photoshoots, anyone? Visit Studio DIY to get the step by step for each different one! 

photo: Miraslov Vajdic via flickr

Umbrella Planter
Want a little temporary garden bed that cries out for those May flowers? Use an old umbrella to make a precious little planter. Just be sure and use potting soil with lots of drainage (any average potting soil will do) and annual flowers that don’t need a ton of depth for roots: petunias, geraniums, sedum, marigolds, begonias, etc. 

photo: This Grandma Is Fun

Umbrella Wreath
Add a little cheer in the rainy months or any time of the year with this super sweet umbrella wreath from This Grandma Is Fun. Hang it on a door or right in your entry way. Click here to get the complete list of what you need to make this happen in your home.

photo: Mark’s Postcards from Beloit via flickr 

Umbrella Vase
Similar to the umbrella wreath above, this variation is vase meets planter. Use string or a large rubber band to help keep the umbrella partially closed before you add in the materials. Avoid putting too much soil in by using florist foam: a soakable styrofoam-like product available at craft stores, or use something lightweight and skinny like a plastic bottle. Mix in mosses and airplants along side long lasting branches like curly willow. We love the one pictured here from a fundraiser auction. 

photo: Tom Woodward via flickr

Drink Umbrella Wreath
Save those cocktail umbrellas for a rainy day craft that the kiddos can help with. You just need a round foam wreath and a mess of these babies to poke right in. Perfect for a summery feel, no matter the weather. Added bonus: ordering a few Pina Coladas to start your “collection.”

Have you tried something unexpected with an umbrella around your house? Share it with us in the comments below! 

—Amber Guetebier

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Blast from the Past: 14 Places to Seek out Cool Antiques

by Allison Rasmussen

The motto these days seems to be out with the new and in with the old, and no, we didn’t get that backwards. Antiques, collectables, relics, rarities, artifacts, whatever you want to call them, seem to be all the rage these days. Perhaps it’s the allure of outfitting your humble abode with something no one else has, sporting a cool jacket not off the rack, or introducing your kids to toys from your era. No matter what your reasons behind the love of all things retro, we’ve put together a list of our fave spots to help you get your antique on.

 photo: Uzair.saeed via Flickr

Antiques 4U
If you’re in the market for antique furniture, china, art, and other decor, you must stop by this award-winning shop in Renton. Their clean, organized store is easy to navigate, making it easy for you to score that perfect piece. Bonus: If you don’t want to make a trip to their store, you can shop online. You’re literally seconds away from finding that “great find.”

924 S. 3rd St.
Renton, Wa 98057
Hours: Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; Tues., 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; Wed.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Mon.

photo: Holly C. via Yelp

Persnickety’s Awesomeness Emporium
If you’re in the mood for a drive and want to check out a place that has vintage furniture, home decor, and other whimsical items, keep this Sumner shop on your radar. If you find an item in need of a makeover, this shop specializes in custom painting. And they even offer classes and workshops to teach you all the painting skills you will ever need. Now, you can finally tackle that project that’s been gathering dust in your garage for months (er, years) since baby arrived.

1117 Main St.
Sumner, Wa 98390
Hours: Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m.-4 p.m.; closed Mon.

photo: Michael Coghlan via Flickr

Wild Hare Vintage
This Snoqualmie store specializes in vintage and unusual items. The shop owners are knowledgeable and friendly and will make your shopping experience a good one. The store is easy to spot, just look for the little red building with a giant bunny painted on it.

9055 Railroad Ave. S.E.
Snoqualmie, Wa 98065
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; daily

photo: Joey M. via Yelp

Trinkets and Treasures
As soon as you enter this funky shop, stop by the front counter for a free treat, say hi to the owners, then take your time perusing the ever-changing inventory. If you see an item online that strikes your fancy, call the shop and they’ll hold it for you for one day. They also offer consignments and once the item sells will pay out 50% of the sales price.

4206 336th Pl. S.E.
Fall City, Wa 98024
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

photo: Kelly K. via Yelp

Antique Garden
If you’re looking for a gift for someone or looking to treat yourself, this Bothell shop is the place to do it. This clean, well organized store offers quaint items with a country shabby chic feel. We’re sure you won’t have any trouble finding something. The only trouble you may have is finding too much, but in our book, that’s not really a problem!

817 238th St. S.E.
Bothell, Wa 98021
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

photo: Taylor L. via Yelp

Attic Treasures
If you’re in the market for fishing equipment, glassware, pottery, outdoor items, vintage toys, or furniture then you must make a trip to this shop in Everett. Be sure to check out their 50% sale, you’re sure to find an awesome piece at an unbeatable price. Not only do they offer amazing items for sale, they also do estate sales and will help you sell your items. They’ve really taken the guesswork out of downsizing, moving, or just liquidating your personal items.

2114 Hewitt Ave.
Everett, Wa 98201
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sun.

photo: Attic Treasures via Yelp

Broadway’s Best Antiques
Located in the heart of downtown Tacoma on historic antique row, Broadway’s Best Antiques specializes in unique and eccentric pieces. Here, you’ll find old candy and soda machines, jukeboxes, antique furniture, vintage clothing, and so much more. With new items coming in daily, you’re guaranteed to have a different shopping experience every time you visit.

742 Broadway
Tacoma, Wa 98402
Hours: Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Mon. & Tues.

photo: Broadway’s Best Antiques via Yelp

The Curious Nest
This magical shop located in Ravenna is definitely worth a look-see. The organized store offers handmade jewelry, locally made art, and rare Victorian pieces. They even have an online shop making it easy to purchase those items you didn’t even know you needed.

2916 N.E. 55th St.
Seattle, Wa 98105
Hours: Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; closed Mon.-Wed.

photo: The Curious Nest via Yelp

Seattle Antiques Market
Next time you find yourself strolling along the waterfront and have a few minutes (or hours) to spare, head into Seattle Antiques Market. If you want to lose yourself in antique goodness, this 6,000 square foot store is the place to do it. They offer just about anything you could imagine. Vintage suitcases your parents used? Check. Old phone booths? Check. Nostalgic toys? Check. Old school lunch boxes? Check. There’s no end to what you can find here.

1400 Alaskan Way
Seattle, Wa 98101
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., daily

photo: Always B. via Yelp

Antique Mall of West Seattle
Located on the popular California Ave. of West Seattle, this is an awesome place to score some sweet vintage finds. The store is jam-packed (but in a good way) with wonderful goodies. With three stories to peruse, you’ll definitely be able to walk away with the rare item you’ve been searching for.

4516 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98116
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

photo: Stephanie P. via Yelp

Antique Mall and Auction House
If antiques are what you crave, then antiques you shall have when you shop at this filled-to-the-brim shop in the Industrial District. Perhaps you’ve noticed it as you’ve driven by and thought to yourself that you really need to stop in. Once you do, you won’t be disappointed. This place is so big they had to give the aisles street names to make it easier to navigate. With items such as jewelry, furniture, home decor, books, toys, knick knacks, and dishes, you won’t leave empty-handed.

241 S. Lander St.
Seattle, Wa 98134
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., daily

photo: Pacific Galleries P. via Yelp

Antique Liquidators
Located in South Lake Union, this three story treasure trove is packed with antique goodness. Have a specific item in mind? The super knowledgeable and friendly staff will steer you in the right direction. New items come in daily so you can return again and again for an entirely different adventure each time.

503 Westlake Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98109
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

photo: Brycelaine P. via Yelp

Fremont Vintage Mall
If you want to see where parts of Macklemore’s Thrift Store video was filmed, check out the Fremont Vintage Mall. You might not think you are embarking on anything too great when you see the outside, but once you descend the steps, you’ll see that this place is huge and full of treasures. If you’ve been searching for something different, odds are you’ll find it here. Go ahead and “pop some tags.”

3419 Fremont Pl. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

photo: Anastasia F. via Yelp

Mr. Johnson’s Antiques
This magical Montlake shop has a curious array of rare items at good prices. Looking for some vintage furniture? Is a spot in your home in need of decor? Do you have a wall begging for some interesting art? Stop on in and let Matt, the shop’s owner, help you find what you’re looking for.

2315 24th Ave. E.
Seattle, Wa 98112
Hours: Wed.-Thurs., 12 p.m.-7 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; closed Mon. & Tues.

photo: Elvert Barnes via Flickr

Do you love to shop for antiques? Where do you like to score vintage finds? Tell us in a comment below.

— Allison Rasmussen

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