Selling Antique or Vintage Holiday Décor Provides a Gift for Your Wallet
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Vintage holiday decorations are back in style and, for many households, they’re more than sentimental keepsakes. A University of Tennessee Extension consumer economist says they can represent a chance to save money, make money and make meaningful memories this holiday season.
Across the country, shoppers are willing to pay premium prices for classic Christmas décor that reminds them of childhood holidays. Those boxes of ornaments in Grandma’s attic could hold real value both emotional and financial.
“Collectors are currently seeking Shiny Brite glass ornaments, ceramic Christmas trees, aluminum tinsel trees and mid-century holiday figurines. Some of these items, especially if they’re in good condition or still in their original boxes, can sell for significant amounts online,” says Christopher Sneed, associate professor and consumer economics specialist in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
The value of a vintage decoration depends on three key factors:
- Condition. Chips, cracks, or fading lower the price, while well-preserved pieces fetch more.
- Rarity. Limited-edition or unusual designs often sell quickly.
- Completeness. Full sets, especially with original packaging, are more desirable to collectors.
If you’re interested in selling, start by researching current market prices. Online auction platforms, resale sites, and specialized social media groups are good places to learn the price of similar items. These collector groups are an excellent educational resource and can also help you identify authentic pieces and avoid scams.
Buying new holiday décor can quickly add up. Shopping vintage or reusing family decorations can help you decorate beautifully on a budget. Estate sales, thrift stores and flea markets often carry affordable vintage decorations. With a little creativity, older pieces can be refreshed or repurposed for modern displays.
Reusing decorations year after year also supports sustainable living by reducing waste and consumer demand for new products. That’s good for both your wallet and the environment.
When purchasing some items consumers might need to carefully consider use. For example, many vintage ornaments were produced using materials such as lead-based paint, fragile glass or mercury coatings that can pose potential health hazards in today’s homes. Consumers should handle these pieces with care, keeping them away from children. They should avoid any items that show signs of deterioration, flaking finishes or breakage.
It’s important to know what you’re buying or selling. Generally, antiques are items that are more than 100 years old, while vintage refers to pieces that are typically 20 to 40 years old and reflect the trends of their era. Both can hold value, but vintage items tend to appeal more to nostalgic consumers looking to recreate mid-century or retro holiday looks.
While there’s value in selling and saving, the real payoff often comes from the memories these items bring back. A slightly frayed stocking from childhood or Grandma’s old holiday towel set might not sell for much, but their sentimental worth could be priceless.
This holiday season, consider taking inventory of your decorations. Decide which pieces to keep for tradition, which to sell for profit, and which might be reimagined for new uses. Whether you’re decorating, downsizing or decluttering, vintage holiday treasures can offer financial opportunity and emotional connection—rare gifts that truly keep on giving.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.