Tag Archives: Collectibles

Byers Choice carolers, made entirely in the USA, aren’t just for Christmas any more.  The Byers Choice collection has expanded beyond Salvation Army Carolers to include special collections for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Spring, and Summer.  New Byers Choice designs are constantly being introduced, while others are retired.  The Little Traveler is honored to be a trusted … Continue reading

The Williraye Studio brings unexpected and whimsical folk art to The Little Traveler.  The collection is the result of the imaginative mind of Bobbe Punzel-Schuknecht and the carving talents of her husband Jeff Schuknecht. Their Williraye studio sits nestled in the rolling hills of rural Wisconsin, where life on the farm is expressed in their … Continue reading

The serene figures of the infant Jesus, Mary, and Joseph surrounded by the three kings and the animals of the manger signify the true spirit of the season. Authentic reproduction of the original Fontanini figurines are handcrafted and handpainted by artisans in Northern Italy. The Little Traveler is proud to host an awe-inspiring Fontanini Nativity. … Continue reading

The first Byers Choice Carolers were made by Joyce Byers, and amateur artist, in the late 1960s.  Ala Charlie Brown, she was put off by the garish aluminum Christmas decorations she found in department stores and wanted something more reminiscent of her Christmases growing up.  So she hand crafted a set of Carolers that graced … Continue reading

Inspiring designs by Patricia Locke, featuring stunning colors—blues, greens, teals and more—are what has won us over. The Little Traveler is proud to be among the trusted Patricia Locke Ltd retailers in the Chicago area. . Patricia Locke, a Chicago designer, has been creating jewelry for over thirty years. Her jewelry pieces are a combination … Continue reading

In 1953 Juan, José and Vicente Lladró made their first creations in a Moorish furnace built inside their own home in Almàssera (Valencia). In this way, they developed their artistic interest while they worked in a tile and crockery factory. These carefully designed figurines already had a special charm that awakened public interest.  By 1955 … Continue reading

The Alexander Doll Company (ADC) was founded 80 years ago by Madame Beatrice Alexander Behrman, the daughter of Russian immigrants. She was raised over her father’s doll hospital—the first in America—and often played with the dolls waiting to be mended. Her love of dolls led this dynamic woman to creating her own line of collectible … Continue reading

Brighton has designed a limited edition peace charm bangle bracelet as a way to show support in promoting world peace. Brighton’s Peace charm bangle features removable charms so that others can be added to truly make it your own.  For each Peace Charm bangle bracelet sold from January 15 – February 14, Brighton will donate … Continue reading

Department 56 began as part of Bachman’s, a premiere retail florist in Minneapolis. Bachman’s used a numbering system to identify each of its departments. The number assigned to wholesale gift imports division was, you guessed it, 56!    In 1976, the department began to take shape as the Dept 56 you know it today with … Continue reading

“Celebrate the Holidays” with these new Department 56 classic villages, now displayed and available for purchase at The Little Traveler in Geneva, Illinois (west of Chicago). This is a perfect time to start a new collection for someone you love, or add to your own village displays. Available as supplies last throughout Nov. and Dec. … Continue reading

The serene images of the infant Jesus and his parents surrounded by the three kings and the animals of the manger signify the true spirit of the season. We’re pleased to announce that we reinstated the awe-inspiring Fontanini Nativity. The authentic reproduction of the original Fontanini sculptures are handcrafted and handpainted by the artisans of … Continue reading

New Additions to Byers’ Choice: • Santa and Mrs. Claus are busy whipping up chocolate treats! • Scandinavian Caroler joins the cast. • Family unity is evident with the new soccer family and the musical family… mom, dad, daughter and son. • Don’t miss this opportunity to add Basket Man and Clock Man to your … Continue reading

Collectible Holiday Events: Friday and Saturday: *Brighton On-The-Go – Receive a specially designed Dayplanner and Journal FREE with a $100 Brigthon Purchase.  Designed to fit in your Brighton handbag! Friday, December 4 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: * Swarovski Crystal Event – Meet Ann Andrea, Swarovski representative, see what’snew for Holiday 2009. With any purchase, sign up … Continue reading

The Little Traveler Christmas Department welcomes the return of the Fontanini Display Crèche set. This beautiful Italian manger set tells the full story of Christmas with numerous characters and an expansive manger/village setting. Fun to collect! Our Christmas rooms are nearly filled with our new look for the 2009 Holiday Season. Stop by and see … Continue reading

Ho Ho Ho?  CHRISTMAS IS HERE ALREADY! The folks in our Crystal Department say Christmas is here…in Swarovski, that is. Stop by and view the newest in Swarovski ornaments for 2009, and the ongoing arrivals of new jewelry to wear to your holiday parties.

They’re best known for their Christmas collectibles, but this season, Byers’ Choiceand Department 56 are introducing new additions for Autumn decorating. In Byers’ Choice: • The new Pink Ribbon Caroler represents breast cancer awareness for campaigning and fundraising during the month of October. • “The Witching Hour,” three new witches along with their haunted gingerbread … Continue reading