Glass Christmas Ornaments for Giving or Keeping

When it comes to decorating a Christmas tree, glass Christmas ornaments are the height of elegance. Nothing is prettier than when the light catches these ornaments and makes them sparkle like diamonds. Of course like freshly-cut flowers, glass ornaments are delicate and should be handled with care. But with proper packaging and storage, they can last for generations.

Here are six top-rated glass Christmas ornaments that are perfect for giving or for decorating your own tree. They all range from a 4 to 5-star rating (out of 5) and are available on Amazon.com. Packaging details, when available, are included in the description.

Fans of the British TV show Dr. Who will love this glass ornament of a TARDIS as it appears in the hit science fiction show. Although it may appear to be a London police telephone booth, the TARDIS (which stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space) is part time machine, part spacecraft. Reviewers gave the ornament 4 ½ stars—they loved the craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and how it looked on their tree. The 4.25-inch ornament is beautifully detailed and will add a bit of whimsy to any Christmas tree!

For a unique wedding or bridal shower gift, or to help a newlywed couple celebrate their first Christmas together, you can’t go wrong with this traditional, Old World Christmas Bride’s glass ornament collection. According to German tradition, each of the twelve ornaments nestled in the satin-lined gift box have a different meaning: an angel represents God's guidance in the home; a house is for shelter and protection; a rabbit is hope and faith; a teapot means hospitality; a bird represents happiness and joy; a rose is beauty and affection; a fruit basket is for generosity; a fish is God's blessing; a pine cone is motherhood fruitfulness; Santa represents unselfishness and goodwill; a flower bouquet is for good wishes; and a heart means true love. All together, these twelve ornaments are meant to bring happiness to the couple whose tree they adorn for many years to come. Each ornament measures 2 ¼ x 5 ¼ inches.

This 4½ star-rated hand-blown glass ball is hand painted from the inside using small, curved brushes. Each ornament is a unique piece of art, with depictions of four Japanese Koi and branches of cherry blossoms in the background. The deep symbolism of the art infuses this gift with meaning. In Japanese culture the Koi symbolizes perseverance in the face of adversity. As the legend tells it, the strongest fish swims upstream until it reaches the final waterfall where it vaults into the mists and becomes a water dragon. The ornament comes in a padded, red linen gift box, ready to be wrapped or stored.

This glass Christmas ornament from Waterford, rated 5 stars by Amazon reviewers, is a splurge at $90.00, but makes a wonderful present: for Mom, for a newlywed couple, or for an important client. Handmade in Hungary, the 6" x 5" x 3” ornament is made of 100% crystal. This beauty is a standout on any tree, or can be hung by itself on an ornament stand or in a window. Watch the light as it catches the cuts in the crystal and reflects the beautiful ruby color. One reviewer said, “It looks more expensive than the price" and others called it "gorgeous," "stunning," and "magnificent." It comes in an elegant satin-lined box, making it a breeze for gift-giving and storing.

Often it’s the simple, most natural-looking decorations that are the most beautiful. In addition to decorating your tree with these life-like icicles, you can hang them in a window or on a mantel or from a chandelier. They come 20 to a pack so you can put them in more than one place. Or you can do what one Amazon reviewer did and decorate your tree with these icicles and white lights - and nothing else! They’re crafted from recycled glass, so their ideal for those who like to celebrate a “Green Christmas.” They come in 11”, 9”, 7”, 5”, and 3” sizes.

For the girl who can’t have enough shoes, get her this whimsical collection of colorful glass Christmas ornaments, designed to look like high heel shoes! The set contains six ornaments, each one unique. This fashionable collection will brighten up her tree or mantelpiece…or anywhere she wants to display them. One Amazon reviewer bought them for her mother’s tree which is dedicated entirely to shoe ornaments. Each ornament measures approximately 3”.

Glass Christmas ornaments make wonderful gifts because they’re delicate, beautiful, and new to the owner who unpacks them every December. Each time they go to hang their ornament on the tree, they will think of you. Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!