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FROM UNCLE VINNY was my mother’s creation. Since I was a child, she would give extra presents to family on holidays, things that she found at thrift stores and garage sales. These gifts were handpicked for the recipient, and we always enjoyed opening them. She would sign the tag from “Uncle Vinny”, after St. Vincent de Paul’s endearing nickname, St. Vinny’s.

Uncle Vinny performed his gift-giving duties under my mother’s tutelage for 50 years. Some relatives have known his presence all their lives: one cousin grew up without ever learning the truth behind our second Santa Claus, and she reached adulthood believing that we had some strange, distant uncle who sent us used presents!

Today, my family still occasionally takes up Uncle Vinny’s mantle, bestowing thrifted gifts to each other in his name. I carry on the tradition in my own way, reselling vintage treasures I find at the same places mom and I used to shop together. Uncle Vinny lives on.

I hope Uncle Vinny has the perfect gift here for you!