Kathy Debus, manager of Valley View Farms' Christmas shop, says people are particularly interested in Christmas collectibles right now -- whether it's Radko ornaments or Snowbabies or nutcrackers of various sizes and shapes.
But as Linda Kruger of Collectors News and the Antique Reporter points out, the long-term value of modern collectibles "hasn't been proven yet." Collect them because you love them, not as an investment.
To find out what -- say -- the Radko ornament Mushroom Winter introduced in 1988 is worth, you can consult the Collectors' Information Bureau, (708) 842-2200. Its Market Guide and Price Index lists both the issue price ($10) and the current value ($30 as of November).
Whatever their monetary value, you'll want to take good care of your collectible ornaments. Here are some tips from Christopher Radko:
* Don't put stickers on the bottom of glass ornaments. They aren't varnished, and the paint will come off.
* Don't wash your ornaments; the paints are water soluble. Instead, wipe gently with a clean, dry, soft cloth or dust with a clean feather duster.
* Don't subject ornaments to extreme temperature changes. Don't leave them outdoors or store them in hot attics, direct sunlight or damp basements.
For a list of stores in the area that carry Radko ornaments, you can call (800) 717-2356.