Grant Holt Associates Second Generation Pixieware
Today's generation of the fun fifties characters.
Introduction

In 2002, four years after the publication of Walter Dworkin's first Holt Howard Collectibles guide, John Howard recognized the renewed enthusiasm for vintage Pixieware and partnered with former Holt Howard designer Curt Blanchard to create an entirely new generation of officially authorized Pixieware-inspired collectibles. Rather than reproducing the original 1950s pieces, the two deliberately chose to expand the Pixieware universe with new forms and new characters that had never existed during the Holt Howard era, preserving the whimsical spirit of the originals while ensuring the vintage market remained distinct.
The first piece released was Chuckie's Cookie Jar, introduced during the summer of 2002 as an exclusive through a single mail-order catalog company. Its immediate popularity led to additional production and encouraged Grant Howard Associates to expand the line with a Christmas cookie jar, a covered salsa dish, six decorative Personality Pixies Figurines, a salt and pepper set, a spoon rest, bottle toppers, and cheese spreaders. Although the collection was introduced between 2002 and 2004, it remained available until it was discontinued during the 2006 Christmas season.
Manufactured in China, the second-generation Pixieware line remained faithful to the colorful striped bodies, expressive faces, and playful charm of the original Holt Howard designs while introducing entirely new forms and functions. Most pieces were produced in ceramic, while the bottle toppers and cheese spreaders utilized durable resin handles for everyday use. Although these pieces are not part of the original Holt Howard Pixieware production, they represent an officially authorized continuation of the Pixieware tradition by John Howard and designer Curt Blanchard, making them an important chapter in the continuing history of Pixieware.
Chuckie's Cookie Jar
Chuckie's Cookie Jar
Released during the summer of 2002, Chuckie's Cookie Jar was the first piece in the Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware collection and marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter in Pixieware history. Featuring an orange-striped body, blushing cheeks, green hair, and a playful winking expression, Chuckie transformed one of collectors' longest-standing wishes into reality—a Pixieware cookie jar, something Holt Howard had surprisingly never produced during the original 1950s line.
Standing approximately 11½ inches tall and 8¼ inches wide, Chuckie's Cookie Jar was manufactured in China and is engraved "GHA" on its base for Grant Howard Associates. Originally introduced as a mail-order exclusive, demand quickly exceeded expectations, requiring additional production to keep pace with collector interest. Rather than being a reproduction of an earlier design, Chuckie was intentionally created as an entirely new Pixieware form, establishing the design philosophy that would guide the entire second-generation collection.
Collectors may encounter examples retaining their original paper product label, as well as the original retail packaging. Complete boxed examples are encountered less frequently than the jars alone.
Rudy's Christmas Cookie Jar
Rudy's Christmas Cookie Jar
Following the success of Chuckie's Cookie Jar, Grant Howard Associates introduced Rudy's Christmas Cookie Jar in 2003. Using the same basic cookie jar form, Rudy was transformed into a festive holiday character with bright red stripes, a candy cane scarf, and a floppy Santa hat, making him equally appealing to both Pixieware collectors and collectors of vintage-inspired Christmas ceramics.
Like Chuckie, Rudy measures approximately 11½ inches tall by 8¼ inches wide and is engraved "GHA" on the base. Although inspired by the holiday tradition established by Holt Howard during the 1950s, Rudy was designed as an original creation rather than a reproduction of any earlier Pixieware piece. His release demonstrated that the second-generation line could successfully expand beyond everyday kitchen accessories while remaining faithful to the whimsical personality that defined the original Pixieware family.
Today, Rudy's Christmas Cookie Jar remains one of the signature pieces of the Grant Howard Associates line and serves as the holiday companion to Chuckie's Cookie Jar.
Personality Pixies Figurines

The six Personality Pixies Figurines formed the decorative centerpiece of the Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware collection. Unlike the original Holt Howard Pixieware line, which focused primarily on functional kitchen accessories, these figures were created purely as collectible display pieces. Standing approximately five inches tall, each figurine carries its individual character name on the base while capturing the expressive faces, colorful striping, and playful personalities that made the original Pixieware line so beloved.
Although entirely new creations, Curt Blanchard incorporated subtle visual references to several classic Holt Howard Pixieware characters. Rather than copying specific vintage pieces, the designs borrowed familiar color combinations, facial expressions, hairstyles, and decorative details to create a collection that immediately felt at home within the broader Pixieware family.
- Bea Decked is adorned with red earrings, a matching necklace, and coordinating red trim surrounding her blond topknot, creating one of the most colorful figures in the series.
- Devil Maycare features vivid orange hair and an inquisitive expression reminiscent of the original Mustard Pixieware jar.
- Giggle'n Grinn wears matching pink earrings and necklace while displaying a broad, asymmetrical smile inspired by the classic Jam 'n Jelly Pixie.
- Justa Flirt is distinguished by her tall, elongated topknot and playful winking expression, giving the figure one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the collection.
- Natalie Attired combines aqua, green, and white with a matching bow, earrings, necklace, and decorative base trim, echoing the familiar color palette of the original Instant Coffee Pixie.
- Opt O'Mistic, the only male figurine in the assortment, sports a neatly groomed mustache and red bow tie, recalling the appearance of Sam, the original Vinegar Cruet.
Together, the Personality Pixies Figurines perfectly illustrate the philosophy behind the entire Grant Howard Associates revival. Rather than reproducing the functional Pixieware pieces of the 1950s, they celebrated the personalities, colors, and whimsical spirit of the original collection while introducing an entirely new generation of officially authorized Pixieware characters.
Sammy Salsa Covered Dish


Sammy Salsa Covered Dish
Introduced in 2003, Sammy Salsa Covered Dish was one of the most distinctive additions to the Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware collection. While inspired by the whimsical spirit of the original Holt Howard line, Sammy introduced an entirely new form that had never existed during the 1950s. Designed as a versatile serving piece, the original retail box identifies it as the Pixie Salsa Pot – Serving & Storage Container, reflecting its intended use for serving salsa, dips, sauces, or other small foods while keeping them covered between uses.
Standing approximately 7 inches tall and measuring about 6 inches across, Sammy features a brightly colored serape-inspired body accented by bold horizontal striping, while the removable Pixie head forms the lid. Like the rest of the second-generation collection, the piece was manufactured in China and carries the molded GHA backstamp for Grant Howard Associates.
Sammy Salsa Covered Dish perfectly illustrates the design philosophy established by John Howard and Curt Blanchard for the second-generation Pixieware line. Rather than recreating one of the original Holt Howard condiment jars, they developed an entirely new serving piece that immediately felt at home alongside the vintage Pixieware collection while remaining unmistakably a modern design. The result was a functional and highly decorative addition that successfully captured the humor, colorful styling, and playful personality of the original Pixieware tradition without duplicating any earlier Holt Howard product.
Collectors will encounter Sammy with its original retail box, which prominently identifies the piece as a serving and storage container and features Grant Howard Associates branding together with a modern barcode label. Complete boxed examples are encountered less frequently than the covered dish alone.
Flirting Pixie Shakers

Flirting Pixie Shakers
Introduced in 2003, the Flirting Pixie Shakers continued the Grant Howard Associates philosophy of creating entirely new Pixieware forms rather than reproducing vintage Holt Howard designs. Although whimsical salt and pepper shakers had long been a hallmark of Holt Howard ceramics, these cheerful boy and girl Pixies were original creations developed specifically for the second-generation Pixieware collection.
Standing approximately 4½ inches tall, the pair features the brightly colored striped bodies, expressive faces, and playful styling that define the second-generation line. The girl wears a blue-striped skirt accented by matching jewelry, while the boy is decorated with orange-striped trousers, a red bow tie, and a neatly groomed mustache. Like the remainder of the collection, both pieces were manufactured in China and carry the molded GHA backstamp for Grant Howard Associates.
Rather than recreating any earlier Holt Howard salt and pepper set, the Flirting Pixie Shakers were intentionally designed as entirely new characters that complemented the rest of the second-generation collection. Together with the cookie jars, Sammy Salsa Covered Dish, Personality Pixies Figurines, Spoon Rest, Bottle Toppers, and Cheese Spreaders, they helped establish a cohesive family of Pixieware-inspired collectibles while remaining clearly distinguishable from the original 1950s line.
Complete pairs are encountered more frequently than examples retaining their original retail packaging, making original boxed sets a desirable addition for collectors seeking the most complete examples of the Grant Howard Associates collection.
Collector's Note: Grant Howard Associates never assigned individual names to the two Flirting Pixie Shakers. Over the years, I’ve jokingly come to think of them as Sally Salt and Pepper Pete. These names are entirely unofficial, but they seem to fit their cheerful personalities rather well.
Spanky Spooner Spoon Rest

Spanky Spooner Spoon Rest
Introduced in 2003, Spanky Spooner brought the whimsical charm of Pixieware to another kitchen accessory that had never been part of the original Holt Howard line. Designed as a functional spoon rest, the piece features a smiling Pixie head at one end with a gently curved body that comfortably supports cooking utensils while protecting countertops during meal preparation.
Measuring approximately 8 inches in length, Spanky Spooner displays the bright orange-striped decoration, rosy cheeks, and cheerful expression that characterize the Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware collection. Manufactured in China, the spoon rest carries the molded GHA backstamp and follows the same design philosophy established throughout the line—creating entirely new forms that complemented the original Pixieware family without reproducing earlier Holt Howard pieces.
Although spoon rests were common kitchen accessories during the 1950s, Holt Howard never produced a Pixieware example. By introducing Spanky Spooner, John Howard and designer Curt Blanchard expanded the Pixieware concept into another practical household item while preserving the colorful styling and playful personality that collectors associate with the original line.
Examples are most commonly encountered without their original retail packaging. Complete boxed examples are considerably less common and are especially desirable for collectors assembling a complete Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware collection.
Tammy & Tommy Bottle Toppers

Tammy & Tommy Bottle Toppers
Introduced in 2003, Tammy & Tommy Bottle Toppers extended the second-generation Pixieware collection beyond ceramic kitchenware into decorative tabletop accessories. Designed for use with wine bottles, oil and vinegar bottles, or other decorative glass containers, the pair combines hand-painted Pixie heads with natural cork stoppers, creating a whimsical finishing touch for a variety of household uses.
Standing approximately 3½ inches tall, Tammy and Tommy feature the bright striped clothing, expressive faces, and cheerful personalities that characterize the Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware line. Unlike most pieces in the collection, which were produced entirely in ceramic, the bottle toppers utilize durable molded resin heads secured to natural cork stoppers for everyday use. Like the rest of the collection, they were manufactured in China and sold under the Grant Howard Associates name.
Although the original Holt Howard Pixieware line included numerous bottles and cruets with removable Pixie-head stoppers, Tammy and Tommy were not intended as reproductions of any earlier design. Instead, John Howard and Curt Blanchard created an entirely new accessory that captured the spirit of the original Pixieware bottle stoppers while adapting the concept for contemporary bottles and entertaining.
Examples retaining their original retail packaging are encountered less frequently than the bottle toppers themselves, making complete boxed sets especially desirable for collectors assembling the full Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware collection.
Party Pixie Cheese Spreaders

Party Pixie Cheese Spreaders
Introduced in 2003, the Party Pixie Cheese Spreaders completed the Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware collection by extending its whimsical character designs into entertaining accessories. Sold as a set of four, the spreaders feature two boy Pixies and two girl Pixies, each with brightly colored striped clothing, expressive faces, and playful hairstyles that complement the rest of the second-generation line.
Measuring approximately 5½ inches in length, each spreader combines a molded resin Pixie handle with a durable stainless-steel blade, making the set both decorative and practical for serving soft cheeses, spreads, and appetizers. Like the bottle toppers, the use of resin provided additional strength and durability while preserving the colorful hand-painted appearance that defined the collection. The spreaders were manufactured in China and marketed by Grant Howard Associates.
Although Holt Howard produced numerous whimsical serving accessories during the 1950s and early 1960s, cheese spreaders were never part of the original Pixieware line. Rather than reproducing an earlier design, John Howard and Curt Blanchard created an entirely new serving accessory that expanded the Pixieware concept while remaining faithful to the playful personality and colorful styling of the vintage originals.
Complete boxed sets are encountered less frequently than the spreaders themselves, making original retail packaging especially desirable for collectors assembling a complete Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware collection.
Backstamps & Labels
Although the Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware line was produced for only a few years, several different methods were used to identify and market the collection. As a result, collectors may encounter molded backstamps, foil labels, paper product labels, and retail packaging, often leading to questions about which markings are original. Fortunately, each served a different purpose, and together they provide a clear picture of how the collection was presented at retail.
The most common identifier is the molded GHA backstamp found on the underside of the ceramic pieces. The initials stand for Grant Howard Associates, the company established by John Howard following the sale of Holt Howard. This molded mark appears on the majority of the ceramic items in the second-generation Pixieware collection and serves as the primary means of identifying authentic examples.
The six Personality Pixies Figurines were additionally identified by an attractive round gold foil label reading "HH Pixies by Grant Howard Associates." This label intentionally preserved the familiar "HH Pixies" identity while also acknowledging Grant Howard Associates as the manufacturer, reinforcing the connection between the new collection and its Holt Howard heritage.
Some pieces, including Chuckie's Cookie Jar, were also sold with printed paper product labels applied to the outside bottom. These labels provided retail product information and barcode data while covering, but not replacing, the molded GHA backstamp beneath. As a result, collectors may encounter examples retaining the original paper label, examples where the label has been removed over time, or pieces showing only the molded backstamp.
Original retail boxes further identified the collection through colorful packaging bearing the Grant Howard Associates name, descriptive product titles, and modern UPC barcode labels. Complete boxed examples provide valuable documentation of the official product names, intended uses, and original retail presentation of the second-generation Pixieware line.
Together, these various markings illustrate how Grant Howard Associates successfully balanced continuity with innovation. While the collection remained unmistakably connected to the Holt Howard Pixieware tradition, its backstamps, labels, and packaging also established a distinct identity for a new generation of officially authorized Pixieware collectibles.
Molded GHA Mark

Gold Foil Label

Paper Bottom Label

Retail Packaging

Although produced for only a brief period between 2002 and 2006, the Grant Howard Associates second-generation Pixieware collection remains an important continuation of the Pixieware story, preserving the spirit of the original Holt Howard designs while introducing an entirely new generation of whimsical characters for collectors to enjoy.



