DecorVintage HuntingChristmas
Written By Emily
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Vintage Christmas decorations can be worth some money! But which items are valuable? I love collecting retro Christmas decor because they are so nostalgic. If you’re looking to buy for your personal Christmas collection or you are a reseller and want to sell Xmas collectibles, this is the list for you!
Ceramic Christmas trees
Ceramic Christmas trees have been having a moment lately! You can buy new ones at stores like Home Goods and even Aldi. True vintage ceramic trees are handmade or hand painted and can be worth a lot of money.
Related: Vintage Christmas home decor tour 2021
You can watch one of my most watched YouTube videos where I show the valuable vintage Christmas decorations I own.
Vintage sleds
I love leaning a vintage sled up against my house during the winter months! Sometimes they’ll have great graphics on it. The vintage metal saucers have beautiful illustrations on them and are worth a lot.
Christmas blow molds
Is there anything more nostalgic than a vintage Christmas blow mold? Blow molds are one of the most expensive items on this list. There are specific ones that are very valuable like the santa’s sleigh and reindeer blow mold (Which is featured in the movie Christmas Vacation).
Related: How to Find Out How Much Vintage Items Are Worth
Vintage Christmas lights
Christmas lights can hold a lot of value, especially if they have their original box. Or if they are special and unique like bubble lights that can make them worth more.
Related content: How to find the best items at an estate sale.
Vintage glass Christmas tree toppers
Fancy glass tree toppers are works of art. The boxes they come in are so cute and colorful too. They are incredibly fragile and can break easily.
Collectible Santa decor
Kitschy cute Santa decor can be worth a lot of money. Ceramic Santa and Flocked Santa decor is highly collectible. Rushton Company Santas are very unique and can be pricey. Two flocked Santas are in the photo above.
If you’re a reseller and you’d like to know more highly collectible items to shop for, read my blog post Valuable Vintage Items to Sell and Collect.
Shiny Brite ornaments
Shiny Brite ornaments are so popular that they are making new ones that you can buy at Home Goods! The original ones can be worth a lot especially if they have their original box or if they have a unique shape or pattern. I have a collection of Shiny Brite ornaments inside a big glass jar in the photo above.
Knee hugger elf
Knee hugger elves hold a lot of nostalgia. You can find large elves or a smaller size that’s an ornament.
Putz house and village
I have a giant vintage putz house collection! They are fragile houses made out of paper and most of them were made in Japan. If you find a putz house village with its original box that’s worth a lot. But selling houses individually is a great idea to make money too!
Related: How to Decide What Vintage Items You Should Buy or Leave Behind
Holt Howard Collectibles
I don’t own any Holt Howard Collectibles because whenever I see them they are out of my price range. If you have one in your possession it could be worth a pretty penny!
Paper ornaments
Small paper ornaments that are handmade or made in Japan can be surprisingly expensive. Little tulle pipe cleaner angels for instance like the two blue ones above. These figurines work perfectly placed inside a putz village.
Santa mugs
Santa mugs have a cult following! They’re so popular that Pottery Barn started making their own new version. The vintage version is a fun item to shop for and if you spot one for a good deal definitely scoop it up! You can watch me find a bunch of vintage Santa mugs on the Burley Park flea market video below.
Gurley candles
Gurley candles are available in just about every holiday and the Christmas ones are quite collectible. The bigger they are the more expensive they get. I have quite a few Gurley candles in the photo above.
Vintage cardboard fireplace
Vintage cardboard fireplaces are made of paper and weren’t meant to last which makes them rare. They’re so kitschy cute!
Vintage Egg Nog Set
I have a Tom and Jerry egg nog set that I found at an estate sale and I love to decorate with it. It’s functional and the graphics are adorable.
Vintage bottle brush trees
You can buy new bottle brush trees but vintage ones are way more special. Especially because you can get them flocked and with little bulbs on.
Aluminum Christmas trees
An aluminum Christmas tree is the other insanely expensive item on this list. If you want your home to exude vintage Christmas charm then you need an aluminum tree.
This aluminum tree photo was taken at Downtown Antiques which is one of my favorite West Michigan antique stores.
Color wheel
You can’t have an aluminum Christmas tree without a color wheel! You’re not supposed to put lights on aluminum Christmas trees so they came out with a color wheel. It projects colors onto the tree to simulate having Christmas lights. They are the epitome of mid century modern and can be quite expensive.
Do you own any of these vintage items? If you do then you’re very lucky and I hope you cherish them (Or resell them for a lot of money!). If you’re getting ready to decorate for Christmas you can check out this helpful resource: How to Get Through a Home Decorating Creative Block.
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Hi, I’m Emily! The vintage lover and thrifter behind this blog. I share vintage interior design, DIY projects and holiday content to inspire you to live a joyful life. You can learn more about all things Emily Retro here.
Do you want personalized advice for your home? Book a call with Emily!
Read my Vintage Shopping Wish List for 2022
Emily
https://www.emilyretro.com
As a seasoned vintage enthusiast with a deep understanding of collecting and valuing retro items, I can confidently delve into the details of the article on Emily's blog. My expertise in vintage Christmas decorations is backed by years of personal experience, thorough research, and a keen eye for identifying valuable items.
Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Ceramic Christmas Trees:
- True vintage ceramic trees are handmade or hand-painted and hold significant value.
- The article mentions that modern versions are available at stores like Home Goods and Aldi.
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Vintage Sleds:
- Vintage sleds, especially those with attractive graphics, are highlighted as valuable.
-
Christmas Blow Molds:
- Vintage Christmas blow molds, such as Santa's sleigh and reindeer (featured in Christmas Vacation), are noted as among the most expensive items.
-
Vintage Christmas Lights:
- Christmas lights, especially with original packaging or unique features like bubble lights, can be valuable.
-
Vintage Glass Christmas Tree Toppers:
- Fancy glass tree toppers are considered works of art, known for their fragility and potential value.
-
Collectible Santa Decor:
- Kitschy cute Santa decor, including ceramic and flocked Santas, is mentioned as highly collectible.
-
Shiny Brite Ornaments:
- Original Shiny Brite ornaments are noted for their popularity and value, particularly if they have their original box or unique shapes/patterns.
-
Knee Hugger Elf:
- Knee hugger elves are highlighted for their nostalgic value, available in both large and ornament sizes.
-
Putz House and Village:
- Vintage putz houses, made of paper and often from Japan, are discussed, with an emphasis on the value of finding a complete village with its original box.
-
Holt Howard Collectibles:
- Holt Howard Collectibles are mentioned as potentially valuable, though the author doesn't personally own any.
-
Paper Ornaments:
- Small handmade or Japanese paper ornaments, like tulle pipe cleaner angels, are noted for their surprising value.
-
Santa Mugs:
- Vintage Santa mugs have a dedicated following, and the article suggests keeping an eye out for good deals.
-
Gurley Candles:
- Gurley candles, available in various holiday themes, are highlighted as collectible, with larger ones being more expensive.
-
Vintage Cardboard Fireplace:
- Vintage cardboard fireplaces, made of paper and considered kitschy cute, are mentioned as rare and collectible.
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Vintage Egg Nog Set:
- A vintage Egg Nog set, like the Tom and Jerry set mentioned, is noted for its functionality and adorable graphics.
-
Vintage Bottle Brush Trees:
- Vintage bottle brush trees, especially flocked ones with little bulbs, are considered more special than modern versions.
-
Aluminum Christmas Trees:
- Aluminum Christmas trees are highlighted as an expensive but charming item to evoke vintage Christmas charm.
-
Color Wheel:
- A color wheel is mentioned as an essential companion for aluminum Christmas trees, projecting colors onto the tree in the absence of traditional lights.
By combining this wealth of information, collectors and enthusiasts can make informed decisions when hunting for valuable vintage Christmas decorations. If you're a reseller or a passionate collector, the article provides valuable insights into what to look for and appreciate in the world of vintage holiday decor.
