Baby's first Christmas only happens once, and it's the start of a lifetime of holiday traditions. A personalized baby's first Christmas ornament is one of the sweetest ways to remember it. It goes on the tree this year, and every year after, someone gets to say, "That was your very first Christmas."
Here are our favorite baby's first Christmas ornament ideas, plus tips on what to personalize and how to turn this one ornament into a tradition.
What to put on a baby's first Christmas ornament
- Baby's name. The must-have. Use the name you'll call them by, nickname and all.
- The year. Adding "2026" makes it a true time capsule. In 10 years, you'll be glad you did.
- A photo. Their first Santa picture, a newborn photo or the whole family in matching pajamas.
- A design that fits the family. Santa, an elf, a truck, a star. Pick something that feels like your little one.
5 baby's first Christmas ornament ideas
1. A personalized Santa or elf ornament
Our Baby's First Christmas ornament comes in three cheerful designs: Santa, Boy Elf or Girl Elf. Add baby's name and the year. It's about 3.5 inches wide on sturdy acrylic, and it comes with a string, ready to hang.
2. A photo frame ornament
If you've already got the perfect newborn photo (or that famous crying-on-Santa's-lap shot), a Christmas photo ornament turns it into a keepsake. Pick a mint or green frame with a red bow, or a classic white scallop.
3. A name ornament that doubles as a stocking tag
Our Christmas truck ornament can hang on the tree or on baby's very first stocking. It's a great way to make a new stocking feel like theirs from day one.
4. A gift for the new grandparents
Baby's first Christmas is a big deal for grandparents too. A second Baby's First Christmas ornament or a photo ornament for Grandma and Grandpa's tree is a gift they'll treasure. Once the grandkids start multiplying, our grandparent ornaments with every grandkid's name are a fun next step.
5. Start a "new ornament every year" tradition
Give your child one new ornament every Christmas, starting with this one. By the time they move out, they'll have a box of ornaments for their own first tree, with a story behind every one.
Tips for a keepsake that lasts
- Write on the box. Note who gave it and one thing about baby's first Christmas, like where you celebrated or what they were wearing.
- Hang it up high. Once baby starts crawling, you'll want the special ornaments out of reach.
- Store it separately. Wrap it in tissue and keep it in its own box, so it doesn't get scratched by the rest of the ornament pile.
When to order
Every ornament is personalized and made to order in our Long Island studio. Order by December 12 for Christmas delivery. If you're giving it as a baby shower or new-parent gift, order even earlier so it's ready in time for the big day.
Frequently asked questions
Is a baby's first Christmas ornament for the year they're born?
Usually, yes. If baby is born in the fall or close to the holidays, this Christmas is their first! If they're born in late December, many families celebrate the following year instead. Either way works.
What if I don't see the personalization box?
Add baby's name in the order notes at checkout, and we'll take care of it.
Do you make ornaments for siblings too?
Yes! A matching name ornament for big brother or big sister is a sweet way to make sure nobody feels left out this year.
Free printable: Christmas gift tags
Wrapping gifts for the little one? Sign up for the Haven Print Co. newsletter and we'll send you our free printable Christmas gift tags: 12 pastel tags with To and From lines, ready to cut, punch and tie on.
Merry first Christmas to your little one! 🎄
Lisa & Michelle, Haven Print Co.
