Various gift boxes.

Happy Holidays! Stuffed Bobcats, Gangster Artwork, & Other Rarities People Can Find at Pawn Shops


In recent years, high prices have brought out the savvy shopper in just about everyone. That trend has drawn more people to pawn shops – especially around the holidays, when people are relying on good deals so they can get something for everyone on their gift list. It is where people bring in rare, high-quality items you’re not going to find at any big box store.

To spot the perfect gift, all you need is an open mind and a willingness to do a bit of browsing for those affordable, one-of-a-kind holiday presents.

Memorable Gift Ideas You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

The rare things you can discover at pawn shops may not be on your shopping list, unless you were planning to find a stuffed bobcat for your uncle, which we think was the highlight of one holiday pawn shop video. If someone’s goal was to give something memorable – mission accomplished!

The point is, instead of making a beeline to predictable store items, we recommend browsing and seeing what catches your eye. It’s how you’ll end up offering gifts that are truly memorable and your loved ones won’t be getting from anyone else.

Low-Priced Electronics Are Great – So Are Crafts, Artwork, and Cool Home Decor

Pawn shops are great for flat screen tvs, laptops, and a whole array of goods you would find at higher prices if you were buying them brand new. But have you ever taken a closer look at some of the quirkier items? If not, ‘tis the season to start. By all means, head to the electric guitar section. But spend a few extra minutes to examine the interesting artwork, the crafty items, the colorful lamp that has your mom’s name written all over it.

Nostalgic Pop Culture Items

We knew 70s and 80s kids would love the 1977 R2D2 cookie jar we once came across. At Chicago’s Fullerton Pawners, we’re always on the lookout for fun, nostalgic discoveries. Know any movie buffs? We once sold an original painting created and signed by famed gangster Henry Hill, certificate included. He was played by actor Ray Liota in the movie Goodfellas, and yet his artwork ended up in our North Side pawn shop. Go figure!

If someone you know has a taste for kitschy items that take them back in time, a pawn shop isn’t a bad place to start.

Rare and Quirky Valuables for the Eclectic Person in Your Family

Do you have a friend or family member who can’t resist a quirky find? Some of those rarities found at pawn shops can be surprisingly valuable. There was even a Pawn Star episode about mistakes and misprints. A thirty dollar bill. A misprinted Eisenhower stamp. Even an erroneous Pokemon card, all turned out to be worth more than the owner imagined.

What You Won’t Find at Pawn Shops: Fake Sales and Bogus Markdowns

There’s another allure of pawn shops that you won’t find at big box stores. Have you ever gotten sucked into a store sale but still ended up spending hundreds of dollars? Retailers are notorious for marking prices up before goods go on sale. This tactic leads to fake markdowns and gets gullible customers to overpay.

But guess what: these bogus deals are even more prevalent around the holidays!

If you want to feel more in control of your holiday spending, head for a trustworthy pawn shop that is known for stocking its shelves with cool, low-priced stuff you won’t find anywhere else.

For Best Deals, Do Black Friday & Cyber Monday Shopping at Fullerton Pawners in Chicago

Skip the usual Black Friday and Cyber Monday “sales” that will only deplete your savings. Instead, head off the beaten path to Fullerton Pawners, where you’re sure to find cool and unique items without the retail price tags.

Come to Fullerton Pawners and check out all of the rare things we have to offer. Call 773-637-9999 if you have any questions!

A gift with a light blue bow. There are ornaments and pine cones near the gift.

Get Original Holiday Gifts from Your Local Pawner


If you have a lot of holiday gift shopping to do, have you considered visiting a pawn shop? Local pawn shops tend to carry items you won’t find anywhere else, and typically at a reduced price. Some pawn shops even partner with other businesses on popular inventory. 

While you’re there, you can also bring in your merchandise for a temporary loan to cover all of your holiday needs. For example, Fullerton Pawners, which is located in dozens of Chicagoland neighborhoods, can handle many services for their clients:

  • Loan appraisals
  • Jewelry sales
  • Cash loans
  • Watch and computer repairs
  • Much more

But this time of year, a trusted pawner is also your best bet for unique, inexpensive gifts you won’t find anywhere else. There are a few reasons people should do their holiday shopping at pawn shops:

Diversity of Gift Options

Are you in search of beautiful, antique earrings for your girlfriend? How about a cool gaming console for your nephew that you can’t find anywhere else? From nice watches to televisions and other electronics, pawn shops have some of the most unique inventory around. And you can pick up your gift items at a lower cost than what you would have to spend somewhere else. 

Better Prices Let You Buy More Presents

It goes without saying: the better prices at pawn shops leave more dollars in your pocket. This year, forget the overpriced items. Save your cash and get something special for yourself, as well. You might end up spending just half of what you would on a similar item somewhere else. 

Vintage Gifts Rule

When shopping for loved ones, there’s always the risk that they have the item you bought – or that they might get something similar from someone else. With so many shoppers heading to the same big box stores and websites, it can be difficult to find original items

Holiday gifting should be special! And vintage items are always popular, now more than ever. Find out what vintage items are available. That retro-loving friend on your list will thank you. 

Buy Back Something You Hawked – or Get a Loan for Holiday Shopping

The holidays can be an opportunity to buy back that item you hawked that you need back, perhaps as a gift to someone else. But mostly, pawn shops give you an opportunity to sell something temporarily for a small loan you need around the holidays. When a bank isn’t an option, pawners are a great alternative for someone needing a loan of $500 or $1,000. Some reasons for this:

  1. No credit history needed
  2. A temporary financial solution
  3. Easy access to cash
  4. Pay it back with no questions asked
  5. No bank account necessary

Skip the Crowds. Pawn Shopping Is Fun!

Each pawn shop is unique, and in today’s world, that says something. But around the holidays, especially, shopping can be a nightmare. The holiday season should be about enjoying yourself and supporting neighborhood businesses, not waiting in lines or haggling over expensive products. 

Skip the crowds and the headache. Visit small neighborhood shops instead, and remind yourself what originality looks like.

Talk to Full-Service Pawnbroker at Fullerton Pawners In Chicago

Just like with the gifts themselves, there’s a broad variety of pawners out there, from trustworthy ones to those that should be avoided. 

Do some window shopping this season! Stop and have a conversation with the salespeople about what they’re offering, eye-catching displays, and any good deals they may have. An experienced broker will know about the item because they vet what comes in the door. You might want to find out:

  • How old is it?
  • Was it gently used?
  • How do they test the conditions of items?
  • What is the market value (vs asking price)?
  • Are there any other selling points?
  • Are there other comparable items in store?

Contact Fullerton Pawners online, or call us at 773-637-9999 for more information on what we can do for you this holiday season!

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