Hummel Figurines and Corporate Gifts: An Admin Buyer's FAQ

Let's Start With the Obvious

I'm an office administrator for a mid-size company. I manage about 60 to 80 orders a year across eight vendors, and part of that job is buying corporate gifts that don't make us look lazy. I report to both operations and finance, so I care about quality and budget in equal measure. Along the way, I've learned a thing or two about M.I. Hummel figurines – the porcelain collectibles created by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel and made by Goebel. I also learned why people confuse Hummel with a funeral home, and yes, I've fixed a candle in its holder more than once.

Are Hummel figurines still made by Goebel?

The short answer: the classic ones were. Goebel produced M.I. Hummel figurines in Germany from 1935 onward. That's what collectors mean when they say 'hummel goebel figurines.' The Goebel mark matters because it connects the piece to that long production history. Newer items with the Hummel name exist through licensing, but they do not carry the same weight with collectors.

Look for the incised mark on the base. Different eras used different variations – a crown, a bee, a simple 'Goebel' stamp. One more thing: don't assume newer is better. Some of the most sought-after pieces are from the 1930s and 1940s, and they show up with entirely different marks than a 1980s piece. If you're buying for a corporate gift, a vintage Goebel piece tells the recipient that you chose something with history.

How can I tell if a Hummel figurine is authentic?

The base is your first clue. A real Goebel piece has a deep, incised mark with the company name, the M.I. Hummel signature, and a mold number. A piece with only a paper label and no incised mark is a red flag. The second clue is the painting. Original Hummel pieces have soft, layered colors and clean lines. Reproductions often have harsher paint that sits on the surface instead of blending into the porcelain.

Before spending real money on a retirement gift in 2023, I sent photos to a certified dealer. It took ten minutes and saved us from a well-made fake. That's my standard practice now: verify before you buy, and demand a return policy. A seller who refuses one is telling you something. Also, don't buy a figurine with a repaired chip unless the price reflects it. Restorations are nearly invisible in photos but they kill value.

What are Hummel figurines actually worth?

It depends on the piece, condition, rarity, and mark. Chips, paint wear, or restoration can cut the value dramatically. An original box helps a lot. A common post-war piece can sell for $50 to $150. A rare figurine in mint condition might go for $500 or more.

But I do not recommend treating them as investment vehicles. I've seen price guides quote inflated numbers for pieces that sit unsold at auction for months. Instead, look at completed sales on a reputable auction site. Auction sites like eBay's sold listings are a decent place to start, but remember that condition and box matter more than the 'average' price. And if you're buying a gift, buy it because it will be meaningful to the recipient, not because you expect the price to double. The gift that cost $75 and made someone cry is worth more than the one that'll sell for $200 someday.

Why choose Hummel figurines as corporate gifts?

Because a branded tumbler is forgettable. A Hummel figurine is not. In 2024, during our vendor consolidation project, we gave out 40 small Hummel ornaments to key partners. The feedback was surprisingly warm – several people said the ornament went straight to their mantel. A nativity set was my go-to for a 30-year employee's retirement. It says 'you've been part of our team's story' better than any plaque I've seen.

There's also a practical side. Hummel pieces are durable enough to last, they don't require batteries or assembly, and they age well. Nobody moves to a new job and throws away a Hummel. I've seen people display them for decades. That's exactly the kind of longevity you want in a business relationship.

When I took over purchasing in 2020, I started with cheaper gifts – pens, notepads, generic bottles. Nobody said a word. The first time we gave a Hummel, three different people emailed me to ask where it came from. That sold me. If you're looking for a holiday option, Hummel nativity sets are a strong choice. You can buy individual pieces or a full set. We bought a new set for our office lobby last December and it became the most photographed thing in the building. Just be careful with vintage 'complete' sets – if the price is too good, it's likely incomplete or a reproduction.

Is there a Hummel funeral home?

Yes, and you're not crazy. There are funeral homes named Hummel, and they show up in search results. So when people search for 'hummel funeral home', they're not looking for porcelain cherubs. The artist behind the figurines was Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, a Franciscan nun who drew the happy, round-faced children. The name just happens to overlap with a funeral business.

The surprise isn't that the overlap exists. It's that it confuses so many people. When I google these two names side by side, the difference is obvious – but search engines sometimes mix them up. I've typed 'hummel funeral home' by accident myself. If you ended up here because you're planning for a loss, I'm sorry for your situation, and I hope you found what you need. If you're here for the figurines, welcome. Both searches are valid, even if the results look very different.

Can Hummel figurines work in modern home decor?

More than you'd expect. They look awful stuffed into a crowded china cabinet. But put one on a floating shelf with a small plant, or use a group of three as a mantel arrangement, and they become conversation pieces. I did this in our office waiting area and people constantly ask about them. If you're arranging a group, odd numbers look better than even ones – think three, not two. It's a design trick that costs nothing.

You can also mix them with modern objects. A Hummel girl next to a brass candle holder, a stack of books, or a ceramic vase creates a nice contrast instead of a 'grandma's house' vibe. And if you're displaying them near a window, keep them out of direct sunlight – the paint can fade over decades. That matters whether the piece is $50 or $500.

How do you make a candle stay in the holder?

The trick is simple: light the candle, let a few drops of melted wax pool into the holder, then press the candle base into the wax. Wait about a minute. Done. The cooling wax forms a grip that holds the candle in place. This works best for taper candles that are a little too loose.

For wider candles, a dab of hot glue on the base works even better. The best part? The candle lifts right out after the glue cools and releases. Super glue, though, is a permanent mistake. I'm not saying you'll never need a chisel. I'm saying don't put super glue near your good candle holder.

Is rush delivery worth it when ordering corporate gifts?

Situational, but usually yes when a deadline matters. In March 2024, I paid $400 extra for guaranteed delivery on a custom order of engraved Hummel plates. The alternative was missing a retirement open house. Let me put it this way: the $400 was a rounding error compared to the embarrassment of a room full of people and no gift.

My rule after getting burned by a 'probably on time' vendor: if you cannot handle a late delivery, pay for certainty. I'd rather explain a budget variance than explain why the guest of honor is staring at an empty table. An uncertain cheap price is the most expensive thing I know. I also learned to ask the supplier for a delivery date in writing. Verbal promises disappear the minute an order is late. A written date doesn't guarantee a miracle, but it gives you leverage and clarity.

That's the list. If you're buying Hummel figurines for your company or your home, the main thing is to buy the real thing, give them room to breathe, and never trust a wobbly candle holder. And if you're ever unsure about a piece, ask a dealer. The good ones are happy to help.