The line of Department 56® collectibles began with the combination of good friends and inspiration in 1976. The company started up when a group of friends got together at Christmas time, and noticed how beautiful a small town they visited looked. Its decorations and quaint homes and stores inspired the friends to recreate the scene for others to enjoy. The first items in the line for the company were ceramic, hand painted buildings. There were six buildings in all, and each one was lighted. This first collection was known as the Snow Village. Over the years, Department 56® collectibles has grown immensely, to include a large assortment of giftware and collectibles.
Today, the line of products has expanded to include ornaments, the popular Snowbabies collection, and much more. Although Department 56® collectibles feature Christmas and seasonal items, they also have a large collection of year round items as well. The company’s main headquarters is located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with flagship stores located in places like Las Vegas and even Disneyland. Many other retailers also sell the beautifully crafted collectibles, and the company has expanded to offer home-based business opportunities as well.
Department 56® collectibles are so popular that they are quickly becoming a household name. Their lighted villages make a beautiful addition to any home, and are a fun way to create your own special scene. Whether you’re looking for something to commemorate a special occasion or that perfect Christmas gift, Department 56® has everything you need. With an ever-changing line of wonderful products, Department 56® is a terrific company that provides all of your collectible and gift giving needs.