tchotchkes
Decorative dust collectors
Tchotchkes are small decorative objects or trinkets, often of little value—the knickknacks that accumulate on shelves, mantels, and desks.
The word comes from Yiddish and carries a slightly dismissive tone, suggesting clutter or kitsch rather than meaningful possessions: Her apartment was full of tchotchkes from her travels.
Also spelled tsotchkes or chachkas.
Showy, worthless ornament
- gewgawCheap showy ornament
- gimcrackCheap, showy ornament
- doodadUnnamed small object
- bibelotSmall decorative collectible
curio · trinket · novelty · ornament · figurine · miniature · bric-a-brac · whatnot
Token of recollection
- keepsakeItem preserved for sentiment
- remembranceAct of holding something in mind
- tokenRepresentative placeholder
- commemorativeHonoring past events
snowglobe · postcard · magnet · keychain · spoon · pennant · miniature · replica
For beauty, not function
- ceramicFired clay material
- porcelainTranslucent fired clay
- glasswareDrinking containers of silica
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
vase · figurine · carving · mosaic · beadwork · enamel · lacquer · cloisonné
bauble
Showy, worthless ornament
bibelot · curio · trinket · novelty · ornament · figurine · miniature · bric-a-brac · whatnot · thingamajig
memento
Token of recollection
- keepsakeItem preserved for sentiment
- remembranceAct of holding something in mind
- tokenRepresentative placeholder
commemorative · snowglobe · postcard · magnet · keychain · spoon · pennant · miniature · replica · landmark
ornamental
For beauty, not function
sculpture · vase · figurine · carving · mosaic · beadwork · enamel · lacquer · cloisonné · Fabergé
figurines
Small ornamental sculptures
heirloom · memorabilia · rarities · dolls · bobbleheads · Funko · display · shelf · cabinet · showcase
tacky
Vulgar or slightly sticky
cheesy · whimsical · quirky · novelty · plastic · flamingo · gnome · bobblehead · tourist-trap · retro
- clutterclutter, junk, mess, stuff, debris
- curioscurios, curio, curiosities, curiosity, knickknacks
- home decorvase, candles, lamps, cushions, artwork
- kitsch decorgarden gnomes, lava lamps, bobbleheads, snow globes, disco balls
- knickknackstrinkets, curios, bric-a-brac, gewgaws, gimcracks
- souvenirssnow globe, souvenirs, magnets, magnet, keychains
tchotchkestools
Devices for doing work
appliances · utensils · equipment · necessities · essentials
tchotchkesheirlooms
Objects passed through family lines
treasures · valuables · masterpieces · museum pieces · fine art
tchotchkesfurniture
Movable room objects
statement pieces · centerpieces · focal points · showpieces · installations