Ornament Madness

By Lauren Sherman
December 9, 2010

Ornaments 4 Less

A graphic from Ornaments4Less, Paul Westhoff's eBay shop

Whether you're after a limited edition Hallmark ornament or a signed Christopher Radko Christmas Ornament, it's the time of year when going a little nuts over holiday ornaments—yes, ornaments—is perfectly acceptable, even if you haven't visited any year-round Christmas stores in the past 365 days. In fact, Paul Westhoff, who runs eBay shop Ornaments4Less, has such a thriving Christmas ornament business that he left the corporate world to focus on his online ornament shop full time. Paul Westhoff started off selling sports memorabilia, and a few years ago he got into ornaments. Today, the Aurora, IL-based eBay seller mostly deals in Hallmark and Carlton ornaments, working with collectors as far away as Australia and New Zealand. And of course, this is Paul Westhoff's busiest season. “I’d say 50 percent of our business is done in the fourth quarter of the year,” he told The Inside Source—not a surprising statement given that listings for "Christmas ornament" are up eight-fold and sales are up 20-fold in a recent week (11/22-11/28) with a week long period six months ago.

With so many options out there, finding the right ornament for the right person can be a difficult task. Paul Westhoff believes that whether you're buying your first Christmas tree or you've got an ornament collection to rival the best, there are sp,e 2010 Christmas ornaments for you. That's why we've tapped him to give us the inside scoop on what's hot this holiday season.

2010’s Most In-Demand Ornaments

National Lampoon’s “A Bright and Merry Christmas”- 2010 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament

(buy it now price, $27.91)

This piece, a miniature replica of Clark Griswald’s crazily-lit house in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, has proved popular beyond avid collectors.
Hallmark 2010 “Poor Ralphie's One Chance” - From A Christmas Story

(buy it now price, $12.99)

Character ornaments are always in-demand, and this reconstructed scene from holiday classic "A Christmas Story"—when Santa Claus kicks Ralphie down the slide after he asks for a BB gun—is something grownups and kids alike will laugh about.
The Andy Griffith Show “TV Magic” - Hallmark 2010

(buy it now price, $29.99)

This ornament is based on the 1950s television show, and is purportedly sold out in most stores.
Animal from The Muppets Magic Light and Sound - Hallmark 2010

(buy it now price, $29.99)

Animal plays a drum solo on this brand new, battery-powered ornament.
Beatles Yellow Submarine - Carlton 2010

(buy it now price, $19.99)

The Beatles series is one of Carlton’s best-selling.
"Phantom of the Opera" Musical Ornament - Carlton 2010

(buy it now price, $37.99)

“I can’t keep this one in stock,” says Westhoff.
Barbie “Movie Mixer” - Hallmark 2010

(buy it now price, $17.99)

We love all the Hallmark Barbie ornaments, and Ornaments4Less currently stocks all five for 2010. But this one, which is part of the vintage-style “Fashion Model” collection, is our favorite.
Christopher Radko Nordic Traveler

(buy it now price, $59)

Westhoff is impressed with the attention to detail reflected on ornaments today, like this 2010 Christopher Radko piece, which also happens to be a limited edition. “The artistry is incredible,” he says.
Lot of 31 Vintage Ornaments

(starting bid, $19.99)

In case you’re looking for something more traditional, there are plenty of vintage ornaments floating around eBay, like this gorgeous lot of vintage bulbs.
Kansas City Southern Locomotive

(buy it now price, $24.99)

This limited-edition piece is great for those who collect trains.