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!
Hey, time-travelers and history hunters! Grab your magnifying glasses and put on your safari hats, because we’re about to journey into an oasis of antiquity – the Antique Society in Sebastopol, CA! This isn’t your typical antique shop; it’s an eclectic community of over 125 dealers under one roof, each showcasing a diverse array of treasures waiting to be discovered.
From the moment you step inside this charming brick and mortar, you’re greeted with an atmosphere that’s as captivating as it is inviting. The air is perfumed with a mix of old wood, time-worn books, and a dash of nostalgia. The sound? Oh, just the soft hum of conversation, punctuated by the delighted gasps of patrons unearthing a hidden gem.
Antique Society specializes in a wide range of categories. Fancy some Victorian-era furniture? They’ve got you covered. On the lookout for vintage jewelry? Look no further. Hunting for mid-century modern decor, retro kitchenware, Pyrex or classic vinyl records? Check, check, and check! The store is laid out in a maze of mini-stores, each dealer curating their space with their unique style and specialty. It’s like hopping between different decades with every turn.
Calling All Atomic Age Aficionados!
If you’re wild about mid-century kitsch, you must swing by this jaw-dropping case by dealers YG at Antique Society in Sebastopol! It’s a retro lover’s dream packed to the brim with Holt Howard collectibles, dreamy vintage cameras, vibrant Bakelite jewelry, and all the atomic flair your heart can handle.
Every shelf sparkles with nostalgia, whimsy, and rare finds. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering the charm of the 1950s-60s, this case is pure vintage magic—and an absolute must-visit!
Vintage Easter kitsch ceramics are a charming way to celebrate the holiday with nostalgic flair. From ceramic bunny planters to whimsical 1950s figurines, these delightful collectibles capture the playful spirit of Easter. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, this guide will help you discover, identify, and cherish vintage Easter treasures.
Relpo Blue Bunny Rabbit Planter KH985Rune Naito Kitsch Big Eye Bunny Rabitt LoverPY Miyao Anthropomorphic Bunny Rabbit Salt and Pepper Shakers EasterVintage Easter Kitsch Relpo Easter Bunny Planter
The Timeless Charm of Vintage Easter Collectibles
There’s something irresistible about vintage Easter decor. The bright colors, cheerful designs, and pure whimsy bring back memories of a simpler time. If you’re looking to infuse your Easter display with nostalgic charm, here are some must-have collectibles.
Yasmina Greco with her Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection
Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year!! I have a great post for you all today; Vintage Christmas Noel Sets: The Ultimate 5 Tips for Collectors for collecting Noel figurines and candle holders from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, Holt-Howard.
That feeling of festivity and joy that comes with this time of year can be attributed to many things, but one of them surely has to be all the vintage kitschy decorations.
Vintage 1950s NOEL Angel Girl Bells – Japan
For me, one of my favorite things to do is pull out the vintage Chirstmas NOEL sets that I have been collecting for years and display these treasures as I get my home ready for Christmas.
If you love a touch of nostalgia with some Mid-Century flair then you’ll want to curl up with your cocoa and read our new blog post on Collecting Vintage Christmas: Noel Sets for tips on buying, selling, and searching for these treasures.
Today’s blog post features some of my vintage Noel collection that dates from the 1950s-1960s and features Noel candle holders, Noel bells, and Noel figurines.
When it comes to vintage Noel collectibles there are so many varieties and themes from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, and even Clowns, that there really is something for everyone and you can easily have a theme each year for your holiday decorating too!!
Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders
Holt-Howard’s vintage Noel angel girl candleholders are cherished mid-century collectibles known for their whimsical charm and festive flair. These ceramic figurines, dressed in white robes adorned with gold star accents, hold red letters that spell out “NOEL” across the set with green tops to insert candles. Their expressive faces and intricate details embody the nostalgic appeal of 1950s and 1960s holiday décor.
Highly sought after by collectors, these pieces can command prices ranging from $800 to $1,500+, depending on condition. When acquiring them, it’s important to inspect for any damage, particularly to delicate areas like necks, letters, halos, candleholders, and ensure the detailing remains intact and not chipped, cracked, or repaired.
This beautiful pristine set of Holt Howard Noel Candleholders is available now on at my shop Crazy4MeStyle
Holt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa CollectionHolt-Howard Starry Eyed Santa Salt and Pepper Shakers
In our exclusive, best Holt-Howard Christmas collectible insider guide, learn why these ceramics are so collectible and why prices are skyrocketing for these treasures.
Holt-Howard’s vintage Christmas collectibles are renowned for their captivating charm and nostalgic allure, transporting us to a bygone era of festive celebrations. Join us in uncovering the stories behind these cherished pieces and learn how to build your own remarkable collection.
COLLECTOR’S ALERT! As of March 4, 2025, a Holt Howard Noel Santa set identical to the one pictured in our collection has been listed on Etsy (not my listing) for a staggering $3,995!
These rare mid-century treasures continue to skyrocket in value, making Antique Harvest’s curated collection not just nostalgic finds, but potential investment pieces. Stop by to see this coveted set in person before serious collectors snap up these increasingly scarce holiday icons!
I have a blog post about collecting Holt-Howard Pixieware you can read that has information and some history about the Holt-Howard company and how it started, why they moved their ceramic manufacturing to Japan and has some neat pictures of the famous Holt-Howard Pixieware collectibles if you want to learn a little bit about the company.
Last week we published post number 1 in our Vintage Christmas Collecting Series on collecting vintage NOEL sets and this week’s post is all about collecting Holt-Howard Christmas goodies so grab your favorite beverage, sit back and relax as I share some of my favorite Holt-Howard collectibles with you.
Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders
Holt-Howard’s vintage Noel angel girl candleholders are the queens of kitschy Christmas charm! Dressed in snowy white robes sprinkled with golden starbursts, each sweet cherub proudly holds a red letter to spell out “NOEL,” topped with a festive green candleholder. With their wide-eyed expressions, blushing cheeks, and mid-century magic, they’re the ultimate throwback to 1950s-60s holiday cheer.
Collectors go crazy for these iconic cuties and sets in great condition can fetch $800 to $1,800 or more! When hunting for your own heavenly set, keep an eye out for flawless halos, intact letters, and un-chipped candleholders.
This beautiful pristine set of Holt Howard Noel Candleholders is available now on at my shop Crazy4MeStyle
Mid-Century Modern FurnitureMid-Century Modern at Antique Harvest1960’s Dr. Pepper Bottle Vendolator
If you’re a lover of mid-century modern furniture and design or a collector of kitsch treasures, then these booths at Antique Harvest in Healdsburg, California, are a must-visit. Nestled in the heart of wine country, just 50 miles north of San Francisco.
Antique Harvest offers a curated selection of unique finds that transport you back to the vibrant, innovative, and downright fun styles of the 1950s and 60s. Here’s a sneak peek of the Mid-Century and what you can discover.
A Blast from the Past: Mid-Century Modern Iconic Furniture Pieces
One of the standout pieces is an original 1950s-1960s pole lamp, complete with colorful beehive lamp shades that still work perfectly. This lamp is a quintessential example of the era’s playful yet functional design and is sure to be a conversation starter in any room.
Antique Harvest Healdsburg Mid-Century Modern
For those who appreciate the sleek lines and vibrant colors of mid-century furniture, don’t miss the 1950s cherry red chrome table and chairs. This set is not just visually stunning; it’s also a nostalgic nod to the diners and kitchens that defined the period.
And if you’re looking for something truly unique, my 1960s heating table is a functional piece of history that’s perfect for entertaining.
The Perfect Display: Mid-Century Modern Hutch
Every collector needs a stylish way to display their treasures, and my mid-century modern hutch is the perfect solution. Its sleek, minimalist design makes it ideal for showcasing a range of items, from atomic barware and Franciscan starburst dish sets to vintage Pyrex dishes.
The hutch’s clean lines and subtle elegance will make it a focal point in any room, allowing your collection to shine.
Colorful Collectibles: Ice Buckets, Tumblers, and More
If you’re a fan of the era’s colorful and quirky kitchenware, you’ll love the selection of mid-century ice buckets, tumblers, and coffee carafes. These items are not only functional but also add a vibrant splash of color to your home.
Whether you’re hosting a retro-themed party or simply love the aesthetics of the 50s and 60s, these pieces are sure to delight.
Art and Photography: Pinup and Racing Classics
No mid-century collection is complete without some eye-catching artwork. this booth features fabulous pinup art that captures the glamour and allure of the era.
In addition, there’s a selection of 60s race car photos that are perfect for car enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates the high-energy vibe of the time.
Vintage Cameras: A Rainbow of Polaroids and More
For the photography buffs, the collection of fully rebuilt Polaroid cameras is a must-see. Available in a rainbow of colors, these cameras are not just for display—they’re ready to use! Alongside the Polaroids, there are an array of iconic Kodak cameras and more from the 40s-60s. These cameras are a beautiful blend of form and function, making them a fantastic addition to any collection.
Showcase of Kitsch: Pyrex, Catherineholm, and Kitschy Christmas
The showcase is a kitsch lover’s dream. It’s a fabulous showcase full of Pyrex, Catherineholm Lotus bowls, and a variety of kitschy Christmas items from Holt Howard to Santa mugs.
The festive, playful designs of these pieces bring a sense of nostalgia and joy, making them perfect for holiday decorating or year-round cheer.
Visit Us Today!
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey into the world of mid-century modern and kitsch, the booths at Antique Harvest in Healdsburg are packed with treasures waiting to be discovered.
Each piece has been carefully selected for its authenticity, quality, and charm. Come by and take a step back in time—you might just find the perfect piece to complete your collection.
Don’t miss out on these fantastic finds—visit Antique Harvest today and explore the vibrant world of mid-century modern and kitsch!
More of our previous posts about antiques in Northern California
