The vintage holiday décor market has experienced significant growth in recent years. Items that once sat on thrift store shelves are now in high demand, with collectors and resellers actively hunting for authentic mid-century pieces. Classic aluminum Christmas trees bring hundreds of dollars today, and ceramic light-up trees—once considered outdated—now command premium prices when found in excellent condition.
This surge in popularity has also created a new challenge: the rise of modern reproductions. Thrift stores, estate sales, and even big-box retailers are now filled with contemporary items designed to mimic the look of true vintage pieces. Without the right knowledge, it’s easy to mistake a mass-produced replica for a collectible original—and overpay for something with little resale value.
This guide walks through how to identify genuine vintage holiday décor, spot reproductions instantly, and confidently source pieces your buyers will love.
How to Tell Vintage from Vintage-Style Reproductions
Before we dive into what’s valuable, you need to know how to separate authentic vintage pieces from modern replicas. This skill alone will save you from expensive mistakes.
Weight and materials matter. Genuine vintage ornaments are lighter than you’d expect—they’re made of thin, delicate glass. New “vintage-style” ornaments are often heavier, made with thicker glass or even plastic painted to look like glass. Pick it up. If it feels substantial and sturdy, it’s probably new.
Look for wear in the right places. Real vintage pieces show age in specific ways: silvering inside glass ornaments gets spotty or flakes off, paint fades unevenly, metal caps on ornaments show rust or patina, and cardboard boxes yellow and split at the corners. Reproductions often look too distressed—artificially aged with uniform “weathering” that doesn’t match how items actually deteriorate over decades.
Check the bottom, back, and inside. This is where manufacturers put their marks. Vintage pieces often have stamped names, “Made in West Germany,” “Japan,” or “USA” molded into the base. Modern reproductions either have no markings, stickers that say “Made in China” or, ironically, intentionally include fake vintage-looking labels. Run your finger over any text—if it’s a sticker or printed on rather than molded or stamped, be suspicious.
The “too perfect” red flag. If you find a complete set of 12 matching ornaments in a box with no chips, no missing paint, and all original packaging looking fresh, it’s almost certainly a reproduction. Vintage items rarely survive in perfect condition, and complete sets are exceptionally rare because families used them for decades.
Now that you know how to authenticate, let’s talk about what’s actually worth your time and money.
1. Shiny Brite Ornaments (1940s-1960s)
These are the gateway drugs of vintage Christmas collecting, and for good reason. Shiny Brite dominated the American ornament market from the 1940s through the 1960s, and their colorful glass spheres with hand-painted designs are instantly recognizable once you know what to look for.
What makes them valuable: Condition and rarity. A box of common solid-color Shiny Brites in good shape sells for $30-$60. But find ornaments with intricate hand-painted scenes—especially winter landscapes, Santa faces, or elaborate florals—and you’re looking at $5-$15 per ornament. Mica-flocked (sparkly) designs in unusual colors like pink or turquoise command even higher prices.
How to identify authentic Shiny Brites: Look for the metal cap stamped with “Shiny Brite” and “USA” or “Made in USA.” Earlier versions from the 1940s have a simpler cap design. The glass should be thin and lightweight. Hold it up to light—you’ll see the silver coating inside (called silvering) that gives them their reflective quality. If that silvering is flaking or spotty, don’t worry—that’s actually proof of age.
Where values spike: Complete boxed sets in original packaging, especially the larger “Jumbo” sizes or boxes with graphics of Santa or winter scenes. I found a box of 12 “Fantasia” ornaments (yes, Disney licensed Shiny Brite) for $15 at an estate sale. The box alone was worth $80, and the ornaments sold individually for another $120.
Red flags for reproductions: New Shiny Brite-style ornaments flood the market every year. If the metal cap looks shiny and new, if there’s no patina or tarnish, or if the box looks crisp with bright, modern printing—walk away. Real Shiny Brite boxes are faded, creased, and often splitting at the corners.
2. Ceramic Light-Up Christmas Trees
These are having a moment. The ceramic Christmas trees with the little plastic bulbs poking through—usually made in the 1970s and early 1980s—have become one of the most sought-after vintage holiday items.
What they’re selling for: Small trees (8-12 inches) in good condition regularly sell for $60-$150. Larger trees (18-24 inches) can fetch $200-$400, especially in rare colors. White ceramic trees are the most common, but if you find one in pink, black, or blue, buy it immediately. Pink trees in pristine condition have sold for over $500.
Authentication tips: Flip it over. Most authentic vintage trees have a maker’s mark or mold stamp on the bottom—Atlantic Mold, Holland Mold, or Ceramic Arts Studio are the big names. Some have a foil sticker that says “Holland Mold” or the year. The electrical cord should show age: cloth-wrapped or older plastic coating, not modern PVC. The switch should be the twist or simple push-button type, not a modern in-line switch.
What to look for: Trees with the original star topper (many are missing), all original plastic bulbs (they twist into the holes), and working lights. The ceramic should have a slightly rough, hand-finished quality on the bottom—smooth, perfectly finished bases usually indicate new production.
The reproduction problem: This is huge. Big box stores sell new ceramic trees for $30-$80 that look remarkably similar. The dead giveaway? New trees have a perfectly uniform glaze, modern electrical cords with inline switches, and feel lighter. Vintage trees have slight color variations in the glaze, heavier ceramic, and that unmistakable electrical cord from decades past.
3. Vintage Blow Molds (Plastic Light-Up Figures)
If you grew up in the 1960s-80s, you remember these: large plastic light-up figures in front yards—Santas, snowmen, reindeer, carolers, and nativity scenes. Blow molds have gone from “tacky lawn decorations” to highly collectible, and prices reflect it.
The valuable brands: Empire and General Foam are the holy grail manufacturers. Empire Plastics made the highest quality blow molds from the 1960s to-1980s, and their pieces are substantially more valuable than generic versions. Union Products (makers of the pink flamingo) also produced sought-after Christmas blow molds.
Current values: A vintage Empire Santa in good condition sells for $80-$200. Large pieces like 4-foot-tall Santas or life-size nativity camels can reach $300-$600. Rare characters—like the Empire popcorn snowman or the waving Santa—sell for even more. Complete nativity sets with all original pieces have sold for over $1,000.
How to authenticate: Look for manufacturer stamps molded into the plastic, usually on the bottom or back. “Empire,” “General Foam,” or “Union Products” molded into the base means it’s worth money. Check the plastic quality—vintage blow molds use thick, sturdy plastic with vibrant, saturated colors. The paint should show some wear in high-contact areas (proof it was actually used outdoors). Modern reproductions use thinner plastic and the colors look more washed out or overly bright in an artificial way.
Condition matters here: Cracks, major fading, or missing pieces significantly hurt value. But minor paint wear, slight fading, or small scuffs are acceptable and expected. Never clean vintage blow molds with harsh chemicals—use only mild soap and water, or you’ll remove original paint.
Best finds: Garage sales and estate sales in older neighborhoods, especially in the Midwest, where blow molds were most popular. I’ve found three Empire pieces at curb alerts—people putting out “old junk” that’s worth serious money.
4. Mid-Century Aluminum Christmas Trees
The aluminum Christmas tree is the ultimate symbol of 1960s holiday kitsch, and collectors are obsessed. These silvery, metallic trees with their rotating color wheels were manufactured primarily between 1959 and 1970, with peak production happening in the mid-1960s.
What they’re worth: A complete 6-foot aluminum tree with original box, branches, and color wheel sells for $300-$600. Smaller 4-foot trees in excellent condition fetch $150-$300. Trees with rare colors (pink, gold) or unusual branch styles command premium prices. I’ve seen pink aluminum trees sell for over $800.
The brands that matter: Evergleam (made by Aluminum Specialty Company) is the gold standard. These trees have superior construction and the most desirable silver finish. Pom Pom trees (with the distinctive pompom-like branch tips) are the second most collectible. Penetray, Silver Pine, and Sparkler are other quality vintage brands worth buying.
Authentication: Check the original box—it should be sturdy cardboard with vintage graphics and faded colors. The pole should be aluminum, not modern coated metal. Each branch should have a color-coded sleeve or tag indicating which hole it belongs in (red for top, blue for middle, green for bottom, etc.). The branches themselves should show minor tarnishing or patina—if they’re perfectly shiny, they might be reproductions.
The color wheel is crucial: Original Econolite color wheels (the most common brand) are worth $50-$100 alone. The wheel should have a metal construction, a vintage electrical cord, and four color panels (red, blue, green, yellow, or orange). Modern reproduction wheels use plastic construction and are essentially worthless.
What kills value: Missing branches, heavily tarnished or corroded aluminum, missing original box, or no color wheel. A complete tree in great shape with all original components and packaging is an investment piece.
Where to find them: Estate sales in older homes, storage unit auctions, and occasionally thrift stores (though employees are getting wise to their value). I found a 6-foot Evergleam at a moving sale for $40. The seller’s grandmother had stored it in the attic since 1967. I sold it three days later for $485.
5. Vintage European Glass Ornaments
Before Shiny Brite dominated America, European countries—particularly Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia—were producing exquisite hand-blown glass ornaments. These pieces are art, and serious collectors pay serious money.
What makes them valuable: Age, country of origin, and intricacy. German kugels (heavy glass balls) from the 1800s-early 1900s sell for $50-$300 each. Figural ornaments (shaped like fruits, vegetables, animals, Santa faces) from West Germany command $20-$100 per piece, depending on rarity and condition. Dresden ornaments (flat, embossed cardboard with metallic finishes) from Germany are exceptionally valuable—$30-$200 each.
Key identification markers: Look for country stamps. “West Germany” (used 1949-1990) on an ornament confirms both vintage status and value. “Germany” or “D.R. Germany” (East Germany) also indicates vintage. “Czechoslovakia” appears on ornaments made before 1993. “Made in Japan” on glass ornaments usually dates them to the 1950s-60s occupation period. Poland produced beautiful hand-painted ornaments through the 1980s-90s, often marked with a sticker or foil label.
The most valuable types:
- Kugels: Heavy, thick glass balls in cobalt blue, green, gold, or silver. Often have brass caps with ornate hangers. These are the oldest and most valuable.
- Figural glass: Hand-blown shapes like pinecones, icicles, birds, grapes, Santa faces, and angels. The more detailed and unusual, the higher the value.
- Dresden ornaments: Three-dimensional embossed cardboard covered in metallic foil or paint. Stars, angels, birds, and geometric shapes are common.
- Indent ornaments: Glass balls with concave dimples that create reflective patterns. West German indent ornaments are highly collectible.
How to spot authentic pieces: European glass ornaments are lighter and more delicate than American versions. The glass is thin—almost paper-thin on some pieces. The paint should show age with minor flaking or fading. The metal caps are usually brass or tin, showing tarnish and patina. If you find ornaments with paper tags still attached, especially in German or Polish, that’s a strong authenticity signal.
Red flags: Heavy glass (suggests modern production), perfectly uniform shapes (hand-blown pieces have slight irregularities), shiny new-looking caps, or overly bright colors that look artificial.
Best score: I found a box of mixed ornaments at a church sale for $10. Mixed in with newer decorations were eight West German figural ornaments—mushrooms, birds, and a detailed Santa face. Total resale value: $340.
6. Feather Christmas Trees
These might be the most unusual vintage Christmas decorations you’ll encounter, but they’re incredibly valuable. Feather trees originated in Germany in the 1800s as a response to deforestation. They’re made with goose feathers dyed green and attached to wooden branches.
Values: Authentic German feather trees from the late 1800s-early 1900s sell for $200-$2,000+, depending on size and condition. Even smaller tabletop versions from the 1920s-40s fetch $100-$400. Trees with original wooden bases, berries, or candle holders command premium prices.
How to identify real feather trees: The branches should be actual dyed feathers (you can see the individual barbs), wrapped around wire that’s then attached to wooden dowels or branches. The trunk is usually a wooden dowel painted brown or covered in brown paper. Original German trees often have red wooden berries attached to the branches. The base should be a simple wooden platform or cross, often painted red or green.
Dating your feather tree: The oldest trees (1880s-1910s) are sparse with stiffer feathers and simple construction. Trees from the 1920s-1940s (American-made versions became common) have fuller branches and brighter dyed feathers. Post-WWII reproductions exist but are of lower quality with obviously artificial materials.
Condition issues: Feather loss is the biggest problem. Trees missing significant foliage lose value. Faded color (feathers turning yellow or brown) is common but hurts value. However, minor wear is expected on pieces this old.
Modern reproductions: Yes, they exist. New feather trees use synthetic materials or goose feathers but lack the construction quality and patina of vintage pieces. The wood looks too new, the feathers are too uniformly colored, and they lack the fragile, delicate quality of authentic trees.
Where to find them: Estate sales of older homes, antique shops (though they’re priced accordingly), and occasionally attic cleanouts. These are rare finds. In eight years of serious thrifting, I’ve only found two authentic feather trees—one at an estate sale for $65 (sold for $280) and one at an auction that I bid $150 for (worth approximately $400).
7. Vintage Wrapping Paper and Gift Tags
This might surprise you, but unopened vintage wrapping paper is collectible and valuable. Crafters, decorators, and nostalgia collectors all want authentic mid-century holiday paper.
What sells: Unused rolls or flat sheets of wrapping paper from the 1950s-1970s, especially with iconic mid-century designs—atomic patterns, stylized Santas, vintage ornaments, or retro typography. Original department store gift wrap (Montgomery Ward, Sears, Marshall Field’s) is particularly desirable.
Current values: Single rolls of pristine 1950s-60s wrapping paper sell for $15-$40 per roll. Boxed sets of vintage wrap with matching tags and ribbons can fetch $50-$100. Rare designs or premium brands command higher prices.
Gift tags and cards: Vintage unused gift tags, especially boxed sets, sell for $10-$30. Mid-century Christmas cards with original envelopes (in boxes) are worth $15-$50, depending on the artist and design quality.
How to authenticate: The paper quality itself tells the story. Vintage wrapping paper is thinner and more delicate than modern paper. Colors have a specific mid-century palette—muted teals, pinks, golds, and that distinctive 1950s red. Check for price stickers or store labels from defunct department stores. The printing should show slight imperfections—modern digital printing is too perfect.
Why people buy it: Some use it for actual gift wrapping (carefully), but most buyers frame it as art, use it for craft projects, or collect it as ephemera. A single sheet of rare 1950s Christmas wrap can be framed and sold as wall art for $30-$60.
Where to find it: Attic sales, storage units, and estate sales where someone cleaned out a grandparent’s closet. Look for boxes of “old Christmas stuff”—vintage wrap is often bundled with ornaments and lights.
8. Retro Santa Figurines and Holiday Ceramics
Ceramic holiday figurines from the 1950s-1970s, particularly from specific manufacturers, have become highly collectible. These aren’t your grandmother’s generic Santas—these are designer pieces that defined mid-century Christmas style.
The brands that matter:
- Holt Howard: Their pixie line (elves with pointy hats) from the 1950s-60s is extremely valuable. Pixie candle holders, salt and pepper shakers, and planters sell for $30-$150 each.
- Lefton: Known for detailed ceramic Santas, angels, and holiday figurines with foil stickers on the bottom. Quality pieces fetch $20-$80.
- Napco: Mid-century ceramic angels, choirboys, and Christmas figures. Their “Christmas Angels” series is particularly collectible at $25-$100 per piece.
- Norcrest: Fine porcelain holiday figurines, often with gold trim. Their angel series sells for $15-$60.
What to look for: Original foil stickers or stamps on the bottom indicating manufacturer and item number. Holt Howard pieces often have “HH” or “Holt Howard” stamped in the ceramic. Lefton uses distinctive foil stickers (though many have fallen off over time). Hand-painted details, especially faces with personality and expression, indicate higher quality and value.
Condition is everything: Chips, cracks, or repairs devastate value on ceramic pieces. A perfect Holt Howard pixie is worth $80; the same piece with a chipped hat is worth $15. However, minor paint wear or faded gold trim is acceptable on older pieces.
Rare finds: Complete sets—salt and pepper shakers still together, candle holder pairs, or matched figurine collections—are worth significantly more than individual pieces. A complete Holt Howard pixie bar set sold at auction for $650.
Reproductions to avoid: Modern companies reproduce “vintage-style” ceramic holiday pieces every year. Check the bottom—modern pieces have clean, perfect glazing and often no manufacturer mark at all. Authentic vintage ceramics have slight imperfections, hand-painted details, and show their age in the crazing (tiny cracks in the glaze).
My best find: A box of “miscellaneous Christmas decorations” at an estate sale for $8 contained four Holt Howard pixie pieces—two candle holders and two figurines. Individual sale value: $285.
Holt Howard Holiday Collectibles
Holt Howard is one of the most collectible names in vintage holiday ceramics, and serious collectors hunt specific lines and pieces obsessively. Founded in 1949, the company produced whimsical, high-quality ceramics through the 1960s, with their Christmas pieces being among the most valuable.
The Pixie Line (1958-1962) – The Crown Jewel
This is what Holt Howard collectors dream about finding. The Christmas pixies—elves with pointy striped hats and mischievous expressions—are iconic and expensive.
What they’re worth:
- Pixie candle holders (single): $40-$80 each
- Pixie salt and pepper shakers (pair): $60-$120
- Pixie head mugs: $50-$100
- Pixie planters: $60-$150
- Pixie relish dish with pixie handle: $80-$150
- Pixie bottle stoppers: $40-$80
- Complete pixie bar set (decanter, glasses, tray): $400-$800
The Winking Santa Line (1960s)
Holt Howard’s winking Santa pieces are instantly recognizable with their detailed faces and charming expressions.
Values:
- Winking Santa candle holders: $30-$70 each
- Winking Santa head mugs: $35-$75
- Winking Santa salt and pepper shakers: $40-$90 (pair)
- Winking Santa candy dish: $50-$100
- Winking Santa cookie jar: $150-$300
Santa’s Workshop and Christmas Gay Line (1950s-60s)
These featured Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and Christmas tree motifs with gold accents and detailed hand-painting.
Values:
- Christmas tree salt and pepper shakers: $25-$60
- Reindeer candleholders: $30-$70 each
- Santa head vases: $40-$90
- Christmas bells with detailed scenes: $20-$50 each
- Sleigh planters with Santa: $60-$120
Starry-Eyed Snowmen and Angels (1960s)
Characterized by wide, starry eyes and whimsical expressions.
Values:
- Snowman candle holders: $30-$65 each
- Angel figurines: $25-$60
- Snowman cookie jar: $100-$200
- Angel planters: $35-$75
How to Authenticate Holt Howard:
Look for these markers:
- Stamped mark: “Holt Howard” or “HH” with a copyright symbol and year stamped or impressed into the ceramic on the bottom
- Foil stickers: Earlier pieces had silver and black foil stickers (though many have fallen off over the years)
- Item numbers: Most pieces have a number stamped on the bottom (like “3012” or “1424”)
- Quality construction: Holt Howard pieces have substantial weight, detailed hand-painting, and careful glazing
- Japan marking: Many pieces are marked “Japan,” indicating where they were manufactured
What separates valuable from common:
Not all Holt Howard is equally valuable. The Christmas pixies and winking Santas are the stars. More generic Santa or snowman pieces without the distinctive Holt Howard character design sell for $15-$40. Pieces from complete sets (like shakers still with their original mate) command premium prices.
Condition is critical:
Unlike some vintage ceramics where minor wear is acceptable, Holt Howard collectors want near-perfect pieces. A chip on a pixie’s hat can cut value by 60%. Missing paint on Santa’s face is similarly devastating. However, minor gold trim wear is acceptable on older pieces and doesn’t drastically hurt value.
The holy grail pieces:
Some Holt Howard items are so rare that collectors pay extraordinary prices:
- Complete pixie bar sets in original boxes: $800-$1,200
- Rare pixie variations (different hat colors, unusual poses): $150-$300
- Large display pieces or countertop items: $200-$400
- Any piece with original box and tissue paper: Add 30-50% to value
Other valuable Holt Howard holiday items:
Beyond Christmas, Holt Howard made collectible pieces for other holidays:
- Halloween cats and witches (1950s-60s): $40-$150 each
- Valentine’s Day pixies: $50-$120
- Easter bunnies and chicks: $30-$80
Reproductions and fakes:
Modern reproductions exist, but they’re easy to spot if you know what to look for:
- Modern pieces lack the “Holt Howard” stamp or use cheap stickers
- Paint quality is inferior with less detail
- The ceramic feels lighter and cheaper
- The glazing is too perfect and uniform
- Colors are slightly off from vintage palettes
Where to find Holt Howard:
Estate sales are your best bet, especially homes from couples who collected in the 1950s-60s. Antique malls price these correctly (often too high), but thrift stores and yard sales sometimes miss them. Church sales and charity shops occasionally have donations from estates.
My best Holt Howard finds:
I’ve found Holt Howard pieces three times in my thrifting career:
- A pair of pixie candle holders at Goodwill for $4 each (sold for $140 together)
- A winking Santa mug at a yard sale for $1 (sold for $55)
- Christmas tree salt and pepper shakers at an estate sale for $5 (sold for $48)
The key is recognizing that distinctive Holt Howard style—whimsical, detailed, quality construction—and checking every single bottom for that magical “HH” stamp.
Collecting tip: If you find one Holt Howard piece at an estate sale, ask if there are more. Collectors often bought multiple pieces from the same line, so where there’s one pixie, there might be others hiding in the kitchen cabinets.
9. Vintage Tinsel and Glass Bead Garland
The finishing touches on vintage trees are collectible in their own right, particularly glass bead garland and old tinsel.
Glass bead garland: These strands of small glass beads on a string were popular from the 1920s through the 1960s. Mercury glass bead garland (silvery, reflective beads) is the most valuable. A single strand in good condition sells for $15-$40. Longer strands or rare colors (pink, blue, gold) command $30-$60.
How to identify quality garland: The beads should be actual glass, not plastic. Hold them up to light—glass beads have depth and clarity. Mercury glass beads have a silvered interior coating visible through the glass. The string should show age—cotton thread or early nylon, not modern synthetic string. Original boxes or packaging significantly increase value.
Vintage tinsel: Lead tinsel (made before the 1970s) drapes differently than modern plastic tinsel—it’s heavier and hangs straight. While lead tinsel has value to collectors ($20-$50 for original boxes), it shouldn’t be used around children or pets due to lead content. Collectors buy it for display or for historically accurate tree restoration.
Glass icicles: Individual glass icicle ornaments (not tinsel) from the 1950s-60s sell for $2-$5 each. Boxed sets of a dozen can fetch $30-$60.
Where to find them: Often bundled in boxes of mixed ornaments at estate sales. Look for original packaging—”vintage tinsel” or “glass garland” on a box is a green light. Check the weight—if the garland feels substantial in your hand, it’s likely glass. If it’s feather-light, it’s modern plastic.
10. Rushton Rubber Face Plush Figures
Rushton is one of the holy grails of vintage Christmas collecting, and prices reflect it. These distinctive stuffed figures with rubber or vinyl faces and hands were manufactured by the Rushton Company from the 1940s through the 1970s.
What they’re worth: Rushton Santas in excellent condition regularly sell for $80-$300. Rare characters like snowmen, elves, or reindeer can fetch $150-$400. Large display pieces (24+ inches) or uncommon designs have sold for over $500. Their Easter bunnies and Halloween pieces are equally valuable.
How to identify authentic Rushton: Look for the cloth tag sewn into a seam, usually reading “Rushton” or “The Rushton Company, Atlanta, GA.” The rubber/vinyl face should have hand-painted features with detailed eyes and rosy cheeks. The bodies are typically plush velvet, felt, or chenille in vibrant colors. The construction should feel sturdy—quality materials and tight stitching.
What makes them special: Each face was hand-painted, so no two are exactly alike. The expressions have personality—some Santas look jolly, others mischievous. The attention to detail is remarkable: real bells on belts, chenille trim, felt boots with dimensional details.
Condition concerns: The rubber faces can crack or deteriorate over time—this significantly hurts value. Check for cracks around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Fading on the plush body is acceptable, but tears, missing parts (hats, bells, trim), or heavy staining reduce value. Moths are the enemy—check carefully for moth damage on vintage plush.
Other valuable plush brands to know:
- Knickerbocker: Another premium vintage plush manufacturer. Their Christmas characters from the 1950s-60s (especially Santas and snowmen) sell for $40-$150.
- Gund: While still in business, vintage Gund holiday plush from the 1960s-70s is collectible, though less valuable than Rushton—typically $20-$80.
Where to find them: Estate sales, antique malls, and occasionally thrift stores (though employees often pull them to sell separately). I found a 16-inch Rushton Santa at a yard sale for $3. The seller had no idea what it was. It sold for $165.
11. Vintage Nativity Sets
Nativity scenes are deeply personal to collectors, and certain vintage sets command impressive prices. The material, manufacturer, and completeness all affect value.
Chalkware/Plaster Nativities (1930s-1950s): These hand-painted plaster sets were mass-produced but are now collectible. Complete sets with all original pieces (Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, wise men, shepherds, animals) sell for $50-$200 depending on size and condition. Larger individual figures (12+ inches) can sell for $20-$50 each.
Italian Fontanini Nativities: Fontanini has been producing high-quality nativity figures in Italy since 1908. Vintage pieces from the 1950s-1970s are marked “Fontanini Italy” or “Depose Italy” on the bottom. Sets in original boxes with papers sell for $150-$600. Large individual figures (7.5″ scale or larger) fetch $30-$100 each.
Hummels and Goebel: Any nativity piece marked “M.I. Hummel” or “Goebel” is valuable. Vintage Hummel nativity figures from the 1950s-70s sell for $40-$200 per piece. Complete sets can exceed $1,000.
Paper mache and composition: German and Italian paper mache nativity figures from the early 1900s through the 1940s are collectible. Look for hand-painted details and glass eyes. Individual figures sell for $25-$150; complete sets can reach $300-$800.
Ceramic and porcelain sets: Quality ceramic nativities from manufacturers like Lefton, Napco, or unmarked Japanese imports (1950s-60s) sell for $30-$150 for complete sets. White porcelain “precious moments” style sets are less valuable unless they’re early Enesco pieces.
What to check: Count the pieces—incomplete sets lose significant value. Look for chips, cracks, or repairs (devastating to value). Original boxes or storage containers add 20-30% to the value. Hand-painted details and maker’s marks are essential for authentication.
Best finds: Estate sales where someone’s putting out “Grandma’s old Christmas decorations.” I’ve found three valuable nativity sets this way, including a complete Fontanini set for $15 that sold for $240.
12. Anri and Hand-Carved Wooden Ornaments
Anri, an Italian woodcarving company founded in 1912, produced some of the most exquisite hand-carved wooden Christmas ornaments and nativity pieces ever made.
Anri ornaments (1950s-1980s): These detailed, hand-carved and hand-painted wooden ornaments typically measure 2-4 inches. Individual Anri ornaments sell for $15-$60 each. Complete boxed sets of 6-12 ornaments can fetch $150-$400. Early sets from the 1950s-60s command premium prices.
How to identify Anri: Look for the “Anri” brand burned or stamped into the wood, often on the back or bottom. Earlier pieces may have “Italy” or “Anri Italy” carved into them. The carving should be remarkably detailed—facial expressions, clothing folds, intricate designs. Hand-painted colors should show slight variations (proof of hand-painting).
What’s most valuable: Nativity pieces by Anri (especially large 6-12 inch figures) sell for $40-$200 per piece. Complete Anri nativity sets have sold for over $2,000. Limited edition Anri pieces or those designed by famous artists (like Juan Ferrandiz) command the highest prices.
Other hand-carved ornaments to watch for:
- Erzgebirge ornaments: German wooden ornaments from the Erzgebirge mountain region. Angels, nutcrackers, and carousel-style pieces sell for $10-$80 each.
- Polish wooden ornaments: Hand-carved and painted, though generally less valuable than Anri—$5-$25 each.
Condition: Wood can crack, split, or show water damage. Paint should be intact without significant chipping or fading. Missing pieces (tiny carved accessories, hanging loops) hurt value but are sometimes repairable.
Where to find them: Antique shops price these correctly, but estate sales and thrift stores often miss them. They’re sometimes mixed in boxes with generic wooden ornaments. I found four Anri ornaments at a church sale for $1 each, mixed with craft fair ornaments. They sold for $140 total.
13. Byers’ Choice Carolers
Byers’ Choice carolers are a very specific collectible that has built a devoted following. These handmade figurines of Victorian-era carolers have been produced in Pennsylvania since 1978, but earlier pieces from the 1980s-90s are now considered “vintage” and collectible.
What they’re worth: Early Byers’ Choice carolers from the 1980s sell for $60-$200 per figure. Rare or limited edition characters can fetch $150-$400. Complete family sets or themed collections (shopkeepers, street vendors, musicians) in original boxes sell for premium prices.
How to identify and date: Every Byers’ Choice piece has a tag or label on the bottom with the year, designer signature (Joyce Byers), and often an edition number. Earlier pieces (1978-1990s) have simpler construction and hand-signed tags. The faces are hand-painted clay, bodies are wire armature wrapped in fabric.
What makes certain pieces valuable: Limited editions, retired designs, and characters from discontinued lines command higher prices. Carolers with elaborate accessories (instruments, lanterns, food items, pets) are more desirable. Characters beyond the standard caroler—like chimney sweeps, bakers, lamplighters—are rarer.
Condition matters: The fabric costumes should be clean and intact. Faces shouldn’t have chips or paint damage. Accessories should be present and undamaged. Original boxes with tissue paper significantly increase value—collectors want museum-quality display pieces.
Authentication concerns: Byers’ Choice pieces are still being produced, so vintage vs. new matters. Check the year on the tag. Pre-2000 pieces are considered collectible vintage. The older the piece, generally the higher the value (assuming good condition).
Where to find them: Estate sales in affluent neighborhoods, antique malls, and online marketplaces. They’re expensive new ($100+ retail), so people often sell inherited collections. I found a lot of six 1980s Byers’ Carolers at an estate sale for $100. Individual resale value: $580.
Final Thoughts: Where to Hunt and When
The best time to find valuable vintage holiday decor is November through early December, right before prices spike, and then again in January when people clean out their decorations and donate or sell items they don’t want.
Best sources:
- Estate sales in older neighborhoods (especially homes built before 1980)
- Church rummage sales and bazaars
- Storage unit auctions
- “Moving sales” where people are downsizing
- Garage sales in late January/early February
What to bring: A smartphone for quick price research (search eBay sold listings), bubble wrap or newspaper for fragile items, cash for negotiation, and a good flashlight for inspecting details in dim basements or barns.
The vintage holiday decor market isn’t slowing down. As more people seek authentic, nostalgic decorations over mass-produced modern items, prices continue climbing. What sold for $20 three years ago now brings $80. Get out there early this season—the next $300 find might be sitting in a $5 box at your neighborhood thrift store.
