What is a Gonk? And Why You Need One in Your Life & Home

The gonk trend has been going strong in the UK since the 1960s. But it’s seen a recent surge in popularity thanks to gonk-mad celebrities like Stacey Solomon.

As a result, you’ll find Christmas gonks in most homeware stores (but – and we know we’re biassed – none look quite as cute as our Pretty Little Home gonks!).

From our unique pink, sparkly Christmas gonk to gonk-inspired glass jars, there’s a gonk for everyone!

(Oh, and did we mention they make excellent stocking fillers?)

But, what actually is a gonk? Allow us to explain.

What is a gonk?

All those classic Christmas decorations – tinsel, wreaths, Christmas trees, fairy lights… gonks. Wait, what? That’s right. You’ll likely have seen them around, you may even have one in your Christmas decorations box, but you just never knew the name. 

That stout, bearded gnome-like figurine with its bulbous nose poking out from under its hat is known as a gonk. 

They hail from Scandinavian mythology and represent the traditional Nordic Santa Claus. This is why most gonks in the UK are associated with Christmas. Nowadays, however, it’s common to find Halloween or Easter-themed gonks too. 

How long have gonks been around?

These cute little hobgoblins date back to 17th-century Scandi folklore.The story goes that the  mythical beings would creep into homes and barns during the winter months to warm up. If treated well, they’d bring good luck and fortune to the families living there but if treated badly, they’d be mischievous and play tricks.

In the same way that UK families leave mince pies out for Santa on Christmas eve, in Nordic countries it’s a bowl of porridge on the winter solstice for the gonks.

How to use decorative gonks in your home

Gonks look super cute perched on window sills, mantelpieces, book shelves or even on the dining table as part of the centrepiece. 

Alternatively, bring your Christmas tree to life with some adorable gonks hanging from its branches.

Gonks are also the perfect additions to an under-the-tree festive scene. We recommend using layers of cotton wool as snow around the base of the tree and placing your Christmas gonks among it. 

Our favourite gonks

Red striped gonk

You don’t get much more Christamssy than this little guy. Shop him here and then balance him on the branches of your tree.

Black hearts glass gonk jar

For a more practical, but no less decorative, approach to the Nordic creatures, opt for our gonk-themed glass jars. We have a number in different styles – with a cute black heart pattern, polka dot patterns or simply plain. 

Use these divine little jars for storing Christmas cookies or other sweets throughout the festive period.

Large red gonk

Our legless gonks with cosy, knitted hats are hugely popular for the festive season. Place them anywhere from mantelpieces and shelves top to the tops of door frames – with a nod to the mischievous gonks of folklore. 

. . .

Gonks come in various different shapes, sizes and forms – from the cute cuddly-toy variety to decorative ceramic homewares. 

Shop Pretty Little Home’s full collection here. 

Don’t forget to follow @pretty_little_home on Instagram for styling tips and inspiration.