Marlene's Holiday Shopping Spots

I admit that my vision of holiday shopping is tainted.

I hate to go to the malls. I spent my college winter breaks working at Sears on Ponce de Leon. My first position was in the men’s clothing department. My first sale was men’s underwear and two flannel shirts. 

I guess I impressed them because I was rewarded with a specialty booth to sell men’s fragrances. To this day the smell of Brut and English leather make me a little queasy. My booth was in the main aisle across from men’s wear, directly under a loud speaker. 

It played Christmas music constantly. "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer" sung by Gene Autry played ever hour on the hour. Eventually I was promoted to Santa’s elf. I took pictures of Santa with the children setting on his knee. Now that’s a story for another day.

Any wonder my outlook is a bit tainted? I finish our Christmas shopping no later than Halloween. If I don’t have it by then, you aren’t getting it. Although Christmas shopping is one of my least favorite things, I do have a couple of favorite places. I love these shops most during the holidays. They are beautifully decorated and filled with unusual items, laughter and friendly feelings.

So, here's my list:

Unique Treasures is located in the old Treasures for Your Home building on U.S. Highway 78 in Snellville. When the Moon family decided to retire from the furniture business, Denise (DJ) Moon McGlamery decided this was a good spot for a great upscale flea market. And, it is.

The building is huge and has more than 150 dealers and space for more. There are bargains everywhere you turn. DJ said her goal was to have only quality new, used, hand-made and antique items. She wanted a lot of diversity, and she succeeded.

Dick and Noreen Douthat have some beautiful hand-turned wooden art and utilitarian pieces. David Gaddis and his ever-present Missy have a booth of neat and unusual prizes. If you are looking for original art work, look here first.

Because DJ has established this as a co-op business, the rents are low which helps to keep the prices reasonable. By the way, I saw a couple of dealers I knew in there shopping for items to take to their shops in other locations.

Find Unique Treasures at 3635 U.S. Highway 78 Snellville. Contact them at 678-344-4858 or shopper@uniquetreasuresfleamarket.com.

in downtown Loganville is run by two sisters, Angie and Christy. This shop is crammed with lots of neat old stuff. They have only the best things. The displays are just as much fun as the merchandise.

Pamela Hall is a seamstress and design stylist who creates the most beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry. Don’t tell Snell, but he is getting an antique barber shop light for Christmas.  Mr. Cecil made me an offer that I just couldn’t refuse. 

Find My Sister's Antiques at 285 Main Street, Loganville. Contact them at 770-554-4900 or sisters@mysistersantiques.com.

I just discovered Hidden Treasures and the Country Store. Take U.S. Highway 78 about four miles past Loganville and look for the old red pickup truck with the Coca-Cola sign on the side. It has a Monroe address, but it is really in  between. 

Tiffany Cardwell offers a good sampling of antiques and newtiques. The individual booth owners have it well-stocked with lovely items. I hesitate to tell you about this jewel because you may beat me to my next great find. The Country Store is behind the old house. 

Tiffany offers diverse “tastings” on the weekends of Georgia’s own jams, fruit butters and other wonderful things. You will always find my boys sampling the fresh veggies and all the dips and sauces. I hope you meet Brenda Duckworth, who works primarily in the Hidden Treasures shop. She is a wealth of information on things in the shop and in the Country Store and always has a smile for you.

Hidden Treasures and The Country Store is located at 1995 New Hope Road, Monroe. Contact them at 770-905-7969 or hiddentreasurescountrystore@hotmail.com.

has been around for many years and was just named best in Gwinnett by Gwinnett Magazine. Mary Hollowell opened it in 1996 and named it after her daughter. Her concept was to offer an opportunity for others to own their business without having to be tied to the store every day. 

It was so successful that Mary now has two locations, one in Snellville, and she and her partner Paula Cash have another in Lawrenceville. The Snellville location has 45 dealers who specialize in upscale, unusual, new and antique collectibles.  This is a place that appeals to young and old.

You can find everything from original art to all those neat things that you wish your grandmother had kept, but threw out because they were just old stuff. 

Find Ally's Attic at 2794 Main Street, Snellville. Contact them at 770-985-1911 or allysattic@yahoo.com.

I hope you will find time to spend a day strolling exploring my favorite shops.  You might find that you were kissed by the collecting bug. Maybe you will be like Mama, who just likes to look at things and remember when.