Shhhh don’t tell my kids, but I’ve been doing some serious collectible shopping for Christmas. I had the great fortune to bid on and win two incredible Sports Cards, and one First Edition/ First Printing book on Ebay. I was so delighted at the deals I made and the quality of the collectibles, that I needed to find a way to properly display them.

baseball cards and collectibles

sports cards and collectibles

first edition books

My son will be receiving a 1964 Willie Mays Giants baseball card, his wife will be astounded at the signed David Beckham card she will be getting, and I expect that my daughter will become very emotional when she sees the First Edition/First Printing of Sylvia Plath’s Winter Trees. My objective was to give these gifts that are so descriptive of their personalities and interests, but to keep their value and retain their mint condition.

I searched everywhere for baseball card stands - but none of them quite fit the qualities I wanted to show in the gifts.

baseball card protective sleeves

baseball card display cases

My Main Goal was too:

Keep the cards and book in mint condition

Retain their emotional and monetary value

Display them clearly, and make them obtainable to read or hold.

I went to a craft and frame shop that I frequent and looked into their shadow boxes.  I found an oak, deep backed shadow box, 5 inches by 7 inches.  The box was 2 inches deep and lined in black velcro, and came with velcro attaching strips.

I purchased two of these boxes for the cards. 

 I wanted to make sure that the cards were visible, but accessible to my kids.  Each card came in a secure card sleeve.  I attached a very narrow strip of the velcro to the top and bottom of the back of the card sleeve.  I then attached the card to the velcro back of the shadow box, attached the top, and voila! A beautiful display case that didn't mar the card and was easily accessible for handling.

I also found an 11 inch by 13 inch shadow box with glass top that was hinged.  This was perfect for the book.

It was a snug fit, so attaching the book to the backing was not a problem.  The book fit tightly and stayed in place when the case was moved around.  The book was now behind glass, but with the easy hinged top, was accessible for reading.

shadow boxes

I love the deals I get on Ebay, they match my personality and the personalities of the people I'm buying for.  I know they wil love these gifts, and the way they are displayed.  I just hope they don't read this guide before Christmas.