Digging through boxes of old Christmas decorations? Don’t toss those old ornaments just yet. Some of those old glass balls, figural pieces, and classic tree decor pieces from decades ago can be surprisingly valuable today, often fetching $200, $500, or even a thousand dollars!
This list of 15 vintage Christmas ornaments is perfect for those who wish to create a retro decor this holiday, and those who already own (or are selling) some valuable pieces without realizing their real value!
Read till the end to know what those old, vintage ornaments really mean today!
1. Christmas Blow Molds
These large plastic figures became common in American front yards during the mid-1900s and now represent a retro holiday spirit. Made through blow molding, these lighted Santa, snowmen, and caroler figures bring back memories of classic Christmas decorations.
Collectors look for pieces from Union, Empire, and TPI, paying more for complete sets or rare designs. This one is a large Empire set, so it realized a stunning price of nearly $1,090!
2. German Dresden Diecut Angel Figurines
These detailed, three-dimensional (diecut) decorations were made from embossed cardboard in Germany during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Typically made as angels or holiday characters, they were cheaper alternatives to clunky glass ornaments.
Since these delicate pieces were easily damaged, finding ones in good shape makes them valuable to collectors of Victorian holiday items.
3. Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 3D Snowflake Ornament
These high-end ornaments are often released in a yearly, limited series. Many renowned companies, such as Tiffany, Gorham, Towle, and Wallace, have made them for many years. Their value is due to both the silver content and their limited issue.
This example of Tiffany & Co. Sterling snowflake ornament from 1999 fetched $695; early pieces could be worth $1,000+!
4. German Spun Cotton Ornaments
These lightweight and delicate ornaments were made in Germany during the 1800s using cotton or cellulose fiber shaped (with a starchy mixture) around wire frames. These are hand-painted and decorated with Dresden trims, mica glitter, or embossed paper details.
The designs usually showed angels, animals, or fruits and vegetables. Rare shapes, like this soldier, can be highly valuable. Since these were made from organic materials, most haven’t survived well over time, making them rare to find and worth a lot!
5. Kugel’s Heavy Glass Christmas Ornaments
These are heavy glass ornaments from Germany, made from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s. “Kugel” means “sphere” in German, but they also made other shapes like grapes and teardrops, like this example.
The glass is thick, and the colors are deep, out of which cobalt blue and magenta are especially sought after. Their substantial weight and solid feel make them different from modern lightweight ornaments.
6. Shiny Brite Hand-painted Christmas Ornaments (1940s)
These are pure American nostalgia. During World War II, when we couldn’t get European ornaments, Shiny Brite became the go-to brand for American families. You’ll spot these pieces by their bright colors, silvery insides (indents), classic stripes, and stenciled designs.
Finding a complete box that hasn’t been opened can be worth a lot! They remind me of Christmas mornings in the ’40s and ’50s when everything felt hopeful and new.
7. Ceramic Christmas Trees
These light-up tabletop trees were popular 1970s craft projects. People bought molds and painted them with special glaze, often adding small plastic bulbs lit by a single bulb in the base. The most collectible pieces are from well-known mold companies like Atlantic Mold or Holland Mold.
8. Jay Strongwater Jubilee Fox Ornaments
Jay Strongwater creates luxury ornaments from metal, enamel, and crystals with elaborate designs. The Jubilee Fox is a popular design in their collection. It’s made from metal and covered in tiny Swarovski crystals, with hand-painted enamel details.
These contemporary pieces are highly valuable (this example sold for $1,400) mainly due to their limited production, but crystal count and overall artistry also add to the value!
9. Vintage Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments
Starting in the 1970s, Hallmark made collectible ornaments that people bought every year. They turned ornament collecting into a regular tradition for many American families.
The earliest ones from the ’70s and ’80s are worth the most, particularly first-in-series ornaments or those with small production runs, like Barbie ones. Finding these in original packaging with price tags attached can really increase their value.
10. Gladys Boalt Soft Plush Christmas Ornaments
These fabric ornaments are different from the glass and ceramic ones. Gladys Boalt makes them since the early 1980s. Each figure has a hand-painted face and sewn outfit, and is signed and dated by the artist! Since they’re handmade, no two are the same. Depending on size and condition, these ornaments can be worth $200 to $500+!
11. Old World Christmas Ornaments
This company makes Christmas ornaments that copy classic European hand-blown glass styles. Their detailed designs and quality have built a collector following. Early and discontinued designs from the company’s first decades are especially wanted, like this 1987 piece sold for about $225!
12. Aluminum Christmas Tree
These vintage decor pieces were made with reflective aluminum foil needles, a modernist observation in the 1960s. Instead of lights, a rotating color wheel projected light onto shiny twigs for a sparkly appearance. The most valued finds are complete sets with tree, stand, and original color wheel, all in original boxes!
13. Vintage Fire King Egg Nog Set
These sets usually include a large punch bowl and matching mugs. Although not technically holiday ornaments, they can be used as decorations. You will have items with holiday themes and hang them up as decorations, a candle holder, or a centerpiece with flowers.
Typically made of milk glass or carnival glass, pieces by mid-century producers like Hazel Atlas or Fire-King are most desirable to collectors, especially those with a Christmas theme.
14. Vintage Noma Cardboard Fireplace Decor
If your modern house does not have a hearth, you need to get these free-standing cardboard fireplaces! These were popular mid-century decorations for homes without real fireplaces.
Their printed designs and fold-up structure made them popular catalog items. Today, these quirky pieces are popular among those who like retro Christmas decor, with completely packed new sets worth $300 to $400!
15. Hold Howard Igloo Snow Baby Ceramic Figurines
Holt-Howard’s vintage hand-painted ceramic figurines from the ’50s and ’60s are highly desirable today. This example is from their “Snow Baby” series, featuring playful figures in winter clothes. These are popular among collectors for their mid-century modern style. Plus, having the original sticker also adds to their value.
Note: This article is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Some images are illustrative and may not represent actual brands, products, or related entities. All trademarks, product names, brand logos, packaging, and other intellectual property referenced remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. Any brand mentions or references are provided solely for descriptive and educational context and do not imply any formal or commercial association.
