Exploring the Vintage Charm of Modern Blow Mold Christmas Decorations

When it comes to blow mold Christmas decorations, the saying “everything old is new again” couldn’t be more true. This mid-century Christmas decoration staple is enjoying renewed interest.

Christmas blow mold decorations have sometimes had their critics, but their vintage appeal and and whimsical designs are charming a new generation of Christmas enthusiasts.

While these diminutive plastic decorations represent a variety of lawn art and holiday motifs, Christmas blow molds are among the most popular. Classic designs feature Santa, reindeer, candles, snowmen, toy soldiers and other familiar Christmas figures.

You’ve probably seen or even owned blow mold decorations, but if you’re in doubt, let’s consider a few relevant points.

Blow molds are the common term for hollow plastic decorations created through a plastic injection molding process called blow molding.

Blow mold technology involves filling a hollow steel tube with melted plastic and injecting it into a steel mold. Then, compressed air pushes the plastic into a mold and inflates it like a balloon, creating a thin-walled, seamless product.

Blow mold decorations typically are formed in a single color and then decorated with paint. They often are lit by one or two incandescent bulbs. Some modern versions are battery-operated.

For decades, blow molding was used primarily to create containers, like plastic milk jugs and squeeze bottles. However, in the 1950s, an artist and industrial designer named Don Featherstone began designing plastic lawn decorations for his employer, Union Products.

One of the first and most iconic of his creations can still be seen on lawns today – the pink flamingo. Originally injection-molded in two pieces, then glued together, the company switched to a blow mold process in the 1970s.

During his career, Featherstone designed more than 600 blow mold lawn decorations. In addition to Christmas blow molds like Santa Claus and a pair of penguins, he designed swan planters, a Halloween vampire and elephant-shaped watering cans.

Blow mold decorations were highly popular in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, but interest began to dwindle when inflatable holiday decorations came along. However, thanks to their durability and a strong sense of nostalgia, blow mold Christmas, Halloween and other decorations have weathered the trends.

Today, it’s common to see Christmas blow molds mixed with other holiday decorations on porches and lawns across America.

You can find vintage blow molds at flea markets, garage sales and estate sales. Collectors prize them and will pay well for unusual designs in good condition.

Many reproductions exist of older designs, making it hard to distinguish vintage blow molds from modern decorations. Newer blow mold decorations are made, decorated and lit nearly the same way as those made 60 years ago.

However, there are a few ways to identify vintage blow molds from newer decorations. For instance, older blow mold decorations may have a date stamped into the bottom, while stickers with barcodes are a sure sign the decoration was made after the 1970s. Just remember that plastic decorations made even 30 years ago could be considered “classic.”

Blow mold decorations intended to be displayed outdoors may show signs of wear, like chipped or sun-faded paint.

Old electrical plugs are another giveaway of a vintage blow mold. Then again, it isn’t unusual to discover an old decoration with updated wiring.

Just as people may debate the merits of white lights over multi-colored Christmas lights, or real vs. artificial Christmas trees, Christmas decoration enthusiasts also battle over blow molds vs. inflatable lawn decor.

Here are some advantages of Christmas blow mold decorations:

• Blow molding is a relatively inexpensive process that can produce many products quickly. Blow mold decorations are known for their durability and longevity. Made from high-quality plastic, they often last for decades, maintaining their shape and vibrant colors through many holiday seasons.

• The rigid plastic form of a Christmas blow mold holds up to winter snow and ice without sagging or ripping. The hollow decoration can easily be weighted down so they stay upright when it's windy. When stored properly, a blow mold decoration can last for years – even decades.

• Unlike fabric inflatables, you can easily wipe dirt and debris from plastic blow molds. 

There are a few special rules to follow when storing blow mold decorations that don’t apply to Christmas inflatables.

Being rigid, blow mold decorations require more storage space than inflatables, which fold compactly. Store them upright and slightly separated so they don’t rattle or bump together, which could chip or scratch the painted design.

Also, don’t keep blow molds in an attic or beneath the eaves in your garage, where they could melt in intense summer heat. 

Several blow mold manufacturers have gone out of business through the years, but those that remain continue to make new and reproduction decorations. Blow molds are available through online retailers offering Christmas decor, including right here at Christmas Central!

Christmas Central has several Christmas blow mold decorations in stock now, with more products due to arrive in late September.

With their resurgence in popularity, some blow mold styles sell out quickly. Take a look at what’s in store – and coming to our store – this Christmas!

If the retro look of blow molds doesn't suit your style, we offer plenty more Christmas decorating options that can make a statement on your front lawn. Explore our site to browse inflatables, Christmas lights, lighted figures and other outdoor Christmas decorations. 

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