When did I become “vintage?”

So you know those jokes that start with, “so you know you’re old when _______?”

I think I’ve got a new punchline for that.

Over the last few years I’ve noticed some new additions to the flea markets/antique malls/junk shops that I like to haunt: stuff I played with when I was a kid.  This was very disconcerting when I first noticed it.

Did you know that Fisher Price toys and Little Golden Books from the 1980’s sell for a lot of money these days?  True story!

I think every pre-school in the 1980's had this puzzle.

This cruise ship (minus people) and 2 other Fisher Price sets (in ok condition) were $75 at an estate sale.

At first I told myself it’s because most of this stuff got worn out, and now what’s left is a “collector’s item.”  (Ie. NOT an “antique.")

But this sign at the consignment store made it pretty clear:

Can you read the price tag on the depot on the left?  (Without any accessories.)  $50!!

So I guess if the toys I played with as a kid are considered “vintage” – and I’m the same age – this makes me vintage as well.  (Pardon me while I step back from the sign so I can read the small print.)

When did this happen?  The next time I’m at Cracker Barrel will there be My Little Ponies hanging on the wall next to me?

You know what this means?  (Aside from the fact that I’m old?)

Mom, you could have been rich!!

You laughed at the story of my grandmother throwing away my dad’s childhood baseball card collection when he went to college – but you put our plastic Fisher Price toys in a garage sale!

I would like to hold this against you, but no worries.  I’m old enough that I’ll probably have forgotten about it by the time I wake up tomorrow.