Introducing New Handcrafted Holiday Ornaments

Nothing beats a thoughtful gift, crafted by hand and given from the heart. The Met Store is pleased to offer a selection of handmade ornaments fashioned by artisans around the world and inspired by 5,000 years of art. 

Metropolitan Museum of Art Ornaments

Pewter Ornaments

This holiday season, we’re delighted to introduce two new pewter ornaments from the Rhode Island–based studio Beehive Handmade. Established in 1999, Beehive is a collective of artists who design heirlooms in the spirit of the 20th-century American Studio Craft Movement that emerged during World War II. During this period, artisans experimented with and expanded the scope of their crafts, infusing their creations with vision and playfulness.

Baby Elephant Pewter Ornament

 

In keeping with that philosophy of whimsy, our lovable cat and elephant reimagine a watercolor painting by John Alonzo Williams (American, 1869–1951) and a Messer's Gum promotional trade card (ca. 1910) in the Museum’s holdings as keepsakes of pewter, a historic material found throughout The Met collection.

Watchful Cat Pewter Ornament

Felt Ornaments

Coming soon to our holiday lineup are adorable needle-felted ornaments made of 100% wool that reimagine Museum artworks with a touch of whimsy. These charming felt ornaments are lovingly crafted by artisans in Nepal for Felt So Good, which proudly prizes an ethos of sustainability, community, and creativity.

Left: Van Gogh Wheat Field with Cypresses Felt Ornament | Center: Monet Sunflowers Felt Ornament | Right: Monet Bridge and Water Lilies Felt Ornament

Crystal Ornaments

Inspired by a peaceful dove depicted in a British sculpture (ca. 1860), and the watchful horned owl and festive cardinal from the Birds of America (1888) trade-card series promoting Allen & Ginter cigarettes, our new crystal birds are designed to perch on your tree with pizzazz. 

Left: Cardinal Grosbeak. Allen & Ginter (American). Commercial color lithograph, 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 in., 1888. The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, Gift of Jefferson R. Burdick 63.350.201.4.47 | Right: Cardinal Crystal Ornament

 

These sparkling ornaments are made by hand-placing crystals into a cast-metal base, which is then set with translucent enamel color.

Left: Dove on the Wing with Olive Branch. George Gammon Adams (British, 1821–1898). Wax on slate, ca. 1860. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, 1976 1976.71.3 | RIght: Dove Crystal Ornament

Hand-Painted Glass Ornaments

Using a centuries-old technique that originated in China toward the end of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), skilled artisans paint our glass baubles with motifs inspired by artworks from The Met collection and beyond. 

Left: The Unicorn Rests in a Garden. French and South Netherlandish. Wool warp with wool, silk, silver, and gilt wefts; 1495–1505. Gift of John D. Rockefeller Jr., 1937 37.80.6 | Right: Unicorn in a Garden Hand-Painted Glass Ornament

 

New for the season are our Noel in Holly Ornaments reimagining an American Christmas card from 1956 in the Museum’s Burdick Collection of American ephemera. Featuring the word “NOEL” spelled out in vibrant holly leaves dotted with shiny red berries, the card’s wreath-like illustration is adapted across four hand-painted golden baubles, adding a touch of vintage charm to your festive display.

Noel in Holly Ornaments

Blown Glass Ornaments

Decorate the boughs of your Christmas tree with our festive ornaments inspired by birds in The Met collection. 

Met Birds Handmade Glass Ornament Set

 

Our fabulous flock features beloved birds such as the goldfinch, cardinal, and snowy owl from Birds of America—a promotional trade card series produced for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes in 1888—and a hummingbird from Martin Johnson Heade’s (American, 1819–1904) Hummingbird and Passionflowers (ca. 1875–85). 

A timeless addition to your holiday decor, our ornaments—available individually and as a set—celebrate the beauty of birds in art.

Art Ornaments From The Met Store

Shop handmade art ornaments and more in-store and online, where you'll find dozens more art-inspired presents for you and your loved ones.

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Questions

  • How do I care for collectible ornaments made from glass, silver, or specialty materials?

    Care depends upon the ornament's materials. Glass ornaments should be handled by their cap or strongest point and wrapped carefully before storage. Sterling silver ornaments may be cleaned occasionally with a silver-safe polish, then kept in tarnish-resistant storage. Painted, embroidered, enamel, and other handcrafted ornaments should not be exposed to harsh cleaners or moisture. For all collectible ornaments, gentle handling and individual storage are the best protection.

  • What is the best way to store fragile or high-quality Christmas ornaments?

    The best way to store fragile or high-quality Christmas ornaments is to separate each piece so surfaces do not rub or chip. Use divided containers, acid-free tissue, soft fabric, bubble wrap, or individual boxes depending upon the material. Store glass ornaments upright when possible, keep sterling silver in tarnish-resistant pouches, and place handcrafted ornaments away from heavy pieces. Choose a cool, dry storage location to reduce moisture-related damage.

  • What should I look for in a high-quality museum-inspired ornament?

    A high-quality museum ornament should have a clear relationship to its source of inspiration, whether it's an artwork, object, motif, material, or design period. Review the product description for details about the museum connection, construction, and finish. Quality can also show through careful proportions, thoughtful packaging, durable materials, and a design that feels faithful to the artwork or tradition it references.