The Vintage Christmas Decor Item You Should Keep An Eye Out For When Thrifting

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Christmas decor trends this year are all about nostalgia, and what better way to capture those vibes than with some vintage decorations from your local thrift store. When you're wandering up and down the seasonal aisles this year, keep your eyes peeled specifically for those old Shiny Brite ornaments that were popular between the 1930s and 1960s. These colorful glass ornaments are a rare find these days, making them pretty valuable. In addition to their monetary worth, Shiny Brite ornaments are an easy way to add a nostalgic burst of color to your Christmas tree this year.

Of all the valuable vintage Christmas items you should look for at thrift stores and estate sales, these ornaments are among the most collectible. The original American run of Shiny Brites was made by Max Eckardt in collaboration with Corning Glass Company. Although their run ended in the '60s, several reproductions have been made over the years using the same trademark. Of course, the original ornaments are the most sought-after, especially those made during World War II, when supply shortages caused the ornaments to be made with cardboard caps and yarn instead of metal hooks.

The first and most obvious way to identify Shiny Brite ornaments at the thrift store is by the box, which will have the brand name on it. The boxes came in all different designs and color schemes and are regarded as a collector's item in their own right. However, not all ornaments will be in their original box. There is also the possibility that a Shiny Brite box is holding a different brand of ornaments. 

To be sure that you have the real deal, look at the hangers. Pre-WWII ornaments featured scalloped metal hangers stamped with "Made in the US. of A.," according to collector Hilary Prall. Ornaments made during WWII are harder to find but will feature the cardboard cap and yarn hanger mentioned above. After WWII, the ornaments went back to their metal hangers, which were then stamped with "Shiny Brite-Made in U.S.A."

If you're lucky enough to find Shiny Brite ornaments, be extremely careful handling them, as the delicate glass material can shatter easily. If you do happen to drop some, don't toss your broken ornaments; repurpose them in your home instead. Broken ornaments can be used in resin crafts, or you can gather the broken pieces and put them inside a clear, fillable ornament. These Clear Plastic Fillable Ornaments from Amazon would work great for that.