Vintage Christmas Ornaments and Decorations Value: Shiny Brite, Blow Molds and More
Most vintage Christmas decorations are worth more than people expect, but less than the most excited eBay listings suggest. A box of 1950s Shiny Brite glass ornaments typically sells for $10 to $130 depending on the set and the box. A hand-painted 1970s ceramic Christmas tree goes for $150 to $300, and vintage bottle-brush trees and Empire blow molds can reach several hundred. The rare pieces, like early German glass figurals and certain 1950s novelty lines, sell for much more. Here's what's worth money, what isn't, and how to check what's in your box.
What vintage Christmas decorations sell for
| Item | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Shiny Brite glass ornaments (boxed set) | $10–$130 |
| Ceramic Christmas tree with lights (1970s) | $150–$300 |
| Bottle-brush trees | $100–$500+ |
| Empire blow mold Santa face | $300–$350 |
| Lighted Styrofoam fireplace | $200–$300 |
| Holt Howard Christmas pieces (1950s–60s) | Most modest; rare pieces $1,500+ |
| Brass sleigh bells on a leather strap | Around $350 |
| Vintage wooden sleds | $50–$500 |
| Egg nog / punch bowl set | $50–$100 |
These are typical ranges from recent resale; condition, completeness and the original box move the price a lot.
Shiny Brite ornaments
Shiny Brite was the most popular Christmas ornament brand in America from the late 1930s through the 1950s. The company started making glass ornaments in the US when imports from Germany dried up around the Second World War.
What affects value:
- Era. War-era Shiny Brites (early 1940s) are often clear or pastel glass, with no silvering inside and cardboard caps instead of metal ones, because metal was rationed. They're scarcer and collectors like them.
- Shape and decoration. Plain round balls are the most common. Indents, stencilled patterns, glitter, and unusual shapes like bells, lanterns and teardrops sell for more.
- The box. An original box with its cellophane window, in good shape, can add as much value as the ornaments themselves.
- Condition. Faded or flaking paint and missing caps cut the price. A full set of 12 in a clean box is the best-case scenario.
Most loose Shiny Brites sell for a few dollars each. Full boxed sets in good condition reach the top of the range.
Other things worth checking
German glass. Hand-blown figural ornaments from Lauscha in Germany, especially from before the First World War, shaped as fruit, animals, characters or Santas, are the high end of the ornament world. Rare ones can sell for hundreds.
Ceramic Christmas trees. The light-up trees made from hobby-shop moulds in the 1960s and 70s, with little plastic bulbs, have become hugely popular. Taller trees, unusual glazes and complete sets of bulbs sell for the most.
Blow molds. The light-up plastic yard Santas, snowmen and nativity figures from makers like Empire, General Foam and Union Products. Bright, uncracked paint matters. Some sell for over $300.
Aluminum Christmas trees. 1960s silver aluminum trees, especially in their original box with the colour wheel, have a strong collector market.
Bubble lights and early electric lights. Working vintage bubble lights in the box sell well.
Hallmark and Department 56. Both have their own collector markets; see our pages on Hallmark ornament value and Department 56 value.
What's usually not worth much
- Mass-produced plastic ornaments from the 1980s onward
- Loose, chipped glass balls without a box
- Tinsel garlands and modern reproductions of vintage styles
Watch for reproductions: modern "vintage-style" Shiny Brite ornaments have been sold since the 2000s. They look similar but are newer, often with brighter colours and modern packaging.
How to check what you have
- Sort by type. Separate glass ornaments, ceramics, plastics and lights.
- Look for makers' marks on caps, boxes and bases: Shiny Brite, "Made in Germany", "Made in Poland", Empire.
- Search eBay sold listings for the exact item and filter to Sold items. Christmas decorations sell best from October to mid-December, so now is the time to list.
- Keep sets together and keep the boxes, even if they're worn.
The Valued app will identify an ornament or decoration from a photo and give you a starting estimate. For the general method, see our guide to finding out what an antique is worth, and our page on the most valuable thrift-store finds for what else to look for.
Common questions
Are old Christmas ornaments worth anything?
Some are. Boxed Shiny Brite sets sell for $10 to $130, early German glass figurals can sell for hundreds, and vintage ceramic trees and blow molds go for $150 to $350. Loose, chipped or modern plastic ornaments are worth little.
How do I know if my Shiny Brite ornaments are valuable?
Look for war-era ornaments with cardboard caps, unusual shapes, stencilled or glittered decoration, and the original box. A full set of 12 in a clean box is worth the most.
What vintage Christmas decorations are worth the most?
Rare German glass figural ornaments, certain 1950s Holt Howard pieces, tall vintage ceramic trees, bottle-brush trees and some blow molds are among the most valuable.
When is the best time to sell vintage Christmas decorations?
October to mid-December, when buyers are decorating. Prices drop sharply after Christmas.