Retired and I collect Longaberger Baskets
by Judy Jordan
My Basket Longaberger Collection
There are 86 baskets in my Longaberger basket collection! They are handmade in Dresden, Ohio and beautifully handcrafted. Each is signed by the maker with his or her initials, the Longaberger name and the year it was made. Yes, they are expensive, but they last many years.
My oldest is a 1989 spring basket that Ken (my husband) found when he had a route (trash pickup-now works for the landfill).
It had about a 2” piece broken out of the handle and someone threw it away. I gave it to Ruth Ann (consultant at the time) who sent it to the company. They replaced the handle, cleaned it and returned it at no charge.
I also have 2 baskets from 1992 given to me by the school staff for Secretaries week so very special to me - a pencil basket and a note basket. I have a 1991 mini cradle that I spent $19.95 for and now worth $120.00!!
I usually have a party in Nov. and earn hostess dollars (so much off) or half price baskets. Then I buy one that I might want. I rarely buy one for full price. I am kind of “basketed” out right now as my former consultant does not do parties anymore but have a friend who downsizes and sells many of them and can always do that.
My baskets are used. Many have fabric liners (cloth-many patterns and colors) and plastic protectors. They are used for snacks, recipe basket, spoon basket (for kitchen utensils), tea, stationary, bears, pens, our pills, napkins, salt and pepper, yarn, crafts, computer paper, waste basket, vanity basket, books, Christmas cards,photos. Some are more ornate and many different sizes and shapes. Some are small like the small Joy basket (have car keys in it) parsley basket (pens) etc.
There is a Bentley guide that comes out once a year that shows the year, what the basket would cost, if sold, what the low and high values etc. are.
All divided into sections like certain kinds (heartland, Mother’s day, retired, American etc). I get it for inventory purposes and for insurance. Just got a new software package to put on the computer which will do the inventory, value, print lists etc. I want to do that soon.
The latest ones are a medium oval wastebasket, 2 boardwalk baskets, and canister set. The canister set is lovely. Very well made (used my hostess dollars etc) and has wonderful plastic inserts with strong seals (like Tupperware) and wooden lids. The keep flour, coffee, sugar etc. very fresh.
The big board walk basket is perfect for a car trip. The medium board walk basket I use for a purse with a paprika colored liner that zips and I have received many compliments on it. Also a lunch box basket, pie basket (old) 2 Christmas ones, (got half price as she was downsizing with dividers etc)
Some baskets are retired and they no longer make them. Of course their value is greater. Have several of those also.
I could write on and one but hope this gives you an idea of what they are like. I do enjoy them and hope this gives you a glimpse into what I collect and love about Longaberger baskets.
Also have a cherished teddy collection (ceramic, maybe 30 of them), dog statue collection, (about 35) and bear collection. The bears are mostly stuffed but some ceramic and wood and all sizes and shapes. Have the 1st bear I got when I was 1 year old and lovingly used. Also a large collection of videos (love old movies) and a vast collection of books. Hardback and paperbacks. I have always loved to read and do that a lot now that I am retired. I do reread books that I love.
