tchotchke
Dusty mantel ornament
A tchotchke is a small decorative object of little value—a trinket, knickknack, or curio.
The word comes from Yiddish and often carries a slightly dismissive tone, suggesting clutter or kitsch: Her shelves were crowded with tchotchkes from every vacation.
Tchotchkes may also be cheap promotional items companies give away at trade shows.
Small worthless ornament
- baubleShowy, worthless ornament
- gewgawCheap showy ornament
- doodadUnnamed small object
- gimcrackCheap, showy ornament
bibelot · curio · bric-a-brac · novelty · whimsy · fandangle · objets d'art · whatnot
Small ornamental sculpture
- memorabiliaCollected items of significance
- vintageQuality from past eras
- curioOdd collectible item
- heirloomInherited family treasure
antique · rarities · ephemera · artifact · commemorative · miniature · porcelain · ceramic
For beauty, not function
- figurineSmall ornamental sculpture
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- vaseOrnamental container for flowers
- carvingShaping by cutting away
embellishment · adornment · knickknack · mantelpiece · display · tabletop · paperweight · bookend
trinket
Small worthless ornament
gimcrack · bibelot · curio · bric-a-brac · novelty · whimsy · fandangle · objets d'art · whatnot · thingamajig
figurine
Small ornamental sculpture
- memorabiliaCollected items of significance
- vintageQuality from past eras
- curioOdd collectible item
heirloom · antique · rarities · ephemera · artifact · commemorative · miniature · porcelain · ceramic · glassware
ornamental
For beauty, not function
- figurineSmall ornamental sculpture
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- vaseOrnamental container for flowers
carving · embellishment · adornment · knickknack · mantelpiece · display · tabletop · paperweight · bookend · candleholder
memento
Token of recollection
- keepsakeItem preserved for sentiment
- remembranceAct of holding something in mind
- tokenRepresentative placeholder
travel · tourist · vacation · postcard · magnet · snowglobe · keychain · spoon · miniature · Eiffel Tower
tacky
Vulgar or slightly sticky
kitschy · garish · tasteless · lowbrow · schlocky · plastic · mass-produced · tiki · novelty · ironic
- curioscurios, curio, curiosities, curiosity, knickknacks
- freebiesfreebie, freebies, samples, giveaways, free
- trinketstrinket, trinket box, knickknack, bauble, gewgaw
- Yiddishchutzpah, kvetch, mensch, schlep, schmaltz
- AshkenaziYiddish, shtetl, klezmer, gefilte fish, challah
- Kitschkitsch, kitschy, tacky, gaudy, garish
tchotchketreasure
Valued wealth or keepsake
heirloom · masterpiece · antique · valuable · collectible
tchotchkefine art
Aesthetic visual creations
high art · masterwork · original artwork · sculpture · artwork