Discover the rare and whimsical world of Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs Polar Bears—adorable 1950s collectibles that include salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes, pitchers, and more. Grab a hot cocoa, cuddle up in your coziest cardigan, and get ready to tumble down a frosty vintage rabbit hole! Today, I’m sharing one of the cutest, and rarest mid-century marvels ever to grace the kitchen scene, the elusive Holt-Howard Kitchen Cubs Polar Bear series.
Now if you’ve been collecting for a while, you already know Holt-Howard was the king of kitschy-cute, with starry-eyed Santas, Pixieware jars galore. But in 1958, Holt-Howard briefly tiptoed into Arctic territory, releasing a charming little line of polar bear-themed kitchen accessories that are now so rare, some collectors don’t even know they exist!
Let’s break the (thin) ice on these chilly cuties, and I’ll share the scoop on what they are, why they’re special, and what to look for if you’re lucky enough to spot one out in the vintage wild.
What Are the Kitchen Cubs?
The Kitchen Cubs were part of Holt-Howard’s last known animal-themed kitchen series, and rumor has it they were created to celebrate the buzz around Alaska becoming a U.S. state in 1959. Imagine: ceramic polar bears perched on icy icebergs, ready to serve up your sugar, butter, and salt with a wink and a scarf.
These frosty little treasures were as whimsical as they were functional—full of mid-century charm and clever design. But here’s the twist: the Kitchen Cubs Polar Bears were part of a limited test production, meaning many never made it beyond the prototype or salesman sample stage. I
t’s believed there are just 10 unique pieces in the series—or 14 if you count the pairs. The ones that did make it into the world? They’re about as rare as a sunny day at the North Pole—and twice as delightful to discover!
Meet the Cubs: Pieces in the Series
Here are some confirmed frosty finds from the Kitchen Cubs family:
- Salt & Pepper Shakers: One cub sits, one cub stands, and both look like they’re about to giggle. They wear little blue scarves, sit on chunky iceberg bases, and even chatter thanks to built-in noisemakers!
- Notepad Holder: Holding a mini clipboard that says “Bear in Mind” (adorable!), this cub used to come with a striped pad and pencil. It’s the mid-century memo-taker you didn’t know you needed.
- String Holder: With a mouth made for string and polka-dot scarf flair, this cub was ready to hang by your kitchen phone, always on call.
- Butter Dish (“Butter Berg”): This cub lounges on an icy slab with a face so sweet, you’ll want to spread him on toast.
- Thermal Egg Cups with Salt & Pepper: Even the breakfast nook got a polar makeover—tiny shakers and cups to keep your eggs warm and your morning magical.
- Napkin Holder: There’s also talk of a Napkin Holder in the Kitchen Cubs lineup—but it’s the stuff of collector legend. I haven’t seen one surface on the market yet… does it actually exist? If you happen to have one (or even a photo!), please send it my way—I’d be over the moon to see proof of this frosty unicorn!
How to Spot a Real Kitchen Cub
Think you’ve stumbled upon one of these chilly charmers? Here are a few frosty facts to help you verify:
- No Holt-Howard Mark: Most of these were never backstamped. If you don’t see the classic HH logo, don’t panic! Many just had a small paper “Japan” sticker—or nothing at all.
- Iceberg Base: Most Kitchen Cubs are perched on a sculpted ceramic iceberg. But, some of the shakers are found without their ice bergs like a set I have.
- Blue Polka-Dot Scarves: These cubs had flair! Look for soft blue scarves, often with little black polka dots.
- Facial Features: Sweet eyes, pink ears, a wide smile, and that signature Holt-Howard twinkle.
Collector Tips & Market Value
Because these chilly little cubs are so rare, they often fetch top dollar. The prices below reflect actual sold listings on eBay as of June 14, 2025, offering a snapshot of their current market value.
- Salt & pepper shaker sets: $750+
- String holder and scissor set: $750
- Egg cup sets: $3,900
- Pitcher: $2,600
- Ashtray and Match Holder set: $4,298
- Butter Berg: $1,700
- Sugar Bowl & Creamer Set: $795
That said, pricing can skyrocket for pristine condition or complete sets. Keep an eye on estate sales, antique malls, and (if you’re really lucky) grandma’s kitchen cabinets!
Final Thread in the Scarf
Holt-Howard’s Kitchen Cubs are a perfect storm of rarity, charm, and mystery. They’re a collector’s dream, a conversation starter, and a reminder that even in the bustling atomic kitchens of the 1950s, there was room for a little snow-day whimsy.
So next time you’re out treasure hunting and spot a tiny white bear perched on an iceberg, stop and take a closer look—you just might have found one of the last polar cubs from Holt-Howard’s magical menagerie.
Until next time—stay kitschy, stay cozy, and may your shelves be forever frosty!
Love all things Holt-Howard? Be sure to follow along for more vintage charm and check out other favorites like Holt-Howard Pixieware Haven: The Best Tips for Collectors!
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Photos are from my collection and Pinterest.