From classic spheres to quirky felt snowmen.
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Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful holiday gift, adding a couple of quirky ornaments to your tree, or rehauling your holiday aesthetic, Christmas ornaments are a great way to incorporate style and sentimentality into the holidays.
“When they unpack them year after year, there is a story to tell and memories to be lived again,” says Joanna Buchanan, a product designer and entertaining expert.
To find the best Christmas ornaments, we researched dozens of top-rated options, while considering material, size, price, and theme. We also spoke with Joanna Buchanan, product designer and entertaining expert, and Artem Kropovinsky, interior design expert and founder of Arsight, for additional insight on what to look for when shopping for Christmas ornaments.
Small children and pets around a Christmas tree might mean you resort to felt designs to avoid a messy cleanup. The Wondershop Shatter-Resistant Round Ornament Set is a durable yet fun and colorful solution to a mess-free holiday. Since they’re plastic, these ornaments won’t shatter if your dog or curious kid pulls one down. Each set has 50 ornaments available in 18 colors, including multicolor sets, varying in matte, glitter, and glossy textures. While you can't use these ornaments outdoors, we think this set is definitely worth the value.
Price at time of publish: $15 for 50-pack
If you prefer to decorate your tree with every color, size, and texture while maintaining a cohesive theme, opt for the Grandin Road Classic Christmas Ornaments. Although pricier than other sets, we think the variety of ornaments and quality of the mouth-blown glass is worth the price tag. Each set contains 20 ornaments, some with glitter or fabric bows and others in a drop shape with a plaid pattern. Although each ornament is different, the overall red, green, white, and gold color scheme will give your Christmas tree a festive and harmonious look.
Price at time of publish: $179 for 20-pack
Material: Glass | Size: Rounds, up to 4 inches; Drop-style, up to 8 inches
If you have a small space that doesn’t allow for the average six-foot Christmas tree, you might want some mini ornaments for your wreath, tabletop tree, or houseplant. We love the shimmering Kurt Adler Glitter Glass Ball Ornaments that add some serious sparkle to your home despite their mini size of less than an inch in diameter. The multicolor set has 25 ornaments, each with a coating of glitter, which can get messy when handling them, but we think of it as an extra touch of holiday cheer.
Price at time of publish: $11 for 25-pack
Sushi lovers, rejoice! You can appreciate your favorite Japanese cuisine during the holidays from a new angle with the John Derian Nigiri Ornament. Handblown in Poland, this glass ornament has a light glitter covering as light as a coating of ponzu sauce on a real piece of nigiri. Although shipping is expensive and free shipping is only included on orders over $200, you can add a few more unique ornaments to your cart, like a triceratops or pickle.
Price at time of publish: $22
If you want to gift a baker or cook an ornament that looks good enough to eat, we recommend the Wondershop Glass Butter Ornament. While the butter stick ornament has become popular over the last few years, we think this one, in particular, is a great deal that still maintains a refined look and construction. It’s also lightweight and has an attached hanging loop for easy placement on any Christmas tree.
Price at time of publish: $5
Material: Glass | Size: 2 x 4 inches
We love the Urban Outfitters Gummy Bear Ornaments for their colorful glass refraction and novelty shape of your favorite childhood candy. These gummy bear ornaments come in a set of three, and their handmade quality gives each one a unique look. Whether you’re using these to dress up your tree or creating a winter candyland on your mantel, these are the sweetest Christmas decorations.
Price at time of publish: $28 for 3-pack
Material: Glass | Size: 5.5 x 1.5 x 7.25 inches
Christmastime is already vibrant, colorful, and bright, but the World Market Rainbow Disco Ball Ornaments have a maximalist and eccentric vibe to take it to the next level. Each ornament is lined with a rainbow of colors and a gold top that glistens when spun even slightly. Although they’re technically mini and might be too small to decorate a large tree, they could work as filler ornaments or as decoration for mini trees, garlands, and wreaths.
Price at time of publish: $10 for 12-pack
Material: Not listed | Size: 1.5 x 2 inches
A thoughtful and unique ornament can be hard to find, so the Uncommon Goods Your Name in a Snowflake Ornament stood out as a personalized pick that can double as a gift. Although dainty and quite fragile, this plywood ornament hides the name of your loved one in plain sight using an intricate laser-cut design. Like real snowflakes, each one of these personalized ornaments is different. We also like the bold red ribbon that contrasts with a green Christmas tree.
Price at time of publish: $35
Material: Plywood | Size: 5 x 5 inches
Etsy is one of our favorite places to find stunning and personalized Christmas decorations, and this ornament from Etsy shop Mod Paws is definitely one of our favorites. For anyone with a beloved pet, this porcelain ornament showcases your fluffy friend's photo and name. You can choose from 10 colors and three shapes and include up to two photos. Although the ornament is one-sided, it’s not a big downside considering the quality and sentimental factor that will leave you lovingly staring at your Christmas tree.
Price at time of publish: From $39
Material: Porcelain | Size: Not listed
If you’re spending the holidays away from your best friend, the Lenox Forever Friends Donut 2-Piece Ornament will bring you closer together. This set contains two donuts—a vanilla one with chocolate drizzle and a pink frosted one with rainbow sprinkles—so you and your loved one can have a piece of each other on your respective Christmas trees. You can also personalize the donuts with each other’s names, although this does have an extra charge. Lastly, we like the attached sparkly gold cord for an extra festive touch.
Price at time of publish: From $80 for 2-pack
Material: Porcelain | Size: 2.75 x 2.75 inches
Deciding on a style before decorating your Christmas tree is crucial in making your aesthetic shine—and if you love vintage trinkets and decorations, opt for the Kings Kountry Vintage Satin Miniature Ball Craft Christmas Ornaments. Available in seven colors, each pack of 12 ornaments is wrapped with satin for a shiny and smooth look reminiscent of 1990s holiday decor. Since these are mini-sized, they are best paired with smaller trees or tinsel if you want to maintain a nostalgic look. It’s also important to note that the satin might snag on sharp pine needles without proper care and handling.
Price at time of publish: $10 for 12-pack
If your Christmas style is more antique than vintage, the Williams Sonoma ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Ornaments will perfectly fit your aesthetic. The limited edition set of four glass ornaments includes a Christmas tree, reindeer, snowman, and Santa Claus, all inspired by the legendary 19th-century American poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas. We like that they come in a gift-ready box that you can use to store them in the off-season.
Price at time of publish: $60 for 4-pack
Material: Borosilicate glass | Size: From 4.5 to 5.25 inches
We love vintage pieces with bold and bright colors, which is why the Glass Vintage Decors Ball Glass Ornaments are some of our favorite vintage Christmas ornaments. Hand-painted between the 1950s and 1970s, these glass ornaments feature details and designs such as flowers, snowflakes, birds, and stars and are available in atypical colors such as pink, orange, blue, and yellow. Although shipping for one ornament can be a little pricey, we think the price is worth it if you buy two or more ornaments.
Price at time of publish: From $8
Material: Glass | Size: From 2.2 to 3.5 inches
Mini ornaments are a great way to fill in empty spots in your Christmas tree or as decor for other holiday projects like homemade wreaths and decorative vases. The Terrain Miniature Glass Bulb Ornament Set comes with a whopping 100 ornaments in an array of colors, some matte and some shiny, to use whichever way you see fit for the holidays. If you prefer a more uniform look for your tree, this assorted set may not be for you, but if you have a colorful decor philosophy, you’ll treasure this set for holidays to come. It’s also available in a set of 25 more standard-sized ornaments for large trees.
Price at time of publish: $45 for 100-pack
If you’re looking for the best Christmas ornament set that includes everything from the ornaments to the tree topper, The Holiday Aisle 101 Piece Holiday Ornament Set is the one for you. With 45 ornaments, three garlands, and an LED tree topper, this set has everything you need to decorate your tree in one box. We like that this set has a variety of ornaments and decor in earth-tone hues, including woodland animals, ball ornaments, bells, wooden houses, pompoms, a wooden garland, and more. Despite the fact that the battery pack on the tree topper can be heavy and can't be plugged in, we think the overall value and quality of this set are worth it if you're decorating a tree from scratch.
Price at time of publish: $240 for 101-pack
Material: Glass, fabric, fiberboard, and poly-resin | Size: Various
Buying Christmas ornaments, even over time, can add up to more than you expected. We like the XmasExp Christmas Ball Ornaments Set since it comes with 24 ornaments for the price of just one. We love that you can choose from solid colors like black, burgundy, and purple, or mixed sets like brown and champagne or green and blue. Each set has six different finishes or textures: shiny, matte, diamond, pumpkin, glitter, and mosaic. Although there may be some discoloration on the ornaments if handled too much, we think it’s a mild downside considering this sets durability and affordable price.
Price at time of publish: From $10 for 24-pack
Material: Plastic | Size: 1.57-8 inches
If you or a loved one is spending their first holiday season in a new home, the Lenox Our New Home Ornament is a small yet celebratory adornment. The porcelain ornament is in a Cape Cod-style house with hand-painted gold detailing and an attached sparkly gold tassel cord that stands out on any Christmas tree. Although the text color is only available in dark gold, we like that you can add up to three lines of text, which means it can fit an address, name, and date. However you choose to personalize this ornament, your loved one will appreciate the thoughtful gift that will become a cherished keepsake.
Price at time of publish: $80
If this year is significant for you and your partner, we love the Hallmark Our Anniversary 2023 Porcelain Ornament to make the occasion. The elegant yet simple look of these porcelain lovebirds will be the standout ornament on your Christmas tree. The ornament also comes with interchangeable heart charms, including a rainbow heart and five white hearts with one, five, 10, 25, and 50 years—you can also opt for a blank heart to write in your own year or date. You can keep this ornament and change the hearts as you reach milestone anniversaries and celebrate them during the holidays.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: Porcelain | Size: 2.6 x 5.98 x 2.13 inches
Commemorate your baby’s first holiday season with the Pottery Barn Kids Baby’s First Christmas Handprint Ornament Kit. We like that the impression doesn't require water, baking, or mixing, and you can do as many impressions as you need to get the right one. Once it dries, complete it with the included satin ribbon and framing parts to hang it on your Christmas tree.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: Impression material, satin ribbon, plastic | Size: 5.25 inches
If you want your holiday vibe to feel decadent and glamorous, opt for the Balsam Hill Brilliant Bordeaux Ornament Set. Available in sets of 6, 25, and 50, these ornaments are crafted with mouth-blown and hand-painted glass and finished with intricate gold designs. Every ornament has a different shape or design, like a burgundy sphere with gold glitter stars and large gold finial ornaments. If you have small children, or pets, or prefer ornaments that aren’t so fragile, you may want to opt for another pick. However, if you want luxurious and stunning statement pieces for your Christmas tree, this set is perfect.
Price at time of publish: From $99 for 6-pack
Material: Glass | Size: 1.4-15 inches
If you’re over the monochromatic look, the Cody Foster Merry & Bright Ornament Set will invigorate your tree with color. We love that this set of 49 ornaments is as colorful as a box of crayons while also spanning a spectrum of matte, shiny, and glittered textures to give your Christmas tree some dimension. Even though these ornaments don’t have any designs, patterns, or different shapes, we love the color options and compact size. With this multicolored set, your home will stay merry and bright all holiday season.
Price at time of publish: $32 for 49-pack
Material: Glass | Size: 1.5 x 1 inches
“For us, gold is always a winner as it's a sparkling neutral,” says Joanna Buchanan, product designer and entertaining expert, and we couldn’t agree more. Her Dazzling Snowflake Hanging Ornament is one of the best Christmas ornaments for its meticulous craftsmanship and shimmering gold glass that is extra stunning when it catches the light. We like this ornament as an anniversary or Christmas gift for a couple but keep in mind that it would be expensive to decorate your whole tree with this ornament. If you do, however, your entire home will dazzle for many holidays to come.
Price at time of publish: $68
Material: Zinc, glass | Size: 2.25 x 0.5 inches
If minimalism is your preferred holiday aesthetic, the Kurt Adler Clear Glass Icicle Ornament Set will give your Christmas tree a subtle yet sparkling and elegant look. These long, tapered glass ornaments mimic the appearance of real icicles with their twisted shape and dripping design. We like that you get 24 ornaments at a reasonable price, so you can decorate your entire tree on a budget. Although the included loop might be too long for some trees, you can always add your own hooks or cords.
Price at time of publish: $18 for 24-pack
Material: Glass | Size: 3.5 x 5.5 inches
Whether you prefer a Scandinavian holiday aesthetic or want a Christmas DIY project for your kids, the BulleEtBallon Wooden Ball Ornament Set is a must-have. This set contains six ornaments made of hardwood, and you can choose between a finished, oiled, or unfinished look. We like that you can add a cotton storage bag for an extra cost that works perfectly as a gift bag. Because of their handmade nature, the top of the ornament may come unglued, but it’s nothing a little wood glue can’t fix.
Price at time of publish: From $25 for 6-pack
Nutcrackers are a classic holiday icon, which is why we love the Crate & Barrel Wood Nutcracker Ornaments. These feel classic and modern, each ornament crafted with wood and a stunning natural finish. Each nutcracker in this set includes a drummer, cymbalist, guitarist, French horn player, and band leader. If you prefer your wooden decor finished, you might have to oil them yourself, but we like their rustic and natural look for a slightly vintage, playful vibe.
Price at time of publish: $30 for 5-pack
Material: Wood | Size: 1.75 x 1.75 x 6 inches
The West Elm Wood Tree Ornaments will satisfy your Christmas tree obsession with their sleek and natural look. Each comes with a twine loop and is available in light, medium, and dark finishes to create your own miniature forest. Although the darkest tree ornament might only stand out against white or frosted Christmas trees, the construction and overall look make it versatile as a tree adornment, mantel decor, or small gift for a loved one.
Price at time of publish: $10
Material: Wood | Size: 2 x 5 inches
Felt ornaments are ideal for those who don’t want fragile decorations but still want all the whimsy and charm of a holiday ornament. The Close Call Studio Felt Fruit and Veggie Ornaments are perfect for gardeners, produce lovers, and health and wellness fanatics. While they may not be strictly holiday-themed, there are 35 variations to choose from including winter fruits and vegetables such as beets, butternut squash, and apples. Best of all, each ornament is handmade and crafted from felt from post-consumer plastic bottles.
Price at time of publish: $13
Material: Felt | Size: 3-6 inches
In a sea of Santas and Christmas trees, this Felt Abominable Snowman Ornament from Pigment is a stand-out pick. This adorable holiday monster can stand on its own, making it perfect for a holiday mantel, and has moveable arms that make it look more welcoming and excited for the Christmas season. It also has a small but sparkly gold star for some extra merriment. While online returns to Pigment are subject to a $9 processing fee, we think this ornament is too charming and unique to send back.
Price at time of publish: $22
If you prefer a classic felt ornament, we love the Craftspring Candy Cane Snowman Ornament. Equipped with a cozy Santa hat, red scarf, and candy cane, this soft snowman is ready for holiday merriment. We love the felt stick arms and hand-embroidered details and stitching. All of Craftspring’s felt ornaments are made from sustainably harvested and locally sourced Merino wool, which makes them a bit more expensive than other individual felt ornaments. If you’re willing to splurge on high-quality, sustainable, and charming felt ornaments, Craftspring’s are some of the best felt Christmas ornaments around.
Price at time of publish: $24
Material: Merino-blended wool | Size: 3 x 2.5 x 2.25 inches
The CB2 Versailles Black and White Christmas Ornaments give a modern and chic flair to any tree. The black and white pattern with the thin copper-colored trim and attached sheer black ribbon make a bold statement for those who want to get creative with their holiday decor. While they’re too large and quite heavy for mini trees, we love how elegant they look on large trees. They’re also available as a set of eight ornaments, and in tall diamond shapes.
Price at time of publish: From $8
Material: Glass | Size: 3.13 x 3.5 inches or 3.88 x 4.25 inches
You can mix your contemporary and minimal style with the Nicrolandee Paper Ornaments. These come in a set of six, and while there are different shapes and muted colors, they all have a honeycomb design that allows them to fan out on a Christmas tree and fold flat for storage. The edges of each ornament are lined with a thin layer of glitter that easily falls off, but we think their overall shape and durable paper construction make them adorable holiday decorations.
Price at time of publish: $13 for 6-pack
Material: Paper | Size: 3.1-3.4 inches
If you’re not into classic round ornaments, the star-shaped H&M Metal Ornaments are a stylish way to modernize your Christmas tree. Available in gold and black matte, these ornaments come in a pack of six and also include glittery gold cords to add a little extra sparkle to your tree. Although the edges can be sharp and aren't suitable for small children to handle, we like how chic and sophisticated these ornaments look on a tree.
Price at time of publish: $10 for 6-pack
Christmas ornaments come in various materials like glass, plastic, wood, felt, and metal. Joanna Buchanan, product designer and entertaining expert, and Artem Kropovinsky, interior design expert and founder of Arsight, suggest choosing the material based on a few factors. For example, if you have small children and pets, you may want to opt for plastic, wood, or felt for safety reasons. On the other hand, if you prioritize things like personalization, shimmer, and intricate details, you might consider glass or metal.
The size of your Christmas ornaments can have an effect on the overall look of your tree. Kropovinsky suggests considering the size of your tree and double-checking the measurements of your ornaments before buying them, especially online.
“Size is not just a dimension, it's an articulation of space,” he says. “Too often, we see settings where the ornaments are either lost in the grandeur of a tree or overwhelmingly dominate its silhouette.”
While ornaments might feel intrinsically tied to the Christmas holiday, you can find various ornaments that speak to your personal style and aesthetic. If you’re an animal lover, for example, you can turn your tree into a miniature zoo with felt animal ornaments. Kropovinsky also says you can create your own theme with a color palette.
“There's an emerging affinity for understated pastels like lavender, mint, and peach that add a serene and contemporary feel into the festivity,” he says.
For Buchanan, the days of buying huge boxes of inexpensive balls to fill the tree are over. Instead, she sees people choosing unique, personalized ornaments to mark milestones and moments in their lives. These become a memorable token that’s nostalgic to unpack year after year.
Kropovinsky agrees that Christmas maximalism has faded in recent years, saying he noticed a pivot towards minimalist design. “Simplistic geometric shapes and fluid, abstract patterns are becoming a favorite,” he says.
Gold is one of the most popular colors for its luster and versatility, while silver is having a sparkling renaissance, according to Buchanan. She also says that red is common in holiday decor because of how well it contrasts against greenery.
“We do see some more uncommon colors trending some years, like shades of pink or a set of rainbow ornaments,” she says.
While Buchanan and Kropovinsky agree that the best Christmas ornament brand depends on personal preference, Kropovinsky recommends delving into boutique studios or emerging designers. These selects can have truly unique, innovative designs, and even become heirlooms for the future.
This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, she spent hours researching Christmas ornaments and reading customer reviews. She also received tips on how to shop for Christmas ornaments from Joanna Buchanan, product designer and entertaining expert, and Artem Kropovinsky, interior design expert and founder of Arsight.
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