My Love of Vintage Games and Toys and How World Market is Helping with My Holiday Shopping (Includes Info on the World Market Gourmet Getaway Pinspiration Contest)

I was asked recently at a conference during an ice breaker session to share one thing that most of my friends don't know about me.  This question rattled my brain a few minutes, as I am pretty open with friends, and thought they knew everything about me.  Then, a friend who I was attending the conference with, whom I have known since childhood brought up how I love vintage games and toys.  Over the years, she has accompanied me to rummage sales, flea markets and weekend yard sale trips, and would always notice how I was drawn to old fashioned games.  And, over the years, I have acquired many games which I pull out and play on game night, as well as display on shelves.  As she talked to me about my love for vintage games and toys, I found myself surprised as I hadn't talked about this with friends.  Besides her, I don't think other friends knew about this hobby of mine. So, when it came time to share my response with the group, I had to first thank my friend for bringing this to my attention, and then proceeded to share how I got into collecting vintage games.

Even though I was born in 70's, I oftentimes find myself seeking out board games and toys from the 50's and 60's to buy, play and display.  This passion began when I was given some of my great aunt's games as she was cleaning out her house.  I remember being given "The Dating Game" board game, with the plastic door you would open to see who your lucky date was, as well as metal pinball games that fit on the table.  These two games began a lifelong search, in which I have acquired over a dozen authentic as well as replica games and toys.

I tend to find vintage games at estate sales and tag sales, but was pleasantly surprised to learn that World Market offers a selection of replica vintage games from the 50's through the 90's, for purchase.  Now that I have two girls of my own, my hope is to one day share my game collection with them, and tell them about my great aunt and how I would play these games with her when we would visit, and of how she passed her collection down to me.  Even though they are too young to appreciate my vintage games and toy collection, doesn't mean I can't purchase and share replicas with them to enjoy.  And, with the holidays right around the corner, I came up with a great idea.  This year, I would share games not only with my daughters, but also give one to each of my friends, as a way of letting them know more about me.  Here are just some of the vintage replica games and toys that caught my eye and have landed on my holiday shopping list for 2012:

1.  Silly Sippy Straw Glasses

2.  Retro Peg Game

3.  Vintage Toy Slide Whistle

4.  Magnetic Curious George Set

5.  Weaving Loom Set

6.  Musical Tie

7.  Magnetic Fuzzy Face

Do you remember vintage board games or toys that you played with as a child?  Do you still own these today?  If you love reminiscing or playing with old time games and toys as I do, then you have to check out the offering from World Market today.  You can shop from the comfort of your home for all your household and gift needs.

---Gourmet Getaway Sweepstakes---

Don't forget to enter World Market's Gourmet Getaway Sweepstakes , where you could win:

**Grand Prize package includes:

• A trip for two to to Santa Fe, New Mexico (this is a 5 day Trip for 2 to Santa Fe which includes airfare and hotel)
• Hands on Southwestern Cooking class with Master Chef
• Personally signed glossy cookbook
• Multi-course dinner at the acclaimed Geronimo
• Southwestern Foodie Tour with a cultural kick
• A $1,000 World Market gift card

** There will also be 3 runner up prize winners that will each receive a $500 World Market gift card!

Act fast as this sweepstakes ends on September 21, 2012. And, to get 5 bonus entries, make sure you share the sweepstakes with 5 of your friends (via FB share or email). This is part of the registration process when entering, but users can also enter daily for more chances to win.

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Disclosure: This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™, but all my opinions are my own.