1. Ceramic Christmas Trees
You’ve probably seen these little ceramic trees with glowing bulbs on grandma’s mantle. Popular in the 1970s, these trees have made a major comeback. Vintage pieces, especially those made by Atlantic Mold, regularly sell for $100 to $300. If yours still works and has all its original bulbs, you’re in luck—it’s worth even more.
2. Shiny Brite Ornaments
Shiny Brite glass ornaments were the go-to holiday decoration in the mid-20th century. Made in the USA and hand-painted, they’re known for their vibrant colors and whimsical designs. A single ornament in good condition can sell for $15 to $30, but complete vintage sets in their original boxes can go for hundreds. If they’ve got hand-painted patterns or glitter accents, they’re worth even more.
3. Dresden Ornaments
Handcrafted in Germany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dresden ornaments are delicate works of art. These intricate decorations often feature animals, angels, or whimsical holiday scenes. Their rarity and craftsmanship make them incredibly valuable, with prices ranging from $100 to $1,000 per piece depending on the condition and subject matter.
4. Aluminum Christmas Trees
These sparkly trees were a modern marvel in the 1950s and 1960s, symbolizing a futuristic take on holiday decor. Today, their retro charm has made them highly collectible. A standard aluminum tree can fetch $300 to $600, but unique colors like pink or blue can sell for even more. Bonus points if yours includes the original rotating color wheel!
5. Mercury Glass Ornaments
Mercury glass ornaments date back to the Victorian era and are known for their reflective, silvery finish. Over the years, many of these fragile decorations have been lost or damaged, making intact examples highly desirable. Collectors will pay $20 to $50 for a single ornament and much more for unique shapes like fruit or animals.
6. Feather Trees
Before artificial trees became common, feather trees—made from dyed goose feathers—were all the rage in the late 19th century. These minimalist beauties are highly sought after by collectors, especially if they have their original wooden base. Depending on size and condition, feather trees can sell for $200 to $1,000.
7. C6 Christmas Lights
These large, colorful bulbs scream retro Christmas. C6 lights, popular from the 1940s to 1960s, are prized by collectors for their warm, nostalgic glow. If you find a functioning string, especially with the original box, you could sell it for $50 to $200. Vintage bubble lights, which feature liquid-filled bulbs, are also a hot ticket.
8. Antique Christmas Postcards
Holiday postcards were a big deal in the early 20th century, and their stunning illustrations still captivate collectors today. Look for cards featuring Santa, snowy landscapes, or Victorian scenes. Cards in excellent condition, especially from well-known artists, can fetch anywhere from $10 to $100 each.
9. Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments
It might seem surprising, but some Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have become highly valuable, particularly those from limited-edition runs in the 1970s and 1980s. A rare piece, like the 1981 Rocking Horse or a Star Wars-themed ornament, can sell for $200 or more.
10. Vintage Advent Calendars
Advent calendars from the 1940s and 1950s are collector favorites, especially if they’re made in Germany or feature intricate artwork. The condition is key here—if the windows and doors are intact, they can sell for $50 to $200. Rare themes or brands can drive prices even higher.
11. Putz Villages
These tiny, glittery cardboard villages were a holiday staple in the early to mid-20th century. Often handmade in Japan, putz houses are prized for their charming details like cellophane windows or bottle-brush trees. A single house can go for $20 to $50, while entire sets or rare designs can fetch several hundred dollars.
12. Antique Tree Toppers
The crowning jewel of any vintage tree is the topper, and older ones—especially those made of glass—are big with collectors. Look for ornate pieces from brands like West Germany’s Lauscha or mid-century models with intricate designs. Depending on their condition and rarity, vintage toppers can bring in $50 to $500.
So, before you toss out those “old-fashioned” decorations, think twice. One person’s dusty holiday relic could be another’s prized collectible—and a lucrative one at that!
