1. Ceramic Christmas Trees
Those ceramic Christmas trees with colorful, little plug-in lights have made a big comeback in recent years. Originals from the 1960s and 1970s, especially from brands like Atlantic Mold, are especially prized. A small one in good condition can go for over $100, while larger, rare models can command even more. If Grandma’s old ceramic tree has been sitting in a box, it might be time to see if it’s still intact.
2. Shiny Brite Ornaments
If you’ve ever come across a box of Shiny Brite glass ornaments, you’re sitting on a piece of mid-century magic! These iconic baubles, often in colorful metallics or with stenciled designs, were once mass-produced, but they’re surprisingly valuable now. An intact set, especially if still in the original box, can fetch hundreds of dollars depending on the condition and design. So check your tree trimmings – you might have a hidden treasure hanging around.
3. Feather Trees
These aren’t your standard evergreen trees – feather trees, originally crafted in Germany from dyed goose feathers, were the first artificial Christmas trees. They were incredibly popular in the early 20th century but fell out of fashion as newer styles emerged. Today, a vintage feather tree can bring in hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on its age and condition. If you find one in your attic, it’s definitely worth dusting off.
4. Vintage Christmas Light Bulbs
Those oversized, jewel-colored Christmas light bulbs from the 1950s and 1960s are surprisingly valuable, especially if you have a full set and they’re still in working order. Certain brands, like General Electric’s “Mazda” lights, are especially collectible. You could be looking at around $50–$100 for a pristine set. Plus, they’re still charming if you want to reuse them!
5. Aluminum Christmas Trees
If you happen to have a silver or colored aluminum Christmas tree stashed away, you’re in luck! These space-age trees from the 1960s are a serious collector’s item now, with some fetching $500 or more, especially if they come with a rotating color wheel. The more branches, the better. These vintage beauties bring a glitzy, retro touch to any holiday decor.
6. Vintage Santa Figurines
Santa figurines, particularly from the mid-20th century, can be valuable depending on the style and maker. Look out for Santas made by brands like Harold Gale or vintage “Belsnickel” Santas, which are often papier-mâché. These figurines can be worth upwards of $100 each, with rarer models fetching even more. A Santa with personality and charm is always in demand!
7. Mercury Glass Garlands
Mercury glass garlands are delicate, shimmery strands that adorned trees in the 1940s and ’50s. If you find these sparkling strands intact, you might have something quite valuable, especially if they’re in rare colors like red or blue. A strand of these classic garlands can be worth $100 or more, making them one of the prettiest – and priciest – vintage finds.
8. Vintage Christmas Cards
Believe it or not, vintage Christmas cards are becoming more collectible, especially those with unique artwork or cards from famous brands like Hallmark. Cards from the Victorian era or mid-century modern designs are especially popular among collectors. If you have a stack of old cards, they could bring in $10–$50 per card, depending on rarity and condition.
9. Blow Mold Christmas Decorations
Blow molds – those plastic light-up decorations often seen on lawns – are back in style, and the older, the better. Vintage Santa, snowman, and reindeer blow molds can fetch over $100 each, with rare characters and large displays bringing in even more. If you have an old Santa blow mold sitting in your garage, it could bring some serious holiday cheer to your wallet!
10. Dresden Paper Ornaments
These intricate, embossed paper ornaments from Germany, known as Dresden paper ornaments, are incredibly delicate and often shaped like animals or holiday motifs. They date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, and if you’re lucky enough to find one in good condition, it could be worth hundreds of dollars. They’re fragile, so handle with care!
11. Vintage Christmas Tree Toppers
Tree toppers from the mid-20th century – especially the ones made of glass, often in a starburst or spire shape – are highly sought after by collectors. Brands like Bradford and West German glass makers are especially desirable. A pristine vintage topper could be worth anywhere from $50 to $200, making it the crowning jewel of your holiday decor collection.
12. German Nutcrackers
Classic German nutcrackers, especially those from famous makers like Steinbach, are beloved by collectors. These wooden soldiers and kings often hail from the Erzgebirge region of Germany and can be worth hundreds, depending on age, size, and condition. If you find an authentic, older nutcracker in storage, it might be worth giving it a closer look.
13. Glass Pickle Ornaments
This quirky tradition is said to have started in Germany, where families would hide a pickle ornament in the tree, rewarding the child who found it with a special gift. Vintage glass pickle ornaments, especially those from German glassmakers, are popular with collectors and can go for $100 or more. So, if you spot a glass pickle among your ornaments, you might just be looking at a holiday cash boost!
