Photos by: Gulfem Soylu
Looking to find a meaningful gift on a budget? Welcome to the wonderful world of vintage! Local boutiques, such as Ike's Underground and Circa, provide a barrage of unique gift ideas for that odd-ball uncle, pesky co-worker, friend-by-association, and even the dearest friend.
Ike's Underground, a vintage store tucked beneath the Downtown Mall's Tea Bazaar, offers a gift for any friend or family member. Owner James Ike calls his store a “classroom of American anthropology,” and if shoppers stick around long enough, he loves to share stories and facts about all the things in his shop. Ike begins his vintage gift shopping with one simple question: “How much is your friend worth?” Once he knows he has a $30 friend, he can start to find his friend a $30 gift.
1.Pull-down maps and charts: One of Ike's specialties, he says that people give this vintage item to use as window blinds or decorative art. Items range from $75 to $100.
2.60's and 70's Playboys: Believe it or not, Playboy actually started out at as a magazine for the wealthy and was read for its articles. Ike says he sells more to women than to men, and it's the best $5 bargain in his shop.
3. Starburst, also known as Atomic Clocks: Named after their Cold War origins, atomic clocks make great housewarming gifts and can appeal to a variety of tastes.
Out of all the antique stores in town, Circa's owner Jackie Binder says “we're definitely the most fun and probably the least expensive.” With rows upon rows of one-of-a-kind antique furniture and walls decked with paintings, the shop purchases half of its merchandise locally and the other half at auctions, leaving room for gems from all over to find a home. Located on Allied Street off of McIntire Road, Circa consists of four spacious warehouses. For holiday bargain shoppers, Binder affirms that Circa has something for everyone, and for a variety of budgets, such as one room where all items are two for $1.
1.Bar Supplies: Circa is packed full of fun glass-ware, such as a 12 Days of Christmas set, and at only $3 a piece, it is an ideal – cheap – gift for the holidays.
2.Old postcards and photographs: If Hallmark isn't cutting it anymore, try finding vintage postcards and photographs for friends and family.
3.Salt and Pepper Shakers: Circa has a quirky collection of salt and pepper shakers. A great present for a friend trying to spice up their apartment at school, or a mother who just can't get enough decorative variety.
