How to Make a Memorial Ornament: Options & Ordering Guide
A memorial ornament transforms a quiet moment of remembrance into something tangible you'll display every holiday season. Unlike a card or photo that sits in a drawer, an ornament hangs where you'll see it, talk about it, and feel close to the person you're honoring.
This guide covers what makes a memorial ornament work, which materials suit different budgets and styles, what to check before ordering, and how long production takes.
What Makes a Memorial Ornament Special
A memorial ornament isn't just decoration—it's a conversation starter and a private ritual. Each December, when you hang it, you're choosing to remember someone by name, not by silence.
The best memorial ornaments let you be specific: a birth and death year, a first name, a meaningful date, or a favorite photo. That specificity is what turns a generic ornament into their ornament. And because Ornament Xmas shows you a proof before printing or engraving, you can catch typos, verify dates, and confirm the design matches what you imagined.
Many people order one for themselves and extras for family members who shared the loss. Others commission one as a sympathy gift for someone grieving.
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Material Choices: Which Ornament Type Works Best
Memorial ornaments come in four main materials. Each has a different feel, weight, and price range—so think about where it will hang and who will receive it.
| Material | Best For | Durability | Display Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Budget-conscious, lighter frames, bright colors | Very durable, won't shatter | Modern, crisp text/graphics |
| Glass | Traditional look, photo details, heirloom display | Classic but breakable | Elegant, light-catching |
| Wood | Rustic style, engraved names/dates | Very durable, ages beautifully | Warm, tactile, keepsake-like |
| Photo | Close-up images, a face or favorite moment | Durable (acrylic or glass base) | Personal, emotional, immediate |
Acrylic ornaments are affordable and forgiving—ideal if you're ordering several for a large family. Browse acrylic options.
Glass ornaments feel heirloom-quality and work well if the recipient has a traditional tree. See glass memorial styles.
Wooden ornaments are warm and tactile; engraving shows beautifully on natural wood. Explore wooden choices.
Photo ornaments let you display a portrait, family photo, or meaningful image—often the most emotional choice. View photo ornament options.
Personalization Options: Name, Date, Photo, Poem
The ornament itself is blank until you decide what to add. Common personalization choices:
- Name and year (e.g., "Michael 1945–2024")
- A short phrase (e.g., "Forever in our hearts" or a favorite quote)
- Initials and dates (birth to death, or special milestone dates)
- A photo (portrait, family photo, or meaningful landscape)
- A combination (name + date + small photo, depending on ornament size)
You'll provide the text or image when you order. Learn how personalization works—Ornament Xmas shows you a digital proof before anything is printed or engraved, so you can verify every detail.
Think carefully about spelling, dates, and any punctuation you want. A proof gives you the chance to catch errors before production begins.
Timing & Production: Order Windows Before the Holidays
Memorial ornaments are made to order. Here's the timeline:
- Production: 2–5 business days after proof approval
- US delivery: 2–5 business days after production
- UK/EU delivery: 5–10 business days after production
If you want an ornament hanging by mid-December, order by early December at the latest. See full shipping details.
Important: Ship-by-Christmas dates are guidance only, never a guarantee. Production time depends on order volume, material, and complexity.
✨ Browse First Christmas Ornaments (for other meaningful milestones)
Who Buys Memorial Ornaments & How They're Used
Memorial ornaments suit several situations:
Personal remembrance: You order one for yourself to display on your tree each year.
Sympathy gift: You send one to someone grieving—often with a handwritten card included (available at checkout). It's thoughtful without being intrusive.
Family keepsake: Multiple family members each get an ornament so everyone has one to hang.
Milestone remembrance: Birth and death years, anniversary dates, or the year someone passed—marking time with intention.
Pet memorial: If you're remembering a beloved pet, pet ornaments work the same way and can be engraved with name and years.
Some people store memorial ornaments in a special box and bring them out only in December. Others display them year-round. How you use it is entirely personal.
What to Check Before You Order
Before clicking "add to cart," verify:
- Spelling of the name: Is it the way they spelled it? (Not "Geoff" vs. "Jeff"—get it right.)
- Birth and death years: Check your source (a card, obit, family record). Dates are permanent.
- Ornament size: Is it the right scale for the tree and person receiving it? Sizes vary.
- Material preference: Does the recipient prefer modern or traditional? Fragile or durable?
- Photo quality (if ordering photo ornament): Is the image clear, in focus, and the right colors?
- Proof approval: Don't skip this step. You'll see the design before production.
- Delivery timeline: Will it arrive in time? Order early if mailing to someone else.
Take a moment to re-read the text you've entered. One typo can't be fixed after the proof is approved.
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A Gentle Note on Grief & Ritual
Ordering a memorial ornament is an act of intention. It says: This person mattered. This person still matters. I'm making space to remember them.
For some, hanging that ornament each year becomes a quiet ritual. For others, it's a way to introduce a younger generation to someone they never met. There's no right way to use it—only your way.
If you're buying for yourself, give yourself permission to sit with the grief while you order. If you're buying for someone else, know that the thoughtfulness often means more than the ornament itself.
Browse all memorial ornament styles, or use our gift finder if you're unsure which material or size fits best. Any questions? Check our FAQ or reach out.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I order a memorial ornament after someone has passed, or do I need to order it before Christmas?
You can order any time. Many people buy memorial ornaments in January or months later—there's no deadline. If you want it by December, order in early-to-mid-December to allow 2–5 days production plus shipping.
What if I make a typo before approval and don't catch it until after the proof?
That's why Ornament Xmas shows you a digital proof before production starts. Review it carefully. If you spot an error, let us know immediately and we'll adjust the proof. Once you approve the proof, the design goes to production and can't be changed.
How much does a memorial ornament cost?
Prices vary by material and customization. Acrylic and wood ornaments start at one price point, while glass and photo options may differ. See the memorial ornaments collection for current options and pricing.
Can I include a photo inside or on a glass ornament?
Yes. Photo ornaments print full-color images on acrylic or glass bases. Just upload a clear, focused photo at checkout. You'll approve it in the proof before production.
Is there a handwritten card or gift message included?
A handwritten card is available at checkout for an additional cost. It's a personal touch if you're gifting the ornament to someone else. You'll provide the message when you order.
How do I know which size ornament to choose?
Sizes vary by product type. Before ordering, check the size details on the product page. Think about your tree and the recipient's tree—will a small 2-inch ornament get lost, or will a larger 3-4 inch one work better? The proof preview helps you visualize scale.