As the nation heads into a holiday season while recovering from a recession, consumers are expected to still be timid in their buying for 2010. "With the strained economy, when people buy Christmas ornaments this year, they’ll be looking for quality and longevity," Heather Shepardson, CEO Rauch Industries & Christopher Radko, notes. "They want ornaments that they can share, celebrate and collect, which can then be passed down to the next generation. It's an investment versus something disposable."

 

Buyers in 2010 are looking for heirloom value, including personalization and date tags. "They seem to be putting more thought into their purchases, often commemorating a special occasion," Jim Strait, owner Strait Designs, describes. Inspirational and military themes will also continue to generate interest for those who want more personal sentiments.

 

Shoppers will be willing to spend money on items that stand out from mass produced lines. "I create ornaments that are of a more personal nature, often with sentiments printed on them, because I think people like to purchase that special little something that's different," Joanne Murphy, owner of A Girl From Jersey Creations, admits.

 

People are seeking comfort and they look for that reassurance even in the objects they use to trim their trees. "We find customers are looking for that perfect ornament," Cindy Lowry, president/owner Blossom Bucket, states. Customary motifs and colors will remain big sellers for 2010, but manufacturers are finding ways to incorporate updated looks. "We are selling whimsical snowmen that convey a sense of humor," Lowry admits. "Santa seems to be making a comeback as well. Ornaments that make you smile are key. Everyone is looking for that uplifting, small gift."

 

Christmas by Krebs hopes to put a little dazzle back into the season with its new sparkle color finishes. Traditional designs such as a reindeer and a North Pole sign will be enhanced with glitter on the inside and outside of the ornaments.

 

While traditional hues will remain strong, complementary shades will find a niche. "We see people customizing their color combinations to coordinate with the scheme in their homes," Kirsten McDonough, sales & product development for The Whitehurst Company, explains. "We are selling a tremendous amount of traditional colors, but we also have champagne, chocolate and kiwi as hot movers," McDonough boasts.

 

Inge-Glas® of Germany and JingleNog both offer buyers traditional with a European flair. Inge-Glas reintroduces select mouth-blown, hand-painted ornaments each year from their vault in Germany that contains over 10,000+ antique molds. "Our line recalls innocent times, pure and honest hearts, goodness and warm loving memories of days gone by," Dorry Wallof, president of Inge-Glas of Germany, muses. The Baba ornament from JingleNog combines European chic with elements familiar to American Christmas. It will be introduced at the January markets in Atlanta and New York. It is a mouth blown molded glass ornament, hand-painted in Poland by Melissa Byrne.