knick-knack
Small ornamental object
A knick-knack is a small decorative object, typically inexpensive and of little practical use—the sort of thing that accumulates on shelves and mantels: The curio cabinet was full of knick-knacks from her travels.
The word carries a slightly dismissive tone, suggesting clutter or trinkets rather than meaningful possessions.
Thing that beautifies
- figurineSmall ornamental sculpture
- baubleShowy, worthless ornament
- tchotchkeSmall decorative trifle
- curioOdd collectible item
gewgaw · doodad · bibelot · objet d'art · whatnot · trinket · novelty · dust-collector
Item preserved for sentiment
- mementoToken of recollection
- souvenirToken from a trip
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- treasureValued wealth or keepsake
memory · remembrance · token · cherished · meaningful · gift shop · vacation · travel
Small ornamental sculpture
- tinyExtremely small in size
- smallLimited in size
- littleSmall in degree
- pocket-sizedSmall enough to carry
mini · wee · dainty · delicate · intricate · detailed · scaled-down · dollhouse
Idiosyncratically unusual
- noveltyQuality of being original
- kitschTasteless, garish art
- kitschyTastelessly popular or sentimental
- tackyVulgar or slightly sticky
campy · playful · fun · eccentric · oddity · curiosity · conversation starter · tourist trap
Small ornamental sculptures
- porcelainTranslucent fired clay
- thimblesProtective sewing caps
- spoonsShallow bowl utensils
- bellsStruck metal sound-makers
snow globes · magnets · shot glasses · commemorative · limited edition · display case · curio cabinet · estate sale
ornament
Thing that beautifies
curio · gewgaw · doodad · bibelot · objet d'art · whatnot · trinket · novelty · dust-collector · mantelpiece
keepsake
Item preserved for sentiment
treasure · memory · remembrance · token · cherished · meaningful · gift shop · vacation · travel · childhood
figurine
Small ornamental sculpture
pocket-sized · mini · wee · dainty · delicate · intricate · detailed · scaled-down · dollhouse · shadowbox
quirky
Idiosyncratically unusual
- noveltyQuality of being original
- kitschTasteless, garish art
- kitschyTastelessly popular or sentimental
tacky · campy · playful · fun · eccentric · oddity · curiosity · conversation starter · tourist trap · gag gift
figurines
Small ornamental sculptures
bells · snow globes · magnets · shot glasses · commemorative · limited edition · display case · curio cabinet · estate sale · flea market
- Reduplicativesbye-bye, mama, papa, haha, yo-yo
- trinketstrinket, trinket box, bauble, gewgaw, bibelot
- thingamajigsthingamajig, thingamabob, whatchamacallit, doohickey, doodad
knick-knackfurniture
Movable room objects
fixture · monument · installation · centerpiece · statement piece
knick-knacktreasure
Valued wealth or keepsake
heirloom · masterpiece · antique · artifact · collectible