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Are you a fan of the gonks?
Christmas gonks — unique little figurines with long bushy beards and long knitted hats — are often considered to be the Nordic version of Santa Claus. Inspired by gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology, their popularity has been continuing to surge over the years.
Christmas gonks are perhaps the most popular, but you'll definitely find gonks all year round, from Easter gonks to Halloween gonks. Throughout the festive season, you'll find Christmas gonks dressed in warm coats, wearing red hats or carrying winter accessories, such as sledges and skis. Looking like miniature versions of Santa Claus, they are available to buy as room decorations, tree decorations and door stops, as well as printed on everything from festive bedding to scatter cushions.
'We were one of the first to spot the gonk phenomenon and customers are loving them more and more every year,' says Frances O'Sullivan, Christmas gonk buyer at Poundland. 'It's frankly gonkers! Other gonk-mad celebs like Stacey Solomon have driven the trend. Santa better watch out – they're almost as big as he is.'
Gonks are quirky, gnome-like figurines with faces that are almost entirely covered by a large hat and fluffy beard (you can only see their cute bulbous nose).
According to folklore, these gonks would take a liking to houses during the winter season. If they were treated well, they would protect families and their homes, bringing magic and good fortune. However, if the gonks felt like families were being disrespectful, they would be mischievous and play tricks. An old Nordic tradition involves leaving out a bowl of porridge during the winter solstice, so that the gonk may feast and join in the festivities.
While they're not to everyone's taste, the popularity of Christmas gonks certainly shows no signs of waning, as some retailers (Dunelm, Homebase, John Lewis , Very and The Range) have increased their range of gonk figurines and accessories for the festive season. On that note, take a look at the best Christmas gonks to buy now...
This fun festive figurine – which stands up completely on its own – is the ideal way to decorate the entrance to your home this Christmas. Place it on a console table or in corners around your home that guests are likely to see.
We can't get enough of these light-up gonk figures. Perfect for adding some warm ambience to your mantel or windowsill, and the fact that they aren't overly festive means you can keep them up all year round — we know we will be!
Get your bathroom ready for Christmas with this great gonk bath mat from Matalan. We love how cosy and plush it looks — perfect for sinking your feet onto after a bath or shower.
Looking for a unique take on a Christmas wreath? Well, look no further than this gonk wreath from QVC. During the day this adds a lovely yuletide touch to your home but at night it really comes into its own, thanks to its battery operated built-in lights.
Bring the branches of your tree to life with this sweet Christmas gnome decoration. It also makes a brilliant stocking filler.
Perfect for both little and big kids alike, this fun festive gonk bedding is ideal for every bedroom this Christmas. It features a collection of gonks and is reversible, giving you two designs for the price of one.
This sweet gonk Christmas tree decoration is a great affordable way to add some cheer to your home this December – why not add a couple?
Just because you have to buy a practical item like a draught excluder doesn't mean that it can't have a bit more personality! This light-up Christmas gonk one is ideal for the cold weather.
A Christmas doormat is a really easy way to decorate your front door for the festive season. We're big fans of this fun gonk doormat, which has been made from tufted coir with an anti-slip PVC backing.
If you prefer rustic wooden decor around the Christmas period, look no further than this sweet wooden gonk that can be popped on a side table, chest of drawers, hallway table or even on a dining table!
The combination of gonk and candle here screams 'festive season' to us. This stylish, neutral candle comes in an array of scents including cinnamon sticks, gingerbread, and candy canes, and if you want, you can even change the hat colour to a glittery red or green.
Create a relaxing reading nook for the festive season with this adorable 'gonklet' cushion which features four Santa-esque figures dotted across it. The red, white and silver colour scheme of this cushion ensures a festive feel.
No Christmas dining table is complete without a festive runner. Featuring several sweet gonks with a couple of falling snowflakes, this grey style will add an understated and charming touch to your seasonal decor.
These adorable light-up gonks will sit neatly on any ledge in your home, be it your mantelpiece, a side table or a chest of drawers, and will also create a lovely glow when the sun sets.
Cosy up in front of the fire with this must-have fluffy gonk throw. Measuring 130 x 150cm, it has a row of 20 pom poms along the bottom and a fun festive print.
Create the ultimate winter welcome with this outdoor 3D gonk from Homebase. Carrying a lantern, he features a bright white light that will make your front garden glow.
Support a small business with this super cute candle holder from Etsy. This is the kind of gonk decoration that you'll bring out year after year.
How adorable is this Christmas gonk? With sweet blue gloves, a winter hat and long white beard, he's certain to fit right in with every contemporary interior scheme.
Complete the look of your Christmas tree with this adorable gonk tree topper, complete with a bright red Santa hat. How adorable are his little fur lined gloves?
What better way to sip your favourite winter beverage, than out of this yuletide gonk mug, featuring a gonk holding presents next to a Christmas tree? Simply pop in your favourite hot chocolate (or mulled wine) and you'll be all aglow with the festive spirit.
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