Most Valuable Thanksgiving Collectibles
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It's always nice to give thanks. But there's a special time to express gratitude. When Halloween decorations come down, Thanksgiving decorations go up.
Often, decorations are passed down from generation to generation. If that's the case in your family, that old Thanksgiving centerpiece or plate might be worth more than you think.
These are the most valuable Thanksgiving collectibles.
40. Vintage Thanksgiving Postcard With Pilgrim and Native American Children
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Value: $51
Bottom line: This vintage Thanksgiving postcard is valuable because of its age. Decorated with festively dressed Pilgrims and Native American children frolicking around a giant pumpkin, the standard-sized postcard is postmarked 1910.
The corners of it are slightly worn, but for something over a century old, that's part of the charm.
39. Vintage Hallmark Die-Cut Thanksgiving 3D Pop-Up Card Decor Centerpiece
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Value: $59.99
Bottom line: Usually, centerpieces are made of wood, metal, straw or any other number of materials to create festive fall displays for the middle of the Thanksgiving dinner table. This one is rare in that it's made entirely of thin cardboard.
The lithograph was made in Japan by Hallmark and is mostly intact, aside from some wear and tear around the edges.
38. Vintage Lefton Thanksgiving Salt and Pepper Shakers
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Value: $65
Bottom line: Every Thanksgiving table needs a set of salt and pepper shakers. This one was found at an estate sale and was made in 1956 by a brand called Lefton.
Even with a small crack around the middle, the small ceramic set sold for much more than it was originally worth.
37. Retro L.E. Smith Glass Thanksgiving Turkey Dishes
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Value: $74
Bottom line: We never thought we'd use the word beautiful to describe Thanksgiving decorations, but these crystal turkeys are gorgeous. These vintage L.E. Smith glass turkeys were made in the 1980s or 1990s, and they are in great condition.
Each one is intricately etched with feathers and big enough to fill with cranberry sauce, gravy or stuffing to serve.
36. Vintage 10-Piece Resin Children Celebrating Thanksgiving Figurines
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Value: $84.99
Bottom line: This 10-piece resin set looks much older than it is. It was made in 2007, but it was modeled after traditional American decorations from the 1930s.
The figures, measuring about six inches tall, are brightly colored and make a sweet addition to any collection.
35. Vintage November Turkey Elf Fall Figurine
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Value: $88
Bottom line: This little figurine didn't come with a lengthy backstory, but he is awfully cute. Made by Napco, the seller estimated that it was made during the 1950s.
His happy smile can bring cheer to even the rainiest of turkey days.
33. Vintage Holland Turkey Centerpiece (Tie)
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Value: $89.99
Bottom line: You can't tell by the picture, but this vintage turkey centerpiece is truly massive. Measuring 17 inches by 16 inches when all the feathers are in place, it quickly becomes the star of your Thanksgiving table.
Speaking of feathers, the ceramic figure's tail is made with real turkey feathers. It dates back to the 1960s, adding to its value.
33. Vintage 20-Inch Turkey Platter (Tie)
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Value: $89.99
Bottom line: A turkey platter made in Turkey. How fitting. This particular platter has a couple of small chips on the bottom rim, but it's still worth a fair amount because it was made in the 1950s.
Plus, the chips can't be seen from the top, so they don't really matter.
32. Six Vintage Sabin Warranted 22k Rim Thanksgiving Dinner Plates
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Value: $90
Bottom line: The dinner table obviously needs a centerpiece and a platter to serve turkey on, but guests also need plates to actually eat off of. This set is impressively luxe with 22k gold along the rim of each plate.
The six 10-inch plates were made in the 1970s and feature a robust, plump-looking turkey in the middle of each plate.
31. Vintage Thanksgiving Die-Cut Beistle Thanksgiving Decorations
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Value: $94.95
Bottom line: This isn't a single Thanksgiving decoration, but rather a full vintage collection.
Made by brands that were popular in the 1950s and earlier, including Beistle, Hallmark and Peanuts, the collection included 20 different vintage die-cut decorations.
29. Vintage Thanksgiving Dinner Pilgrim And Native American Figurine Set (Tie)
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Value: $95
Bottom line: You wouldn't expect some tiny wooden figurines to be worth so much, but these are so cute we might buy a set ourselves.
The set includes seven full-sized Pilgrims and three smaller ones, six Native Americans, a boat and a festive Thanksgiving table.
With so many adorable figures included, this Thanksgiving collectible is well worth the price.
29. Vintage Paper Mache Thanksgiving Mini Turkey Candy Container (Tie)
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Value: $95
Bottom line: It's hard to tell from the picture, but this collectible turkey candy container is a fall-themed bobblehead. The turkey's neck is on a spring so it wobbles back and forth with movement.
Made in Germany in the 1930s, the paper mache figure was sold in excellent condition for almost $100. Impressive for a decoration that's not even three inches tall.
28. Ceramic Hand-Painted First Thanksgiving Set
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Value: $99.99
Bottom line: Made in the 1980s, this endearing hand-painted Thanksgiving set is modeled after the very first Thanksgiving. It features both a Pilgrim couple and a Native American couple, plus a dog and cat and a Thanksgiving table filled with traditional Thanksgiving foods.
It's valuable both because it's considered vintage and because of how detailed the set is.
27. Vintage Thanksgiving Melted Popcorn Decorations
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Value: $100
Bottom line: Melted popcorn decorations were all the rage in the 1960s. This particular set of Thanksgiving decorations included two boy Native Americans, two girl Native Americans, and a little Pilgrim girl.
All pieces were sold in excellent used condition, with the colors just as vibrant as the day they were made.
26. Vintage Norcrest Japan Thanksgiving Pilgrims Salt and Pepper Shakers
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Value: $102.50
Bottom line: A cute set of Pilgrim salt and pepper shakers made by Norcrest are the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving decoration collection.
Made in the 1950s in Japan, each figure measures about four and a quarter inches in height and was sold in nearly perfect condition, aside from a small chip in the paint on the back of one of the pumpkins.
25. Vintage Kreiss Pilgrim Ceramic Figurines
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Value: $105.50
Bottom line: These two Kreiss Pilgrim figurines are old enough to have grandkids, but they're in such good condition that you can't tell how old they are.
Made in 1956 in the style that was popular back in the day, both figures were sold with minimal wear for over $100.
24. Royal Stafford Harvest Dinner Plates
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Value: $115
Bottom line: For a set of eight plates, a price of $115 isn't that bad. Made in England by Royal Stafford, they're 11 inches in diameter, leaving plenty of room for an ample scoop of mashed potatoes and gravy.
While many people use them simply as display pieces, they're actually fully microwaveable and dishwasher safe.
23. Rare Pumpkin Head Scarecrow Figures
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Value: $120
Bottom line: Made in Japan in the 1950s, these pumpkin figures are too cute. The heads are made from celluloid with bodies made from felt and straw, and their hands are permanently locked to allow them to "hug" their knees when placed in a seated position.
Each one measures 12 inches in height, and the set was likely made by the brand Sarco. They're considered rare, so if you still have a set in your collection, hang onto them.
22. Vintage Thanksgiving Greetings Postcard
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Value: $120.50
Bottom line: It's remarkable how valuable a simple piece of paper can be. This vintage postcard was made in 1945, reading "Thanksgiving Greetings, Aloha from Hawaii."
It's impossible to buy a card just like it today, and it was in perfect condition when it was sold, so the high price tag is understandable.
21. Vintage Mark Roberts Large Happy Thanksgiving Elf
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Value: $124.99
Bottom line: Santa, is that you? Santa Claus has been described before as a jolly old elf, and we'd like to think he spends November dressed up exactly like this.
The cheerful, eight-inch elf figurine was made by Mark Roberts in 2011 and was sold with its original tag.
20. Don Featherstone Blow Mold Turkey
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Value: $129
Bottom line: Union Products haven't produced blow mold figures for years, so this piece is incredibly tough to find. Made in the 1980s, this blow mold turkey is a full two feet tall and was sold with a working light cord and bulb.
Many vintage blow molds are faded or cracked since they were designed to be outdoor decorations. This one, however, was never used outside, so its color is bright, and it has no signs of wear or weathering.
It was also signed by the designer, Don Featherstone.
19. Norcrest Thanksgiving Pilgrims Salt and Pepper Shakers
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Value: $132.50
Bottom line: Norcrest made more than one style of Thanksgiving salt and pepper shakers, often featuring Pilgrims dressed up in traditional costumes. This pair from the 1950s was sold with a few minor chips, but otherwise is in excellent condition.
It could easily be used to serve seasonings, but the set is cute enough to set out just for decoration.
18. Vintage House of Hatten Pilgrim Set
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Value: $139
Bottom line: The reason this vintage set is so pricy is apparent almost immediately. First, it was made in 1995. Second, the 15-inch Thanksgiving decorations were carved and painted by hand.
There are some minor areas of discoloration, but the seller wasn't sure if that was a design choice or wear due to age.
17. Bethany Lowe Thanksgiving Boy
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Value: $139.95
Bottom line: Bethany Lowe was the queen of coming up with eclectic, whimsical holiday decorations. Measuring approximately 11 1/2 inches tall, the folk art-themed piece features a sailor boy riding a large turkey.
While the image shows other decorations, the price of nearly $140 only included the cheerful little boy and his turkey companion.
16. Huge 40-Inch Turkey Yard Decoration
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Value: $149.99
Bottom line: This Thanksgiving decoration is a little confusing, to be honest. Why would a turkey want to dress up like a Pilgrim? Maybe he's trying to get an invitation to dinner instead of being on the menu?
Either way, the stuffed turkey was meant to be a yard or patio decoration. Unlike most Thanksgiving collectibles, he's huge, measuring 40 inches in height.
15. Queens Myott Thanksgiving Turkey Plates
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Value: $150
Bottom line: What makes one set of Thanksgiving plates more valuable than another is somewhat of a mystery. The brand and materials of each set has some influence on its worth, however.
This set of six Thanksgiving plates was made in the United Kingdom of fine porcelain. Even with some small imperfections in the glaze along the edge, the set sold for $150.
14. Vintage Byers' Choice Native American Carolers Set
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Value: $160
Bottom line: Byers' Choice was famous for their sets of collectible carolers. They made all kinds of different carolers during the 1990s and early 2000s. This set was made in 2004, including two 13-inch Native Americans singing their hearts out.
The woman is holding real miniature pottery, and the man has a tiny bow and arrow. The attention to detail is one of the main reasons these collectibles have held their value so well.
13. Vintage Johnson Brothers Home for Thanksgiving Platter
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Value: $169
Bottom line: While this looks more like a Christmas scene than a Thanksgiving one at first glance, upon closer inspection, you'll notice a large turkey standing front and center.
The snowy scene was titled "Home for Thanksgiving" by Johnson Brothers, a British tableware manufacturer that was founded in 1883 and discontinued production in 2015.
The 20-inch platter was made to serve turkey on, and we think it would be a charming addition to the middle of a holiday table.
12. Vintage Thanksgiving Turkey Blow Mold
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Value: $174.99
Bottom line: Blow molds were super popular in the 1990s and earlier, mostly because their light-up, slightly transparent design was so appealing.
Despite having some mild paint loss on top of the turkey's head, the vintage Thanksgiving decoration was designed by Don Featherstone and still works like a dream.
11. Vintage Turkey Yard Art
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Value: $194.99
Bottom line: This hilarious yet slightly tragic sign was designed by the Winfield Collection and painted by hand by the seller.
It's nearly three feet tall and two feet wide, and was sealed with non-yellowing polyshield to protect the festive fall sign from the elements.
10. Vintage Royal Doulton Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Plates
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Value: $199
Bottom line: The most expensive Thanksgiving dinner plate set we came across, these vibrant, blue plates were likely made in the 1940s or 1950s.
Made by the Royal Doulton company, each one measures 10.25 inches and features several Thanksgiving turkeys.
Due to their price, the four plates are intended for display rather than to eat off of.
9. Byers' Choice Pilgrim Carolers
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Value: $199.99
Bottom line: We already covered Byers' Choice Native American carolers, so we couldn't leave their Pilgrim friends behind.
This set of two 13-inch carolers was made in 1996. It has been retired for nearly 20 years, so buying a new set like this is nearly impossible.
If only the set actually made music, because the woman is clearly going all out in the Thanksgiving caroling department.
8. Vintage Thanksgiving Candy Container
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Value: $225.99
Bottom line: Made in Germany in the 1950s, this brightly colored turkey is six inches tall and ready to hold as much candy as he can gobble up.
The vintage candy container has metal feet and a plaster body and was sold in excellent vintage condition.
7. Mason's English Ironstone Turkey Serving Platter
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Value: $234.50
Bottom line: The main reason this Thanksgiving serving platter is worth so much is that it dates back to the 1930s. The turkey platter measures 19 inches by 15 inches and has little sign of use.
Made by Mason's English Ironstone, it's a rare piece that's for serious Thanksgiving decoration collectors only.
6. Vintage Stained Glass Tiffany-Style Turkey Lamp
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Value: $245
Bottom line: For a Thanksgiving decoration that literally glows, pick up a vintage, stained glass turkey lamp. This 12-inch, Tiffany-style light was made in the 1990s and was sold on eBay in mint condition.
When the lamp is turned on, the entire turkey glows in warm jewel tones to add ambiance and coziness to any Thanksgiving collection.
5. Vintage Folk Art Thanksgiving Straw Turkey Centerpiece
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Value: $295
Bottom line: We're not going to lie. At first, we thought this was a kid's macaroni art project from preschool.
Upon closer examination, we realized how detailed and cool it really is. A piece of vintage folk art, this turkey centerpiece is made entirely of straw and real turkey feathers.
It's also massive, measuring 40 inches by 38 inches. A centerpiece of that size would overpower most Thanksgiving tables, so whoever bought it must be preparing a grand banquet.
4. Vintage Rose O'Neill Kewpie and Turkey Single Salt Pepper Shaker
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Value: $332.78
Bottom line: The last salt and pepper shaker on this list is definitely not the least. While only one shaker was included in the listing, it sold for well over $300.
That's because it was made in Germany in the 1930s and features an adorable Kewpie baby with an equally endearing turkey buddy.
We're not sure if the buyer chose to fill it with pepper or salt, but the tiny shaker is one of the cutest Thanksgiving decorations we've come across.
3. Vintage Thanksgiving Blow Mold Set
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Value: $349
Bottom line: Remember that turkey we listed earlier? He has friends (if you can call Pilgrims and turkeys friends, that is). This Don Featherstone complete set is larger than it appears, with the two Pilgrims measuring nearly three feet tall.
The set was sold in good condition and with working light cords for almost $350. The turkey is lucky he's made of plastic, because we're not sure how friendly the Pilgrims would seem if he wasn't.
2. Thanksgiving Christopher Radko Harvest Turkey Centerpiece Cookie Jar
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Value: $388
Bottom line: We've already covered plenty of dishes, but what about cookie jars? Christopher Radko has been designing collectible holiday decorations for decades.
This Thanksgiving cookie jar centerpiece was made in 2002 in a similar style to Radko's other designs from the 1990s.
In pristine condition, the large cookie jar was never used, contributing to its impressive selling price.
1. Vintage Porcelain Modernist Turkey
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Value: $525
Bottom line: Lastly, we have a porcelain turkey from the 1950s. Cmielow, Poland, is famous for their porcelain dinnerware and artwork, and that's exactly where this little turkey is from.
Designed in a modern, minimalistic style, this three-and-a-half-by-five-inch Thanksgiving decoration sold for over $500, making it the most valuable Thanksgiving collectible in the world.
It's amazing that something so small is worth so much.