Christmas Ornaments Guide: Types, History & Collecting

Discovering the Different Types of Ornaments

Ornaments come in every shape, size, and style. 

Classic Ball Ornaments

Classic round ball ornaments (often called baubles or globe ornaments) are timeless. These traditional ornaments, which are inspired by the old practice of hanging fruit on trees, are typically made from glass, metal, plastic, or acrylic. They can be glossy, matte, glittered or painted, and remain the foundation of many holiday décor themes.

Shaped Ornaments

Beyond spheres, shaped ornaments mimic natural and symbolic forms.

Icicle ornaments, for example, are long and tapered, designed to hang vertically and add a frosty touch to the tree.

Star and snowflake shaped ornaments capture holiday symbolism: stars evoke the Star of Bethlehem, and snowflakes celebrate winter’s beauty.

Architectural-inspired finials (elongated points like rooftop spires) and teardrop ornaments add elegant form and height.

Many trees also feature figurine ornaments—Santa Claus, nutcrackers, reindeer, elves, snowmen, and more—to inject whimsy and storytelling into the display.

Even egg-shaped ornaments, reminiscent of Fabergé eggs, are popular for their intricate designs and glittery finish.

Personalized Ornaments

Some ornaments are personalized keepsakes. These custom ornaments are inscribed or painted with family names, dates, or personal messages. You’ll often see ornaments commemorating weddings, births, or baby’s first Christmas, making them heartfelt gifts that grace the tree year after year.

Vintage & Retro Ornaments

Collectors also love vintage and retro ornaments. Mid-century glass baubles, mercury glass pieces, and hand-blown ornaments from the 1930s–1950s carry a nostalgic charm. Balsam Hill notes that authentic vintage ornaments (or modern replicas inspired by the era) remain in demand. Mercury glass ornaments, with their antiqued silvery finish, are especially prized for evoking old-world elegance.

Handmade & DIY Ornaments

Handcrafted and DIY ornaments add a homespun touch. From salt-dough figurines to felt snowflakes, homespun ornaments (often made by kids or family members) carry personal meaning. Artisans also create unique wooden, fabric, and clay ornaments by hand. These one-of-a-kind pieces often feature intricate detail and tell a story, making each an artisanal work of art.

Specialty & Novelty Ornaments

Lastly, novelty and specialty ornaments cover every modern theme and pop culture reference. You can find character figurines, sports-team emblems, or quirky light-up decorations. Themed collections let you showcase a specific interest (travel mementos from each trip, movie characters, hobby motifs). For a dramatic focal point, oversized or statement ornaments (giant baubles, nature-inspired pinecones or shells, whimsical shapes) are also popular.

A Brief History of Christmas Ornaments

Ancient Roots

Long before glass baubles, people decorated with symbols of nature and renewal. Ancient Egyptians and Romans hung wreaths, sun symbols, and greenery in winter festivals to honor deities and celebrate new life. In medieval Europe, legends like the “Paradise Tree” included hanging apples and nuts on indoor evergreens to symbolize the Tree of Knowledge. This set the stage for the Christmas tree tradition.

German Beginnings (16th–19th Centuries)

The Christmas tree as we know it began in Germany. By the 1600s, Germans were decorating fir branches indoors with fruits, nuts, cookies and candles to celebrate the winter season. In the town of Lauscha in the 1840s, glassblowers like Hans Greiner pioneered hand-blown glass ornaments. These early glass baubles first took shapes of fruits and nuts, then evolved into the round bulbs we recognize today.

Spread to America

German immigrants brought the Christmas tree tradition to America in the 1800s. In the US they improvised decorations from popcorn strings, paper garlands, and whatever they had on hand. Glass ornaments soon followed: entrepreneur F.W. Woolworth famously began importing hand-blown German glass baubles in the late 19th century, selling millions of dollars’ worth annually. This made ornamental trees affordable and widespread.

Industrialization & Mass Production

The early 20th century saw ornaments go mass-market. Woolworth’s success spurred domestic manufacturing. Plastic and molded ornaments emerged mid-century, offering safer and cheaper alternatives to fragile glass. Injection-molding technology allowed a boom in shapes and colors. Gradually, ornaments shifted from strictly handmade crafts to factory-produced decorations, making it easy for every family to deck their halls.

Modern Ornament Evolution

In recent decades, ornaments have become highly specialized and personalized. Today’s shoppers can choose from thousands of designs reflecting any hobby, memory or style. Families often start traditions of buying one new ornament each year (for a baby’s first Christmas, a graduation, travel milestone, etc.). Some people collect heirloom vintage pieces; others mix contemporary ornaments with family hand-me-downs for a modern heirloom look. Ornaments now serve as both décor and memory-keepers, with collectors enjoying the hunt for rare or meaningful baubles as much as displaying them.

How to Start (or Grow) Your Ornament Collection

Why Collect Ornaments?

Collecting ornaments is about cherishing memories. Each ornament can commemorate a trip, a hobby, a life event or a family member. As one family blogger explains, keepsake ornaments help “keep a record” of family milestones and allow loved ones to re-live memories year after year. Collecting can be practical, too: buying ornaments over time is more manageable than filling a tree all at once. Plus, vintage or limited-edition ornaments sometimes appreciate in value, adding a fun investment angle to the passion.

Where to Find Ornaments

Great finds often lurk off the beaten path. Explore antique shops, flea markets and estate sales for unique vintage ornaments. Holiday markets and craft fairs (both local and international) are treasure troves of artisan designs. In fact, designers like John Derian suggest traveling to Christmas fairs abroad (for example, the Frankfurt Christmas Market) to discover hand-blown glass and handmade treats. For convenience, online marketplaces abound: Etsy, eBay and retailers like The Christmas Place or Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland offer a global selection.

Choosing a Collection Focus

It helps to pick a theme or style. Some collectors organize by theme or color – for example, a classic palette of red, green and white (the “Classic Christmas” theme) or a natural “Woodland” motif with rustic ornaments. Others build around interests or milestones: travel souvenirs (one ornament per country), hobby themes (food, pets, hobbies), or events (wedding, baby’s first holiday, sports championships). You might focus on materials (glass vs. wooden), era (vintage vs. modern), or even a personal story (gifts from each year). The key is consistency: a defined focus makes the collection cohesive and meaningful.

Caring for Your Collection

Treat your ornaments with gentle care. Dust them off at season’s end with a microfiber cloth or soft brush — no harsh chemicals or water on delicate finishes. When handling fragile or antique pieces, wear gloves to avoid oils and inspect each for damage. Always secure hooks and supports well to prevent falls. After the holidays, store ornaments properly: use divided boxes or bins so items don’t rub against each other. Wrap delicate ornaments in acid-free tissue, bubble wrap or soft cloth. Label boxes by color or type for easy retrieval. Keep them in a cool, dry spot (not the attic or garage) to avoid heat and humidity damage. Finally, consider cataloging your collection with photos or a scrapbook so you remember each piece’s story.

Caring for and Displaying Your Ornaments

Cleaning Ornaments

Before storing ornaments, give them a gentle cleaning. Use a soft microfiber cloth or brush to remove dust. Avoid liquids on painted or delicate ornaments — especially vintage glass — as moisture can cause fading or flaking. For antique or heirloom ornaments, the safest method is dry cleaning: wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth or brush. (Wear cotton gloves to protect the piece and your hands. If mold or grime is present, carefully dust it off. Only as a last resort should you use a mild soapy solution on sturdy pieces, then dry immediately.

Storing Ornaments

Proper storage extends an ornament’s life. Keep them separated in a sturdy box; original ornament trays or storage inserts with compartments work well. You can also make dividers from cardboard to keep items apart. Wrap fragile items individually in acid-free tissue, bubble wrap or cotton padding. Label each box clearly (by color, theme, or contents) to save time next year. Store boxes in a climate-controlled area (a closet or spare room) away from extreme heat or cold. As Balsam Hill advises, avoid attics, sheds, or garages where temperature swings and moisture can damage decorations.

Displaying Ornaments

When decorating the tree, hang lights and any ribbon or garlands first. Then add ornaments, starting with the largest and heaviest ones closest to the trunk for stability. The industry guideline is roughly 10–12 ornaments per vertical foot of tree for a well-covered look. Mix sizes and shapes as you go: place medium-size ornaments evenly around the tree, then fill gaps with smaller ones. Balance colors and finishes (glossy, matte, shiny, glittery) across branches so one side isn’t all the same. You can also wear your ornaments beyond the tree: drape them on garlands or wreaths, or display a selection on the mantel or in a decorative bowl for extra sparkle.

DIY Ornament Ideas

Get creative with do-it-yourself ornaments. Families often make salt-dough shapes, hand-painted baubles, or simple crafts like popcorn-and-cranberry strings for a nostalgic touch. Natural elements can be transformed into ornaments too — think pinecone critters, painted wooden slices, or dried orange slices. Handcrafted ornaments (in wood, fabric, clay and more) bring artisanal charm and unique character to your tree. These DIY projects not only save money but also become cherished keepsakes made by you or your children, adding a personal story to your holiday décor.

Conclusion

Christmas ornaments are more than decorations — they are memory holders and storytellers. From the earliest German glass baubles to the newest personalized designs, each ornament carries a piece of history and heart. We hope this guide inspires you to explore different types of ornaments, appreciate their rich past, and maybe even start (or expand) your own collection of special decorations. Whether you’re drawn to classic baubles or eye-catching statement pieces, ornaments can truly make your holiday décor feel like home.

Looking for inspiration? Whether you prefer traditional glass spheres or whimsical themed ornaments, explore Hearth & Fir’s curated selection of Christmas ornaments to find the perfect additions to your holiday collection.