Christmas gonks
The classic: red, white, grey and tartan gonks for the tree, the mantelpiece and under the presents.
The independent UK guide to gonks
The cosy UK guide to gonks, for Christmas and every season
Everything you need to know about gonks, from Scandinavian folklore and 1960s toys to choosing Christmas, Halloween and Easter gonks, buying safely for children and finding them in UK shops.
- Gonks for every season
- Honest UK buying advice
- Toy safety explained for parents
- Folklore and facts kept separate
What is a gonk?
A gonk is a small, usually soft figure with a long pointed hat pulled right down over its eyes, a round nose peeping out, and a big bushy beard. Gonks are a favourite Christmas decoration in the UK, and now come dressed for every season.
Their look comes from the tomte and nisse of Scandinavian folklore: small, bearded spirits said to guard the farm and household, and to expect a bowl of buttery porridge on Christmas Eve.
The name is pure British. "Gonk" was a furry 1960s novelty toy, and the word was borrowed for Scandinavian-style figures when they swept UK shops around Christmas 2020.
The complete gonk guide
In-depth guides to choosing, buying, displaying and caring for gonks, written for UK readers.
01
What is a gonk?
A gonk is a soft, bearded figure with a long hat pulled down over its eyes and a round…
02
Christmas gonks
The gonk you know best is the Christmas gonk. Here is the tradition behind it, the styles…
03
Halloween gonks
Gonks are no longer just for Christmas. Here are the Halloween and autumn designs to look…
04
Gonks for every season
Gonks now have outfits for almost every occasion. Here is a month-by-month guide to…
05
Where to buy gonks
Gonks are sold almost everywhere in season, but not every shop suits every buyer. Here is…
06
Are gonks safe for children?
Many gonks are sold as decorations rather than toys, and that difference matters for…
07
Types of gonk
Sitting or standing? Dangly legs or a weighted base? Here is every type of gonk you will…
08
Gonk gift ideas
Gonks make cheerful presents for almost anyone. Here are gift ideas sorted by budget and…
Gonks for every season
Gonks are no longer just for Christmas. These are the seasonal ranges you'll find in UK shops through the year.
Halloween gonks
Witch hats, pumpkins and ghosts, plus autumn gonks in mustard and rust that last until Christmas.
Easter gonks
Pastel hats, bunny ears and painted eggs: a chocolate-free Easter treat.
Valentine's gonks
Pink and red gonks holding hearts, often sold in pairs for couples.
All-year gonks
Neutral and sage gonks that stay out all year, with seasonal friends added as the months go by.
Gonks for occasions
Birthday, wedding, new baby and new home gonks, many personalised by UK makers.
A short history of gonks
Two very different stories that came together in British shops. We're clear about which parts are folklore.
Folk tradition
The farm spirit
Scandinavian tales tell of the tomte or nisse, a small bearded guardian of the farm who expects porridge at Christmas.
1881
A Christmas figure
Viktor Rydberg's poem Tomten appears with an illustration by Jenny Nyström, whose cards popularised the friendly Christmas tomte.
1960s
The first gonks
London inventor Robert Benson's furry, googly-eyed gonk toys become a craze. Ringo Starr owned one.
2020
The gonk boom
Scandinavian-style Christmas figures take the gonk name, and become one of the UK's best-selling decorations.
Today
Gonks all year
Valentine's, Easter, Halloween and autumn gonks fill the shops through the year.
How to choose the right gonk
Five quick checks before you buy, whether it's a stocking filler or a giant gonk for the hallway.
- 1
Pick the spot
Measure the shelf or space first. Listed heights usually include the hat.
- 2
Choose a style
Sitting, standing, dangly legs, hanging, light-up or giant.
- 3
Match a colour scheme
Traditional red, Scandi neutrals, tartan, pastels or seasonal colours.
- 4
Check toy or decoration
For a child, look for a toy with a UKCA or CE mark.
- 5
Buy early
Seasonal gonks arrive weeks ahead and popular designs sell out.
Hand-picked gonks
Gonks we like from UK shops, Etsy makers, eBay and Amazon, for every season and budget.
Amazon
Cute Traditional Mr & Mrs Santa Christmas Gonks
Santa Claus gonk and one Mrs Claus gonk for a complete holiday display. Standing at approximately 20cm tall.
View on Amazon (Cute Traditional Mr & Mrs Santa Christmas Gonks)As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some other links on this site are affiliate links too; it never changes the price you pay.
Buying a gonk for a child? Check the label first
Many gonks are decorations, not toys, and can contain sand filling, small parts or wire. Our parent's guide explains how to choose a gonk that's safe to cuddle, and which recalls to check.
From the journal
All articles
Buying ·
When Do Gonks Go on Sale? A UK Gonk Calendar
Seasonal gonks arrive earlier than you might think, and the best ones sell out. Here is a month-by-month guide to when each range usually reaches UK shops.
Families ·
A Gonk Hide-and-Seek Game for December
Looking for a December tradition that takes two minutes a day? Hide a gonk somewhere new each morning and let the children find it. Here is how to play.
Families ·
Choosing a First Gonk for a Baby or Toddler
A first gonk is a sweet present for a little one, but many gonks are decorations, not toys. Here is a simple checklist for choosing one that is safe to cuddle.
Gonk questions, answered
What is a gonk?
A gonk is a small, usually soft figure with a long pointed hat pulled down over its eyes, a round nose and a big beard. The look comes from the tomte and nisse of Scandinavian folklore, while the name comes from a furry 1960s British toy. Read more.
Are gonks safe for children?
Only if they are sold as toys. Many gonks are labelled "decoration only, not a toy" and can contain sand filling, small parts or wire. For a child, choose a soft toy gonk with a UKCA or CE mark and a suitable age rating. Our full safety guide.
Where can I buy gonks in the UK?
Garden centres, homeware chains, supermarkets, discount shops and charity shop websites all sell gonks in season. Etsy is best for handmade gonks, eBay for sold-out and vintage ones, and Amazon for choice all year. Compare them here.
Are gonks just for Christmas?
No. Christmas gonks are the best known, but there are now gonks for Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, summer, autumn and Halloween, plus birthdays and weddings. See a year of gonks.
What is the difference between a gonk and a gnome?
A gonk hides its eyes under a long hat and is usually soft, while a garden gnome has a visible face and is usually ceramic or resin. Gonks are based on the Scandinavian tomte and nisse. Gonk vs gnome explained.
When do Christmas gonks go on sale?
Garden centres and homeware shops usually start selling Christmas gonks in early autumn, often from September, with supermarkets following in October and November. Popular designs can sell out before December. See our gonk calendar.