12 Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers Worth Collecting
Vintage salt and pepper shakers may be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to charm—and value. From classic ceramic sets to quirky novelty designs, these tiny collectibles have been kitchen staples for generations. While they were once just everyday essentials, some have become highly sought-after treasures.
We dug through eBay to find the shakers with the highest asking prices — check out the most valuable ones below.
1. Anthropomorphic Bobble Head Skunk Shakers
Listing price on eBay: $2,800
We’re sure how user-friendly bobble head salt and pepper shakers are, but these are pretty darn adorable nonetheless. No skunk smell included.
2. 1993 Precious Moments Boy & Girl Kissing
Listing price on eBay: $2,730
Aww, how precious. No, really, these shakers are the iconic Precious Moments figures that have been ceramic staples for generations. This particular set hails from 1993 and depicts an endearing scene of a boy and girl smooching beneath some mistletoe (slyly held above them behind the boy’s back).
3. 1950s Anthropomorphic Pixie Flower Shaker Set
Listing price on eBay: $2,500
There were countless Japanese-made, cartoon-like ceramic figurines made during the 1950s, and some of the most valuable (and collectible) are vintage salt and pepper shakers. These anthropomorphic pixie-flower hybrids are among the most adorable (and expensive) of such shakers with bright colors and whimsical details.
4. 1950s Squirrel Ballerina Shaker Set
Listing price on eBay: $2,500
These squirrel ballerinas are another Japanese take on salt and pepper shakers. Like the pixie flowers, this cute set merges two different concepts (in this case, a woodland creature and a dainty dancer) and uses bright colors, satisfying the style of the ’50s.
5. Japanese Farmer Vendor With Chicken Shakers
Listing price on eBay: $2,300
We love a cleverly designed vintage salt and pepper shaker. This adorable Japanese-made set includes a farmer holding a basket with two chickens (the shakers). Made in the ’50s, its nostalgia is apparent, adding to its value.
6. 1980s Gucci Salt and Pepper Grinder
Listing price on eBay: $800
Anything Gucci is gonna be pricey, but vintage Gucci? Forget about it. While the brand is synonymous with things like handbags and shoes, it has also forayed into other products, including these lux salt and pepper grinders from the ’80s, which are now worth almost $1,000 for the set.
7. Alexander Girard La Fonda Del Sol Restaurant Shakers
Listing price on eBay: $795
Mid-century modern designs were all the rage during the ’60s, and these shakers honed in on the decade’s vibes perfectly thanks to designer Alexander Girard. These days, sets have become quite rare, adding to their value.
8. Anthropomorphic Pink Bunny Rabbit Shakers
Listing price on eBay: $750
These anthropomorphic pink bunnies are extra cute with their colorful bowties. This set is scarce and valuable since it was part of a special series of flat-faced shakers during the ’50s.
9. 1959 Holt Howard 1959 Rock & Roll Kids
Listing price on eBay: $400
Holt Howard shakers are known for having an eclectic flare, but these are on an entirely different level, set on top of springs. Made in 1959, these “Rock ‘n Roll” dubbed shakers were unique, cementing their position as a collector’s must-have.
10. Holt Howard Ceramic Pixies
Listing price on eBay: $375
When it comes to the Holt Howard brand, no design is as iconic as its pixies. These pixie shakers have handles, making them stand out among other shakers during the ’50s.
11. Anthropomorphic Hippo Shakers
Listing price on eBay: $5,000
Ahtropomorphic salt and pepper shakers were all the rage during the 1960s, and these hippos are some of the cutest around, especially the one wearing the cardigan.
12. 1960s Holt Howard Kissing Dogs
Listing price on eBay: $350
So, we begin and end with the “aww-“worthy smooching shakers. These Holt Howard kissing dogs were made in Japan during the 1960s and their vintage charm is undeniable.