Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
We like
We don't like
For years, I was content with the standard red glass globes. I didn't need anything fancy on my Christmas tree; who was I to find tradition lacking? But last December, I went to a friend's tree-trimming party, where he unveiled a stunning collection of ornaments spanning countless years and memories. As I took in each unique piece, all dazzling in different shapes and materials, I knew my approach was about to turn on a dime. The way I decorated my tree could become a reflection of myself, a way to celebrate designs and stories that resonated with me.
If you're similarly ready to branch out, then allow me to join you on that journey. Having committed to the Fun As Hell ornament life, I've searched high and low for the ones worth spending a little extra on. Whether you're giving these as a gift or treasuring them for yourself, consider this your guide to glamming up your tree. There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit.
MEET THE LINEUP
Though these bold ornaments are a sharp departure from the usual holiday color story, there's nothing like a pop of black and white against a tree's worth of greenery. The gold cap on top of each ornament adds another layer of pop, and the varying shapes and widths give the set a playful, architectural quality. It's vintage and modern all at the same time — isn't that the best kind of sweet spot?
We like
We don't like
A fruit that's beloved across the globe by many different cultures, the pomegranate is just as beautiful and beguiling even in this inedible form. Michael Aram makes a stunning homage out of red glass and goldtone, with a dappled patina that's eye-catching no matter how crowded your tree is. Though the price point is high, it makes this ornament the perfect gift for anyone building a bespoke collection. This is one they'll make sure gets prime real estate every December.
We like
We don't like
Why not add a little more foliage to your tree, even if it's brass-plated? The stunning metallic finish on these leaves brings some tasteful glamor to the season, and would fit right in on both traditional and bolder trees. The gold chains are a fun departure from the usual hook enclosures too. The only thing that would look more beautiful than four of these leaves is adding another four of them.
We like
We don't like
It's The Quality Edit: you know we love a tinned fish moment. Why not pay tribute to our cherished conservas with this adorable felt sardines tin, complete with a rolled-down lid and four cozy fish inside. On top of that, the felt is made from high quality merino wool, in a sustainable fair-trade process that's fully detailed on the postcard that comes along with purchase. This is artisan, small-scale production worth supporting.
We like
We don't like
And now for something completely different. These trippy, undulating 3D printed ornaments are truly one-of-a-kind, and certainly won't be at home on every tree. But there's no denying how stunning they are, and how much they'll be appreciated by more adventurous decorators. Like Craftspring's handmade ornaments, these are also admirably sustainable, fully composed of an eco-friendly corn-based plastic alternative. If the future of ornaments looks like this, then sign us up.
We like
We don't like
No, we're not trying to make your entire tree seafood-themed. We just couldn't not recommend this showstopper, which is somehow priced as an absolute steal. The shimmering clam shell would be enough on its own, but the pearl inside takes the wow factor to the next level. With both gold and silver on display here, it's got some understated razzle-dazzle to add to this year's lineup.
We like
We don't like
The best kind of tree says something about the family that trimmed it, so why not reflect your favorite hobbies and pastimes? If you're a part of the pickleball craze, this ornament is a must. Both a playful and loving tribute to everyone's new favorite sport, it's adorably tiny but jam-packed with details. Whether you're a beast on the court or still learning what "the kitchen is," this one is sure to get raves at your next holiday party.
We like
We don't like
Four calling birds?? Try six. These handmade German songbirds, whose beaks are open as if mid-call, are incredibly expressive and full of color. The ombre effect, full of reds, blues and greens, is delicately painted onto wood, giving each bird a sturdy, old-world quality. They feel like classic children's toys whose appeal is timeless, not trendy, and are refreshingly worthy of being passed down like heirlooms.
We like
We don't like
What better note to end on than the traditional glass globe, completely reimagined with new colors and finishes. With a mix of flocked, transparent and glossy enamel styles, these pastel colors look ravishing and completely unique. Just as Susan Spungen's Christmas Color Field Cookies were inspired by Ellsworth Kelly's inventive, modern color combinations, these ornaments make a great case for expanding our holiday palette.
We like
We don't like
'TIS THE SEASON
One of the best things about DTC shopping is finding the hidden gems that live outside of old-school department store gifting. While I'll always have a place in my heart for those memories of holiday trips to the mall, I couldn't be happier to be sourcing my ornaments from the retailers above this year. It's a whole new world of tree-trimming out there, and that's as great a gift as you can ask for.