Where did Gnomes Originate?

The garden gnome, as we know it, originated in Germany. Gnomes are thought to have first be seen in the United Kingdom after Sir Charles Isham had been on a trip to Germany and brought 21 terra-cotta figures back. These figures were known as Gartenzwerg in Germany...

The Truth About Gnomes

Gnomes have rather an interesting origin story. Gnome-like figures were originally seen in Germany in the 1800s and these terracotta gnome figures were taken from there to the United Kingdom in the mid-1800s by Sir Charles Isham who used them in his garden. Word of...

What’s a Gonk Toy (1960s & 1970s)?

The gonk toy is different from the gnome-style gonk and is a novelty toy that was invented in the 1960s by Robert Benson and has a furry texture, small, spherical body and googly eyes placed just above halfway up its body. They would often be dressed in themed outfits...

When did Gonks come out?

The first mention of a gonk dates back to the 1600s in Norway, and possibly even earlier than that. A well-known motifs of Nordic folklore the gonks part protector/elf on shelf who watched over homes from evil while also being mischievous...

Are Gonks just for Xmas?

The adorable little creatures are popping up all over! You’ll find them in bedding, tree decorations and more. They’re not just for Christmas; these gnomes have their roots steeped deep into Scandinavian mythology where they first appeared as neutral...