20 Whimsical Ornaments for Everyone on Your List
Ideas for holiday gifts — or your own decor — that have a dash of personality
Whether you're looking to spice up the Christmas tree with your own style or you like to give ornaments as gifts to family and friends, we're here to help. I've been scouring the Internet to find ornaments for all types of people, from design aesthetes to sports fanatics. Here are 20 that stand out from the rest — and the recipients who will treasure them.
Bartender Ornament
For the ironic hipster types. This flannel-shirted, knit-cap-in-the-summer-wearing mixologist is a great gift for fans of Portlandia.
Block Word Ornament
For the graphic artist. Robert Indiana's iconic declaration of love is a classic, from the sculpture in Philly to postage stamps and this ornament.
Videogame Controller Ornament
For the video game addict. This controller will add some modern technology to a traditional tree.
Pantone Universe Globe Ornament
For the design blog lover. With its yearly declaration of the color of the year, Pantone has become a household name for all those who love to follow home design trends. These clever Christmas balls come in an array of Pantone's official hues. A tabletop tree covered in all of them would be the bee's knees.
Knit Gnome Ornament
For that gnome lover. Thanks to this ideabook, we know there are a lot of you out there!
Crystal Orbit Ornament
For those who love to bling. You know this person: He or she is cuckoo for crystals and anything else that glints. She never leaves the house without earrings on; his wristwatch is his most prized possession.
Set of 3 Needle Felt Wool Safari Animal Ornaments
For those with little ones around the house. So many of our ornaments are breakable and not safe for little ones who want to help trim the tree and have a tendency to pull on its branches. These soft wool animals are cute and shatterproof.
Disco Ball Ornament
For the disco lover. This fabulous mirrored ball ornament makes Gloria Gaynor and Chic songs go through my head just looking at it.
Glass Retro Telephone Ornaments, Set of 2
For that person who won't give up the land line. These charming rotary phone ornaments were made for that friend who hates texting and scours Pottery Barn catalogs for vintage-looking phones.
Glass Glitter Eiffel Tower Ornament
For the Francophile. This glittering Eiffel Tower will bring Paris elegance to anyone's tree.
Blue White Anchor Pattern Christmas Ornament
For the sailor. Anchors aweigh! You can add a monogram to this classic preppy ornament. Great for a nautical or coastal-themed holiday scheme.
Cowboy Boot Ornament - Paper Source
For the cowboy or cowgirl. Whether you're a fan of the rodeo or just a classic pair of Justin's, this boot will add Western country style to your ornament mix.
Dog Bone Ornaments
For the person whose dogs are his babies. These ornaments are plated Milk Bones — quite a treat for the dog lover.
Calico Fur Pattern Cat Christmas Ornament
For the cat lover. While this ornament is a calico, this company will customize a hand-painted ornament to match a favorite cat.
Starbucks 2012 Holiday Ornament, Red Cup
For the Starbucks addict. This ornament is made for that person who can't start the day without a trip to 'bucks. The 2012 design is a darling snowman on a red cup that even tea lovers have to admit is darn cute.
High Heel Ornament
For the shoe lover. Another tree I'd like to see is all shoes and bags. Start with these glittery shoes, which are worthy of a diva.
Hand Knit Sweater Ornaments Set of 3
For the knitter. Who knows, this colorful set of cozy sweaters might inspire your favorite stitcher's next creation.
Old World Christmas Basketball Ornament
For the sports lover. What's great about this basketball is that it adds a sporty touch and it's beautifully hand-painted and glittery.
Quartz Crystal Ornaments, Set of 6
For the person who is extremely persnickety about their elegant tree. You know the tree I mean: It looks like it came straight out of a luxe Christmas showhouse, with ornaments that are limited to silver and clear glass — no colored lights or children's popsicle stick ornaments allowed. These beautiful crystals look like elegant icicles.
Woody Car Glass Ornament
For just about everyone. In my exhaustive search of this year's ornaments, this one seemed universal. The wood-sided wagon, the tree on top, the vintage look, the cranberry red color, the glitter — this ornament should please everyone, except maybe the previously mentioned perfectionist who doesn't want any color on the tree.