Our 2025 favourite unusual Christmas antiques

Every Christmas, we curate a selection of pieces that stand out for their character and unusual charm. This year is no exception. From limited edition figures to bold contemporary art, these finds bring a sense of surprise and delight that makes gift giving feel genuinely thoughtful. Each item below has been hand-picked for its unusual qualities and the story it brings with it.

Robert Harrop Wallace and Gromit figure

This limited edition Robert Harrop caricature figure captures everything people love about Wallace and Gromit and Christmas. With only 500 produced, it is a charming display piece with strong nostalgic appeal. Fans of British animation will instantly recognise the playful scene. Wallace and Gromit are shown eating mince pies, reading the Christmas edition of Radio Times and knitting together, which makes it even more endearing. It is a great gift for collectors or anyone who grew up watching the duo on screen.

Dorothy Hafner Rosenthal Studio Line Flash coffee set

Dorothy Hafner’s Flash design for Rosenthal Studio Line is one of the most distinctive postmodern patterns of the late twentieth century. Its geometric shapes and vibrant colour palette are instantly recognisable and highly sought after in the second-hand market. At PM Antiques, we have a large collection of Studio Line pieces, with this set being a real standout. The unusual shapes give it extra charm, including the square handle and the rounded top coffee pot.

Dylan Izaak, Welcome to London painting

Dylan Izaak’s Welcome to London is a striking original acrylic painting with the iconic red London bus bursting with energy. It is easy to imagine this bus gliding under the Christmas lights on Oxford Street. The painting feels nostalgic and slightly childlike, which gives it a warm charm. It would make a perfect gift for a children’s room or an eye-catching addition to a living space.

Steiff Studio lifesize brown grizzly bear

This is the moment in the list where we move into the truly unexpected. A life-size Steiff Studio grizzly bear standing at approximately 160 centimetres tall is not a gift someone expects to unwrap. The Studio range is widely admired for its impressive scale and detail, which is exactly what makes this piece unforgettable. For someone with a large space or a love of unusual interior pieces, this bear becomes an instant centrepiece. Its rarity and dramatic presence place it firmly in the category of extraordinary gifts.

Theo Fabergé The Scribe Egg

Theo Fabergé’s Scribe Egg from the St Petersburg Collection is a fascinating combination of elegance and function. Crafted from cocobolo wood with a 24 carat gold plated finial and base, it hides an unexpected detail. Lifting the ruby inset finial reveals a gold-plated pen inside. The Scribe Egg is an ideal gift for someone who appreciates exquisite design and a clever hidden twist. It’s unusual appeal lies in its dual nature, decorative on the outside and surprisingly practical within.

Sarah Jane Szikora Strip Teaser print

Sarah Jane Szikora’s work is playful, colourful and instantly recognisable. Strip Teaser is a limited edition print that brings humour and light-hearted charm to any wall. Signed and framed, it offers an accessible gift option for anyone who enjoys contemporary British art. Szikora’s signature approach brings innocence with gentle satire and a slightly mischievous tone, which makes her pieces memorable and perfect for anyone who enjoys art that sparks conversation.

Mackenzie Thorpe It is Only a Butterfly print

There is something tender and heartfelt about Mackenzie Thorpe’s work, and It is Only a Butterfly captures that beautifully. This limited-edition print has a soft innocence that makes it perfect for a nursery or children’s room. The gentle colours and uplifting theme featuring a parent and baby figure create a sense of comfort and warmth. It is a thoughtful gift for new parents or families preparing for a new arrival and a lovely way to bring art into a child’s space.

Christmas delivery and how to contact us

If you are searching for an unusual Christmas gift or looking to explore our current collection, we are here to help. Browse our full range online or contact us for advice, valuations and support in finding the right piece for your collection.

Christmas posting dates:
Last posting date for express delivery: Monday, 22 December at 09.00
Last date for collection: Wednesday 24 December at 19.00

Black Friday offer:
Existing customers can enjoy 10% off using the code: ANTIQUE10