Glow Crazy: The Vintage Allure of Christmas Blow Molds

From the factory floor to the front lawn.

Before LEDs took over, blow molds were the stars of holiday cheer, lighting up the holidays in a way no inflatable ever could. Blow mold Christmas decorations emerged on the Christmas decorating scene in the 1960s. Plastic manufacturing advancements allowed mass production of these lightweight, durable, and vibrant holiday decorations. These festive elements became a staple of suburban lawns and homes. Initially marketed as an affordable and weather-resistant alternative to traditional decorations, blow molds quickly gained a devoted following thanks to their colorful designs and cheerful Christmas charm.

They don’t make ’em like they used to—especially if ‘they’ involves a 1960s blow mold factory. 

A handful of notable companies predominantly produced blow molds during their heyday. Empire Plastics, based in North Carolina, was one of the most prolific manufacturers and is perhaps the most recognized name in the blow mold world. Their Santas, snowmen, and nativity scenes defined holiday lawns for decades. General Foam Plastics, also from North Carolina, took over Empire’s molds after they closed, continuing the tradition well into the 2000s. Other key players included Union Products, best known for their famous pink flamingos and seasonal decorations, and TPI Plastics, a Canadian company that brought a distinct style to the market.

The process behind these glowing icons was as clever as the designs themselves. Blow molds are created using blow molding. During this process, heated plastic is poured into a mold and then inflated with air until it takes the desired shape. Once cooled, the hollow figure is removed from the mold and hand-painted with vivid colors, often by skilled artisans. This combination of mechanical precision and hand-finishing gives each piece its unique charm. 

Why Christmas collectors can’t resist blow molds.

Christmas blow molds are proof that the best Christmas decorations are both kitschy and timeless. They are like Christmas carols for your lawn—classic, cheerful, and impossible to ignore. Collectors value pieces in good condition, especially those with original paint and working lights. Rarity is another key factor: specific designs, like oversized Santas or unusual color variations, can fetch higher prices. Additionally, the resurgence of mid-century holiday aesthetics has drawn new enthusiasts to the hobby, further driving the demand for the vintage decor.

From Santa to snowmen, these plastic icons keep the glow of Christmas past alive. The classic depictions of Nativity scenes—including baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the Wise Men, Santa Claus, snowmen, and reindeer, remain popular among collectors and decorators. Candy canes, toy soldiers, and illuminated candles are also staples of vintage blow mold collections. Some designs, like the Empire Santa with his waving hand or General Foam’s friendly snowman, are iconic and instantly recognizable. For collectors, a blow mold’s charm isn’t just in its glow—it’s in the memories it sparks.

While outdoor blow molds often steal the show, tabletop blow mold pieces and light toppers bring the same nostalgic charm indoors. Smaller-scale creations, such as miniature Santas, angels, snowmen, and reindeer, were designed to brighten mantels, dining tables, and holiday displays. Light toppers, often shaped like stars, angels, or even Christmas trees, crown holiday lighting with a touch of vintage flair. Despite their size, these pieces pack a festive punch, proving that blow mold magic isn’t limited to the front yard.

The growing demand for blow molds is lighting up the market.

The market for vintage Christmas blow molds has grown significantly in recent years.  Online platforms like eBay and specialized Facebook groups have made it easier for collectors to connect, buy, and sell pieces, while websites like Blow-Molded and Blow Mold Wiki feature manufacturer histories, the pieces they produced, photo galleries, and wholesale catalogs. Prices for rare or pristine items have risen accordingly, with some fetching hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Seasonal demand also spikes around the holidays, so collectors looking for deals often hunt during the off-season. Unfortunately, hunting for blow molds is like chasing reindeer—just when you think you’ve got one, someone else swoops in with a faster sleigh.

Caring for your blow molds helps keep the glow alive.

Caring for your blow molds is simple: keep them out of the sun, away from the Grinch, and always give them a safe landing spot after the holidays. Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water can remove dirt without damaging paint. Some collectors use specialized paint to restore faded colors, though purists often prefer original finishes. Keeping blow molds in a dry, temperature-controlled environment is essential to prevent warping or cracking. Protecting electrical components, such as bulbs and wiring, ensures safe use year after year.

Collecting vintage blow molds is more than just a holiday hobby—it’s about preserving the glowing warmth of Christmases past. Each piece carries a spark of nostalgia, lighting up your yard, the neighborhood, and the holiday hearts of everyone who sees them.

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