Keepsake Ornament Holiday
 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament 2011 Peanuts Gang Holiday En tree preneurs $14.99 Time Remaining: 29d 22h 6m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 1996 Keepsake Holiday Barbie Doll Ornament Series 4 Handcrafted $9.99 Time Remaining: 6h 46m |
 Hallmark Keepsake ornament 2006 VIP Exclusive Holiday Mail mint $3.99 Time Remaining: 16h 17m |
 Hallmark Keepsake ornament 2011 Celebration Barbie Holiday Barbie Doll $17.99 Time Remaining: 22d 16h 13m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 Christmas Ornament Hallmark Keepsake Barbie Holiday Barbie 1996 Beautiful $13.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 45m |
 2000 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament HOLIDAY FLURRIES NIB $5.99 Time Remaining: 25d 11h 44m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie 1995 4 in series $3.99 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 53m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT 1998 MICKEYS HOLIDAY PARADE NIB MINNIE PLAYS FLUTE $6.74 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 15m |
 2011 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament ETERNAL LOVE Holiday Angels $17.99 Time Remaining: 27d 16h 23m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 |
 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT 1999 MICKEYS HOLIDAY PARADE NIB DONALD PLAYS CYMBALS $3.24 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 19m |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Lone Ranger 1997 Christmas Tree Holiday $3.66 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 24m Buy It Now for only: $3.66 |
 HALLMARK HOLIDAY BARBIE 4 SERIES 1996 CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS $4.00 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 13m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Barbie Ornament 1995 HOLIDAY BARBIE MIB $2.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 48m |
 2001 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament HOLIDAY FLURRIES NIB $2.00 Time Remaining: 25d 11h 44m Buy It Now for only: $2.00 |
 HALLMARK HOLIDAY CELEBRATION BARBIE 12 SERIES 2011 CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS $8.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 22h 11m |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Snowman Welcome Friends 2007 Christmas Holiday $8.99 Time Remaining: 22d 17h 22m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie Collectors Series 2 Box 1994 $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 23h 46m |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament 2007 Continental Holiday Barbie QXI2037 $14.99 Time Remaining: 12d 16h 25m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 1994 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Tobin Fraley Holiday Carousel NIB 1st in Series $10.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 2007 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE CLUB CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT HOLIDAY STRING ALONG NIB $2.25 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 17h 24m |
 1995 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT HOLIDAY BARBIE 3 IN SERIES $9.50 Time Remaining: 20d 19h 24m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie Collectors Series 1997 $2.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 19m Buy It Now for only: $4.00 |
 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT 2011 HOLIDAY ANGELS ETERNAL LOVE NEW WITH BOX $8.99 Time Remaining: 17d 14h 23m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 |
 1996 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT HOLIDAY BARBIE In original box $6.99 Time Remaining: 3d 9h 54m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT HOLIDAY BARBIE 1996 MATEL I NC NEW IN BOX $7.95 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 7m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament 2006 Holiday St Nick Santa Claus PR3945 $7.99 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 19m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT HOLIDAY BARBIE 1996 MATEL I NC NEW IN BOX $7.95 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 10m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Hallmark Keepsake ornament MRS CLAUSS HOLIDAY 2000 NIB $5.99 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 2m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 Star Wars Death Star Halmark Holiday Keepsake Ornament w box excellent condition $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 12m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 1996 HALLMARK HOLIDAY BARBIE 4 in SERIES KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT $8.99 Time Remaining: 3d 21h 27m |
 1997 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT HOLIDAY BARBIE 5 IN SERIES $9.50 Time Remaining: 20d 19h 33m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 1997 HALLMARK HOLIDAY BARBIE 5 in SERIES KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT $8.99 Time Remaining: 3d 21h 27m |
 1996 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT HOLIDAY BARBIE 4 IN SERIES $9.50 Time Remaining: 20d 19h 29m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 LOT 20 HOLIDAY HALLMARK KEEPSAKE BARBIE ORNAMENTS SPECIAL COLLECTOR EDITIONS $10.99 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 21h 27m |
 1993 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT HOLIDAY BARBIE 1 IN SERIES $11.50 Time Remaining: 20d 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $11.50 |
 LOT 20 HOLIDAY HALLMARK BARBIE KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS 1994 2005 SPECIAL EDITION +BOX $10.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 21h 36m |
 LOT 20 HOLIDAY HALLMARK BARBIE KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS SPECIAL EDITION 1994 2004 +BOX $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 21h 54m |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie 1996 $4.49 Time Remaining: 15h 31m Buy It Now for only: $4.49 |
 15 BARBIE HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS CHRISTMAS IN BOXES COLLECTORS SERIES KEEPSAKE PICS $29.99 Time Remaining: 3d 23h 21m Buy It Now for only: $64.99 |
 1994 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT HOLIDAY BARBIE 2 IN SERIES $11.50 Time Remaining: 20d 19h 20m Buy It Now for only: $11.50 |
 HALLMARK EXCLUSIVE VIP KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT 2006 HOLIDAY MAIL $5.99 Time Remaining: 4d 18h 24m |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Lionel Holiday Red Mikado Locomotive Tender Boxcar $50.00 Time Remaining: 4d 20h 44m |
 Vintage Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Flurries With Box 1999 Snowman $3.99 Time Remaining: 6d 9h 8m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 |
 Hallmark Dated 1992 Holiday Wishes Handcrafted Keepsake Ornament $4.75 Time Remaining: 5d 16h 13m |
 Vintage Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie 1995 Collector Series $3.99 Time Remaining: 28d 8h 27m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Wildlife Ornament 1st in Series Cardinal 1982 $29.99 Time Remaining: 5d 16h 30m |
 1994 New Hallmark Holiday Keepsake Ornament MIB never used $5.99 Time Remaining: 13d 23h 3m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Duet 1989 Mr Mrs Claus $19.99 Time Remaining: 5d 16h 43m |
 Lot 2 Barbie Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments 2001 Celebration 1993 Holiday Series $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 37m |
 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT 1995 HOLIDAY BARBIE DOLL SERIES 3 $15.95 Time Remaining: 19d 11h 29m Buy It Now for only: $15.95 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Holiday Barbie Collectors Series 1993 Ornament $10.00 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 39m |
 1998 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT AFRICAN AMERICAN HOLIDAY BARBIE 1 IN SERIES $9.50 Time Remaining: 20d 19h 47m Buy It Now for only: $9.50 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Holiday Barbie Collectors Series 1994 Ornament $10.00 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 48m |
 Hallmark Keepsake Holiday Barbie Collectors Series 1995 Ornament $10.00 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 52m |
 RODNEY THE REINDEERA HOLIDAY RIDEYR 2008 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT $9.99 Time Remaining: 16h 58m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Holiday Barbie Collectors Series 1996 Ornament $10.00 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 53m |
 HALLMARK 2001 KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE SANTA CLAUS BEAR QXI5395 $5.99 Time Remaining: 10d 20h 8m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Holiday Barbie Collectors Series 1997 Ornament $10.00 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 55m |
 Hallmark Keepsake Holiday Barbie Collectors Series 1998 Ornament $10.00 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 56m |
 1992 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament DOWN UNDER HOLIDAY NIB $3.95 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 31m Buy It Now for only: $3.95 |
 Holiday Barbie Keepsake ornament Dolls of the world Collectors SeriesLK $3.99 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 34m |
 hallmark Praying Madonna keepsake Christmas ornament holiday Mary religious 1996 $15.95 Time Remaining: 20d 13h 34m Buy It Now for only: $15.95 |
 Holiday Barbie Keepsake ornament Dolls of the world Collectors SeriesLK $3.99 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 35m |
 1994 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie 2 in Series NIB $7.50 Time Remaining: 7d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $7.50 |
 HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT 1996 HOLIDAY BARBIE DOLL SERIES 4 $5.77 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 50m |
 MIB Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie 2 1994 $7.99 Time Remaining: 5d 21h 35m Buy It Now for only: $9.00 |
 1992 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament DOWN UNDER HOLIDAY Kangaroos in Original Box $8.99 Time Remaining: 21d 23h 11m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 |
 1998 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie Collectors Series $2.00 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 15m |
 HALLMARK Keepsake Ornament Spring Peepers Egg Chick Easter Holiday $15.95 Time Remaining: 2d 13h 17m Buy It Now for only: $15.95 |
 1997 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie Collectors Series $2.00 Time Remaining: 6d 12h 18m |
 Keepsake Ornament Hallmark Pluto Plays Triangle Mickeys Holiday Parade Box 2001 $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 17h 37m |
 A HOLIDAY RIDE Rodney Reindeer Hallmark Keepsake Ornament 2008 Sleigh Christmas $8.99 Time Remaining: 27d 18h 54m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 |
 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie 1996 4 in the series $0.99 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 31m |
 NIB Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Holiday Barbie 1998 Collectors Series 6th Issue $9.49 Time Remaining: 16d 17h 18m Buy It Now for only: $9.49 |
 2004 Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Ornament New Home Linda Sickman Holiday Card $4.99 Time Remaining: 6d 23h 40m |
| Account limit of 2114 requests per hour exceeded. |
History of Modern Unique Christmas Ornaments
Ornaments are everywhere you turn in the stores, starting as early as the day after Halloween. As December rolls around everyone seems to be putting up their tree, even those who don't celebrate the Christmas holiday in other ways. With the variety of ornaments available today one of the best ways to put unique ornaments on your own tree is to review where they started from.
The origins of the Christmas tree are uncertain but as an evergreen it was considered a symbol of life and rebirth long before it became part of the Christmas celebrations. At some point the Germans started bringing the tree inside their homes and decorating it. These early decorations also had religious significance, such as candles and fruits.
With time the decorations became more complex. Hard cookies and strings of cranberries were added, for example. Some enterprising businessmen saw an opportunity and began making ornaments to sell. German glass ornaments came in many colors and shapes and became ever more popular.
The tradition spread across the ocean to the point that in 1860 Queen Victoria and her family standing around their Christmas tree were featured in Godey's Lady's Book, a popular magazine. Other English families decorated their own trees with bits of colored paper and small crafts. These Christmas ornaments were often brightly colored, glittering, and nearly gaudy.
The trees and their ornaments were also adopted as an American custom. Their popularity increased over time, with a hiccup during World War I when all things of German origin were suspect. Afterwards, American companies, Corning in particular, began to dominate the trade. More and more companies got into the business, developing new designs and types of ornaments, taking advantage of developments in manufacturing techniques and popular tastes. The real tipping point to today's commercialism was when Hallmark introduced their line of Keepsake Ornaments in 1973 and met with great success.
To add unique Christmas ornaments to your modern celebration you can return to the ideas of the past and add your own twist to them. Not all ornaments need to be last forever. Try something more temporary, intended for one Christmas only.
Create a fully edible tree. Carve apples into santa faces and let them shrink to be wrinkled and old. Bake gingerbread men and decorate them. Hang purchased candies. Crack open that fruit cake your family has been passing around and see if it works better as an ornament than a desert. Just make sure you keep your nose peeled to make sure everything stays fresh.
Go for gaudy like the Victorians. Cut out images from magazines and get directions on how to fold and glue them from books on papercrafts. Apply glitter and lace until you can barely see bits of celebrities peeking out from underneath.
If you'd rather go the heirloom route, then you can search antique shops for the glass German ornaments or buy the modern alternatives. Christopher Radko has recreated many of the designs in his Shiny Brite collection. These won't qualify as unique, but they will be something you won't see on everyone's tree.
If these ideas seem beyond you then seek out a local artist or crafter that makes Christmas ornaments and explain what about the history of the ornaments appeals to you. Ask for something special that will bring together today and yesterday and see what he or she creates.
About the Author
Liz writes for EB Ornaments and creates unique Christmas ornaments, craft tutorials and Christmas shopping tips, all around the holiday season. For more information on unique ornaments visit her.