The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (2024)

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (1)

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (2)

In 1973, Hallmark introduced its Keepsake Ornaments and have been releasing them ever since. According to their research, the top five reasons people buy them are: to celebrate a milestone, symbolize a child or grandchild, collect them for future generations, remember a special memory, or to express their personalities. Although it might be hard to get your hands on some, places like eBay and Amazon have many of the commemorative items for sale. With more than 8,500 options and 100 different ornament series, we tracked down the ones that have been revealed in the past 45 years.

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1

1973

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (3)

Designed by Sue Tague, the Elves ornament was made to show Santa's little helpers having fun.

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2

1974

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (4)

The Norman Rockwell Postman ornament was made using a print from the famous artist.

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3

1975

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (5)

Designed by Linda Sickman, the Santa and Sleigh ornament adds rustic vibes to any tree.

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4

1976

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (6)

Designed by Linda Sickman, the Santa Twirl Abouts ornament features a moving Santa.

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6

1978

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (8)

The 25th Christmas ornament was made to celebrate the anniversary of the Hallmark Hall of Fame.

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7

1979

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (9)

The Santa's Motorcar ornament was the first in the Here Comes Santa series.

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8

1980

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (10)

The Frosty and Friends ornament was the first in its series.

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9

1981

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (11)

Designed by Linda Sickman, the Rocking Horse ornament was the first in its series.

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10

1982

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (12)

Designed by Linda Sickman, the Tin Locomotive ornament was the first in its series.

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11

1983

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (13)

The Tenth Christmas Together ornament was designed to celebrate the 10 years since the beginning of Hallmark's Keepsakes.

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12

1984

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (14)

Designed by Donna Lee, the Santa's Arrival ornament was made to resemble St. Nick dropping off presents.

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13

1985

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (15)

The Old Fashioned Doll ornament was designed as a tribute to a classic porcelain doll you might have had as a child.

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14

1986

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (16)

Designed by Linda Sickman, the Village Express ornament lights up and moves.

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15

1987

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (17)

Designed by Duane Unruh, the Wreath of Memories ornament was made to as a Keepsake Ornament Club member exclusive.

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16

1988

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (18)

Designed by Robert Chad, the Buttercup ornament is the first in the Mary's Angels series.

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17

1989

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (19)

Designed by Ed Seale, the Baby's First Christmas ornament was made to celebrate that one year milestone.

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18

1990

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (20)

Designed by Donna Lee, the Nostalgic House & Shop ornament is reminiscent of a place you would see in a charming town.

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19

1991

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (21)

Designed by Anita Marra Rogers, the Puppy Love—co*cker Spaniel ornament is the first in its series.

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20

1992

The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (22)

Designed by Duane Unruh, the Cheerful Santa ornament might add a smile to anyone's face.

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The Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Released the Year You Were Born (2024)

FAQs

What is the most valuable Hallmark Christmas ornament? ›

Most Valuable Hallmark Ornaments
  • 2011 IG-88 and Dengar. ...
  • 2009 Shock Trooper and Shadow Trooper. ...
  • 2011 R2-Q5 and R2-A3. ...
  • 2013 Wrath of Rancor. ...
  • 2010 K-3PO and R-3PO. ...
  • 1980 Frosty Friends: A Cool Yule #1. ...
  • 2014 Wampa. Addendum: Star Wars, Released at SDCC. ...
  • 2009 Cousin Eddie's RV. Addendum: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
Sep 28, 2022

What is oldest Hallmark ornament series? ›

In 1973, Hallmark introduced a small line of six glass ball ornaments and 12 yarn figures as the first collection of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. The longest-running current ornament series is Frosty Friends, now in its 35th year.

What year was the first Hallmark ornament made? ›

Hallmark Ornaments were first produced in 1973. Hallmark Ornaments for 2022 come in approximately 400 different designs in each recent year.

What is the most popular Christmas tree ornament for the top? ›

Tree-toppers can take any form, though the most common include a star (representing the Star of Bethlehem), finial, angel ("Christmas angel"), or fairy.

What is the most popular Christmas ornament? ›

Balls. Ball or bulb ornaments are one of the most common types of Christmas ornaments. They are usually made of glass, plastic, or metal and come in various sizes and colors.

What was Hallmark original name? ›

In 1954, the company name was changed from Hall Brothers to Hallmark.

How many ornaments has Hallmark made? ›

Hallmark has released more than 10,000 different Keepsake Ornaments since its inception in 1973, with 300-500 new Keepsake Ornaments released each year. The annual collection is first unveiled in Hallmark's signature Dream Book.

What makes a hallmark ornament a keepsake? ›

Keepsake Ornaments come in a logoed red box with the word "Keepsake" below the Hallmark name. Keepsake ornaments include Storytellers, Limited Quantity, continuing series, licensed characters, convention and member exclusive, and personalized ornaments. Many feature "magic" like sound, light, or motion.

When did Hallmark start making keepsake ornaments? ›

In 1973, Hallmark debuted its newest product line – a selection of 18 specially designed Keepsake Ornaments, including six decorated glass ball ornaments and 12 yarn ornaments. A new alternative to the standard ornaments offered at the time, Hallmark's ornaments were designed to be keepsakes.

When did Hallmark start the snowflake ornament? ›

Snowflake Hallmark Ornaments

Each year since 2010 Hallmark has made an ornate snowflake ornament at Christmas.

What is considered a vintage ornament? ›

Generally, a hanging decoration suitable for decorating a tree is considered a vintage Christmas ornament if it is at least 40 years old. Ornaments made over 100 years ago are usually classified as antiques.

Do Hallmark ornaments have value? ›

Yes. There are Hallmark Christmas ornaments that do have market value.

How do I know if my old items are valuable? ›

"In addition to online services and search engines, it is possible to find out how much your antiques are worth by simply asking an antique dealer or an appraiser at an auction house, for instance," Martin says.

What is the biggest Christmas gift ever to be given? ›

On Christmas Day in 1886, the French gifted the US a 225 ton statue. You know it as the Statue of Liberty.

What are the two most popular items placed on top of a Christmas tree? ›

A star or an angel is the most common Christmas tree-topper—but why? Originally, the infant Jesus adorned the top of Christmas trees. However, this trend later evolved to a star or an angel, which are both significant Christian symbols in the Nativity of Jesus.

What is the most popular Christmas ornament color? ›

The top 3 Christmas colors are red, green, and white. But there are many other colors that you can add to bring sparkle to your Christmas decorations.

What is the most iconic Christmas symbol? ›

The Star. It's hard to go anywhere during Christmas without seeing stars hanging from street lamps or sitting on top of Christmas trees. The star is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It represents the star that appeared in the sky when Jesus Christ was born.

What religion is Hallmark? ›

The Hallmark Channel traces its history to the launch of two separate religious cable channels, the American Christian Television System (ACTS) and the Vision Interfaith Satellite Network (VISN).

What family owns Hallmark? ›

During its more than 100-year history, Hallmark Cards, Inc. has been a private company since its inception in 1910. Founded by the Hall family, which continues to have members serve on Hallmark's board of directors, Hallmark is currently led by 30-year company veteran Mike Perry as president and CEO.

What did the first ornament look like? ›

The first decorated trees were adorned with apples, white candy canes, and pastries in the shapes of stars, hearts and flowers. Glass baubles were first made in Lauscha, Germany, by Hans Greiner (1550–1609), who produced garlands of glass beads and tin figures that could be hung on trees.

Why are ornaments so expensive? ›

Holiday decorations have the highest demand during the holiday season, so retailers usually mark up their prices so they can take advantage of desperate shoppers who are willing to pay a little extra to get into the holiday spirit.

What were the first used Christmas ornaments? ›

1847. Hans Greiner made the first Christmas ornaments (also known as Kugels) in Germany. These were shaped like fruits and nuts using hand blown glass. At first, mercury or lead was used to fill the inside of the ornaments.

What are the most valuable vintage Christmas ornaments? ›

Dresden paper ornaments, which usually feature an animal shape like a peaco*ck, deer, or bird in flight, are some of the most valuable antique Christmas ornaments on the market. Because these very old German ornaments are difficult to find in good condition, they often sell for hundreds of dollars.

Who has the largest Christmas ornament collection? ›

Their Christmas spirit earned these two people Guinness World Records. Sylvia Pope, aka "Nana Baubles" from Wales, has almost 18,000 Christmas ornaments, making her owner of the largest collection of Christmas bauble ornaments.

Is Hallmark still popular? ›

Overall in 2022, Hallmark Channel averaged 980,000 viewers, down 20% from 2018. Still, Hallmark commands some of the highest ratings on entertainment cable TV.

What does DB mean on Hallmark ornaments? ›

DB. Damaged Box - The ornament itself is in mint condition, but the box is damaged. The box may be dented, be torn, crushed, missing the price tab, and/or other damage.

Can Hallmark ornaments be returned? ›

Information. At Hallmark, we stand behind the quality of our products. If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with our product, simply return it to the store for a refund or exchange within 90 days of the original purchase date. With a receipt, choose a refund or an exchange.

How do you store keepsake ornaments? ›

Jul 27, 2022•Consumer Knowledge
  1. Before storing: ...
  2. Store the ornaments in their original boxes and packaging. ...
  3. Use plenty of paper or bubble wrap between ornaments. ...
  4. Pack glass ornaments separately. ...
  5. Blown-glass ornaments should be turned upside down so that any condensation will escape for protection of the paint inside.
Jul 27, 2022

What is a Hallmark legacy cord? ›

The Legacy cord was used to provide sound, light, and motion when connected by the "pigtail" to up to four Magic ornaments sold in 2009 and earlier. Legacy Cords are no longer available from Hallmark. An incandescent miniature light string may be used as an alternate means to power the ornaments.

What Hallmark ornament series started in 2010? ›

In 2010 Hallmark introduced the Christmas Cupcake series and the Star Trek Legends characters series. 2010 was also the start of the Frosty Fun Decade series. Other ornaments like the 2010 Home for the Holidays and Harry Potter have become very collectible in years after 2010.

What Hallmark ornament series started in 2012? ›

The Holiday Lighthouse series started in 2012 and has become a very popular series. In addition, Hallmark made a collection of The Avengers that included Iron Man, Thor and Captain America. Click on images for additional product information.

Does Hallmark have a Gone with the Wind ornament this year? ›

The Scarlett O'Hara, Gone With the Wind™ ornament, which was scheduled to be released for Ornament Premiere, has been canceled.

What year did Hallmark introduce Christmas cards? ›

The first Hallmark Christmas card was introduced in 1915.

What are the three types of ornament? ›

Three basic and fairly distinct categories of ornament in architecture may be recognized: mimetic, or imitative, ornament, the forms of which have certain definite meanings or symbolic significance; applied ornament, intended to add beauty to a structure but extrinsic to it; and organic ornament, inherent in the ...

What are the oldest known ornaments made from? ›

The oldest known ornament made by humans was discovered in South African cave overlooking the ocean. Some 75,000 years ago, in a Stone Age cave overlooking the ocean, someone collected shells and bored holes in them, producing the oldest known evidence that humans had fashioned an ornament.

Do old Christmas ornaments contain mercury? ›

Antique ornaments could contain a small amount of mercury mixed with other metals trapped between the two glass layers of the ornament's walls. If you have an old mercury glass ornament that breaks, call Poison Control, which will walk you through how to air out the room carefully and clean up any mercury.

What is the most collectible Hallmark ornament? ›

Most Valuable Hallmark Ornaments
  • 2011 IG-88 and Dengar. ...
  • 2009 Shock Trooper and Shadow Trooper. ...
  • 2011 R2-Q5 and R2-A3. ...
  • 2013 Wrath of Rancor. ...
  • 2010 K-3PO and R-3PO. ...
  • 1980 Frosty Friends: A Cool Yule #1. ...
  • 2014 Wampa. Addendum: Star Wars, Released at SDCC. ...
  • 2009 Cousin Eddie's RV. Addendum: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
Sep 28, 2022

What was the first Hallmark ornament? ›

Designed by Linda Sickman, the Tin Locomotive ornament was the first in its series.

Is there an app for value of old stuff? ›

ValueMyStuff is the world's leading online art, antique and collectables valuation and appraisal service. Upload photos and receive your valuation report within 48-hours!

Is there an app that tells you what an item is worth? ›

The WorthPoint app lets you price & research items on-the-go from your iPhone and iPad. We help collectors and resellers alike answer two burning questions: what is it, and what's it worth?

What is trending in vintage items 2023? ›

This year, we'll continue to see more pattern play, wrought iron, statues, and marble and onyx, all of which contribute to that quintessential well-curated look that simply cannot be replicated with all brand new pieces. English cottage style had a major resurgence last year, and we'll be seeing more of it in 2023.

How do I inventory my Hallmark ornaments? ›

To create your ornament inventory, all you have to do is select the items that you own from a list of all the items produced by Hallmark since 1973 and Department 56 from 1976, and they will be added to your personal list of ornaments.

What is considered a vintage Christmas ornament? ›

While there are so many brand new, modern ornaments that are mimicking vintage style now, the look of a vintage one is specific. Typically, there will be patina on the ornament like chipped paint and less glitter. They aren't nearly as shiny as modern decor, too.

What is a Hallmark red box ornament? ›

Keepsake Ornaments come in a logoed red box with the word "Keepsake" below the Hallmark name. Keepsake ornaments include Storytellers, Limited Quantity, continuing series, licensed characters, convention and member exclusive, and personalized ornaments. Many feature "magic" like sound, light, or motion.

Can you return Hallmark keepsake ornaments? ›

Information. At Hallmark, we stand behind the quality of our products. If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with our product, simply return it to the store for a refund or exchange within 90 days of the original purchase date. With a receipt, choose a refund or an exchange.

Are Christmas ornaments collectible? ›

Because ornaments have been used annually on holiday trees since around the turn of the 20th century on into the 1920s, they rarely come to market in pristine condition now. When they do, they're worth a good bit of cash to collectors.

What is the difference between old and modern ornaments? ›

The main differences between early ornaments from modern

Ancient motives were presented to people first of all by nature itself. But among them, geometric patterns prevailed. Modern ornaments are more versatile. Since the end of the 19th century, there has been an active transformation of early motifs.

How do I know if my Christmas ornaments are valuable? ›

Condition Matters. The condition of an antique Christmas ornament is very important. Ornaments with missing pieces, crazing, chipped or flaking paint, or broken parts are worth considerably less than those in good shape. An ornament should look old, but it should still be beautiful.

What does a heart Christmas ornament mean? ›

A heart ornament means there's true love in the home. An angel ornament asks for God's guidance in the home. A rabbit on the tree symbolizes peace with nature.

What does Hallmark Magic Cord do? ›

Key Features: Keepsake Magic Cord powers up to 7 compatible Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, or 6 ornaments and a tree topper. Connect up to 3 cords for more magic. Works only with Keepsake Magic Cord ornaments from 2010-2020. Ornaments sold separately.

What is the difference between Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies? ›

While Hallmark continues to deliver romantic stories and retellings of literary favorites like A Christmas Carol, Lifetime focuses on stories that encompass entire families, feature modern couples, challenge biases and beliefs, and bring a new meaning to the season.

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