8 Holiday Heirlooms That Could Actually Be Worth THOUSANDS
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Your family's heirloom holiday decorations may be priceless to you—even if only in sentimental value. But it's possible that certain items may also be worth serious cash. If you’ve ever spotted copper pans in your grandma’s kitchen or brass door stoppers in Bubby’s living room, you might want to see if there are any heirloom holiday treasures collecting dust in storage.
We spoke to designers and antique enthusiasts about the value of specific holiday heirlooms, from midcentury-era Champagne flutes to Art Deco menorahs and model train sets. However, what truly makes holiday heirlooms special is the cherished memories of past celebrations with loved ones they represent.
Explore the top eight holiday heirlooms that might not only bring you cheer, and maybe a bit of extra change, should you choose to part with them.
Rare Ornament Sets
Ornaments are common holiday collectibles, but if you happen to own anything from the Waterford Crystal 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Heirlooms set, you might want to think twice before hanging them on the tree! These whimsical ornaments range from $140 for the Partridge in a Pear Tree to $550 for the Swans-a-Swimming.
“As a child, I remember being mesmerized as [my grandmother] decorated her tree, delicately placing each strand of tinsel, and then thoughtfully finding each ornament its home for the season,” says Chicago-based interior designer Rebecca Bobroff of this iconic set. “Each bauble elaborately depicts the festive countdown, from a partridge in a pear tree to twelve drummers drumming.”
Vintage Menorahs
For households that observe Hanukkah, it’s not uncommon to own more than one menorah. If you’re lucky to have one passed down to you, check out its history. An Art Deco menorah from 1920s France can fetch as much as a new car. A Brutalist design may be worth more than $10,000. But even contemporary designs may be worth a little extra if they're made of sterling silver.
“Sterling silver is often used to create fine menorahs and is easily identified by hallmarks: 925, sterling, or a series of small hallmarks for the assay office, year made, and maker depending on the country of origin,” says Anthony Barzilay-Freund, editorial and fine art director at 1stDibs.
Holiday Jewelry
Anytime you come across a long-forgotten box of jewelry, it’s worthwhile to get an estimate. However, finding holiday baubles can be especially lucrative. For example, a Louis Vuitton onyx snowman pendant is currently worth $5,500. Brooches can also be worth a lot if they've encrusted with rubies and diamonds, Barzilay-Freund says.
Champagne Flutes and Coupes
Stemware can be quite valuable, especially if it is designed for use on special occasions. Take note of whether the silhouette has a unique design or gold leaf elements. For example, a 36-piece Salviati set, made of hand-blown Venetian glass that features swans in the stem, is currently selling for $8,800.
“When styled into a contemporary space, ‘old-fashioned’ tabletop items don’t feel fusty in the least,” Barzilay-Freund says. “Rather, they elevate your table and instantly imbue it with a celebratory spirit.”
Other design elements to watch out for are gilded coupes and midcentury modern champagne flutes.
Special Flatware
Flatware pieces with lucite handles are the ideal accouterment for a New Year’s dinner party—and they could be worth a pretty penny. Rebekah Zaveloff, cofounder and creative director at Imparfait Design Studio, remembers her bubby pulling out a sterling-silver-and-lucite set for the holidays.
“I have a soft spot for lucite, but really what made it awesome was its balance—it doesn't fall off the plate when you walk to the kitchen with the dishes!”
These sets can range from $320 for a set of seven to upwards of $6,000 for a 43-piece set.
Model Train Sets
Vintage Lionel train sets now sell for more than $2,500—even individual cars can be worth a few hundred dollars.
“When I think of the holidays, I do not have visions of sugar plums dancing in my head but instead, a model train circling endlessly around the Christmas tree,” says Leigh Anne Schurr, the special projects manager at Marguerite Rodgers. “As a young child, I can remember the feeling of magic and wonder playing with the train set at my grandparent's home on Christmas day.”
Holiday-Themed Plates
Tom Riker of the Chicago-based interior design firm James Thomas adores his set of Johnson Brothers Merry Christmas plates from his mom, which he now uses for Christmas dinner with this family.
“We pair the plates with a set of antique Haviland demitasse cups for a soup course, grandmother’s sterling silver, and vintage coasters from Spode.” While holiday dinnerware is not of astronomical value, a Christmas tree-shaped relish dish is worth roughly $120.
If you're treasure-hunting in your own attic for antiques, look for porcelain Christmas plates produced by German and Scandinavian porcelain factories—the annual plate collections by Royal Copenhagen were particularly popular as collectibles in the mid-20th century, Barzilay-Freund says. Do keep in mind, “though nice family heirlooms, vintage and antique holiday plates do not command significant market value because they were mass-produced,” he adds.
Linens and Napkin Holders
“Based on their origin and handicraft, antique textiles only go up in price if they maintain their quality,” says Kathryn Faull of Maresca Textiles, who uses her great-grandmother’s embroidered tablecloth for her holiday table.
Linens made of designer fabrics or those that have been hand-embroidered abroad can fetch more than $1,000. Should you be lucky to find vintage napkin holders, they may be worth a few hundred dollars each.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.
You Might Also Like
