COULD your decorations fund a very merry Christmas?
Look a little more closely at your baubles, they may be worth more than you think.
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TV money-making expert and presenter Dan Hatfield says: “In the UK we spend £53million on festive decorations a year.
“That means for at least 11 months, we have a collection of items gathering dust which could earn you a pretty penny.
“With a huge demand for kitsch and vintage items, now is the time to find yourself some hidden treasure.
“You will be surprised at the value these old decorations can demand.”
Below Dan tells Nikki Watkins how you could jingle all the way to the bank this year.
Royal Doulton Snowman figures
MANY people who grew up in the Nineties and Noughties remember their folks bringing out little figurines based on the characters from 1982 animated film The Snowman.
These figurines, produced in 1996 by Royal Doulton, sold in their droves in gift shops up and down the UK.
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But due to their delicate nature, many did not stand the test of time.
As a result of the number of breakages, these are now in short supply and therefore there is a high demand.
With anything breakable, condition is key.
Any chips will detract from the value – but having the original box will add to it.
Some of the most sought-after figures can fetch £100.
But if you are fortunate to have an entire set in great condition, you could be landing a festive bonus of £1,000.
Blow moulds
IT doesn’t come much more Christmas kitsch than blow moulds – and their second-hand prices could blow your mind.
Many of the companies that made them went out of business years ago.
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And while there are new kids on the block trying to mass-produce them, the original ones can get you some serious cash.
A basic festive snowman will sell for about £50.
Vintage female carol singers (38in in size) sell for the low hundreds and a light-up blow mould of Santa (46in) can get you nearly £500.
With all this in mind, I am off into my attic to see if I can make myself some festive funds.
Top tip
A SIMPLE way to discover the value of your item is to go on eBay.
In the search bar, click on the camera icon to take a picture of your decoration.
This should bring up similar items and the price they are being sold for.
Danbury Mint Christmas ornaments
A CHINA staple for the fireplace that were often of garden birds or dogs, Danbury Mint ornaments were considered very naff until a few years ago.
But these intricate pieces are now all the rage and therefore command a high sum from collectors.
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The average asking price is around £200.
But if you are harbouring one of the larger, more elaborate pieces, these are being put up for sale on bidding sites such as eBay for more than £1,000. You could make a mint for Christmas.
Mercury glass baubles
THE delicate but beautiful baubles gained popularity in the 1930s and peaked in the 1950s and 1960s.
Prices will vary, depending on age, design, condition and colour.
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However, I often see single ones selling for between £15 and £20.
A set of 12 will range from £150 to £300.
As these baubles were sold in large quantities, you’d be surprised how many households up and down the country could have them hidden away.
While you are at it, have a look for snow globes.
Disney-themed examples are of particular interest to collectors, and some of the more decorative ones from the Eighties and Nineties can reach more than £150.
Top tip
HOW many of us have an unused artificial tree just sitting in the loft? I know I do.
On average, you can expect to sell yours for around £40.
That can be put towards the Christmas dinner– and it helps clear out a big space in the attic.
Fairies for topping the tree
TOPPERS will continue to be in demand as almost nine out of ten adults have a tree in their home at Christmas.
If there is a retro fairy or angel in your collection that you get down from the loft every year, you might be looking at a small windfall.
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And if the ornament comes from the 1950s or 1960s, it could be a nice little earner.
Kitsch designs with an element of camp fun will be worth more.
The angel at the top of your tree could make you a quick £20 to £30, which is easily enough for a round of mulled wine at your local.
Kugel tree decorations
YOU may not know the name, but Kugel decorations are what many would know as the traditional glass bauble that might have dangled from granny’s tree.
These stunning hand-blown ornaments originated in Germany and were popular from 1930 to 1960.
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Check among your decs this year to see if you have one that has been handed down, as there is an impressive price range for second-hand Kugel baubles of between £500 and £1,500.
A rare pear-shaped Kugel ornament was sold for a staggering £14,000, which would even have the Grinch raising a smile.