I am a nostalgic gal. Not just a little bit – - a LOT. I think that only the first in a series of movies are worth seeing — the sequels are never as good. I wholeheartedly cherish photo albums, old home movie copies, and almost every book I read growing up.

There are several things I had as a kid that were lost or broken….or that I played with (a friend’s) but never had one of my own. I see random glimpses in old photos, toys strewn on the sofa on Christmas morning — I gasp, seeing a toy or game or doll I’d forgotten about. Where did that thing go? Is it gone? Is it in my attic — or Mom’s? If not, how or where can I buy another one? (Am I the only one?)

This conversation happened just this weekend between my friend Sara and I….we began talking about childhood toys and Calico Critters came up. We both became a little misty-eyed as we remembered how much we loved playing with these tiny, flocked treasures. Then today, when I was sitting down playing Barbies with R in her room, I found the last two remaining Calico Critters I own buried within all of the other Barbie accessories. R immediately took to them, and proceeded to play with these worn-out creatures for the next half hour. Truly there is something special about toys of old.

I think it’s okay to look for and buy some of the classic toys we remember playing with. There is something special about a vintage toy — and children somehow know it — they set apart from the others.

Now, I fully understand that many toys are not on the shelves today due to safety reasons (lead paint, sharp metal edges, unknown chemicals). I am not advocating buying anything UNSAFE (or even questionable)…NOR am I advocating spending an insane amount of money just because you have bid-fever and can’t let that ellusive item get away from you (especially if this is your first time bidding on one like it). Please don’t go into debt in order to satisfy that urge to restock the toybox with old favorites….please!

But I think it’s fine (and fun) to scour yard sales, Ebay, and other arenas for those truly sentimental toys, books, and other treasures. I had no idea there was such a vast market for these types of things until I began looking a while back for some vintage Tupperware play kitchenware. Oh, my.

Powell’s Books – a valuable source of used and vintage book titles

Pranceatron Toys – Lots of reminiscing to be done here

This Old Toy – for anything and everything Fisher-Price

Recycled Toys – as described

I love that Fisher-Price has started making certain items again that my sister and I adored growing up. One of which is the cash register, which, to this day, is one of my children’s favorite toys we own.

So whether you’re on the lookout for a particular item or not, it’s still fun to peruse sites like these and go, “Awww, I remember those!!!” Or then again, maybe that’s just me. (Though I bet not. My husband is the same exact way, though he may not admit it to anyone else.)

Go see other WFMW ideas at Rocks In My Dryer!