Finding a vintage blow mold nativity set empire piece at a garage sale is basically like hitting the holiday jackpot. There is just something about that glow-from-within plastic that screams Christmas in a way modern LED strips and giant inflatables never quite manage. If you grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, you probably remember these things lining the driveways of the "fancy" houses in the neighborhood—or maybe your own grandpa spent every December 1st wrestling with extension cords to get Baby Jesus centered just right on the lawn.
The Nostalgia of Hard Plastic Christmas
It's funny how things come full circle. For a while there, blow molds were considered kind of "tacky." People started trading them in for those massive air-blown nylon decorations that take up half the yard and collapse into a sad pile of fabric as soon as the wind kicks up. But lately, there's been this massive resurgence. Collectors are scouring thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace like it's a competitive sport.
The blow mold nativity set empire versions are particularly sought after because Empire Plastics Corporation really knew what they were doing. They weren't just making decorations; they were making icons. These weren't flimsy pieces of junk. They were hollow, rugged, and could survive a blizzard without blinking.
What Makes Empire Special?
Empire was one of the "big three" in the blow mold world, alongside General Foam and Union Products. What set the Empire nativity pieces apart was the specific aesthetic. They had a certain softness to the features of the figures—Mary looked serene, the Wise Men looked regal, and the colors were vibrant without being garish.
The plastic they used was thick enough to withstand the sun's UV rays for decades, which is why you can still find sets from thirty or forty years ago that look almost new. Plus, the internal lighting gave them a warm, diffused glow that made the whole scene feel a bit more magical when the sun went down and the frost started to settle on the grass.
Hunting for the Missing Pieces
If you're just starting your collection, you'll quickly realize that a complete set is the Holy Grail. Most people start with the "big three": Mary, Joseph, and the Manger. But if you really want to build out a full display, you're going to be looking for the shepherds, the sheep, the donkey, and of course, the three kings.
The Empire Wise Men are legendary. They're tall, colorful, and they add so much height to a display. Finding all three at once is rare, though. Usually, you'll find Balthazar standing alone at an estate sale, and you'll have to spend the next two years hunting down Melchior and Caspar to finish the trio.
Then there's the camel. Oh, the camel. If you find an Empire camel in good condition, buy it immediately. Don't even check the price (okay, maybe check it a little). They are notoriously hard to find because they were a larger, more expensive add-on back in the day, so fewer families bought them. Having a camel in your blow mold nativity set empire collection is basically the ultimate flex for vintage Christmas enthusiasts.
Keeping Your Plastic Empire Glowing
One of the best things about these vintage decorations is that they're surprisingly easy to maintain. Unlike modern electronics that are built to be thrown away the moment a fuse blows, these are essentially just a plastic shell with a light socket clipped into the back.
If you find a piece that's looking a little dingy, a bucket of warm soapy water and a soft sponge will do wonders. Just be careful with the paint. Over the decades, the factory paint can become a bit brittle. If yours is peeling, some people swear by a little touch-up with outdoor-rated acrylics, while purists prefer to leave the "patina" exactly as it is.
When it comes to the lighting, I always recommend swapping out the old incandescent bulbs for warm-white LEDs. Not only do they stay cool—which is better for the vintage plastic—but they also use way less power. If you've got a massive twelve-piece display, your electric bill will definitely thank you.
Why Modern Decor Just Can't Compete
I might sound like a bit of a grouch here, but modern Christmas decorations just don't have the same soul. Those inflatables I mentioned earlier? They're noisy. You've got those little fans whirring all night long. And if it rains or snows, they get heavy and sag.
A blow mold nativity set, on the other hand, stands tall no matter what. There's a weight and a presence to them. They have a physical texture that reflects light differently than fabric or flat wooden cutouts. When you look down a street and see a lit-up Empire set, it feels permanent. It feels like a tradition that's actually meant to last.
Also, let's talk about the "storage factor." Yes, blow molds take up a lot of space in the attic or the shed. They don't fold down into a tiny box. But that's part of the charm! Pulling them out of storage feels like greeting old friends. You remember exactly which box the shepherd is in, and you know that Joseph has that one little scuff on his shoulder from when he fell over in 1994.
Where to Scout for These Classics
If you're ready to start building your own blow mold nativity set empire display, you've got to be patient. You aren't going to find these at big-box retailers anymore (though some companies have started doing reproductions, they just aren't quite the same).
- Estate Sales: This is where the real treasures are. Look for older neighborhoods where people have lived in their homes for 40+ years.
- Facebook Marketplace: Set up alerts! These things go fast. If you see a good deal, you need to be ready to drive across town with cash in hand.
- Flea Markets: It's a bit of a gamble, but sometimes you'll find a vendor who just wants to get rid of "that old plastic stuff" and you can snag a bargain.
- eBay: This is the most expensive route because shipping a giant plastic Wise Man is not cheap. But if you're missing just one piece to finish a set, it's often worth the splurge.
The Joy of the Glow
At the end of the day, it's not really about the brand or the rarity of the plastic camel. It's about that feeling you get when you finish plugging everything in, the sun goes down, and your yard is transformed into this glowing, nostalgic scene.
There's something incredibly comforting about seeing the same figures year after year. It connects us to the past—to our parents and grandparents—while creating new memories for the kids in the neighborhood who will one day be the ones hunting for vintage plastic at garage sales.
So, if you happen to spot a slightly faded Mary or a Joseph with a missing light cord at a yard sale this weekend, give them a home. With a little bit of love and a fresh bulb, they'll be ready to shine for another thirty years. It's more than just a blow mold nativity set empire; it's a piece of holiday history that deserves a spot on the lawn.