I’ve searched the globe. Here are my Top 12 must-have holiday ornaments this year for gifting—and for your tree

Ornaments

For the 12 days of Christmas, ornaments rule! Are you Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Give ornaments. Need a keepsake stocking stuffer? Give ornaments. Tired of seeing your same old holiday ornaments year after year? Upgrade! Keep the heirlooms, but there’s a world out there of gorgeous handmade ornaments just waiting to become new heirlooms. We’ve gone to the ends of the earth to find the best of the best.

Ready? Drum roll … unveiling this year’s Top 12 must-have holiday ornaments!

Handmade Wool Felt Ornaments (Set of 3), 'Three French Hens'
1. “Three French Hens” – Traditional Christmas Set with a Twist
If your holiday style leans toward rustic chic, these charming, hand-felted hens are a must, delivering a touch of farmhouse whimsy to your tree. The hens’ lovingly embroidered details are inspired by vintage French motifs. $23.99 for the set of 3 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Hand-sewn details make every hen delightfully unique.

“So adorable. I am saving one and giving two as gifts.” – Jennifer, verified customer

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Set of 4 Artisan-Painted Christmas Horse Ornaments, 'Dala Cheer'
2. Swedish-style “Horse Ornaments” — Hand Painted Holiday Classics

Popularized in Sweden, Dala-style horses are a Christmas classic, featuring festive designs and vibrant colors. This set is handmade on the island of Bali where artisan Komang Sulaksana interprets the old Swedish tradition through his own lens, painstakingly hand-painting each with the pointillist technique to provide detail plus texture. $27.95 for the set 4 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Handsome and chic, they’re an homage to traditional grace.

“Absolutely exquisite! I can’t even put into words how very beautiful these lovely little horse ornaments are! I am IN LOVE! I bought them as Christmas gifts to give to my family members but I want all of them! I may have to buy another set! Just wonderful! – Patricia, verified customer

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Hand Painted Multicolored Floral Ornaments (Set of 4), 'Kashmir Valley Ornaments'
3. Gorgeous “Kashmir Ornaments— Where Global Style Excels
Why settle for ordinary when you can give and receive unique hand painted ornaments? This stunning set is handmade in Kashmir of paper mache, then painted with motifs introduced in 15th Century India. These ornaments feature lavish multicolored bouquets hand-painted on colorful backgrounds. $39.95 for the set of 4 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Handcrafted, unique, vibrant, meaningful, artistic, affordable.

“Perfection. A gift for my sister. Flowers in the winter really brighten the mood!” – Jamie, verified customer

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Handmade Felted Wool Penguin ornaments (Set of 6), 'Cozy Penguins'
4. “Cozy Penguins” Hand-Felted Wool Ornaments — Playful and Adorable

Who can resist cute penguins? These delightful wool penguin ornaments are designed to add playfulness and joy to your tree. Each is meticulously felted and stitched by hand, with vibrant colors that will bring smiles to all who visit. Or they can serve as adorable stocking stuffers! $26.95 for the set of 6 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Adorable, playful, handcrafted, joyful, vibrant, irresistible.

“These beautiful little ornaments will decorate six Christmas packages before they become cherished ornaments for six different family trees. They are beautifully made, and just so cute.” – Jody, verified customer

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Set of 4 Wool Felt Santa Ornaments, 'Santa Greetings'
5. Wool “Santa Greetings” Ornaments Set — So Easy to Love

Looking for classic ornaments that warm the heart? These four hand-felted Santa ornaments are made by a notable female artisan-designer in India. They are the perfect blend of simplicity and unique charm. Made of pure wool, they feature hand-embroidered details and glass eyes. $25.99 for the set of 4 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Charming, handcrafted, timeless, cozy, unique, heartfelt.

“The most adorable Santa ornaments I have ever seen. Favorite of all my ornaments!” – Margaret, verified customer

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Wool Felt Holiday Ornaments (Set of 6), 'Nordic Gnomes'
6. “Nordic Gnomes” Ornament Set — Meet Your New Holiday Helpers

Known as Nisse in Norway and Tomte in Sweden, Nordic gnomes are well known in folklore. Traditionally, gnomes lived in the house or on the farm as a guardian, protector, and sometimes as helpers. These hand-felted wool ornaments might promise to help with your holiday prep, but we can only guarantee that they will entertain and delight. $26.95 for the set of six at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Whimsical, folkloric, charming, delightful, handcrafted.

“Wonderful quality and exceeded my expectations. Great value and unique!” – Julie verified customer

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Three Thai Miniature Wood Puzzle Game Ornaments, 'Christmas Challenge'
7. Brainteaser “Christmas Challenge” Ornament Set — Puzzle Lovers Rejoice!

The talented Thai artisan who created this miniature puzzle set also specializes in full-sized games and puzzles, all handcrafted of wood. Her tiny set of functional ornament brainteasers is absolutely precious. Gift as a set, or wrap separately as fun stocking stuffers. $19.95 for the set of 3 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Interactive Decor that Triples the Fun

“These are a gift so I did not try to solve the puzzles. They make nice little sculptures to hang on a Christmas tree.” – Coleen, verified customer

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Hand Made Holiday Ornaments in Different Colors (Set of 4), 'Holiday Hearts'
8. Hand-Felted “Holiday Hearts” Set From India — Lovely and Sentimental

Love is in the air! These vibrant, hand-stitched heart ornaments add romantic warmth to Christmas trees, or can be strung across a room to spread heartfelt joy year-round. Each hand-felted wool ornament wonderfully symbolizes the holiday spirit — a perfect gift for friends and family members who might need an extra dose of love this holiday season. $29.99 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Holiday Love that’s Elegant and Affordable

“Hearts overflowing with love and happiness. How many ways can I say gorgeous?!!! Beautiful – happy – colorful – uplifting. Expertly handcrafted! Many thanks for such ‘heart-felt’ work. A joy to have.” – Amanda, verified customer

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Set of 4 Hand-Painted Wooden Cat-Themed Christmas Ornaments, 'Cat Tails'
9. Whimsical “Cat Tails” Ornaments — Festive and Fun Showstoppers

Traditionally, cats tend to break ornaments and topple trees … but these four precious little kittens love to just hang out peacefully, attracting smiles from all who see them. Each wooden cat is handcarved of albasia wood, then meticulously hand painted. Oh, and you won’t need to put these away when the season ends — they’re intended to delight year-round. $28.95 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Each cat is a remarkable work of art.

“The colors contrast brightly with a Christmas tree and these ornaments really stand out in perfect whimsy!” –Cami, verified customer

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Bell-Shaped Talavera-Style Ceramic Ornaments (Pair), 'Talavera Bells'
10. Ceramic “Talavera Bells” Set from Mexico – A Whimsical Spin on Tradition

These silent ceramic bell-shaped ornaments are handmade and hand-painted by artisan Juana Ponce in Mexico, featuring colorful Talavera-style floral motifs. We love these festive ornaments! $27.95 for the set of 2 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Heirloom-worthy, festive, unique yet traditional.

“Five stars. Beautiful. Gifts that will make several loved ones’ holidays much brighter.” – Michael, verified customer

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Crackled Green Celadon Ceramic Ornaments (Pair), 'Light Blue Elephant'
11. “Thai Elephant” Pair — Gifts that Symbolize Luck and Prosperity

Add some extra luck and elegance to the holidays with these charming celadon ceramic elephant ornaments from Thailand. Handcrafted with a traditional celadon glaze, these elephants are believed to bring good fortune. $37.99 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: They’re exquisitely heirloom-worthy.

“Five Star Keepsakes. I gave these little elephants as a gift. They are too cute, and brought joy to the receiver. A lot of loving care to make. Gifted artist.” – Doris, verified customer

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Handmade Ceramic Cross Christmas Ornaments Set of 6, 'Floral Crosses'
12. “Floral Crosses” — Religious Beauty from Guatemala

Inspired by the flora and fauna of Guatemala, these little crosses are hand-painted with verdant details and then lovingly glazed. Employing the wood-fired terracotta process, artisan Jose Arriola crafts these holiday ornaments in Antigua, Guatemala, where his family has produced handcrafts for more than a century. $69.99 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: Symbolically Honoring Christ

“Tradition … I give an ornament to my grandchildren for St. Nicks so when they grow up they have a nice start on their own tree. These ornaments will be cherished and passed on.” – Sharon, verified customer

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And … a bonus recommendation, since I just can’t leave this gorgeous set out:

Antiqued Celadon Ceramic Christmas Ornaments (Pair), 'Horses of Winter'
13. “Horses of Winter” — Elegant Gift Ornaments

Graceful and poised, these two celadon ceramic horses were created by ceramist-designer Duangkamol, in Thailand. She’s an expert celadon-style ceramist. Her beautiful horse ornaments feature an antiqued glaze and are finished with golden satin ribbons. $64.99 for the set of 2 at NOVICA.

Why You’ll Love Them: A breathtaking, heirloom-worthy gift.

“Purchased these thinking they’d become gifts, but instead they’re permanently grazing on my mantle.” – Ike, verified customer

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Shop for Good

Whether you’re decorating your own home, or ready to gift something truly special to your loved ones, this selection of my favorite ornaments offer a fresh, artistic approach to this year’s holiday giving and décor. Not only are they beautiful, but each purchase also helps support talented artisans in remote regions of the world, making your holiday season more meaningful than ever. Make your tree a unique standout this year—grab these handcrafted gems from NOVICA.com today, to get ready for the most meaningful holiday season yet.

Prices subject to change.

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