If you’ve scrolled Instagram or walked through the Christmas aisles recently, you’ll have noticed gonks everywhere. These bearded figures have become one of the UK’s most popular seasonal decorations, selling out in high street stores and trending online each year. But what exactly is a gonk, where did it come from, and why has it become such a big part of home décor?
What Is a Gonk?
A gonk is a decorative figure with a tall pointed hat, a round nose, and a long beard that usually covers the rest of its face. They are often compared to gnomes, but gonks come from Scandinavian folklore and carry their own unique history.
Where Do Gonks Come From?
The origins of gonks can be traced back to two stories:
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Scandinavian Folklore: In Nordic tradition, characters known as nisse or tomte were believed to guard homes and farms during winter. They brought luck if treated with respect — often rewarded with a bowl of porridge — but could cause mischief if ignored. Their pointed hats and long beards inspired today’s gonk design.
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British Pop Culture: In the 1960s, toy designer Robert Benson created “gonk dolls,” quirky soft toys that became a craze in the UK. They were collected by celebrities and even appeared with The Beatles.
Modern gonks blend both influences: part folklore figure, part collectible décor.
Why Are Gonks So Popular in 2025?
The gonk trend has grown each year, and there are clear reasons why they’ve captured so much attention:
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Social Media – Their bold design makes them highly shareable on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.
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Retail Demand – Stores such as The Range and Aldi have seen gonk collections sell out quickly, with limits placed on purchases in some cases.
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Seasonal Variety – Once just Christmas figures, gonks are now designed for Easter, autumn, and even Halloween, making them a year-round decoration.
How to Style Gonks in Your Home
Gonks are simple to style and work in almost any space.
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At the Christmas tree base – Pair with a Hibernate Candle for a festive look.
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On shelves or mantels – Add height and character with a Set of 2 Sitting Stoneware Gonk.
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On trays and tables – Use one of our round or rattan trays to group gonks with candles and greenery.
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By the front door – Larger gonks styled with lanterns or wreaths create a welcoming entrance.
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Children’s rooms – Smaller knitted gonks bring a playful touch to shelves or bedside tables.
The Pretty Little Home Gonk Collection
Our gonk designs are created to suit seasonal decorating and work across different spaces in the home.
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Glass Gonk Jar – Black Sparkles – Decorative and practical, perfect for sweets or styling.
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Set of 2 Sitting Stoneware Gonks – Neutral-toned, ideal for mantels and shelves.
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Knitted Gonks – A textured finish that works well with natural and seasonal accessories.
Are Gonks Just for Christmas?
No. While most people associate gonks with Christmas, they’re now styled for every season. Pastel versions are popular at Easter, autumn gonks appear with pumpkins and foliage, and Halloween gonks are designed with darker tones.
Gonk FAQs
What is the meaning of a gonk?
A gonk is a Scandinavian-inspired figure, often linked with luck and protection of the home.
Are gonks and gnomes the same?
No. Gnomes come from Central European folklore, while gonks originate from Nordic tradition.
Why do gonks cover their eyes?
Their tall hats are part of the design, leaving only the beard and nose visible.
Why are gonks trending now?
They combine Scandinavian design with collectability, boosted by social media and strong retail demand.
Final Thoughts
Gonks are more than a passing decoration trend - they connect folklore, tradition, and modern design in a way that makes them stand out. Whether you add one to your Christmas mantel, place a group on a tray, or collect them across the seasons, gonks are now firmly part of UK home décor.
Explore the full Pretty Little Home gonk collection and bring the trend into your own home this year.
