Hallmark has a rich history of innovation and expansion, particularly in the realm of Christmas ornaments. Under the leadership of Donald J. Hall, son of J.C., who became president and CEO in 1966, Hallmark grew and expanded in many ways, introducing its quality products to global audiences.
Starting in the late 1960s, the vision of J.C. and Don Hall led to the development of Crown Center on the land surrounding Hallmark’s headquarters in Kansas City, Mo. As an early example of urban revitalization, this project turned a blighted 85-acre section of the city into a thriving retail, residential, office and entertainment complex.
Pictured: then Hallmark CEO Don Hall (left) looks over plans for the new Crown Center development with the development’s architect, Ed Barnes.
During the 1970s, Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments were introduced, revolutionizing Christmas decorating and sparking the phenomenon of ornament collecting.
To meet the needs of smaller card departments and retailers in the mass channel, Hallmark rolled out the Ambassador brand. The launch of the Shoebox Greetings line of humorous greeting cards was, at the time, the company’s single largest product line introduction.
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Hallmark offers a wide variety of ornaments, but here are some examples:
- Celebrate Christmas and Halloween together with this menacing Jack face!
- Have an out of this world holiday this year with this fantastic ornament!
- This ornament is perfect for the newest driver on your list! Celebrate your new drivers license!
- This ornament features a wine glass filled with transparent red liquid with glittering stars a glitter flecks swirling around! How's the saying go? Clink your glasses and cheers to good friends and good drinks with this ornament!
- This ornament brings a fun and nostalgic feel to the holidays!
Some ornaments feature popular characters:
- Tinkerbell is the beloved sidekick of Peter Pan that is right beside him in all of his antics, even when she gets a little jealous!
- Luigi is the green shirt wearing brother of Mario from Nintendo's Super Mario games!
- Mr. Oogie Boogie was the protagonist in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas known for wreaking havoc and trying to off Sandy Claws!
- Olaf is a loving and kind character from Disney's Frozen!
- The Grinch's trustee side kick is ready to help however he can this holiday! Hopefully it involves giving instead of taking gifts from Who's!
Other ornaments represent various themes and interests:
- Sail away to a beach vacation this holiday season! This adorable ornament features a tropical green-ish blue turtle with a sea blue iridescent glitter all over!
- A wonderful past time and hobby is building puzzles!
- This ornament features a blue popcorn bucket full of buttery yellow popped kernels!
- What's your favorite part about camping? Sitting around the campfire? Making s'mores? Exploring hiking trails?
- Everyone loves a good guacamole, avocado toast, sushi topped with avocado- the possibilities are truly endless!
Collection of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments
A Brief History of Christmas Tree Ornaments and Decorations
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