Ask 25 people to share their thoughts on the best Christmas ornaments and you’ll get 25 different answers. Most of the time, the one that tops the list has some sort of sentimental value: DIY baubles made long ago in a classroom, shatterproof sets that have graced your family’s holiday trees for decades, or a handcrafted tree topper from that one time you visited a German Christmas market.
The holiday decor scene is saturated—nutcrackers, gingerbread houses, bow garlands, wreaths, strings of snowflakes, glittery pinecones, and that nativity scene that’s been passed down for generations. The list is long and it is full of red and green. And you can’t forget about the Christmas lights. Outfitting a holiday tree comes with the opportunity to whittle down your seasonal decorating style. Are you going for something that screams “Santa!” or would you rather go with something less holiday-specific and turn your living room into a snow globe scene? Plaid or quilted tree skirt? You’ve got some decisions to make, but we can at least help with your ornament collection. Ahead, we pulled together the 27 best Christmas ornaments—many of which cost less than $10.
Wondershop Acrylic Diamond Ornaments (Set of 12)
Consider this: a monochromatic holiday tree with cheeky little diamonds peeking out from the boughs. If you’re a fan of all things sparkly, go all in and cover your trees in these tiny acrylic trinkets (each one is 1.12″ wide x 1.5″ tall). The best part is that they can be used year-round, piled high in a big bowl as a tabletop centerpiece. Holiday cheer and home decor.
Schoolhouse Shiny Brite Vivid Vintage Ornament (Set of 9)
If you love the ornaments that dot the trees in your family photo albums of holidays long past, this set of nine 2.5″ tall tulips is a modern take on a classic shape. Inspired by the vintage designs of the 1940s and ’50s, each one is hand-painted with bright stripes and hides a little sprig of tinsel inside its body.
Urban Outfitters Bread In Bags Ornament
Okay, this one’s quirky and we’re here for it. It’s the perfect choice for a White Elephant party, the carb lover in your life, or that friend who loves nostalgia. And there’s an element of surprise—there are three styles (hot dogs, burger buns, and sliced bread)—all measuring between 3.5″ and 4.5″ tall and it’s dealer’s choice as to which one you get.
Pottery Barn Apres Ski Ornament Box (Set of 6)
Have you ever heard of sporty Santa? Now you have. This set of mercury glass ornaments features all of the makings of the perfect day on the slopes, from the skis and gloves to the gondola. The smaller designs measure 1.25″ in diameter and 4.25″ in height, while the larger ones are 2″ and 4″.
NYC Felt Ornament
In New York, there aren’t many things more iconic than the yellow taxi, but pop a Christmas tree on top and you’ve got a real treat for the eyes. Gift this felted cutie to your friend who recently made a move to the Big Apple for their first Christmas away from home. You know, so they know you forgive them for planting themself an entire flight away.
Stanley Water Bottle Keychain & Ornament
The Stanley colorway they’ve been eyeing may be out of stock, but this ornament is forever. A tiny version of the ever-popular Quencher H2.0 Tumbler, it can be used as a Christmas ornament or a keychain. The top of this 4.45″ x 1.97″ cutie also comes off, so you can tuck a little note inside.
Pat Kim Ornaments
This set is for your design-enthusiast friend—the one who is always visiting a new art gallery or digging into a book about a famous architect. Each one is an adaptation of Pat Kim’s designs, made of wood and perfect for peppering around the house once the Christmas lights come down.
West Elm Mid-Century Paper House Ornament
Reminiscent of gingerbread houses, these intricate, snow-dusted homes remind us of a drive through Palm Springs (minus the flurries, of course). Each one ranges in height from 2.2″ to 2/4″ and the painted paper does a great job of mimicking the interior glow of a home full of party guests.
CB2 Velvet Multicolor Ornaments (Set of 4)
Two words: velvet ornaments. Sure, playing with size and shape is fun when it comes to decking the tree but don’t forget about the texture. These are also massive (each one has a diameter of 12.88″), which will add some fun variety if you’ve got a corral of petite decorations.
SBK Vintage Brite Twisted Icicle Ornament
If you’re looking for merry and bright, this 8″ glass icicle ornament is a must-have. Seen here in green, turquoise, and magenta, it’s also available in a patriotic colorway for something extra festive and with a blue, red, and gold twist.
Gallerie II Macrame Snowman Ornament
This adorable cotton ornament has such a charming handcrafted look, it almost looks like a grandparent made it. The macramé snowman measures 9.05″ x 5.5″ inches and will add some serious holiday cheer to your branches.
Bright Creations Clear DIY Acrylic Ornaments (Set of 24)
If you like variety, this Christmas ornament set has an assortment of acrylic holiday shapes, like stockings or presents, that you can draw or paint on. The possibilities are endless. Each of the ornaments are 3″ x 2″ or 3″ x 3″ and are looped with red ribbon for easy hanging.
Funoasis Hanging Gnomes Ornaments (Set of 10)
Our love of gnomes is no secret, and a set of ten might just be enough for a holiday fix. Each fabric gnome measures 5.7″ x 2.2″ and can be hung from your tree or placed around the house as holiday decor.
Old World Christmas Conversation Heart Glass Blown Ornaments
There’s absolutely no way we could make a list of the best ornaments and not include this supersweet set of conversation hearts. They’d make a perfect addition to our favorite pink fake Christmas tree.
Memory Lane Keepsake Wedding Ornament
Commemorate a special date (and maybe your first holiday with a loved one?) with this sweet, personalized ornament. You can tailor it for an engagement date or a wedding date.