Kitsch: (noun) art, objects, or design that appeal to popular rather than high art tastes.  Such objects are sometimes appreciated in a knowingly ironic or humorous way.

Do you have a kitsch signature?  That one, ubiquitous thing that people see and think of you?

I recently sent a friend a cute cactus something-or-other.  It was the second cactus trinket I had given her in a short timeframe.  She said that cactus was becoming her pink flamingo and that gave me the idea for this post.

My kitsch signature is pink flamingos.  I don’t know why I am so enamored of pink flamingos, but I have been since at least high school.  I did go through a ruthless purge of my accumulation of flamingo objects about 20 years ago.  Of course, in 20 years the collection has regrown and then some.  I’m not complaining, it’s fun. I have so many wonderful pink flamingo treasures that were gifts from thoughtful and generous friends, it is a lovely device to remember people.

My other kitsch collection is even more obvious: I also have a deep abiding love of cat trinkets.  So many of these lovely treasures were also gifts from thoughtful friends.  It is always so nice to look at these things and remember where they came from and think about the person who gave it to me.  Of course, I am always on the lookout for a gorgeous cat figurines on my own, especially ones that look like my cats, but who wouldn’t be?

One of my most treasured flamingo objects is a Hallmark ornament from 1994.  I love this guy hanging out in his beach chair, he speaks to my soul.

Some of the categories that my flamingo collection inhabits include:

• Dishtowels
• Trinket boxes
• Mugs and plates and wine glasses and measuring cups and even a butter dish
• An unusual number of drink stirrers (metal, glass, and plastic)
• Beach gear – towels, cooler bag, and even clips to hold your towel on your chair
• Some of the most treasured flamingos are Christmas ornaments or have been repurposed into Christmas ornaments for the flamingo tree

I’m part of the problem but my sister has been the biggest enabler historically speaking.  We finally came to an agreement: when she (or my nephews) are out shopping and find something flamingo, instead of buying it, she will take a picture and text it to me. It has been a highly satisfying arrangement.  She lets me know that she (or my nephews) are thinking of me and I don’t have the guilt of trying to find somewhere to put something that she has spent her hard-earned money on.

Sometimes though, it is worth every penny to enable a friend’s kitsch signature (whether or not they want another darling trinket).  And it can be so easy!  You know that you’ve been out shopping and seen something that someone you know just has to have.

Here’s an abbreviated list of things that I have to try really hard to keep myself from buying for someone every time I see one (you know who you are):

• Cactus
• Monkeys
• Turtles
• Llamas
• Flowers
• Octopus
• Palm trees
• Pineapples (the international symbol of hospitality)
• Dragonflies

Do you have a kitsch signature?  When did it begin? Do you remember your first piece and/or the piece that flipped the switch?

Fair warning: your answers may be used against you.

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