Call them gitchy.
Call them nostalgic.
Whatever you call them…we just can’t get enough vintage Santa mugs. These 1960’s Christmas favorites have made a big comeback this season with several large retailers featuring the jolly old fella as a retro remake.
The original Santa mug was designed by ceramic manufacturer Holt-Howard. The Holt-Howard company hit its stride with the production of these mid-century Christmas favorites which included the iconic Winking Santa mug, Merry Whiskers, Starry-Eyed Santa, cookie jars, candle holders, vases and giftware.
Holt-Howard was one of the first companies to send their production overseas in an effort to lower expenses. Many of the markings on Holt-Howard ceramics include the word Japan, signaling where the piece was made.
Although highly collectible, the Holt-Howard Santa mugs were made in such large quantities that the pieces today are easy to find and inexpensive to acquire. Most were sold as an entire beverage set originally, but sold individually today. If you are a savvy collector and have the ability to score the entire set – go for it!
Santa mugs have really neved faded since they were first introduced 60 years ago, and a number of similar designs have been introduced over the years, from Macy’s to Dollar Tree.
The popularity of the Santa mugs in the 1960s is making a big resurgence today with large retailers like Target, World Market, Pier 1 and Michael’s featuring similar mugs this year. And just like Holt-Howard, these ceramic pieces are once again easy to find and inexpensive!
Christmas Gal Maureen first started her collection by mistake; stumbling upon a Christmas in July sale at the local Goodwill where she scored her first six mugs for just 25 cents each!
None of these thrift store finds were Holt-Howard mugs, but over the years, she has added to the collection. Most of the post-1960s mugs were in some way inspired by the originial Holt-Howard designs.
With just a few dollars and a keen eye for vintage or vintage-inspired mugs at antique stores, thrift stores or at large retailers, your mug collection can start right away.
Need more inspiration or ideas? Check out our Holt-Howard inspired Pinterest Board!
