Ah, the holiday season! The twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread, and the inevitable nostalgia that comes with visiting your parents’ house. There’s something undeniably charming about the decorations they’ve dragged out of storage each year. But if you take a moment to look closely, you might find that some of these decorations have become quite the collectibles. So, grab your phone, because you’ll want to price check these seven Christmas decorations before “the big day” rolls around.
1. The Vintage Glass Ornaments
Those delicate glass ornaments hanging from the tree? They’re not just pretty — they could be worth a pretty penny, too! Vintage glass ornaments, especially those made in Germany or Czechoslovakia, are highly sought after by collectors. Check out sites like eBay or specialized vintage shops to see what similar ornaments are going for. You might just discover that the ones your parents have are worth more than the family car!
2. The Nativity Set
Every Christmas seems to come with a nativity set that has its own story. Whether it’s the one your mom bought on sale at a holiday fair or the heirloom set passed down through generations, it’s worth taking a peek at its market value. Some nativity sets, especially those from well-known brands like Fontanini or Department 56, can be surprisingly valuable. Just think — if you find out it’s worth a small fortune, you might want to keep it safe from the family cat!
3. The Inflatable Yard Decorations
Those oversized inflatable Santas and snowmen have taken over lawns everywhere, but some can actually be quite collectible. While most might not be worth a ton, certain characters or limited editions can fetch a nice price. If your parents have a particularly unique one, it could be worth checking out its resale value. Just imagine the look on their faces when you tell them their yard decoration is more than just a decoration!
4. The Santa Figurines
Santa comes in many forms, and some of those forms are surprisingly valuable! From ceramic to plush, the right Santa figurine can be a hot commodity. If your parents have a collection, do a little research. Look for makers like Hallmark or Jim Shore, who often create limited editions. You may find that the jolly old elf sitting on the mantel is worth more than a few candy canes!
5. The Holiday Table Linens
Those festive tablecloths and napkin sets that your parents pull out every December might not just be for show. Vintage holiday linens, especially those made from high-quality materials or featuring unique designs, can be quite valuable. Brands like Vera Neumann and Marimekko have some serious collector followings. So, if you spot that plaid tablecloth, it might be time to check if it’s a hidden gem.
6. The Christmas Music Collection
If your parents have a stash of old vinyl records or cassette tapes featuring classic holiday hits, it’s worth taking a look. Certain albums, especially those from long-gone artists or unique compilations, can be quite valuable. Plus, who doesn’t love a little Bing Crosby to get into the holiday spirit? You might even find that your parents’ collection is worth enough to fund a trip to the North Pole — or at least a few nice dinners!
7. The Christmas Lights
Last but not least, those vintage Christmas lights that seem to be a fire hazard in the making could be worth checking out too. Early versions of the C9 or C7 bulbs, especially if they’re still in their original packaging, can fetch quite a bit in the collector market. Take a little time to research how they stack up against modern lights. Who knows? Those tangled strands could lead to a very merry cash bonus!
Wrapping It Up
So, next time you’re at your parents’ house, don’t just admire those decorations. Take a closer look and do a little price checking. You never know what treasures are hiding in plain sight. Plus, it’ll give you a great excuse to spend a little extra time with them — and maybe even score a holiday gift or two! Just don’t let them think you’re trying to sell their cherished keepsakes. That could lead to some awkward family dinners! Happy hunting!
More from Willow and Hearth:
Leave a Reply