Are you looking for a new addition to your traditional Christmas decor? After much digging, I'm making a case for this 100-year-old German tradition that is the answer to all my whimsical, folky Christmas dreams.
Sure, we all know the Christmas decorating classics: tree ornaments, fairy lights, pine cones, Christmas wreaths, and Christmas garlands, but have you ever considered a putz house or two?
The charm of the vintage Christmas decor trend isn't fading just yet, so I've been on the hunt for something sugary sweet, and totally retro to add to my collection of paper garlands, mercury baubles, and icicle tinsel. Here, I'm making a case for the return of putz houses.
What is a 'putz house'?
So I'm sure you're wondering what is a 'putz house' anyway?
These miniature festive houses hail from Germany and became popular in the early 20th century, around 100 years ago. Designed to look like little festive European homes with pitched roofs and pretty decor, the name comes from the German word putzen, which means 'to decorate' or 'to adorn'.
Usually around 5-10 inches tall, the original versions were typically handmade using paper or cardboard and accessorized with glitter to create a nostalgic Christmas village to display on the mantel, window, or under the tree. When you bring a cluster of them together, they create an enchanting, magical display that is perfect for capturing that cozy, vintage Christmas vibe we're all seeking.
Today, you'll find them made from paper, ceramic, or wood and can pick them up from Target for as little as $5, shop handcrafted versions from small sellers, or go all out and score this rare Complete set of 8 Christmas Putz Houses at 1st Dibs that is currently selling for just under $7,000. Here are a few of my favorites I have found to shop now in time for Christmas.
Surprisingly, Amazon have a great selection of handmade putz houses from small sellers including this pretty pink townhouse complete with miniature red bows. I want to move in.
Dating from the early 1940s and made in the U.S.A, these four vintage putz houses depict a snowy chalet scheme and are in great condition. They might be tiny and a little fragile, but nothing does it like the real thing.
This light-up LED paper house from Target is just as sweet as its vintage counterparts. I love the soft green color scheme and mini car, this will cast a warm glow from your mantel once you add the included batteries.
Super sturdy thanks to being made from clay, these intricately decorated village houses from Pottery Barn are finished with a hint of glitter and gingerbread-style trim. They also have LED bulbs fitted inside.
Another rare vintage find, these 6 little pink, blue, and white glittered houses hail from 1950s Japan (the seller has noted a stamp on the bottom). Sure, shopping vintage isn't budget-friendly, but they're so irresistibly charming.
For a more contemporary take, the team at Terrain has adorned this large faux foliage wreath with tiny, colorful paper putz houses and brush trees for a really cheerful addition to your front door.
MacKenzie-Childs home decor is always hand-crafted and hand-painted, so to get this set for just under $90 feels like a good deal. Featuring her signature check print, they're a lovely mix of old and new charm.
These 2 coordinating houses from Amazon are full of rustic charm. Made from wood, they can be powered with 2AA batteries to glow from within. I love the bottle trees and soft pink roofs.
Finally, if you feel like doing a little DIY, this crafting kit from Anthropologie helps you to build 3 houses, 3 delicately decorated trees, 1 mailbox (for Santa, of course), and a clock. A fun stocking filler for sure.
If you’re looking to add a unique and personal touch to your Christmas decorations, putz houses might just be the missing piece you've been looking for. Beyond just being super cute, they embody a rich heritage of craftsmanship and will bring a sense of warm nostalgia to your home.
