The Best Books and Guides for Vintage Mid-Century Collectors

Ready to become an antiques aficionado? Look no further than the experts’ books available on antiques, vintage Christmas, kitschy mid-century modern artifacts and collectibles! So start exploring this fascinating world filled with nostalgia and tradition today! Here are a few titles worth checking out:

Vintage Robots and Tin Toys Collector Book Resources

Space age tin toys and robots captured the imagination of a mid-century generation enthralled by space exploration. These highly collectible toys are now prized by vintage toy collectors and Mid-Century Modern enthusiasts alike. If you’re interested in collecting space age tin toys and just starting out, here are some really good books to get you started that full of photos and information.

1000 Tin Toys by Teruhisa Kitahara

Robots. Spaceships and other Tin Toys by Teruhisa Kitahara

Robots: Tin Toy Dreams by T. Kitahara

*Please note that if you purchase from clicking on one of the links, I will get a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this blog going.

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Christmas Traditions to Make the Season Merry and Bright

Vintage Aluminum Christmas Tree
Vintage Aluminum Christmas Tree and Holt Howard Cozy Kittens Sweater

It’s that special time of year again for Christmas traditions to make the season merry and bright! The time when families all over the world come together to celebrate the holidays. For many, that means decorating the tree, stringing up lights, and spending time with loved ones.

There are so many wonderful Christmas traditions that have been enjoyed for generations. While some traditions have fallen by the wayside, others have endured and remain popular today. What matters most is spending time with loved ones and creating new memories that will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas!

Why Traditions Matter

There’s something special about the holiday season. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and everyone is in a good mood. Part of what makes the holidays so magical is all of the traditions that come along with them. From decorating the Christmas tree, shopping for vintage Christmas decorations, baking cookies, to attending holiday parties, these traditions are what make the holidays so unique. But why are traditions so important? Keep reading to find out!

Traditions Bring Families Together

One of the best things about traditions is that they bring families together. I especially enjoy going with my husband, nieces, moms, sister, and brother-in-law out searching for the perfect vintage Christmas decorations at local antique malls. It fills me with nostalgia because I always think about who the person and family were that had these treasures before me, did they also look for these decorations as a family, what were they like and if they passed them down each generation like we do now.

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Top Vintage Santa Value Tips: Determine Worth Easily

Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa Collection
Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa Collection

Don’t miss the opportunity to acquire a coveted Santa or Holt-Howard Christmas decor this season or determine the value of your existing collection! With prices for in-demand items set to rise, it’s the perfect time to strategize your holiday shopping or assess your Starry Eyed Santas’ worth. Use our latest Christmas Price Guide to kickstart your search or valuation process. In this post, we spotlight the charming Starry Eyed Santa, a must-have piece featuring its iconic atomic Starry Eyes. Discover pricing and availability details below to enhance your festive decorations or evaluate your current collection. Enjoy the holiday season!

Welcome to the vintage Christmas collecting series. If you’d like to review our multi-part guide you can find that here and learn about vintage Christmas collectibles from the 1950s-1960s.

Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa Collection
Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa Collection

Starry Eyed Santa

You can’t have Christmas without Santa Claus and there is no Santa as whimsical and charming as the Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa line of Christmas ceramics. It’s easy to see why, with his amusing charm, Mid-Century atomic starburst eyes, merry whiskers, and gold flecks, Santa Claus exudes wonderful kitschy cuteness, and many can’t wait to grow their collections with this range. The Starry-Eyed Santa has always been incredibly collectible and highly desired by collectors but this year his popularity has dramatically increased, and prices have skyrocketed.

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The Joy of Collecting Vintage Napco Christmas Angels

There’s something magical about the holiday season, with its twinkling lights, festive music, and nostalgic decorations. Among the many vintage treasures that bring charm and warmth to the season. The joy of collecting vintage Napco Christmas angels holds a special place in the hearts of collectors.

One of the most sought-after and beloved Napco figurines are the enchanting Candy Cane Angels. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Napco, the art of collecting vintage Napco Christmas figurines, and the timeless appeal of Candy Cane Angels.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for Napco devotees, that is! While many people associate the holiday season with Santa Claus, reindeer, and evergreen trees, for us, it’s all about collecting vintage Napco ceramics. From angelic figurines to jolly Santa mugs, there’s nothing that gets us into the Christmas spirit quite like a little bit of retro kitsch.

But what exactly is Napco ceramicware, and why is it so collectible? In short, Napco ceramics are beautiful examples of mid-century American craftsmanship. Produced by the National Potteries Corporation (or “Napco” for short), these pieces were designed in the 1950s and 1960s and were mass-produced for use in homes across the country.

Today, they’re highly sought-after by collectors for their clean lines, pastel colors, and Atomic Age imagery.

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Kitschmas 101: Best Tips to Collecting Mid-Century Christmas

Kitschmas 101 Collecting
Kitschmas 101 Collecting

Learn how your passion for mid-century modern can be turned into a hobby with the right knowledge and tools. This Kitschmas 101: The Best Tips to Collecting Mid-Century Christmas guide will teach you how to get started collecting vintage, kitschy holiday decor.

It’s that time of year again! The holidays are upon us and you know what that means… it’s time to dust off your collection of kitschmas figurines! For the uninitiated, kitschmas figurines are those adorable little statues or trinkets that depict festive scenes or characters.

They’re often made of ceramic or plastic, and they’re just begging to be collected! If you’re new to the world of collecting kitschmas figurines, don’t worry – this guide will teach you everything you need to know.

Kitschmas Figurines

Yasmina Greco and her Kitschmas Collectibles
Yasmina Greco and her Kitschmas Collectibles

The first thing you need to know about collecting vintage kitschmas figurines is that there is no wrong way to do it. Items from the 1950s-1960s typically fall into the vintage kitschmas category.

Whether you collect a specific type of figurine (e.g. only snowmen, shiny brite ornaments, tinsel trees, shopper girls, Santa’s, pixie elves, or angels), or you just buy whatever catches your eye, it’s all up to you! There are, however, a few tips and tricks that all collectors should keep in mind.

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Cashing in on Coffee: Prices Soar for Starbucks Coffee Mugs

Attention, coffee lovers and collectors! Prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure as we delve into the world of Starbucks City Coffee Mugs with “Cashing in on Coffee: Prices Soar for Starbucks Coffee Mugs.” This global phenomenon has coffee enthusiasts and collectors buzzing with excitement. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind these alluring mugs and unveil how they’ve transformed into a must-have treasure for Starbucks fans across the globe.

The first City collection was introduced in 1995 and was the ‘Icon Series’ followed by the ‘Collage Series’ and then the ‘Skyline Series’. Now there is the jumbo-sized ‘City Mugs Series’.

At the time of writing this article, my research uncovered a 2010 auction where a rare 1994 Starbucks City Mug from Minneapolis St. Paul sold for a staggering $1,500. There are also whispers of a prior sale fetching $2,000. In 2004, a woman splurged over $1,000 to acquire a Starbucks City Mug. In 2009, an eBay auction saw a 1994 New Orleans 20 oz. mug, featuring a Bourbon Street sign, sell for more than $528.00. Another auction saw the same city’s mug go for over $800! Presently, there’s a 1994 New Orleans Starbucks City Mug listed on eBay with a price tag of $645.00.

Shop Coffee Time Collection

Shop Coffee Time Collection

The initial rendition of the Starbucks Coffee Istanbul mug is quite a rare find and boasts a fascinating design featuring the Evil Eye, a symbol prevalent in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. Currently, there’s an Istanbul mug listed on eBay for a cool $499.00! Another intriguing item is the Starbucks Barcelona 1994 Series Prototype City Mug, also available on eBay for $499.00. What makes this particular Barcelona mug so sought-after is its rarity as a 14oz. prototype, deviating from the standard 16oz. size, and its unique blank bottom.

The Allure of Starbucks City Coffee Mugs
Starbucks City Coffee Mugs are not just your ordinary coffee cups. These limited-edition collectibles showcase beautiful designs inspired by iconic landmarks and vibrant cityscapes from around the world. Each mug is a piece of art, capturing the essence of a city and its unique charm. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of Kyoto, these mugs offer a chance to explore different cultures and bring a piece of the world to your morning coffee routine.

The Thrill of the Chase:
One of the most exhilarating aspects of collecting Starbucks City Coffee Mugs is the thrill of the chase. As new designs are released periodically, collectors must be quick to get their hands on these limited-edition treasures. The excitement of hunting down a particular mug or completing a series becomes an addictive pursuit, making each addition to your collection a rewarding experience.

The Joy of Discovery:
Another exhilarating part of collecting Starbucks City Coffee Mugs is the joy of discovering hidden gems. Some mugs may be rarer than others, making the hunt even more thrilling. Imagine stumbling upon a long-sought-after design or finding a rare, discontinued mug at a local thrift store – the feeling of triumph is simply unbeatable! Plus, with the ever-growing popularity of the Starbucks City Coffee Mug series, you never know when a new favorite design will be unveiled.

The Community Connection:
Collecting Starbucks City Coffee Mugs is not just about the mugs themselves but also about connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Sharing your collection on social media, joining online forums, and participating in swap events are all fantastic ways to bond with other collectors. You’ll find a supportive, passionate community that shares your love for these captivating coffee cups, making your collecting journey even more enjoyable.

Starbucks Coffee T-shirt

Shop Coffee Time Collection

If you have been collecting the Starbucks City Mugs your collection at auction can net you some amazingly high dollars! Right now on eBay there is a listing for ‘48 Starbucks Skyline Series City Mugs Made in 2000’ and the current price is $10,000 and includes all these mugs: Alaska, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Calgary w/ inscription, Canada, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Headquarters, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Montreal, Napa Valley, New Orleans, New York w/ large logo, Niagara Falls, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pike Place Market w/ inscription, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco w/ large logo, Seattle w/ sea plane, St. Louis, St. Paul, Tampa, Toronto w/ & w/out inscription, Vancouver w/ inscription, Victoria w/ inscription, Washington D.C.

Starbucks City Coffee Mugs have taken the world by storm, capturing the hearts of coffee lovers and collectors alike. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, the excitement and sense of adventure that comes with collecting these mugs is unmatched. So, go ahead and embark on this thrilling treasure hunt, and who knows, you might just find the next gem to add to your growing collection!

Starbucks Coffee Shirt

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In short, your Starbucks mugs can worth a lot of money so don’t throw them out or get rid of them. Do a little research to determine the value and keep them safe from damage and stains. You could be collecting your way to Big Bucks!!

 

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http://chickyjava.blogspot.com/2011/01/starbucks-mugs-from-around-world.html

Crazy4MeStyle Coffee Collection

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