These Adorable Vintage Santa Mugs Are Back in Style and We'll Take a Thousand
Calling all collectors: It's time to take those vintage Santa mugs out of storage! The adorable, kitschy cups you know and love are back in style in a big way, and not just because Christmas is just around the corner. New versions of the classic design are cropping up at major retailers and mom-and-pop stores alike, and on social media, proud owners are already happily flaunting their wares.
So, what's the deal with these cute collectibles—and why are they winning over our hearts once again?
Believe it or not, your favorite Santa-themed tableware was first introduced all the way back in 1949. That's when Grant Holt, Robert Howard, and John Howard came together to start the Holt-Howard Company with the help of a $9,000 loan from their families. The three college friends (Robert and John were brothers) launched the company with a line of fun Christmas table décor, and did most of their business via department stores and catalogues.
Nowadays, if you're lucky enough to come across one of the original mugs, you should be able to verify its legitimacy fairly quickly: Most Holt-Howard products are marked with a clear date and copyright. (Alternatively, you might find a foil label reading "HH Japan"; the three founders moved some of their production to Japan in the mid-1950s.)
Since these mugs were originally mass-produced, it shouldn't be too difficult to find vintage versions at your local Christmas store or thrift store. But our recommendation would be to check Etsy, where there are almost always several available.
Then again, if you're just in it for the general look and feel of the antiques, we suggest you skip the thrifting experience and opt instead for checking out the more recent on the market. Available at nearly all your favorite retailers (from Amazon to Walmart!), the Christmas decorations just as nice to look at—but a whole lot easier to source. If you don't want to drink out of them, place them on your mantel, fill them with holly, or give them as Christmas presents. The possibilities are endless!
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