Christmas gonks — unique little figurines with long bushy beards and knitted hats — are often considered to be the Nordic version of Santa Claus. Inspired by gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology, their popularity has been continuing to surge over the years.

Christmas gonks are perhaps the most popular, but you'll definitely find gonks all year round, from Easter gonks to Halloween gonks. Throughout the festive season, you'll find Christmas gonks dressed in warm coats, wearing red hats or carrying winter accessories, such as sledges and skis. Looking like miniature versions of Santa Claus, they are available to buy as room decorations, tree decorations and door stops, as well as printed on everything from festive bedding to scatter cushions. Lastly, why not get crafty and incorporate them into an easter make? Pop a Poundland Easter gonk in the centre of a wreath. Or hide them in the garden for the kids to find on an Easter egg hunt. Easter is pretty much the new Christmas when it comes to decorations, so go wild! Make a feature of your mantlepiece by swapping frosty garlands for spring foliage and flowers for your Easter gonk to nestle in. We were one of the first to spot the gonk phenomenon and customers are loving them more and more every year,' says Frances O'Sullivan, Christmas gonk buyer at Poundland. 'It's frankly gonkers! Other gonk-mad celebs like Stacey Solomon have driven the trend. Santa better watch out – they're almost as big as he is.' What is a gonk?Others have been posting pleas to help them find these elusive fellows: 'Can anyone help me find some of the gonks near Pontypridd please.'