tchotchkes

A tchotchke is a small decorative object or ornament, typically a knickknack or trinket. In everyday English, the term usually refers to inexpensive, mass-produced items kept for display or as souvenirs rather than for practical use. The sense can be neutral or mildly pejorative, implying clutter or tastelessness when accumulated.

Originating in Yiddish as tchotchke, the word is generally traced to Polish tchotchka or tchatchke, with cognates in Central and Eastern European languages. It entered American English in the 20th century, expanding to refer to a wide range of small decorative objects.

Typical tchotchkes include figurines, decorative magnets, keychains, glass animals, novelty items, and other small souvenirs. They are commonly sold in gift shops, souvenir stands, and home decor outlets. In collections, they may form themed displays, sometimes reflecting cultural symbols, holidays, or personal memories.

Culturally, tchotchkes illustrate consumer culture and the appeal of keepsakes, offering nostalgia, whimsy, or kitsch. In retail and marketing, “tchotchke” is sometimes used to describe promotional freebies given at events, such as pens or magnets, rather than premium merchandise. Collectors may curate arrangements by material, era, or motif, and displays of tchotchkes can range from minimalist to densely packed shelves.

See also: knickknack, bric-a-brac, trinket, souvenir.