Rankin/Bass Toys & Collectibles: A Holiday Treasure Hunt
Every December, the stop-motion magic of Rankin/Bass specials flickers back to life on TV screens. From Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to The Year Without a Santa Claus, these whimsical worlds didn’t just stay on the screen — they spilled onto store shelves in the form of toys, figurines, and ornaments that have become prized collectibles.
Action Figures That Brought the Specials Home
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Playing Mantis
Playing Mantis (early 2000s): This line gave fans articulated figures of Rudolph, Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, and Bumble. They were designed for play but quickly became display pieces.
NECA PVC Figurines (2001–2002): Known for detail, NECA captured the Heat Miser and Snow Miser in collectible form, cementing their cult status.
Memory Lane Figures: Boxed sets of Rankin/Bass characters that collectors still hunt down today.
These toy lines weren’t just for kids — they were nostalgia in plastic, perfect for anyone who grew up with the specials.
Heat Miser by NECA Toys
Collectibles That Keep the Magic Alive
Vintage Enesco Ornaments: Ceramic and resin pieces from the ’80s and ’90s featuring Rudolph, Clarice, and Sam the Snowman.
Rare Boxed Sets: Items like the Santa’s Elves Figurine Set (2014) have become high-value treasures on resale markets.
Handmade Creations: Etsy artisans keep the tradition alive with woodburned ornaments, plush toys, and jewelry inspired by the specials.
Collectors know these aren’t just decorations — they’re pieces of holiday history.
Carlton Cards Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Ornament
Ornaments That Shine on the Tree
Old World Christmas Glass Ornaments: Hand-blown glass renditions of Rudolph, Hermey, and Yukon Cornelius.
Carlton Cards Heirloom Ornaments: Musical and light-up ornaments that brought Rankin/Bass characters to life.
Rankin/Bass Christmas Treasures Sets: Complete glass ornament collections that can fetch hundreds of dollars if unopened.
Hanging one of these on the tree is like hanging a piece of television nostalgia.
Why Collectors Still Care
The enduring appeal of Rankin/Bass collectibles lies in a blend of nostalgia, rarity, and cultural significance. These holiday specials are deeply woven into seasonal traditions, and the toys serve as tangible reminders of that magic. Limited production runs and discontinued lines have made certain figures and ornaments highly sought after, turning them into prized treasures for collectors. Beyond their scarcity, the characters themselves—Rudolph, Frosty, and the unforgettable Miser Brothers—have transcended the screen to become enduring symbols of the season, ensuring that these items hold both sentimental and cultural value year after year.
Final Thoughts
Rankin/Bass collectibles are more than toys — they’re artifacts of holiday storytelling. Whether it’s a Bumble figure guarding your shelf or a shimmering Rudolph ornament on your tree, these pieces remind us that Christmas isn’t just about gifts; it’s about the stories we carry with us year after year.