My Vintage Deer Collection

Discover the timeless charm of vintage Christmas decor with my unique mini deer collection. These adorable fawns, with their oversized eyes and nostalgic appeal, are perfect for adding a touch of retro holiday magic to your holiday decor.  

Over the years, I’ve showcased my mini deer collection as a part of my Christmas decor. I love vintage Christmas decor. It’s been a go-to for me. In recent years, it has taken a prominent place on my living room mantel. Although the surrounding decor has evolved, these deer have remained a constant fixture. Overall, they have stayed the same, although their numbers seem to increase slightly each year.

The collection began with a set of three that was a gift from my grandparents. Initially, I never planned for it to grow, but now it’s certainly more than three! Last I counted I was around 40. (If you’re a collector, you know this is how these things go. Ha!) 

The two tiny deer with the red bows are new additions. I just added them a couple days ago. So you won’t see them in all of these photos. However, I had to add them and snap a few extra pictures.

I discovered that the original set included four pieces: a large standing deer, a larger one sitting/lying down, and two smaller ones in similar poses. Over time, I’ve found many variations. Some adhere closely to this style and vary in size, while others are distinct but maintain the same essence. I’ve also found a handful that are pretty wonky. Some have a bad paint job so their eyes aren’t in the right spot, and some are imbalanced so they won’t stand up straight. These particular deer are my favorites. 

Most are made of hard plastic or celluloid and hollow on the inside. I also own a ceramic pair (that are salt and pepper shakers) and a few made from softer plastic. I don’t adhere to strict rules in collecting; if I feel they belong, they do.

What’s Their History?

These charming deer, often called fawns, are quintessential mid-century Christmas decor, typically labeled as “kitsch.” Popular from the 1950s to the 1970s, these figurines are known for their oversized eyes and endearing expressions. Made from molded hard plastic, they represent the era’s trend of synthetic materials in festive ornaments.

Collectors appreciate these figurines for their vintage appeal and nostalgic value. The large doe-eyed design reflects the period’s preference for cuteness and innocence, a trend evident in toys and cartoons.

Mass-produced during a time when holiday decorations became widely commercialized, plastic was favored for its durability, affordability, and versatility in molding.

Are They Expensive? Rare?

Their value can vary. Factors like condition, size, and design rarity play a role. It’s common to find them unmarked, as many were made by companies that either didn’t brand their products or whose markings have faded.

I usually find them for a few dollars in antique shops, thrift stores, or flea markets. Online, a set might sell for over $50.

I mostly build my collection by chance. I don’t actively seek them out, but I’ll pick one up if I come across it.

Wrap Up

As with all my collections, I don’t fuss over value, rarity, or “correctness.” I simply collect what I love or things that have meaning. In this case, it’s both. This collection is special as it reminds me of my grandparents and childhood Christmases. 

And if you were wondering, I do know which ones were the original three. I marked them with a black dot on the bottom when I started the collection so I’d always remember.

I often get a lot of questions about these deer, so I hope this post has provided some answers! At the very least, it gave you a closer look at my vintage collection and its history. 

Do you have any special Christmas collections? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.

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