The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (2024)

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Whether you're celebrating Christmas in July or getting ready to deck the halls in December, this list of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments is full of Christmas cheer.

  • Gary Darna

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Gary Darna

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The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (1)

One of my fondest childhood memories of Christmastime was decorating the family Christmas tree. And when I think about those years, something that made decorating a Christmas tree so special was the ornaments. Growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, you can guess the types of ornaments I loved as a kid. From the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Looney Tunes, we had an array of beloved pop culture characters on our Christmas tree every year.

But I can distinctly remember being most excited about one ornament in particular. Inside of a small globe featuring a tree and snow-covered mountain was a small, illuminated town with a miniature train circling it. Released in the 1986 as part of the expansive Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments line, the Village Express Light & Motion Ornament was always my favorite. I guess it was the magic of the train moving inside, but something about it stuck with me all of these years.

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (2)

Hallmark has been producing Christmas ornaments since 1973 when they released their first collection of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. That first release consisted of just six glass ball ornaments and twelve yarn figures. Today, the company releases hundreds of ornaments each year during the annual Keepsake Ornament Premiere Event held in July. To date, more than 8,500 unique Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have been released.

Over the years, Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have cultivated a loyal following of collectors. In fact, there's even an official Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Club with more than 500 chapters in the United States and Canada. Due to their enduring popularity and limited availability, many Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have appreciated in value since their release. After extensive research, we've prepared this list of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments ever made.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Cousin Eddie's RV

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (3)

Even Mr. Christmas himself Clark Griswold wouldn't believe the price of this ornament today. Based on its appearance in the cult classic National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament of Cousin Eddie's RV was released in 2009. In addition to paying homage to Clark's favorite cousin, this ornament also makes sounds. More than a decade since its release, this has become one of the most expensive Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments on the secondary market. But buyer beware, there have been multiple rereleases of Cousin Eddie's RV in recent years. The original was released in 2009, and a brand new example of Cousin Eddie's EV from that year sold for $550 on eBay last September. This makes it one of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments ever sold. She's a beaut, Clark!

If you're looking to add the original from 2009 to your collection of rare Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, we recommend searching eBay. We've provided a direct link to many listings for this valuable ornament below.

2009 Hallmark Christmas Vacation Cousin Eddie’s RV for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2009 Hallmark Christmas Vacation Cousin Eddie’s RV at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

eBay

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (4)

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Gone With The Wind Scarlett O'Hara

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (5)

According to numerous reports, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament of Scarlett O'Hara from the 1939 film Gone With The Wind has been permanently discontinued. Although not officially confirmed by Hallmark at the time of this article's publication, some believe the ornament was cancelled due to the film's depiction of slavery and in light of recent worldwide protests against racism. As a result, Scarlett O'Hara has become one of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments with recent sales of $690 or more on eBay.

Hallmark Gone with the Wind Scarlett O’Hara Ornament for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Hallmark Gone with the Wind Scarlett O’Hara Ornament at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

eBay

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (6)

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament "Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone" Book Cover

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (7)

In celebration of its 20th anniversary in 2018, Hallmark released a Keepsake Ornament depicting the illustrated cover art of the "Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone" book. Given the massive popularity of Harry Potter franchise, it's no surprise that this has become one of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. Despite being just a few years old, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament sells for $250 on average.

If you're a Potterhead looking to adorn your tree with the magic of this Hallmark Keepsake Ornament, you can probably find one on eBay at the link below.

2018 Hallmark Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone 20th Anniversary Ornament for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2018 Hallmark Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone 20th Anniversary Ornament at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

eBay

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (8)

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament "Up On The Housetop"

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (9)

This rare Hallmark Keepsake Ornament spreads the Christmas cheer with lights, sound, and motion all in one. Featuring Sant's sleigh and reindeer on a snow-covered rooftop, it doesn't get more Christmassy then this ornament. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas even goes up and down the chimney! Released in 2015, "Up On The Housetop" has become one of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments in recent years. We found a sold listing on eBay from September 2020 for $250.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament "Mickey The Musician"

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (10)

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (11)

A recent addition to our list of the most valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, "Mickey The Musician" was just released in 2020. This unique Christmas tree ornament depict's Disney's iconic Mickey Mouse playing a toy xylophone, but that's not all. If you turn the crank on its side, Mickey will move and play music! The battery operated ornament was sculpted by Nello Williams. Although a newer Hallmark Keepsake release, this Mickey Mouse already commands a premium, selling for $200 to $250 on eBay.

2020 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Mickey The Musician Zip Do Da HTF Disney for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2020 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Mickey The Musician Zip Do Da HTF Disney at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

eBay

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (12)

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament "Ollivanders Wand Shop"

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (13)

Every wizard needs a wand, and every Harry Potter fan needs a replica of Ollivanders Wand Shop on their Christmas tree. The narrow, dark building that is Ollivanders Wand Shop from the Harry Potter series of books and movies makes the perfect Hallmark Keepsake Ornament. It's also one of the most expensive. Released in 2016 for $24.95, this ornament now sells for $220 if brand new in its original box. If you're looking to add some Potter to your Christmas tree, click the link below to buy this rare ornament on eBay.

Hallmark Harry Potter Ollivanders Wand Shop Ornament for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Hallmark Harry Potter Ollivanders Wand Shop Ornament at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

eBay

The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (14)

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The Most Valuable Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments Ever Made (2024)

FAQs

Are any Hallmark ornaments worth any money? ›

Due to their enduring popularity and limited availability, many Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments have appreciated in value since their release.

What was the first Hallmark Keepsake Ornament? ›

Designed by Joyce Lyle, the Joyful Messenger was made to commemorate 25 years since the first Hallmark Keepsake ornament. Designed by Nina Aube, the Mischievous Kitten ornament was the first in its series.

What are the most valuable vintage Christmas ornaments? ›

75 Most Valuable Vintage Christmas Ornaments
NO.NamePrice
1Gorham Sterling Silver Snowflake$1,499
2Chenille Santa Clause$537.77
3Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Reindeer$510
4Hallmark TV Sports Keepsake$390
71 more rows

Are old ornaments worth anything? ›

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. Some of these beauties have been reproduced as well.

When was the first Hallmark ornament made? ›

Who we are. In 1973, Hallmark launched the first small collection of Keepsake Ornaments. What began as glass balls and yarn figurines has grown to more than 8,500 ornaments past and present, and a reputation for quality, craft, and above all, spirit.

What is the most valuable ornament of man? ›

If a man is humble, gentle in speech and also generous, then his relatives will never distance themselves from him. A sense of justice is yet another ornament. A person should be capable of being like a balance, which only tilts towards the heavier side.

What is the oldest ornament? ›

An engraved deer toe dating back 51,000 years is the oldest ornament in the world, according to researchers, who say it shows Neanderthals had an eye for aesthetics, Report informs via Daily Mail .

What is considered a vintage ornament? ›

According to industry experts, Vintage refers to something that is from an earlier generation, while Antique refers to something that is over 100 years old. Collectors of Vintage ornaments and decorations are numerous!

What is the most popular Christmas ornament? ›

What is the most popular ornament on the top of a Christmas tree? Angels and stars are known to be the classic choices for Christmas tree toppers, but more modern traditions have experimented with anything from big ribbon bows to elaborate snowflake ornaments.

What vintage items are worth money? ›

Top Collectible Vintage Items That Are Trending Now
  • Records. Records are a popular collectible item among various age groups. ...
  • Vintage Advertising Signage. ...
  • Vintage Books. ...
  • Automobilia/Petroliana. ...
  • Vintage Toys. ...
  • Jewelry. ...
  • Mid-Century Modern. ...
  • Art Deco.
1 Mar 2022

Are Shiny Brite ornaments valuable? ›

This 1940s example was made by Shiny Brite, the world's largest ornament company at the time. Originally sold at Woolworth for as little as 2 cents for six, Shiny Brites are still popular today. Value: $12.

What collectibles are not worth keeping? ›

And now on to our list of the 9 collectibles that have less value than you think.
  • Cameras. Digital cameras have changed the way people take, store, and think about photographs. ...
  • Beanie Babies. ...
  • DVD and VHS collections. ...
  • Hummel figurines. ...
  • Morgan dollars. ...
  • Indian-head pennies. ...
  • Franklin Mint items. ...
  • Baseball-card collections.
26 Feb 2020

How do I know if my figurines are valuable? ›

So, the better the condition, the greater the value. Beyond that, the rarity, age and quality of a figurine will also work together to determine its value. Chips, cracks, faded or rubbed away paint, and crazing can all lower the value of any ceramics, including figurines.

How old is the oldest reliably dated piece of ornamentation? ›

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.

What was the first Hallmark? ›

The first episode to debut on Hallmark Channel was One Christmas Eve, starring Anne Heche. On the cable channel, four original movies at most would air as a part of the Hall of Fame with multiple encores.

What were the first known Christmas ornaments? ›

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.

How can you tell if an ornament is vintage? ›

One of the most important indicators that an ornament is vintage is patina, or the wear that comes with age. Antique and vintage Christmas ornaments will show some wear, even if they are in excellent condition. You'll see the mercury glass flaking off a bit or the metal taking on a dull appearance from tarnish.

What is the most sought after jewelry? ›

Nowadays, it's difficult to find someone who is indifferent to glittering accessories, and rings made of gold are the most popular among them. They can be found in both men's and women's jewelry collections with such sets at different price categories. Their styles and designs are simply incredible and very diverse.

Which gold ornament is best? ›

The 22-karat gold is prominently used in designing jewellery items. Since this kind of gold comprises 92% gold and 8% other metal alloys like silver, zinc, nickel, and allied, 22-karat gold makes durable and sturdy pieces of jewellery.

What are the oldest known necklace found? ›

A. Bouzouggar, INSAP, Morocco. Turns out, beaded jewelry is no fleeting trend. Archaeologists have unearthed what is likely to be the oldest piece of jewelry on record, and it happens to be 33 shell beads that date back 150,000 years.

What was the first ever jewelry? ›

The earliest traces of jewelry can be traced to the civilizations that bloomed in the Mediterranean and what is now called Iran around 3,000 to 400 BC. These were usually simple stone amulets and seals. Many of these amulets and seals carried spiritual meanings, stars, and floral designs.

What are the old glass ornaments called? ›

Originally sold as window decor, kugels ("spheres" in German), appeared on the scene in the early 1800s. They were the first iteration of glass ornaments (a style that has now persisted for decades), and it's rare to find originals with the color still vibrant—many pieces have worn over time.

What Christmas decorations are worth money? ›

What Vintage Christmas Decorations are Worth Money?
  • Ceramic Christmas trees. Ceramic Christmas trees have been having a moment lately! ...
  • Christmas blow molds. ...
  • Vintage Christmas lights. ...
  • Vintage glass Christmas tree toppers. ...
  • Collectible Santa decor. ...
  • Shiny Brite ornaments. ...
  • Putz house and village. ...
  • Paper ornaments.
9 Sept 2022

How do you tell if an ornament is mercury glass? ›

There are many reproductions currently marketed as "mercury glass", in table form, ornaments and other objects. New "mercury glass" can be distinguished from antique silvered glass in several ways, including lack of a double wall, and solid bottoms that are different from true antique silvered glass.

What did the first ornament look like? ›

Early ornaments were made out of whatever items that families had available to them – fruit (especially apples), nuts, strings of popcorn and cranberries, paper streamers, candles, and metal foil. They really came to show off American inventiveness!

What is the color for Xmas 2022? ›

Colours for the coming Christmas 2022 will include metallic silver and metallic gold, different shades of green, associated with grass and leaves as natural elements. Space will also be given to pink and soft blue, romantic and rather unusual colours for Christmas décor, but which will be on trend this year.

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

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 are the top 3 Christmas colors? ›

There are several colors which are traditionally associated with Christmas. This site uses Red, Green and Gold. But why do we have them and what do the colors represent?

What is the most expensive vintage item? ›

By far the most expensive antique ever sold is the Pinner Qing Dynasty vase for an eye-watering $85.9 million. The Pinner Qing Dynasty vase is a beautiful, intricate piece of pottery with bright colours, fish decoration and the Chinese imperial seal.

What should I collect in 2022? ›

Top Collectibles Trends for Q1 2022
  • Sports. ...
  • Comic Books. ...
  • Statues and Figures. ...
  • Toys and Action Figures. ...
  • Trading Card Games (Pokémon and more) ...
  • Collectibles Insurance Services was founded by collectors, for collectors! ...
  • Sources.
5 Jul 2022

What glassware is worth money? ›

Some of the most collectible types & styles of antique and vintage glassware include Depression Glass, Carnival Glass, Milk Glass, Moonstone, Hobnail Glass, and Jadeite. One of the most popular styles of antique glass was a Hen on Nest, also known as Animal Dishes because of the variety of animals they come in.

What is the highest selling item on Antiques Road Trip? ›

The record for the largest profit margin on a single item is 33,650%. It was set by Charlie Ross when, in the 2012 series, he bought a chipped Staffordshire elephant clock for £8 which sold for £2,700.

What everyday items are worth money? ›

Here's some of what I found.
  • Toys. If you happen to have a headless, nude 1960s Barbie in a box somewhere, it's worth up to $25 on eBay. ...
  • Board games. Board games are huge in the resale world. ...
  • Video games. ...
  • Denim. ...
  • Mid-century modern classics. ...
  • Vinyl records. ...
  • Vintage furniture.
12 Sept 2022

What are the best antiques to invest in? ›

The Most Popular Antiques to Invest in

Art deco pieces and vintage furniture, like Bauhaus modern furniture originating in the early 1900s, are also popular collectible investments. However, they aren't yet 100 years old.

What is the rarest Shiny Brite ornaments? ›

Transparent bulbs with cardboard caps are considered the Holy Grail for vintage Shiny Brite ornament collectors. All un-silvered ornaments aren't necessarily war-time. The company continued to produce them well into the 1950s.

How can you tell vintage Shiny Brite ornaments? ›

As a collector, one big way to tell if Shiny Brite ornaments are authentic is by their hangers. Pre WWII, the caps were stamped with “Made in the US. of A.”. As I mentioned before, during the war, the metal caps were replaced with cardboard caps and hangers.

How can you tell if an ornament is Radko? ›

All authentic Christopher Radko ornaments are marked with the Radko charm and trademark gold Radko crown at the end of the manufacturing process.

How do I sell my idea to Hallmark? ›

Hallmark does not accept or purchase unsolicited submissions of ideas, artwork, photography, or writing for our greeting card or Gift Books lines. How can I submit my product idea or invention to Hallmark? Hallmark does not accept or consider outside submissions of creative ideas, suggestions, or materials.

How do I inventory my Hallmark ornaments? ›

To create your inventory, all you have to do is click the ornaments that you own (from a list of all the ornaments ever produced by Hallmark since 1973) and they will be added to your personal list of ornaments.

Can you return a Hallmark ornament without a receipt? ›

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. Without a receipt, receive an exchange valued at the current retail selling price.

What was the first ornament? ›

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.

Are Shiny Brite ornaments worth anything? ›

Prices of Shiny Brite ornaments depend on quality, age and rarity. Individual ornaments have been selling online ranging from $5 to $89. Original boxes of six ornaments are being sold between $10 to $100, while boxed sets of 12 have been going between $15 to $250.

How do you sell an idea without it being stolen? ›

To protect your interests, consider two common strategies employed by inventors, amateur and professional alike. First, you can file a provisional patent application (if your invention is patentable). Second, you can use a nondisclosure agreement (regardless of whether it is patentable).

Why did Hallmark Publishing close? ›

A spokesperson for Hallmark Media wrote to PL, “We are exiting the Hallmark Publishing business to focus our resources on other areas of the company that we believe will drive our future growth.” The closure follows the departure of executive editor Stacey Donovan […]

How much do you get paid to write a Hallmark movie? ›

How much does a Writer make at Hallmark in the United States? Average Hallmark Writer yearly pay in the United States is approximately $102,000, which is 94% above the national average.

Should I remove batteries from Hallmark ornaments? ›

As a general rule of thumb, whether to avoid corrosion or prematurely draining more expensive batteries, it's best practice to remove all batteries from decorations before long-term storage.

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.

How many keepsake ornaments are there? ›

Since 1973, Hallmark has introduced more than 8,000 different Keepsakes Ornaments and more than 100 ornament series, groups of ornaments that share a specific theme.

How long do Hallmark ornament series last? ›

While each series lasts a minimum of three years, a new "numbered" series ornament is offered each year.

What can I do with left over ornaments? ›

Ways to Use Extra Christmas Balls
  1. Decorate a mantel.
  2. Create a centerpiece bowl.
  3. Add to garland around a window frame.
  4. Hang on an old window.
  5. Use in a vignette.
  6. Collect different shapes and colors and display.
  7. Fill a metal basket.
  8. Make an ornament nest.
15 Nov 2022

How do you power old Hallmark Keepsake ornaments? ›

Apr 26, 2022•Consumer Knowledge

The Legacy Cord from Hallmark was designed to work with magic ornaments produced prior to 2010 (1983-2009) that were powered by plugging the ornament into a light string. The cord resembles an extension cord with four connectors along the cord that will power up to four ornaments.

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