Dunbar & Sons

A Multi-Floor & Multi-Vendor Vintage Paradise

I was introduced to Dunbar and Sons Antiques and Vintage (formerly Limington Meadows Antiques and Collectibles) last year by my friend and all-things-vintage cohort. We spent a pleasant day there Christmas shopping. Since this local secondhand shop offers multi-floors and multi-vendors, it took awhile to peruse every display and individual booth. The shop houses a combination of several vendors with collections of antiques, collectibles, and new product inventory. Owners Ty and Adrienne Dunbar, present seasonal vignettes throughout the store that were creative and captivating with attention to detail, creating individualized time capsules. I am always drawn to anything mid-century. There were clocks, vases, furniture, and dishes throughout the shop that would have looked perfect in any home of the 50’s. I had to keep reminding myself that my mission was Christmas shopping for others and not for myself. We left with bags of unique Christmas gifts for our families and friends that included rare books, vintage jewelry, handmade baskets, and early American pottery.

I was excited to return for another round of Christmas shopping this year. The entire shop was decorated in seasonal glory with vintage Christmas decor and fresh greenery. The air smelled of Christmas cinnamon and classical Christmas music softly played in the background, the Christmas mood was set. Once more, we shopped for several hours. So much fun collectibles to see and so little time to see them all. As always, I am drawn to vintage Pyrex ware and found some desirable patterns that I really wanted to bring home. Cottage Hollow Antiques’ booth had a wonderful assortment of vintage kitchen treasures. I showed great restraint this time, but maybe if they are still available on my next visit after the holidays I will call it fate that they will be mine.

As my family members and friends subscribe to my newsletter, I can’t tell you specifically about the gifts I found because they have not yet been delivered to their intended recipients. But I can tell you that shopping for secondhand treasures is so much better than buying at the big box or franchise mall stores. The gifts have provenance and are carefully selected for each recipient. Simply stated, these gifts mean so much more than bulk manufactured generic gifts. I can’t wait to share them. My Santa’s sack might hold a few vintage toys full of childhood memories …. But shhh … it’s a secret.

It is a shame that sometimes secondhand gifting carries a stigma that it doesn’t really deserve. Check out these reasons to buy second hand gifts!

1. Secondhand Gifting Reduces Waste

Secondhand shopping limits the amount of stuff that heads to our already overflowing landfills.

2. Secondhand Gifting Supports Local Communities and Local Economies

Buy Local, Buy from local small shops.

3. Secondhand Gifting Can Reduce Shipping Delays

Especially this year, shipping delays around the holidays are imminent. Nearly two weeks before Christmas, many e-commerce sites have already passed their holiday delivery guarantee dates. UPS and the US Postal Service have recommended allowing at least ten days to receive online purchases. When we opt for second hand gifts from local shops and community marketplaces, we avoid shipping delays and know that our unique and affordable gifts will be wrapped and ready when we want to gift them to family and friends.

4. Secondhand Gifting Is More Affordable

Secondhand items are usually less expensive than their retail price. Just about all of us want to save money, especially around the holidays, and secondhand gifting is a wonderful way to do that while still providing valuable and meaningful gifts to the special people in our lives.

5. Secondhand Gifts Reduce Carbon Emissions

Secondhand gifts can reduce carbon emissions in a variety of ways. First, they limit carbon emissions from the manufacturing of new products that would otherwise fill these needs. Second, they reduce carbon emissions from the transportation of new products when we can find secondhand gifts in our local communities. Third, they decrease carbon emissions from landfills because fewer products end up in the trash and ultimately release greenhouse gasses during decomposition. Carbon emissions are heating up our planet and contributing to significant global warming issues. Buying second hand is such an easy and fun way for each of us to reduce our carbon footprint.

The biggest reason when shopping secondhand for gifts, is we have the opportunity to find some really unique items, like a book that had been a childhood classic for a dear friend that has since gone out of print. Or a framed photo of an army regiment from World War II that a family member had served in years before the photo was taken. Antique stores and thrift stores like Dunbar and Sons Antiques and Vintage are filled with one-of-a-kind things that make great gifts. Remember Dunbar and Sons for your gift buying needs.