New Parent Ornaments: First Christmas as Parents Gift Guide
, by Veronica Jeans, Bestselling Author, 14 min reading time
That first Christmas with a new baby is magical, overwhelming, exhausting, and beautiful—all at once. Parents are running on two hours of sleep, covered in spit-up, and completely in love. This Christmas will be different from any other, and it deserves to be marked with something special. Something they'll look at in 20 years and remember this precious, fleeting time.
Whether you're shopping for yourself (yes, it's okay to buy your own family ornament!), or you're looking for the perfect gift for new parents in your life—your daughter, your friend, your sister—we're here to help you find ornaments that capture this milestone.
These aren't just decorations. They're memory markers. Time capsules. In the chaos of those early months, parents forget to write things down. These ornaments become their record keepers.
What's in This Guide
Why This First Christmas Matters So Much
Let's get real for a minute. That first Christmas with a newborn might not be picture-perfect. The baby might cry through opening presents. Mom and Dad are exhausted. The house might be a mess. Nobody got a full night's sleep.
But here's the thing: years from now, that's the Christmas they'll remember most vividly. Not because it was perfect, but because it was the first one as a family.
"My daughter is 18 now, heading to college. Every year when I hang her 'Baby's First Christmas' ornament, I cry. Not sad tears—grateful tears. Because even though I can barely remember those sleep-deprived months, I remember exactly how I felt when I hung that ornament for the first time. Like the luckiest person in the world." - Karen, mom of two
That's what we're creating here. Not just ornaments—memories.
Baby's First Christmas: The Essential Ornament
This is THE ornament. The one every new parent needs. The one that will make them tear up in 10, 20, 30 years.
What to Include on Baby's First Christmas Ornament
The Complete Package:
- Baby's full name
- Birth date
- Birth weight and length (they WILL forget these details)
- Year "First Christmas 2024"
- Optional: Birth time, city born, parents' names
Popular Baby's First Christmas Designs
Classic Baby Bootie or Onesie Design
Timeless, sweet, never goes out of style
Best for: Traditional families who want something classic
Timeless, sweet, never goes out of style
Best for: Traditional families who want something classic
Sleeping Baby in Cradle/Crib
Adorable and detailed
Best for: Parents who love detailed artwork
Adorable and detailed
Best for: Parents who love detailed artwork
Photo Ornament with Baby's Picture
Upload an actual photo of baby
Best for: Parents who want to see baby's actual face (most of us!)
Photo tip: Use a photo from the first week if possible—they change SO fast
Upload an actual photo of baby
Best for: Parents who want to see baby's actual face (most of us!)
Photo tip: Use a photo from the first week if possible—they change SO fast
Storybook/Nursery Rhyme Theme
Features classic children's characters or themes
Best for: Book-loving families starting baby's library early
Features classic children's characters or themes
Best for: Book-loving families starting baby's library early
When to Order
If baby arrives before Halloween, order in November for December delivery. If baby arrives in late November or December, you have two options:
- Option 1: Order a generic "Baby's First Christmas 2024" ornament NOW, then order a personalized one next year to keep the tradition going
- Option 2: Get a keepsake box or photo frame for this Christmas, order the ornament in January to have ready for next year
Gift-Giver Tip
Buying for someone whose baby hasn't arrived yet? Order a "Baby's First Christmas 2024" with space to write in details, or order one that only needs year and name (you can get those details later).
Ornaments for the New Parents (Not Just Baby)
Everyone focuses on baby—and that's natural. But Mom and Dad just became parents. That's huge. That deserves recognition too.
For New Moms
"First Christmas as Mommy" Ornament
With baby's name and year
Why she'll love it: It acknowledges HER transition, not just baby's existence
With baby's name and year
Why she'll love it: It acknowledges HER transition, not just baby's existence
"New Mom" Survival Kit Theme
Playful design with coffee cups, pacifiers, etc.
Perfect for: Moms with a sense of humor about the chaos
Playful design with coffee cups, pacifiers, etc.
Perfect for: Moms with a sense of humor about the chaos
For New Dads
"First Christmas as Daddy" Ornament
With baby's name and year
Why it matters: Dads become parents too—celebrate that transition
With baby's name and year
Why it matters: Dads become parents too—celebrate that transition
"Dad & Baby's First Christmas Together"
Features both dad and baby
Best for: Dads who are hands-on from day one
Features both dad and baby
Best for: Dads who are hands-on from day one
For Both Parents Together
"Our First Christmas as Parents" Ornament
Features both parents' names + baby's name
Perfect when: You want to commemorate the whole family unit
Browse Family Ornaments →
Features both parents' names + baby's name
Perfect when: You want to commemorate the whole family unit
Browse Family Ornaments →
Don't Forget the Big Brothers & Sisters
Here's a mistake people make: they shower the new baby with gifts and ornaments, and the older siblings feel left out. Don't be that person. Big brothers and sisters need love too.
Essential Big Sibling Ornaments
"Big Sister 2024" or "Big Brother 2024" Ornament
With older child's name
Why this matters: Becoming a sibling is HUGE for a kid. Mark that milestone.
With older child's name
Why this matters: Becoming a sibling is HUGE for a kid. Mark that milestone.
Two Children Together Ornament
"Best Friends Forever" or "Sister & Brother" theme
Features: Both children's names
Perfect for: Acknowledging the new sibling relationship
"Best Friends Forever" or "Sister & Brother" theme
Features: Both children's names
Perfect for: Acknowledging the new sibling relationship
Pro Parent Tip: When you're opening presents on Christmas morning, give the big sibling their ornament FIRST, before focusing on baby stuff. Let them feel special. It matters more than you think.
For Multiple Siblings
If baby makes three (or four, or five):
- "Big Sister x2" ornaments for the twice-promoted sibling
- "Middle Child" ornaments (they deserve recognition!)
- Family ornaments with ALL children's names
For New Grandparents
Becoming a grandparent is a massive milestone. If this is your parents' or in-laws' first grandchild, they need an ornament marking this moment too.
"First Christmas as Grandma/Grandpa" Ornament
With baby's name and year
Why they'll treasure it: Becoming a grandparent is as life-changing as becoming a parent
Gift idea: Give this TO the new grandparents, FROM the new parents
With baby's name and year
Why they'll treasure it: Becoming a grandparent is as life-changing as becoming a parent
Gift idea: Give this TO the new grandparents, FROM the new parents
"Grandma's/Grandpa's First Grandbaby" Ornament
Features baby's photo or name
Perfect for: Grandparents who've been waiting years for this moment
Features baby's photo or name
Perfect for: Grandparents who've been waiting years for this moment
For Grandparents Who Already Have Grandkids
This isn't their FIRST grandchild, but it's still special:
- "Welcome to the Family [Baby Name]" ornament from grandparents
- Updated "Grandma's Angels" ornament with all grandchildren listed
- "Grandma & Grandpa + [Number]" ornament showing growing family
Baby Milestone Ornaments
Want to start a tradition that lasts? Give baby a milestone ornament each year marking their growth.
Year One Milestones Worth Marking
- First Christmas (obviously!)
- First Smile (around 6-8 weeks)
- First Laugh (around 3-4 months)
- First Tooth (usually 6-10 months)
- First Steps (typically 9-15 months)
- First Words (around 12 months)
- First Birthday
The Ultimate Gift for New Parents
Give them a "Baby's First Year" ornament set—one for each major milestone. They'll hang a new one every few months, creating anticipation and tradition.
Special Section: Adoption & Surrogacy
Families come together in beautiful ways. Adoption and surrogacy families deserve ornaments that honor their unique journey.
Adoption Ornaments
"Gotcha Day" or "Adoption Day" Ornament
With child's name and date family was united
Why it matters: This is THEIR version of a birth announcement
With child's name and date family was united
Why it matters: This is THEIR version of a birth announcement
"Not Flesh of My Flesh, Forever Child of My Heart"
Beautiful adoption-specific message
Perfect for: Families who want to honor the adoption journey
Beautiful adoption-specific message
Perfect for: Families who want to honor the adoption journey
For Families Through Surrogacy
- "Loved from the start" ornaments
- "Our miracle baby" designs
- Custom ornaments thanking surrogate (if desired)
For Foster-to-Adopt Families
If the adoption isn't finalized yet but baby is spending first Christmas with forever family:
- "First Christmas Together" ornaments
- "Forever Family Begins Today" designs
- Keep it general until adoption is final, then get a detailed one
Twins & Multiples
Twin parents need TWICE the ornaments (at least!). And yes, each baby deserves their own personalized one.
Individual Ornaments for Each Twin
Each baby gets their own "Baby's First Christmas" ornament with their specific details:
- Own name
- Own birth time (might be minutes apart!)
- Own weight and length
- Indication they're a twin: "Twin A" or "Twin 1 of 2"
Matching Twin Set Ornaments
"Double the Love, Double the Joy" Twin Set
Two ornaments that complement each other
Design ideas: Peas in a pod, matching booties, mirror images
Two ornaments that complement each other
Design ideas: Peas in a pod, matching booties, mirror images
For Triplets & Beyond
Same principle applies—each baby gets individual recognition PLUS one family ornament:
- Individual ornaments for each baby
- One "Triple Trouble" or "Three Times the Love" family ornament
- Budget warning: Yes, this adds up. Worth it.
How to Choose the Right Ornaments
If You're the Parent
- Get the basics: Baby's First Christmas is non-negotiable
- Consider siblings: Big brother/sister ornaments prevent hurt feelings
- Think long-term: Choose classic designs that won't look dated in 20 years
- Don't forget yourselves: "First Christmas as Parents" ornament for you two
If You're Buying as a Gift
- For close friends/family: Baby's First Christmas ornament is always appreciated
- For new grandparents: Get THEM a "First Grandchild" ornament
- For second+ time parents: They still need Baby's First for THIS baby
- When in doubt: Photo ornaments are always winners
Making It Extra Special
Create a Time Capsule Effect
In the ornament box with baby's first Christmas ornament, include:
- A note about what was happening in your lives
- What baby was like that first Christmas
- What you hope for them
- A photo from that Christmas
When they're grown, you can share these with them. (Warning: you'll both cry.)
Start the Tradition Early
This first Christmas ornament sets the tone. Make it a tradition that every year, baby gets a new ornament marking that year's milestones. By the time they're 18, they'll have a collection telling their life story.
"When my son graduated high school, we gave him all his ornaments in a special box. There were 18 of them—one for each year. He cried. He said it was like receiving his whole childhood wrapped up in memories. Best tradition we ever started." - Michelle, mom of three
Final Thoughts for New Parents
This first Christmas might feel overwhelming. You're sleep-deprived, you're adjusting to your new normal, everything has changed. You might not feel festive. You might not have energy to decorate. That's okay.
But get that ornament. Hang it somewhere—doesn't have to be on a perfect tree. Could be on a tiny tabletop tree, could hang in the nursery, could be displayed on a shelf.
Because someday—sooner than you can imagine—that baby will be grown. And you'll hang that ornament and remember. You'll remember the exhaustion, yes, but more than that, you'll remember the love. The wonder. The magic of that first Christmas as a family.
That's what these ornaments preserve. Not just a date or a name, but a feeling. A moment. A beginning.
Ready to mark this special first Christmas? Browse our collection of baby's first Christmas and family ornaments. Every one can be personalized to tell your unique story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Baby was born in December. Can I still get a personalized ornament in time?
A: Maybe! Contact us immediately. We sometimes offer rush options for late-year babies. Alternatively, get a generic "Baby's First Christmas 2024" now, then order a fully personalized one in January for next year.
Q: Should I include baby's full name or just first name?
A: That's personal preference. First and middle names are popular. Some parents include last name too, others don't for privacy. Whatever feels right to you.
Q: Is it okay to get photo ornaments of a newborn?
A: Absolutely! Just use a high-quality, well-lit photo. Newborn photos work beautifully on ornaments. Some parents use hospital photos, others wait a few weeks for a professional newborn session photo.
Q: My baby was born premature and spent time in NICU. Should I use birth date or homecoming date?
A: Most families use actual birth date, but some NICU families prefer to mark "homecoming" or "due date." There's no wrong answer—use what feels meaningful to you. Some families get TWO ornaments marking both dates.
Q: I'm not crafty/don't have a tree set up yet. Is it still worth getting ornaments?
A: Yes! Ornaments can hang anywhere—in the nursery, from a shelf, in a window. You don't need a full tree or fancy setup. The ornament is what matters, not the display.
Q: Do I need different ornaments for twins or can they share one?
A: Each baby deserves their own personal ornament with their specific details. Shared ornaments are sweet additions, but individual ones are important for each child's sense of identity as they grow.
Q: What if we're not sure about baby's final name yet?
A: Wait until name is finalized before ordering personalized items! Better to order in January with correct name than rush it with a name you might change.
Q: Can I order for my friend's baby?
A: Yes! Baby's First Christmas ornaments make wonderful gifts. Just make sure you have accurate details (spelling of names, dates). When in doubt, ask the parents directly—they'll appreciate you wanting to get it right.
Q: Should I get ornaments for adult kids welcoming their first baby?
A: Absolutely! "First Christmas as Mommy/Daddy" ornaments for your adult children are thoughtful gifts acknowledging their new parent role. Plus Baby's First for the grandbaby!
Q: Is it okay to get an ornament if baby passed away?
A: Yes, memorial ornaments honoring babies who've passed are meaningful keepsakes. These help families remember and honor their child. We handle these orders with extra care and sensitivity.
Congratulations on your new little one. May this first Christmas be filled with wonder, even if it's also filled with diapers and sleep deprivation. You're doing great. 👶❤️
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