(pronunciation: press-shuss mo-ments)

Location: Precious Moments Park and Chapel, Carthage, Missouri

For those of you who have been living out of country (or in a cave) for the last 20 years, Precious Moments makes figurines of children with big heads, large oval eyes and mildly Christian sentiments. These include gifts for every day and those for special occasions, including Mother’s day, Father’s Day, Christmas and birthdays. The porcelain is white and pained in a pale flesh color with soft colors to add detail. Overall these pieces have a matte finish.

My opinion: Certainly cheap enough, and readily available in gift stores or on the internet. Cute at first look, but not to be lived with, as far as I am concerned: too commercial, too sentimental.

Product lines:
figurines: singles or pairs, some including simple setting, also water globes, some  including a music box.
Collector’s Series
in conjunction with Disney: Precious Moments figures resembling characters such as Snow White and Ariel, or with MM ears.
home and garden: linens, placemats, pillows, throws, wall hangings.
jewelry: charms mostly, a few beads or bracelet/necklace parts
ornaments
dolls
prints and posters
books, music, video
T-shirts, pastel with figure
miscellaneous: doll stands, cake toppers, candles, Christmas stockings
also a line called Ne’Qwa, same style children

Prices:
some items less than $25
most expensive: creche: $250
Available as a 10-15% discount, see non-company sellers for discontinued items.
secondary market: appears to be priced at 1/2 to 3/4 of original price.

Collector’s Society: Precious Moments National Collector Club: annual convention with special event figurines

The official company site is: http://www.preciousmoments.com/

History
The company was started by Sam Butcher in 1975, first to produce greeting cards and posters, then figurines in 1978. The signature feature of Precious Moments children is tear-drop shape of eyes. The figurines were an instant success due to their ability to touch the sentiments of both purchasers and recipients. There are over 1500 items in the line now, with new introductions annually. Some figures are retired every year as well.

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