When I stumbled across this miniature nativity set, I couldn’t help but smile; it was the most original depiction I’ve ever seen. Smiley wisemen? How can you not smile, too?
It’s an Alessi Presepe Nativity Set
, a high-end Italian manufacturer who fuses art with whatever they create. I’ve had a crush on their kitchenware at my favorite local Bavarian shop, but it’s pricey and I’ve yet to buy; the nativity set is testing my restraint.
Then there’s the Fontanini Nativity Set
of my childhood; I had no idea it was “nice.” For me, its value is in its association with my mother. Every year she’d set it out along with an Annalee Santa and Mrs. Claus (which I thought ugly then but appreciate now). I’m glad my brother, her lastborn, inherited this set.
Clean and minimalist, Willow Tree’s Awe and Wonder Nativity
is another of my favorite sets. I’ve debated collecting the pieces for years, and when DaySpring offers a future, site-wide coupon, it would be the perfect time.
If you have tinies in your home, the Little People Christmas Story Nativity Scene Playset
is almost a must…. While I have a certain artistic affection for nice (read: untouchable) sets, I like the idea of children engaging the Christmas story by handling the characters. If you only have a breakable, don’t-touch crèche, you might want to consider this investment.
Playmobil
‘s is similar but more expensive, and I really like this Handmade Felt Nativity
for little littles.
This Olive Wood Miniature Set
is one children could handle as well ~
Olive Wood also has one made specifically made for children
; so does Kurt Adler
.
I used to want Lenox China’s Porcelain set
, but though I still think it’s lovely, my tastes are less fancy than they used to be.
The most expensive crèche I could find well set you back thousands….
The Lalique nativity set is beautiful but costly (and hardly kid-friendly).
But the most unusual of them all has to be this one…
the Rubber Duckie Ducky Duck Christmas Nativity Scene
.
Some of these I’d buy, some of these I’d leave behind, but there’s no doubt which Nativity set is my favorite of them all.…
It’s one of kind and priceless. ~ smile ~
Do you have a favorite? Do share!!
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I love nativities and have collected over the years. Right now the house we live in doesn’t contain enough space to display many.
I received the Willow Tree’s Awe and Wonder Nativity for my birthday a number of years ago (at my request) from my husband. I keep it on display year round.
I also have a Fontanini Nativity pin that I love and wear every year.
Oh Robin! I have the Willow Tree and I love it! I also have the little people and still pull it out every year even though my littles aren’t so little any more. I also used to have one similar to the second picture above but so many of the pieces broke that I had to retire it. My new favorites though are the 2 that my daughter brought back from Malawi this summer. We’re ‘fighting’ over who gets to keep which one. They’re both lovely. I’ll post a picture later in the month and you can tell me which one you like more!