Your Christmas tree deserves more than just generic, uninspired ornaments. It’s time to make your holiday decor a true reflection of who you are and what you love. But here’s where it gets exciting: Hallmark has mastered the art of blending nostalgia with festive flair, offering ornaments that celebrate everything from retro gaming consoles to iconic movie moments. And this is the part most people miss—these aren’t just decorations; they’re conversation starters, memory triggers, and even gifts that speak volumes about your personality.
Take, for instance, Hallmark’s incredibly detailed Xbox 360 ornament (https://www.theverge.com/tech/805554/i-bought-hallmarks-light-and-sound-xbox-360-christmas-ornament-and-here-it-is), which doesn’t just look like the real thing—it plays a snippet of audio from Halo 3. Or their CRT monitor ornament featuring The Oregon Trail (https://www.amazon.com/Hallmark-Keepsake-Christmas-Ornament-Oregon/dp/B0F3BK15KP/?tag=theverge02-20), a nostalgic nod to the days of pixelated adventures. But here’s the controversial part: Are these ornaments genuinely celebrating our past, or are they just clever marketing to tap into our wallets? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Even if gaming isn’t your thing, Hallmark’s collection spans across pop culture, from TV shows to movies and even comfort food—yes, there’s a mac and cheese ornament (https://www.amazon.com/Hallmark-Keepsake-Christmas-Ornament-Nostalgia/dp/B0DPGRGHTW?tag=theverge02-20) for the culinarily inclined. Below, we’ve curated some of our favorites, along with a few non-Hallmark options, because variety is the spice of life.
- $24: A retro video store-inspired ornament that’ll transport you back to the days of browsing aisles for the perfect rental.
- $25: A replica of Nintendo’s first U.S. home console, perfect for gaming history buffs.
- $29: An Xbox 360 ornament that’s spot-on—except it thankfully skips the infamous Red Ring of Death.
- $24: A milk crate filled with records, ideal for music lovers reminiscing about their vinyl collections.
- $93: A Super Star tree topper that’s a playful alternative to the traditional star.
- $29: The T1000 android from Terminator 2, because why not add a touch of sci-fi menace to your tree?
- $81: A detailed Star Wars ornament depicting Han Solo frozen in carbonite—just don’t forget the power cord (https://www.amazon.com/Hallmark-Keepsake-Power-Storytellers-Ornaments/dp/B0CRJZWZL5?&linkCode=ll1&tag=theverge02-20&linkId=b3e74f379c2505f65635e5d75384334b&language=enUS&ref=asliss_tl).
- $32: The Master Sword from The Legend of Zelda, battle-worn from Tears of the Kingdom.
- $25: An Oregon Trail ornament that reminds you, “You have died of dysentery.”
- $11: The Chungus dragon from Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, a quirky addition to any tree.
- $100: A Star Wars ornament featuring C-3PO, R2-D2, Han Solo, and Chewie playing Dejarik, complete with sound and video (power cord required: https://www.amazon.com/Hallmark-Keepsake-Power-Storytellers-Ornaments/dp/B0CRJZWZL5?&linkCode=ll1&tag=theverge02-20&linkId=b3e74f379c2505f65635e5d75384334b&language=enUS&ref=asliss_tl).
- $125: An interactive Star Trek ornament that’s sure to delight fans.
- $20: Sega’s Dreamcast console, complete with Sonic Adventure tunes.
- $32: Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, a chaotic yet beloved Star Wars hero.
- $17: A One Ring ornament, because even hobbits need holiday cheer.
- $25: A Sega Genesis replica that’ll spark debates between SNES and Genesis loyalists.
- $25: A Legend of Zelda cartridge ornament, a fraction of the cost of the real 1987 special edition.
- $11: A Question Block ornament that won’t dispense coins but will add a touch of Mario magic.
Now, the question remains: Are these ornaments a brilliant way to celebrate our passions, or are they just another way for companies to capitalize on nostalgia? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take!
