Types of Gonk: Every Style Explained

Gonk types at a glance

Sizes vary widely between brands, so always check the listed height, which usually includes the hat.

Sitting gonks

The classic shelf gonk. A sitting gonk has a rounded body with a weighted base, usually filled with sand or plastic pellets, so it sits steadily without tipping. Many have a long hat that flops over to one side. They are perfect for mantelpieces and windowsills, but the weighting is exactly why most are sold as decorations, not toys. See are gonks safe for children?

Standing gonks

Standing gonks stand on their own feet or a flat base. They are lighter than sitting gonks and good for grouping into a "gang" of different heights and colours. Tall, thin designs can be top-heavy, so try them on the shelf before committing.

Dangly-leg and stretchy-leg gonks

These have long legs, often in striped tights or with little boots, that hang over the edge of a shelf. Some have extendable or bendable legs so you can change their height. They are charming on stairs, bookcases and the edge of a mantelpiece. Keep them out of reach of toddlers, who will happily pull a gonk down by its legs.

Hanging gonks

Small gonks with a loop on the tip of the hat, made to hang on a Christmas tree, wreath, door handle or garland. You'll also find gonk-shaped baubles in glass, felt and wood. Make sure the loop is strong enough for the weight, especially on a real tree.

Light-up gonks

Light-up gonks have an LED nose, a glowing hat or a lit-up body. Most run on AA or AAA batteries, and some have timers. Check the battery type before buying: button batteries are a serious hazard for young children if swallowed, so look for compartments that close with a screw. Indoor and outdoor versions are different products, so check the rating if it is going outside.

Giant gonks

Floor-standing gonks are usually somewhere between 60cm and a metre tall, and they make a striking welcome in a hallway or beside the tree. Some come with a wooden or metal frame inside. Before buying, think about where it will live for the rest of the year. Our guide on how to store gonks has tips.

Inflatable and outdoor gonks

Inflatable gonks with built-in fans and LED lights are made for front gardens and porches. Smaller outdoor gonks are usually resin, metal or weatherproof fabric, sometimes solar powered. Only use products labelled for outdoor use outside, and use an outdoor-rated socket for anything that plugs in.

Faceless figurines

Not every gonk is soft. Ceramic, resin and wooden gonk figurines, often in a Scandi style, are popular as year-round ornaments. They are easy to dust and last for years, but can chip or break if knocked off a shelf.

Knitted, crocheted and handmade gonks

Handmade gonks are knitted, crocheted, felted or sewn, often from wool or cotton. They are the most individual of all, and many makers will personalise them with names or colours. You can also make your own from a sock, or buy a knitting kit.

Plush toy gonks for children

Some gonks are proper soft toys: designed to be cuddled, tested to toy safety standards and labelled with an age rating. These usually have embroidered features and no weighted filling. If a gonk is for a child to play with, this is the type to choose.

Gonk homeware

Beyond figures, gonks appear on mugs, cushions, Christmas jumpers, crackers, cards, tealights and oil burners. These make good stocking fillers for gonk fans. See gonk gift ideas.

Which type should you choose?

• For a mantelpiece: sitting or dangly-leg gonks.
• For the tree: hanging gonks and baubles.
• For a statement: a giant gonk or a group of three in graduated sizes.
• For children: a plush toy gonk with a UKCA or CE mark.
• For collectors: handmade, limited-edition or vintage. See collecting gonks.

Browse gonks by type in our shop, or read where to buy gonks.